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The American Rhododendron Society
1972 Annual Meeting
APRIL 26 - 30
Miyako Hotel & Hall of Flowers
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
Hadley Osborn

FIG. 1. MIYAKO HOTEL -             1972 Annual Meeting Headquarters.

In publicizing our 1972 Annual Meeting there was an almost irresistible urge to use scenic shots of this marvelously photogenic city, but space is always at a premium in our Quarterly Bulletin, and we decided this issue might have more lasting interest if we used the color page to show the sort of plants we grow and love. You can always find pretty pictures of San Francisco elsewhere. In their absence here let us assure you that San Francisco does continue, in spite of all, to live with much more than its share of beauty and grace.

General Plans
         Visitors should be aware that our blooming season starts in earnest in November (Vireya's and some ever�green azaleas) and lasts through July ( R. diaprepes, R. kyawii, etc.) Convention dates at the end of April were selected since they normally are our mid�season, but many of our specialties will unavoidably be missed. Experienced garden tourists have of course learned that the most magnificent blooms always just faded an hour or two before they arrived or are forever tight in bud.
        April 26 ^th is a Wednesday and these end-of-the-week dates were selected due to problems repeatedly experienced by delegates with conventions that disrupt two working weeks. Sunday, April 30 ^th, is (except for supplementary tours) getaway day, and you'll have ample time to get back for the Monday grind.

The Miyako Hotel
        Selected as our headquarters primarily because a poll of California Chapter members revealed that they especially enjoyed conventions they had attended here. This relatively small, new and elegant hotel has the added advantage of being close to the Hall of Flowers where our Show will be held. Also, a variety of motels with a range of rates are conveniently available nearby. The Miyako's meeting and banquet facilities are more than adequate for our needs, but a limited number of rooms are available in each category and early reservations are strongly advised.
        We also hope you will pay your registration fee as soon as possible. As always, you will save money if you do so. The fee is $30.00 for all registrations received prior to March 15, but $35.00 after that.
        The California Chapter's Annual Show Hall of Flowers, Strybing Arboretum We are staging our Annual Show concurrently with the Annual Meeting, and we eagerly solicit entries from all delegates. Rhododendron trusses have transported well in the past, and Lord Aberconway long ago remarked that the plants always seemed to appreciate a little "carriage exercise". While one picture may be worth a thousand words, the plant material itself is worth a thousand pictures.
        Visitors from Washington and Oregon are assured that no problems any longer exist in bringing rhododendrons into California. Only occasional spot checks are conducted at the border; and even then, assuming you are not entering a rare, riddled-leaf form, a simple declaration that the plants or trusses are rhododendrons will suffice for prompt and courteous clearance. But alas: It particularly grieves me to report that eastern delegates prepared to make an heroic effort at showing plants will face an additional obstacle from the California Department of Agriculture. Plants are subject to quarantine procedures that might prove devastating to their show condition. As for trusses and sprays, only spot checks are carried out at the airports, but to be safe it would be wise to have the material certified prior to departure. We do so much want you not only to attend but to exhibit plant material, but our officials are wary of stowaway eggs of (from New England) the Gypsy and Browntail Moths or of (from other areas) the Japanese Beetle or Rhododendron Whitefly.
        In any event, very special recognition is promised for the truss that traveled the farthest, and our Show schedule and Classification list will be sent to all delegates upon receipt of their registration fee.
        The Program - What's New in '72 Our banquet speaker, Dr. August Kehr, will speak on "Research: What's New in '72". This title so accorded with our determination to have all our programs present fresh and important material that we have shamelessly plagiarized from it for our convention theme. Deadline for copy for this issue was in November, and delegates should understand that by the time of the convention at the end of April a few minor changes in the arrangement of events might prove necessary. Since a whole day spent on tours tends to tire our legs and a whole day sitting and listening to programs tends to tire us elsewhere, all days have been split into half days for programs and half days for tours. 

FIG. 21. FILOLI - One of the stops on the tours of California                  gardens. Photo by Owen Pearce.

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Rhododendrons at the University of California
Botanical Garden - 1972
Hadley Osborn. El Cerrito, California

In General
        The University of California Botanical Garden figured prominently in the early literature of the ARS, starting with Jack Whitehead's article in the first yearbook of 1945. The history of the Rhododendron Dell has not yet really been written but should be. Along the paths, among the plants, lurk a number of unusual ghosts and old dreams.
        Without a doubt the most influential man in the history of the Dell was the late Dr. E. G. Vandevere. Both in terms of the plants he donated and the people he influenced. His legacy to the rhododendron world has been one of remarkably enduring quality, but his full story has not been told.

FIG. 3. R. spinuliferum: an unusual             rhododendron species from             Yunnan with flowers like fire-             crackers. Becomes a thin             shrub to 8 feet. Each flower             is about 1 inch long. From             6 to 8,000 feet elevation.              Photo by P.H. Brydon.

FIG. 2. The trunk of R. diaprepes,             UCBG.

