®f)e ^^toliobenbron ^ocietp ^otes. 
liable to be heavily cut by frost, but a vigorous constitution assists towards 
rapid recovery, and under such conditions individual plants have responded 
with as much as three feet of growth in a single season. 
R. FULVUM has also shown no bloom here as yet, but it stands out as 
a handsome hardy plant with an exceptional richness of colouring on the under¬ 
side of the leaf. 
Such large-leaved, vigorous-growing species as R. decorum, discolor, 
FicTOLACTEUM, SUTCHUENENSE, and CALOPHYTUJi enjoy and richly deserv^e a 
somewhat stronger diet than those of lighter growth, and when once established 
repay in vigour of wood and colour of leaf for a liberal mulching of well-rotted 
farm-yard manure. 
The limits of space forbid reference to more than a restricted selection 
of the species growing here, and these notes will therefore conclude with 
a few remarks on the all-important matter of general cultivation. The 
natural soil here consists of a variable loam on a gravelly subsoil, with 
extensive outcrops of whinstone rock. Gorse is an exceptionally vigorous 
local weed, and here and there natural deposits of peat are to be found. The 
ground is mostly undulating in character and adequately furnished with timber 
of between 50 and 60 years growth. No special advantages are enjoyed by 
reason of proximity to the sea, or by an especially well-sheltered position 
generally. In the selection of sites for planting the main consideration centres 
round protection from harsh winds and good drainage, in ground free from 
overhead shade or drip, but wiiere the full strength of summer sun is tempered 
by surrounding tree growth. The natural soil is but little relied upon except 
as a groundwork, and recourse is had to made-up material, composed of friable 
loam and peat in equal proportions, with one-part pure sand and two-parts 
decayed leaf-mould, incorporated. The surface after planting is mulched with 
three inches of dead leaves or light litter, a fair proportion of w'ell-decayed 
farm-yard manure being added as soon as the more ^'igorous growing species 
have become established. In our climate there is little fear of dryness at the 
root, but an occasional soaking with clean water when roots are active is highly 
beneficial. A periodical thinning out of weak wood and the removal of decayed 
flowers amply repay careful attention. Under such conditions of culture the 
general run of Rhododendrons will flourish exceedingly. It is infinitely to 
the credit of the genus that so many of its members pro^dde such rich adorn¬ 
ment to our gardens with but little of the cultural attention here recommended. 
H. ARMYTAGE MOORE. 
236 
