Cfjc 3^t)otiol)entiron ^ocietp ^otesf. 
RHODODENDRONS AT GLASNEVIN AND ROSTREVOR. 
Contributed by Lieut.-Colonel Sir John Ross of Bladensburg, K.C.B. 
Most ot the members of the Rhododendron Society are so well acquainted 
with the Royal Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin, that it would almost be a work 
of supererogation to attempt to give notes on the magnificent collection of 
plants that are to be found there ; besides I feel that it would require some 
one with far more knowledge of the subject than I can pretend to have, to 
undertake such a task. I could scarcely do justice to these Gardens, nor 
adequately describe the many plants of interest that are growing there. Glasnevin 
is rightly celebrated for its numerous treasures, not in one or more departments 
only, but in all branches of horticultural science. Orchids, tender plants of 
every sort, alpines, herbaceous and aquatic plants, bulbs, hardy trees and shrubs, 
ferns, etc., are all well represented in their endless varieties, and being well cared 
for, luxuriate in plenty ; while some of them form unrivalled collections not to 
be found elsewhere. It is due to the influence of Glasnevin that Irish horticulture 
has taken its rise ; and owing to the example set to us, and to the sympathetic 
encouragement we invariably receive, as weU as to the general mildness of the 
Irish climate, many have become keenly interested in plants, and have sought 
to enrich their gardens and grounds by growing such species as are likely to 
become acclimatized in the island. The soil, however, in the neighbourhood of 
Dublin is not favourable to the cultivation of Rhododendrons. It is too much 
saturated with lime, and Glasnevin labours under this disadvantage. Neverthe-, 
less by specially prepared beds with peat and loam brought from a distance, a 
large quantity of Rhododendrons are to be found there, and thanks to the special 
care taken to satisfy their requirements, they generally do very well. 
There is one remarkable species among them to which I should like to draw 
attention. It was obtained some years ago from the Botanic Gardens in Paris, 
under the name of R. yunnanense. It is extraordinarily floriferous, much more 
so than any other Rhododendron I have seen ; the flowers are white with pink 
spots, so numerous that when in bloom scarcely any leaves are to be seen. It 
grows slowly, making every year short hard shoots, and now the plant is some 
9 feet high and 8 feet through. It is quite distinct from the usual form of 
R. yunnanense. At one time it was supposed to be R. chartophyllum ; but 
it also differs from that species. I do not think its name has yet been properly 
determined. Unfortunately it has defied aU efforts made to propagate it; it 
seems to be perfectly hardy and healthy; but it produces no ripe seed and 
layers refuse to root. If only young plants could be obtained from it and grown 
elsewhere and under different conditions, then we might see whether they would 
preserve the same characteristics which belong to the Glasnevin plant, and 
which seem to differentiate it from any other Rhododendron I have seen. 
181 
