194 
THE RHODODENDRON. 
ing ont-of-doors scenery, to which purpose they are very gene¬ 
rally applied ; and a second, composed of the Indian species and 
. varieties produced directly from them, which are more tender, 
requiring to be protected at least from frost. The last possess 
the most vivid colours, and are well deserving the additional care 
necessary to have them in perfection. There is also a third sec¬ 
tion, formed of such varieties as have been bred from parents 
belonging to both of the preceding classes, the members of which 
are extremely variable in their habits, according as they partake 
more or less of the nature of either of their progenitors. It may 
not be positively necessary to the existence of the plants of 
either class to protect them at all, but from the early habit of 
flowering natural to the Asiatic species, their beauty is likely 
to he spoiled in most seasons when exposed, in consequence of 
its development taking place too soon, and therefore the attention 
of the cultivators of this tribe has been turned to the production 
of hybrids, that should partake of the rich colouring of the tender 
species, and the retarded habit of the other portion. The success 
attending past endeavours in this respect has been most grati¬ 
fying, and promises well for the ultimate realization of all that can 
be wished. 
The management of what is commonly called the hardy class 
is confined entirely to the planting. If this is done aright, no 
further attention is required, unless to restrain a straggling or 
rampant shoot. The essential conditions to be provided on the 
establishment of Rhododendrons in any garden are those pointed 
out by their natural positions. It matters but little what the 
exact description of the soil is, so that it is of a kind which, 
though never dry, is free from excess of an opposite character. 
We have seen as fine specimens growing in strong loam as could 
be desired, and we have been cognizant of an immensity of 
trouble being taken to provide peat-beds, in which the plants 
have died for a succession of years, though it is generally sup¬ 
posed that the latter kind of earth is essential to their living, and 
by many that they will grow in nothing else. That they suc¬ 
ceed in peat is well known, but only when it becomes closed in 
texture, so as to prevent the escape of moisture, in which con¬ 
dition it is perhaps the best material for them, as it is hardly 
possible for peat to retain an excess of moisture, unless com- 
