Plate 231, 
AZALEA, FASCINATION. 
We have in former years figured different varieties of varie¬ 
gated Azaleas, but we have never had the opportunity of no¬ 
ticing so fine a flower as the one which forms the subject of 
the present Plate, for it has been universally pronounced to 
be the very first in the class to which it belongs, and fortunate 
indeed is Mr. Iverv to have raised so lovely a flower. 
It is well known that many of the variegated varieties of 
Azaleas are merely “ sportsa shoot of a red or pink variety 
has become blotched, or in some cases white, portions of this 
shoot have been propagated, and thus a supply of a new varie¬ 
gated variety is obtained. Unhappily there is a great tendency 
in such kinds to return to their original character, and their 
flowers are to some extent uncertain ; when such varieties are 
introduced, as they frequently are, from the Continent, their 
character ought to be given with them, whether they are really 
seedlings or sports, as this would prevent much disappointment 
in regard to blooming. 
Notwithstanding all the discussion that has taken place with 
regard to the manner in which Azaleas should be exhibited, 
and the fault that has been found with the huge masses of 
crinolined and hooped plants which every year in still larger 
and ever-increasing proportions are brought forward, there does 
not seem at present as if any change would take place, but the 
non-exhibitor, who grows for his own gratification, is happily 
not bound by these inexorable laws, and will in his home na¬ 
tural though not overgrown plants, find a more beautiful and 
pleasing object; in time, perhaps, exhibitors and the public will 
come to the same conclusion. 
Fascination is, as we have said, a flower raised by that well- 
