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THE FLORISTS JOURNAL- 
on habit. Having said thus much, I leave it in the hands of those 
who have inclination and opportunity for pursuing this interesting 
subject. 
I now turn to the culture of this noble genus ; and here I could 
wish it had fallen into more efficient hands ; but as an offering is 
valued more for the spirit with which it is offered than for its own 
intrinsic worth, I will proceed. Proper soil and a pure atmo¬ 
sphere I consider the most essential things in growing the 
Rhododendron. To obtain the first is often a matter of much dif¬ 
ficulty. I have known many mixtures tried ; and many wearisome 
journeys for peat from many and widely-separated places I have 
undertaken ; but I would say to every cultivator, find out where 
the hardy species grow most luxuriantly in your own locality, 
procure that, and no disappointment will ensue. With respect to 
pure air, it is of the first importance. By pure air I mean a 
situation open to the sun, and not crowded by other plants ; for no 
plant is more impatient of a confined situation, and consequently 
heated and impure atmosphere, than the Rhododendron . This 
applies to those grown in a conservatory, and also to those in the 
open border, but more especially to the first; and may be soon 
known by the foliage turning rusty, the flowers smaller, and in 
less quantities each succeeding year. With respect to watering, 
I should recommend a liberal supply at most times ; and at the 
time the plant is making wood an abundant watering is of the 
greatest service both to the roots and over head, diminishing it 
as the winter draws on, and increasing again as the flowers open. 
These, with a temperate and regular heat—the same as for other 
conservatory plants—will, I think, ensure success sufficient to 
satisfy the most sanguine. 
The remaining plants in this tribe are all very handsome, and 
most of them hardy. The principal among them is the Azalea, 
on which an article has already appeared in the Florist's Journal , 
so needs no repetition here ; though I may just remark, some very 
ornamental varieties have been raised from this genus impregnated 
with Rhododendron. 
The next is the Ledum, very pretty hardy dwarf shrubs, 
requiring the treatment of Ericas. The flowers of most of them 
are white. 
Chamceledon procumbens and Epigea repens are both pretty 
little creeping plants, suitable for rock-work, but must be allowed 
a tolerable share of peat earth to root in. 
