ON THE CULTURE OF AZALEA INDICA. 83 
attention should be paid to removing all the flower stems 
immediately after the flowers decay, as the continuance of 
these, by the formation of the seed-vessels, would materially 
impair their ultimate vigour. 
As one of the most important points upon which the success 
of cultivation depends is invariably connected with a correct 
arrangement and proportion of the soil, &c., in potting, and 
as tender fibrous-rooted plants are more liable to be affected 
by this operation being injudiciously performed than others 
whose roots are of more vigorous habit, too much stress cannot 
be laid upon a strict attention to every precaution which is 
calculated to insure an uniform circulation of the nutritive 
matter; for it is principally the absence of this condition that 
causes a superfluity of moisture, which acting upon the spon- 
gioles by rendering them incapable of absorbing the elements 
of nutrition, these conditions must inevitably produce an im¬ 
paired vigour and premature decline. The vital principle of 
plants depends upon the co-operation of their organic func¬ 
tions with the agencies that surround them. 
The varieties of Indian and Chinese Azaleas, in common with 
all other plants, whose roots are of a delicate and hair-like 
texture, should in the process of potting be freely drained. 
And in this respect the amount of drainage should be regulated 2 
according to a natural division which may be observed in the 
genus; namely, those which partake of a semi-evergreen and 
robust habit and those which are constitutionally smaller, and 
more strictly deciduous. The former requires larger pots, and 
a proportionate amount of drainage, and the latter in connection 
with smaller growing varieties require smaller pots and drainage 
in proportion. 
It should also be observed, that in repotting, the axis, or 
connection of the stem with the roots of the plants, should be 
raised above the surrounding soil; for, as the action of atmo¬ 
spheric and solar agencies are the stimulating causes of vegeta¬ 
tion, all other precautions are unavailing where an uniform 
degree of those agencies is wanting. 
Treatment during Growth. In respect to growth, this 
genus more than most others adapted to the greenhouse de¬ 
partment, is especially characterised by its capability of enduring 
a very high and intense heat; and which, during this stage of 
management, is essentially requisite to produce luxuriant 
