JULY. } 193 
THE AZALEA. 
(PLATE 166.) 
OF all plants in cultivation, this is unquestionably the most 
effective and useful for decorative purposes; and when seen in 
the form of large handsome well-bloomed specimens, it is 
certain to attract even the attention of persons who in general 
care but little for either plants o% flowers. Compared with 
Ericas and most hard-wooded plants, Azaleas are easily 
managed ; for they are not so readily injured by any slight 
excess of either drought or wet at the root, are not so particular 
as to soil, and can be grown successfully with such accom- 
modation as would ruin most of our favourite hard-wooded 
plants; and where sufficient accommodation is at command, 
a succession of blooming plants may be secured from the 
beginning of November to the end of July—we had almost 
said the year through, but with such means as are at command, 
in most places this may easily be effected during six months 
in the year; and we hope that we shall soon be as familiar 
with finely bloomed specimens of Azaleas in December, and 
through the winter and spring, as we have hitherto been in 
May. 
Possessing, as the Azalea does, almost every quality which could 
recommend it to the notice of all classes of cultivators, it is not surprising 
that many persons are striving to obtain improved varieties, and that 
we are every season offered several new kinds, each being recommended 
as at least better than anything of its class in cultivation. There are, 
however, among the varieties which have been some time familiar to us 
so many of first-rate excellence in every respect, that it can hardly be 
expected that all or nearly all the new varieties which have been raised 
in this country, procured from the Continent and put into circulation 
here, should prove decided improvements. upon our old and deservedly 
favourite sorts; and perhaps we ought to be satisfied if all the new 
varieties offered are really good, and to find amongst them occasionally 
one which proves a decided advance upon anything previously known 
to us of the same or similar colour. That Etoile de Gand will prove 
one of those decided advances we have every confidence. As will be 
seen by the plate, it is new in the style of its markings, and may be 
considered very distinct from anything previously introduced. In 
habit, growth, &c., it resembles variegata ; and if it proves constant, it 
will at least be equally a favourite with this fine old variety, and will 
find a place in the most select collections as one of the best varieties 
known. From its resemblance in habit to variegata, we judge that it 
will prove, like this variety, a late bloomer or easily retarded for this. 
purpose; and if so, we need not say that it will be equally valuable to 
exhibitors as variegata, Gledstanesi, and crispiflora; and if it proves 
constant in its colours, &c., it can hardly fail to become the most general 
VOL. XIV., NO. CLI. 0 
