Miscellaneous Plants. 
Tlie Azalea. 
This has of late years become a popular window plant, and most justly, too, 
for with their profuse masses of flowers they make every window or balcony a 
bower of bloom. 
The plants should have a light dry soil, of leaf mould and loam. The best 
for this purpose is a mixture two parts loam, rich vegetable matter; two parts 
rotten peat from the swamp, and one part sand, and be sparingly watered — yet 
the roots must never become dry. They need a temperature of G5° by day, and 
at night coolness of 40° to 45°, for rest. 
While dormant they need shade and but little water, but when the flower 
bids are swelling, they desire more. It is a shrub that needs little pruning, 
only enough to keep in good form. 
The usual months for blooming are April and May, but a succession of bloom 
can be kept up from February to May, by storing in the cellar the previous 
winter, in a cool place, doimant plants of the chosen varieties, then bringing 
them one by one to the window, where they are hastened into tbom. When 
done blooming, take them away, and fill their places with new ones. 
Ordinarily, after Azaleas have done blooming, it is best to set the plants in the 
shade out of doors until September. If desired to propagate new plants, take 
cuttings in May, in moist sand under glass ; but since so good plants are pur- 
chased at so cheap prices at the florists, propagation for window purpose only is 
not worth the trouble. 
Most of the varieties brought to the window will bloom for three weeks ; yet 
some will last six weeks ; by bringing up new plants successively, the blooming sea- 
son, may be extended several months. The following is a select list of those 
most suitable for window purposes. Those with a star are the most desirable 
of the collection : 
Amoena, very early. 
Amarantina, rosy purple. 
Belle Gantoire, rose and striped with white. 
*Charles Quint, rose. 
Criterion, light salmon, edged with white, upper petals spotted with cnmson 
Delicata, rose. 
Exquisita, violet pink, edged with white. 
