Cfie ^ocietp i^otes! 
subject presently. In the existing strain, progress with the dazzling crimson 
type seems just now somewhat at a standstill, short of realizing, it must be 
confessed, the peculiar scarlet of the true arboreum in a hardy form. Mean¬ 
while, strenuous efforts are being made to produce Pelargonium-like flowers, 
with dark and contrasting markings, or with coloured edges and white centres, 
and the purples are again coming into favour. Striped flowers are scarcely yet 
contemplated, but I heard of a double crimson. 
The Azaleas at Knap Hill are a very marked feature of the garden, I never 
saw a finer or more varied collection. Here we get the tints, which as yet are 
unattainable among the hardy hybrid Rhododendrons—orange, fiery scarlet, 
and yellow, and white, which is common to both, and indeed to nearly every 
other flower. Nothing can be more charming than a thicket of these gorgeous 
and perfumed plants, so different at first sight, and yet so nearly allied, or rather 
identical in genus, with the Rhododendrons. Year by year the size of the flowers 
increases and the colours vary in Mr. Waterer’s skilful hands, and now he has 
many examples of a double race, which among other merits, last longer than the 
single sorts. The yellow hose-in-hose-like variety (A. narcissiflora)* has 
proved with me most admirable as a forcing plant. 
Those who have largely grown Azaleas know that they have what may be 
called two seasons—the first for their flowers, the second for the autumnal 
tinting of their leaves. 
In the autumn Knap Hill must again be lit up with brilliant colours in the 
Azalea grounds. 
Some Azaleas turn crimson, others purple and yellow and bronze, and for 
a week or two delight the eye. 
But, alas! the glory is short-lived. The frosts and the winds soon tear off 
the glowing leaves, and for the winter Azaleas cut but a sorry and meagre figure 
among their Rhododendron brethren. 
I must now apologize to Knap Hill for many sins of omission. My remarks 
are merely Rhododendron notes, and not detailed accounts of anything. Having 
related my visit to Mr. Anthony Waterer, in the open air of Woking, I propose 
shortly to change the venue, and interview Mr. John Waterer, of Bagshot, 
and his plants under his tent in London. 
J. H. M. 
Azaleas at 
Knap Hill. 
* R. NARCissiFLORUM (Azalea narcissiflora) is a double white ledifolium 
sent by Fortune to Standish and Noble who named it. See Gardeners' 
Chronicle, 1868, p. 242; FI. d. Serres IX. (1853-64), 82. — I.B.B. 
91 