        The ARS's earliest Quarterly Bulletins also frequently featured Jock Brydon's pictures and stories about UCBG plants. Just 24 years before this issue in Volume II, No. 1 the featured picture was the UCBG's R. grande, and their R. spinuliferum was figured later in the year. Though both will be out of flower at the time of the Annual Meeting, visitors on our tour will be pleased to note that they are still going strong. In fact, you will notice that they are going very strong. Referring to published descriptions, Jock noted that R. spinuliferum had an ultimate height of 8 feet, but the plant is of course making a liar out of him. In a strange but generally peaceful coexistence of strange plants, the R. spinuliferum is somewhat deeply overshaded by a fine Pterocarva stenoptera, and is perhaps stretching upward more than it would otherwise but still manages to retain a graceful effect. The flowers have less brick red in them than is normally seen and in its best years this carries as a sheet of almost pure orange, making it a unique and valued form.  
        As for the R. grande, it and its brothers have made a forest of giants and finally a few years ago a wise worker did some needed thinning. The previous blind sides are thus currently in an awkward age of rejuvenescence, but will soon happily grow to solid splendor. The original landscape plan has worked very well, but if a number of vigorous seedlings are planted there is simply no way to space them adequately in terms of their mature size lest they get lost in the meantime (or even die of loneliness).

        With the bulk of the plantings made in 1932, it is clear that in ten years a major spacing and thinning would be needed. But 1942 brought World War II, and with personnel and budget lost the work was not done. It was but one of many budgetary binds and personnel crises that such institutions are always heir to, but dedicated UCBG workers remain a little touchy about the crowded, drawn appearance of some of the plants. In my eyes it becomes a strength: Not due to the overcrowding and subsequent dieback which must constantly be fought, but for the occasional superb trunk which has emerged. On the generally sloping ground eye-level trusses are almost always available and repeated visits confirm that rhododendron trunks are almost the best part of them. From the peeling Manzanita-like mahogany of R. stenaulum to the split, broad-textured R. decorum (which a writer elsewhere remarked was almost diagnostic), to the fine-grained strength of R. vernicosum or R. diaprepes (which otherwise almost merge visually with R. decorum), to the smooth, mixed beige of an occasional old Thomsonii hybrid, to the almost Elm-like thrust of an R. arboreum, the trunks do stand with unique elegance.
        As an English visitor to the 1961 International Conference later remarked, mature plants are rare in America. Even semi-mature plants of rhododendron species are particularly rare in California, and the UCBG is our major reservoir. Nonetheless, this morning while checking the Botanical Garden for the bud set that will produce the blooms you'll see, there was added evidence that the Dell is not just a dwindling museum of stubborn survivors. In addition to fresh beds housing newly introduced Malesian rhododendrons, a new raised area held young starts of some recent outstanding California hybrids.

Karl Andries

FIG. 7 Maddenii Subseries, showing the                 typical "nest" buds.

       The original backbone of the rhododendron collection derives from seeds planted by Karl Andries in the mid to late 1920's. Andries did the bulk of his planting from the 1924 to 1926 expeditions, acquiring much of the seed second hand from the USDA which had in turn received it from weary sponsors inundated by the avalanche that resulted in those halcyon days when Forrest, Rock and Kingdon�Ward were all in the field.
        Andries disappears from view in the early 1930's, having seen very few of his seedlings bloom.
        Thanks to one of Andries' successors (Jock Brydon) his data was carefully transcribed and preserved, and exam�ination of this record reveals a seedling raising project of colossal proportions for those pre-plastic bag and/or mist system days when raising rhododen�drons from seed was not such casual work. The Andries numbers reach over a thousand in short order, and in many instances quantities were raised. Only the barest fraction of all this effort remains - but what a superb legacy it is! For us now there are flowering size plants of such as R. protistum (Forrest 24775), R. facetum (Forrest 24739), R. delavayi (in variety and with data), the superbly foliaged R. sinogrande (with one particularly well�budded for your 1972 Convention pleasure), etc., etc.

The Plants
        The character, problems, and resources of the Botanical Garden's Rhododendron Dell are best illustrated by talking about a few specific plants:
        'Ivery's Scarlet'? ... The best of the older hybrids in the Dell derive from plants imported with personal funds by Jock Brydon and a friend. One of these imported from the scrupulous Veitch Nursery came as 'Ivery's Scarlet' and has always been so labeled. It is close to but is not the 'Ivery's Scarlet' of the trade. All the old nurserymen's named introductions were clones and every 'Ivery's Scarlet' should be identical. But as fine as the plant of commerce is for California gardens, the UCBG plant appears even better, with its larger, more richly colored and more deeply spotted flowers and with larger and deeper green leaves. It is just to the north of the pond and frames it. Marvelously and unfailingly prolific, it creates a miraculous picture in mid-March.

