220 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
is sound reason in growing or trying a large number of varieties; moreover, the 
Potato is not so perfect but that there is even yet ample room for improvement. 
We want varieties still earlier if possible, and heavier croppers ; flavour will 
bear improving, the shape even of the best is far from handsome, but as far 
as size is concerned they are generally speaking quite large enough to be good. 
In looking over the collection above referred to, tl^e eye is struck with the 
size of some of the sorts shown, such as Scotch Regent, Parmer’s Glory, Irish 
White, and others; but these, distasteful as they may appear to the eye of a 
connoisseur, are, nevertheless, great favourites among the poorer classes, be¬ 
cause of their great productiveness, which is to them an important considera¬ 
tion. All varieties, however, are not like those, and if we would look further 
for others more to our taste we shall find in the Ash-leaf Kidney, Early 
Handsworth, Early Emperor, Scotch Blue, Fenn’s Onwards, Daintree’s Kidney, 
Birmingham Prizetaker, and Dawe’s Matchless, varieties that for shape and 
quality might charm an epicure. There was one pleasing feature about this 
collection of Potatoes—not only was every sort distinctly named, but the special 
qualities of each as developed in the locality in which it was grown, both as 
to produce, rotation, and also as to cooking were given. It would occupy too 
large a portion of this article to give a resume of this, but should they remain 
for some time on exhibition it would be well if those who take an interest in 
Potatoes would pay them a visit and draw therefrom their own conclusions. 
It would afford an exceedingly interesting study if samples of every known 
variety in cultivation could be obtained by some central body, and grown 
in a well-selected portion of land, and then reported upon publicly by some 
properly qualified judges. There can be no doubt but that their decision 
would be of great service to growers in all parts of the country, although, pro¬ 
bably, no one would be found to accept it as final; but there can be no doubt 
that such a public report would have as much interest for many as the reports 
already issued by the Royal Horticultural Society upon the bedding Pelar¬ 
goniums at Chiswick. Anno 
RHODODENDRONS. 
This year’s bloom of Rhododendrons suggests a few remarks which may 
be of interest to some of our readers. It is now rather a long lookback to the 
flowering season of this favourite shrub; but as what we have got to say 
respects its planting and protection, our hints cannot be deemed out of date. 
We may premise that the display of blossoms, particularly in later situations, 
was extremely fine. In many places, however, a considerable portion of the 
flower-buds of the early varieties was destroyed, or materially injured, by the 
lingering frosts of April and May. It unfortunately happens, that a few 
degrees of frost prove injurious to the flowers of Rhododendrons, not only 
when they are fully developed, but almost as soon as the flower-buds begin to 
expand. 
Why should not the early varieties be protected from frost ? A flonst does 
not grudge the expense of a frame for his Auriculas, or a canvas awning for his 
Tulips. In most catalogues, it is true, certain early Rhododendrons are set 
down as specially adapted for conservatories—an excellent hint for those who 
possess such structures, and have room in them for such plants; but with the 
exception, perhaps, of R. arboreum, we seldom see Rhododendrons planted out 
in the soil which forms the Hoor of a conservatory. Ordinary hybrids are 
grown in pots or tubs ; and they are not often well grown, for as soon as they 
have flowered, they are hurried away to the back of a wall, or some shady 