FIG. 4. R. 'Lukiangense hybrid'

        'R. lukiangense Hybrid'? .... Just after the press date for this issue, a neat, smallish plant on the China hill will be in full bloom, as it always is in late January. Were it to bloom in midseason the slight rose flowers would not be much thought of despite the fact that they cover the plant. But in January it provides valued glowing color. Though long labeled as R. lukiangense ssp. admirabile, a check a couple of years ago revealed that the plant was disqualified as that species in several important respects. Material was thus sent to Mr. Davidian at Edinburgh who kindly looked it over and confirmed that the plant could not be considered as R. lukiangense ssp. admirabile but might well be a lukiangense hybrid.
        The Botanical Garden has graciously and patiently provided me with access to their old records and this plant is first recorded there as received in 1932 "from Washington" as R. cerochitum. In almost all details it matches the description of this species nicely but the leaves are not glabrescent, but retain a permanent (if very thin) coating of hairs. Still: A nagging hunch persists that identical herbarium material might well be found in the R. cerochitum area.
        In the meantime, through an excellent cooperative relationship between the UCBG and the California Chapter's Plant Acquisition Committee, the plant has been propagated and distributed as "Lukiangense hybrid". Even though it is generally undistinguished except for its blooming period, this is clearly a case where a clonal name might wisely be provided to avoid increasing confusion. The original plant is now just 6 feet tall at forty years but propagations are proving much more vigorous and please by budding precociously and regularly.

FIG. 5. R. protistum. Forrest 24775.

        R. protistum Forrest 24775: These monsters of the Grande Series are perhaps the most famous of the Botanical Garden plants. Having been awarded years ago by the California Horticultural Society, extensive local literature exists. They are part of the Andries heritage and there is no doubt about their identity or origin. Forrests' note reads:
        "Shrub or tree of 30-40 ft. In immature fruit. In mixed and rhododendron forests on the western flank of the Chim-li N'Maikha - Salwin divide. Lat 26�23'N., Long. 98�48'E., Alt. 11,000 ft. August 1924. Note: The type, I think, showing an extended range southwards, GF."
        In addition, Forrest at. that time marked introductions he felt had special merit with an 'X' as being good, and very special ones with an 'XX' as being very good. This received his XX. The fairly southerly- collecting point bodes ill for their hardiness. The coldest they have ever had to endure at UCBG was 18�F., and that was but a one-night stand.
        Though far from the best foliage plant in the Grande Series, the flowers and fullest trusses are simply IMMENSE. Put thirty better than four inch flowers into a three-tiered creation and you take up a lot of space. Like most very early blooming things the color varies perceptibly from year to year but in the best years is much more appealing than it sounds. They open mauve, age quickly to glowing off-rose and finally fade to reveal the persistent cream underlay that contributed earlier to the unusual tones. The conspicuous and heavily-laden nectaries are royal purple.
        The first account of these plants stated that they bloomed in mid-March and this has been always repeated. During the six years of our acquaintance they have always had a truss or two open at the end of January and have been at their peak in mid-February. Perhaps the last six years were all early ones. The flowers have great lasting quality and by 1971 put up with several nights of a degree or two of frost along with a hail storm without being greatly damaged.
        The five remaining plants are in a row along an old terrace just above Strawberry Creek. Pinched in the same row is an R. arboreum x calophytum that no one has seen flower and what surprisingly turns out to have come from Joseph Gable in 1935. Doubtless it was sent out with a few other promising young things that had little hope of survival in Stewartstown, Pa. The bottom R. protistum regularly produces the fullest trusses. Repeated attempts have been made to self the bottom plant but like so many of the larger, communal rhododendrons it turns out to be self sterile. A few years ago pollen from one of the upper plants was applied to this bottom one and some seed ripened with the resulting still young seedlings appearing true. The Botanical Garden attempted a repeat of this last year on a more massive scale for the Seed Exchange, but other factors conspired so that no seed was produced. Hopefully a continuing attempt will be made.
        A deceased, past employee of UCBG had an unfortunate theory that the best way to self pollinate a rhododendron was to add a heavy top dressing of pollen from another one which would presumably push the plants own previously applied pollen down the style. This appalling notion apparently was also in favor elsewhere at that time. R. grande pollen was used, with the result that a large number of protistum x grande hybrids are being grown as R. protistum. Some have come of age and the best combine the better foliage texture of R. grande with the larger and showier funnel-campanulate flowers of R. protistum. Most are blooming out creamy white. None that I've seen are true R. protistum.

Fig. 6. The Dell Today . . . An oak   trunk rises from the confluence of   R. sinogrande and R. protistum in   front of a dark jungle of R. maddenii   and R. delavayi.

        There is no sense in pretending that the future of the original plants is automatically serene. Whitehead in his 1945 article mentions that the soil at UCBG was "of rather tenacious heavy clay." This is the understatement of the century. Instant war could be started between all past and present UCBG employees, since all made Herculean efforts at soil amendment but none believe that their predecessors and/or successors did enough. The soil is one of those greasy adobes that can swallow up heroic quantities of sand and humus and leave not a trace behind. Rootballs thus tend to remain restricted to the areas of "made" soil and even huge plants are in effect container grown. An attempt to move one of the R. protistum back to its Golden Gate Park birthplace failed due to the very small size of the rootball in relation to top growth. Certainly the plants are currently vigorous. In fact they have in part outgrown the live oak (Quercus agrifolia) that previously shaded them, and an unusual hot spell last fall produced severe burning.  Then, their lower branches are subject to vandalism. In the dark light of February the luminescent globes prove irresistible. Three years ago they were particularly fine and I stole six visits up the canyon. Each time several new branches and trusses had been broken off. They remain nonetheless one of the rewards of life in the Bay area.

Finally
        The Rhododendron Dell is of course but a small part of the Botanical Garden and we hope to allow you enough free time to explore other areas of interest. In addition, little mention has intentionally been made of plants normally in bloom in late April. You can see them on your visit. Much of the pleasure is in the surprise of personal discovery, and our guides will attempt not to commit informational overkill.
        In the meantime I'd like to thank UCBG personnel for putting up with this enthusiast. It was in the Dell that I first learned what rhododendrons were, and it was through the accident and blessing of an enduring friendship that I became interested in the plants. Though the problems are large, the Dell will always personally be a place of particular happiness.

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More on R. 'Lem's Cameo'
George W. Ring, Fairfax, Virginia

        When the cross R. 'Dido' x 'Anna' came to my attention several years ago, I wondered if the order of listing the parents was correct since Mr. Lem had previously noted that R. 'Anna' had no pollen. In response to my question, Mr. Lem said that the cross was indeed listed correctly. It seems that he accidentally induced R. 'Anna' to produce pollen by green grafting a budded scion onto a R. ponticum hybrid and then enclosing the graft in a plastic bag. When the flower opened normally inside the bag the following spring it was loaded with pollen. This might be the source of the R. 'Anna' pollen used in the R. 'Lem's Cameo' cross.
        Mr. Lem planned to repeat the graft to determine whether the pollen production was due to the R. ponticum under stock or to the additional moisture provided by the plastic bag enclosure. Perhaps someone having an R. 'Anna' could complete this study. At any rate, the method may prove to be useful for producing pollen from other reluctant clones.
        An excerpt of Mr. Lem's March 19, 1969, letter giving the details follows. In this letter he also describes his success in getting R. 'Anna' to set seed. This was also an accidental discovery when he pollinated a truss as the spent flowers were dropping.

March 19, 1969

Dear Mr. Ring:

        I just received your kind letter so will try to answer it right off.
        First, Mr. Ring, you mustn't believe that I know how to force pollen and fertile seed from sterile rhododendrons. I have tried this as so many others have without luck. But this doesn't say it can never be done. Perhaps when these plants get old and well established they may someday start to give fertile seed and pollen. No my method is very simple, but I'm not yet for sure if it is the moisture which brings out the pollen or if it is the R. ponticum understock.
        R. 'Anna' was the one I forced pollen from. We never saw it give any pollen out in the field, and everybody wished to cross with this one of the finest rhododendrons to use. I took a new started flower bud of R. 'Anna' and grafted on to a R. ponticum hybrid in August. Then put a plastic bag over it which was kept on all winter until the flowers started to open in the greenhouse in May. I expected it to bloom long before the field grown plants outside, but it did not. It shows it is not a forcing rhododendron. But when it opened its flowers and I removed the plastic, the pollen was already hanging an inch long from every flower in the large head.
        It is my belief the moisture did it and not the R. ponticum understock. If so it should be well possible that you may force out pollen on any rhododendron in the field by keeping a plastic bag over it until the flowers open. But they shouldn't be planted in strong sun where they will burn inside the plastic.
        When this above R. 'Anna' bloomed I crossed every flower and didn't get a single seed. So for many years we were all of the opinion there was nothing we could do with R. 'Anna' as a parent plant. But 3-4 years ago when I had quite a lot of R. 'Anna' in bloom outside and among them a bloomed out branch right in the trail, I grabbed some pollen from a very fine rhododendron and put it on the then bloomed out flowers of R. 'Anna'. At least many of the flowers had already fallen to the ground. A month later I could notice the seed pods swelling, everyone of them, and you should just be there and see what seed I got from it. The cleanest large seed you ever saw filled to the capacity. I have told a few friends about it and they had the same luck. I suppose some of these flowers of R. 'Anna' I put pollen on were two weeks old.
        Now you are the first to know how I got the pollen from R. 'Anna'. But I feel sure many other rhododendrons can be improved the same way. R. 'Goldsworth Yellow' may be one. If it can be done with moisture, only, it is easy business. I will try it on R. 'Anna' in the field by Spring. So you tell Dr. Kehr no hormones or chemicals are used. I did use colchicine many years ago, but I never noticed any good results  . . ."

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The Strybing Arboretum
Owen Pearce, Orinda, California

FIG. 8. The Hall of Flowers, Strybing Arboretum -- Site of the                Rhododendron Show being held during the 1972 Annual                Meeting.  Photo by Owen Pearce

        The Strybing Arboretum is located on the south side of Golden Gate Park, in San Francisco. Both the Arboretum and the Park are operated by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission, but the Arboretum is a separate entity, under the management of its recently appointed Director, Mr. John E. Bryan. Mr. Bryan is well-known to many of the horticulturists of the west coast, particularly in Oregon and Washington, for he served for ten years in an executive post with the Oregon Bulb Farms, home of the Jan de Graaff Lilies, in Gresham, Oregon.
        The Arboetum was established as a result of a bequest by Mrs. Helene Strybing, and plans were laid out and work begun in the mid-1930's, under the care of Eric Walther, the first Director. He had been with the Park, under John McLaren, for about twenty years before assuming his new task, and he served the Arboretum well during the twenty years it was to grow under his direction.
        It is well-known that Golden Gate Park was built almost entirely on sand, and the Arboretum area was no exception to this condition. The sand areas were stabilized and trees were planted in the 1870's so that, upon commencing work in the Arboretum, there were many fine, mature trees of numerous genera, around which to develop the Arboretum.
        In this story we are concerned with rhododendrons, and it is very fortunate that John McLaren, in the first place, had a great love for the genus. Eric Walther also had a big place in his heart for these plants and he had a deep knowledge of the species. He had much experience in planting and maintaining them before becoming Director, so he laid out large areas in which rhododendrons of many species were planted.
        Mr. Walther was followed by P. H. (Jock) Brydon in the Directorship, and of course Jock enthusiastically set about making further plans for increasing the areas devoted to rhodies. Through the generosity of the California Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, he was able to acquire many of the fine plants from the gardens of Del James, from nurseries in the northwest, and from Hillier Brothers in Winchester, England. Mrs. Ray James, Del's widow was helpful and generous in the selection of plants from their garden in Eugene.
        Many things were accomplished while Jock was the Director: comprehensive changes in the landscaping of the Arboretum were made; many ornamental plants other than rhododendrons were established, such, for instance, as magnolias of many species; the Garden of Fragrance for the Blind was built and planted; and a far-reaching program of educating school children in the knowledge of plants was initiated. But one of the finest acts accomplished by Jock concerning rhododendrons consisted in obtaining and establishing many of the species and hybrids of the Malesian rhododendrons.
        The climate of coastal central California is most favorable for the establishment of two particular groups of rhododendrons, partly because of the cool, moist fogs during the summer months, and partly because of the mild winters. As a result of these conditions, the tender species of the Maddenii series found a good home in Golden Gate Park and the Arboretum. For the same reason, Jock Brydon was able to cultivate the Malesian group, and they have prospered. Visitors to the Arboretum in September and October and in the winter months drool at the sight of the lovely colors and dramatic sizes and shapes of some of the flowers of these South Sea species.
        Roy L. Hudson followed Jock for two years as Director, before his retirement. Previous to this term as director, he had served with Golden Gate Park for almost forty years, during which time, under John McLaren he had developed rhododendron plantings in the Park, and was directly responsible for the great plantings in the John McLaren Rhododendron Dell. It was he who developed the use of the Maddeniis in the Park, and he helped both Eric Walther and Jock Brydon in planting them in the Arboretum. During his short stay as Director, he encouraged the further hybridizing and growing of the Malesians.
        Pete Sullivan must be mentioned in connection with the growing of rhododendrons in the Arboretum. When the greenhouse in the Arboretum was completed, Pete was placed in charge, and he developed a great and intimate knowledge of the propagation and growing of rhododendrons, particularly the Malesians. He has placed educational exhibits in a number of flower shows held in the Hall of Flowers (located in the Arboretum) and he has received high compliments for his efforts. The superb outdoor planting of Malesians continues to expand. As of this writing R. leucogigas is just starting to flower again, and several hybrids are showing their colors for the first time.
        John Bryan, of course, will continue to maintain the interest of rhododendrons in the Arboretum, and the plantings will continue to enlarge and improve.

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R. wrightianum var. cyclopense x 'Ne Plus Ultra'
Pete Sullivan. Strybing Arboretum, San Francisco

R. wrightianum var. cyclopense x 'Ne Plus Ultra' Strybing Arboretum  Photo by J. P. Evans, M.D.

        Without taking the time to enlarge upon the statement, it can be said that no group of plants in the plant kingdom has such a diverse, and yet what is as important, such a compatible gene pool as that found within the Vireya section of the Rhododendron genus. In the case of this cross made at Strybing Arboretum this fact is again demonstrated in a unique way.
        Rhododendron wrightianum var cyclopense was collected by the Sleumer 1961 expedition while in the Cyclops Mountains of New Guinea. Along with other valuable species we were fortunate in obtaining scions of this specie. It grew hesitatingly for us, undoubtedly because of its epiphytic history, finally blooming in 1965. At the outset it was evident that the truss would have to be considered a classic, however, because of the foregoing, it's horticultural future would be in doubt.
        Rhododendron 'Ne Plus Ultra' was in our possession, having been received from the National Arboretum, which organization had providentially collected and propagated a good number of the old Veitch collection of Javanicum series hybrids. This hybrid is a winner in any collection, with bright red coloring and good truss structure and very vigorous growth.
        Our cross is very satisfactory. The flowers are twice the size of the specie and retain its very desirable pendulous structure. And it has what we were after, i.e. vigor enough to present this flower idea in a horticulturally useable plant. It will be hardy for the three or five million people living in the San Francisco Bay Area and for any similar climate in the world. It should make a fit container subject; we would estimate three feet of growth in five or six years.

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British Gardens Revisited - Again
John D. Johnston. Asheville, N. C.

        The third visit to British gardens proved to be the charm. Never was there such a sunny May as in 1971; never were the rhododendrons in such beautiful flower. Again we were in the congenial company of Frank and Helen Knight, and we set out from London right after the Rhododendron Show and returned in time for the Chelsea Flower Show.
        We paid return visits to Exbury, Trengwainton, and Caerhays - all favorites. Peter Barber and Audrey Wyniatt were our guides through the cultivating grounds at Exbury, and pointed with especial pride to the beautiful R. 'Fortune Churchhill' A. M., which was blooming for the first time, and the great profusion of R. 'Naomi' in shaded pastels. Sir Simon Bolitho showed us the magnificent R. falconeri and R. 'Loderi' in full bloom at Trengwainton. At Caerhays, the hospitable Mr. and Mrs. Julian Williams received us most graciously, and we were pleased to see the gold Loder Cup in their possession. Outstanding here were the immense trees of R. arboreum x griffithianum and the largest known plant of the Chinese species R. orbiculare, covered with rose-pink bells, and its dark green round leaves glistening in the sun.
        At last we saw Bodnant in full flower and it is a glorious sight. Mr. Puddle escorted us on a leisurely three hour tour of this best-kept of all the gardens. He keeps a staff of 30 men busy, and you can see the results everywhere. The R. williamsianum here is the most prolific of all; the R. 'Elizabeth' and R. schlippenbachii are considered the best in any garden. R. 'Crest' was in full golden bloom next to the bluest of all R. augustinii; R. 'Penjerrick' was a mass of white blossoms.
        Over the Cumbrian Mountains to the coast is the 200-acre estate of Muncaster. It was planted by Sir John Ramsden, who is known as the father of Rhododendrons, and who advised on Kingdon-Ward's notebook. Here was the beautiful tree of R. 'Loderi King George,' very pink and in full bloom. The most spectacular sight was a whole hillside of rhododendrons falling down to the river Esk in a riot of color. It was hard to believe such beauty was actually real.
        Mr. and Mrs. John Basford were again our hosts for the incomparable garden at Brodick, with its huge R. falconeri and its lovely tender plants of R. lindleyi, and R. 'Harry Tagg,' and its rare chinese species of R. glischrum, R. tsangpoense, and R. siderium. It was a veritable fairyland of bloom. Many of these we had seen only in glass houses.

FIG. 9. Frank Knight and Archie Gibson at Glenarn standing                under R. falconeri planted in 1848.                Photo by J. D. Johnston

        We achieved an ambition of longstanding when we reached the top of the garden at Glenarn in Scotland and saw the delicate plants of pink-tinted R. lindleyi, which is quite rare. The Gibsons have made of their streams and hillsides overlooking the Firth of Clyde an ideal setting for rhododendrons featuring those grown from seeds brought back by George Sheriff, friend of the family. His R. griffithianum L & S 2835 was in full bloom, quite the loveliest we had ever seen, light pink and fragrant. Here also we saw a R. falconeri which was an unbelievable 35 feet high by 25 feet in diameter, with a trunk 12 inches in diameter. This tree was planted in 1848 from seed brought back by Sir Joseph Hooker. Figure 9 shows Frank Knight and Archie Gibson standing under this tree, which is lavishly covered with blooms. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson were gracious hosts, and we enjoyed their collection of pewter and samplers as well as their garden of lovely and unusual dwarf plants.
        Now we are in the heart of western Scotland where the high rainfall and the mild climate produce magnificent rhododendrons. The greatest profusion of old rhododendrons planted over a hundred years ago from seed by Hooker is to be found at Stonefield Castle at the head of Loch Fyne. This is now a hotel for a limited number of guests, and little care is taken of the gardens. Frank Knight and I marveled at the size of these trees growing on the hillside, and appreciated anew the work of Hooker, who wrote back from China, "If your shins were as bruised as mine tearing thru the interminable Rhododendron scrub of 10,000-13,000 feet, you would be as sick of the sight of these glories as I am."
        Crarae is in an open glen sheltered by woods and rising up from Loc Fyne. It is the 5,000 acre estate of Sir Islay Campbell, and its streams, rustic bridges, and hillside trails form the setting for this spectacular garden, assessed by Mr. Davidian as being the best of all in both situation and content.
        Certainly one of the high spots of this successful tour was the Isle and garden of Gigha. The island, comprising 3,000 acres, is about 3 miles offshore Scotland and is reached by small boat from Tayinloan. Here we saw perhaps the most spectacular bloom of all - R. nuttallii x lindleyi - a cross made by Sir James Horlick, owner of the island and son of the founder of the malted milk empire. The plant was in full glorious bloom - great white trumpets with yellow centers. In this same walled garden were further feasts for the eyes - R. lindleyi, 'Tyermanii', brachysiphon, iteophyllum, dalhousiae, a perfect yakushimanum, and the only reported R. preptum in Scotland. Around any curve in the garden path there might open up an azalea garden in full bloom tucked away in the forest with Primulas and Cyclamen.
        Lady Horlick was a most gracious hostess, and was proud of the progress of their island. She is kept busy putting in baths for 160 people on Gigha, and settling their quarrels. She has established a cooperative creamery where Gigha cheese is made and sent to market in London.
        Peter Cox at Glendoick Gardens, near Perth, is doing much work in crossing and propagation, especially with the dwarf rhododendrons so well suited to small gardens. He was interested in some of our American crosses. He and his charming Irish wife have collected specimens in Nepal, and while waiting to go again, he keeps busy writing.

R. exasperatum In new growth at Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh Photo by J. D. Johnston

        One of the main attractions at the renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, is Mr. H. H. Davidian, who showed us around. He is recognized in the United Kingdom as the final authority on the species. Here are 650 species in cultivation, and he says they are all his favorite. Here is true R. wardii from the seeds of several explorers, a rare Forrest R. coryanum, R. smirnowii from the Caucasus, and one of the four plants of R. chlorops in the United Kingdom (and each one different). It was a thrill to see the dwarf sweet-smelling R. nivale, which Hooker found at 19,000 feet in the Himalayas. Buried under snow for 8 months of the year, it is believed to be the Rhododendron growing at the highest altitude in the world.
        In a small walled garden behind a building we came upon a lovely plant with the curious name of R. exasperatum. This small rhododendron had finished blooming and had put out its new growth. The new leaves were as lovely as anything we saw. (See color page). Mr. Davidian said that Kingdon-Ward discovered the plant on a steep mountainside in southeast Tibet. He tried to reach it in very rough going, fell back, made another unsuccessful assault, and then finally reached it. He gave it then and there the name R. "exasperatum".
        Mr. Davidian cut for us the lovely truss of R. oreotrephes which is deciduous under certain conditions.

R. oreotrephes Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh Photo by J. D. Johnston

        We were privileged to see the notebooks made by George Forrest in the field and which are stored in the laboratory of the Botanic Garden. Mr. Davidian showed us the pressed plants in the collection and explained that the blooms being dried up did not interfere with the identification of the rhododendrons. We also met a young botanist starting out for the far East and another expedition. It was a fitting end to our rhododendron tour.
        Frank Knight says we have now seen most of the rhododendron gardens in Britain. Sad. We wish it were all to do over again. We were impressed throughout by the friendliness of the owners. The joys of knowing these wonderful people stand out in memory right along with the admiration of the glorious blooms. Each time we came we were even more delighted than the time before. We are happy we were able to repay the Knights at least in part this past summer when we introduced them to our lavish plant kingdom in the Great Smoky Mountains.

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Boothii Series
G. G. Nearing, Ramsey, New Jersey

FIG. 10. R. leucaspis. Photo by Cecil Smith.

        Boothii is a series little used in hybridizing. It is mostly dwarf, lacking in hardiness. There are some very fine yellows and a couple of very fine whites. There really should be hybrids available from some of the best plants. Eventually, undoubtedly there will be; but so far there are very few. One is R. 'Bric-a-brac', a hybrid of R. leucaspis and R. moupinense. R. leucaspis is Boothii series and R. moupinense is Moupinense series. They are very similar and I treat them together. They are both dwarf and both have four stars in the British rating and are very little known in this country. I have had 'Bric-a-brac' in my nursery in the pit for many years. It is a very interesting rhododendron. It is not hardy but it has possibilities in it for crossing. It has very pretty flowers with dark stamens which contrast with the white and very interesting leaves which are oddly hairy. I have made crosses of R. 'Bric-a-brac' and have two that I have named. One of these is R. 'Cliff Spangle'. This is R. 'Bric-a-brac' crossed with pink R. mucronulatum. It began blooming in 1958. It is a very dwarf plant-still only six or eight inches high and a foot or so across and is a shapely plant but it has one very peculiar characteristic. The flowers always open about the first of April and, of course, that means the flowers get frozen. Every year it carries all its buds but when they have opened they usually get frozen.
        This plant and its side partner, when an obviously frosty night is coming up, I throw a piece of plastic over the entire plant and in that way I have been able to get good flowering most years. Sometimes even under plastic the flowers will freeze. The other plant of this cross has exactly the same characteristics except that it is a totally different plant. It has entirely different leaf structure and is not nearly as dwarf. I thought it was going to be quite dwarf but last year it shot up and is about two feet high so it is just moderately dwarf. The flowers are not nearly as dark a color as R. 'Cliff Spangle' and the leaf and shape of the plant is entirely different. It is interesting to have plants of this Boothii and Moupinense series coming along. The second plant is named R. 'Cliff Garland'. These propagate fairly well from cuttings. There are practically no other hybrids of the Boothii and Moupinense series available in this climate. This shows that it can be done and I am hoping for more.
        One of the Boothii series, R. sulfureum, which is a very fine yellow, is not a sulphur yellow as the name would suggest. It has had hybrid crosses in Europe. R. sulfureum has been crossed with R. flavidum to produce R. 'Yellow Hammer'. It has been crossed with R. moupinense to produce one called R. 'Golden Oriole' which I haven't seen. There are only a few possibilities for a good rich yellow in rhododendrons. I am hoping that since this hybridizing has been possible eventually someone will be able to take R. sulfureum with its yellow flowers and get the yellow into plants of this general type.
        I have seen R. tephropeplum blooming and it is usually a poor color but there are some plants that run to a good shade of bright rose. I made attempts to cross R. tephropeplum years ago but did not get anything that was worth keeping, however, R. tephropeplum is a possibility in the better forms.
        I have never had R. 'Yellow Hammer' but it is very well known in England. It is a good yellow and quite a popular plant. I am quite sure it is not hardy.
        Another species, which I have had, is R. megeratum which is a yellow with very large, very rich brown stamens sticking way out from it which makes for a very startling effect. It is a dwarf like the others. I have two or three hybrids of R. megeratum but have lost my original plant. I have a cross of R. keiskei by R. megeratum which has not bloomed. I have a plant of R. pubescens by R. keiskei by R. megeratum which has a bud this year. I am hoping it will be able to carry the bud because, in a case like that, it may not be the cross. Very often with R. keiskei and its hybrids you cannot tell whether you have a cross or not. If I have a hybrid of R. megeratum then possibly I can go on further with it. R. megeratum is a very interesting plant in my opinion. It is not very hardy but many of the rhododendrons we deal with are not very hardy. Then there are R. chrysodoron and R. xanthostephanum of the Boothii series.
        R. moupinense is such a fine plant in itself that it has been crossed very many times. It has been crossed with R. bullatum, R. carneum, and R. carolinianum. Hardgrove made a cross with R. carolinianum and I got a plant which blooms practically every year. It loses a few buds. I have been trying to get hybrids from it and maybe I have some somewhere but so far no obvious results. The hybrid is much like R. carolinianum but with much larger flowers, so that is what R. moupinense could contribute. R. carolinianum flowers are fairly small and R. moupinense are considerably larger. The plant itself is a good deal like R. carolinianum but you can tell it is not.
        I have a cross of R. carolinianum by R. valentinianum for years and it still has not budded. Another cross is R. 'Seta' which is R. moupinense by R. spinuliferum. R. moupinense is given four stars in England. It is well worthwhile in itself and has great possibilities for hybridizing.

New A. R. S. Registrar

Dr. Ticknor has announced the appointment of Edwin K. Parker as A.R.S. Registrar. The duties of Registrar, formerly combined with those of the Editor, will now function separately under Ed's direction.  Requests to register new plant names should be addressed to Mr. Parker, Astoria, Oregon.  It should be noted that plant awards registrations are still made with Dr. David Fluharty in the East and Dr. E. D. Brockenbrough in the West.

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Seeds Collected in Japan, 1971: A Preliminary List*
Frank Doleshy, Seattle, Wash.*
Republication rights reserved by the author.

FIG. 11. Locations, 1971 Seed Collections.

        After wet springtime trips in 1969 and 1970, a resumption of fall travel in Japan was appealing to Mrs. Doleshy and me, since this is the season of "high skies", with fine, clear weather and good seed collecting. So the story goes. As it turned out, the low temperatures on October 26th broke records, and the heavy snows on that and the following day forced us to change our plans, but probably resulted in a larger rather than smaller total gathering of seeds.
        For those who may want to order this material from the ARS Seed Exchange, it is better to have some information before rather than after.
        We visited three distinct areas, and our collections are listed accordingly. 

A. Hida Mountains, or Northern Alps.
        No. 503 R. aureum (or, if you prefer the commonly-used synonym, "R. chrysanthum"). Mt. Tateyama, near east boundary of Toyama Prefecture. October 19th. Elev. 2580-2650 meters (84608700 feet). Low or creeping shrub with small, leathery leaves, yellowish where fully exposed, silvery blue-green where there is any slight shelter. Seen only among or at the edges of waist-high pine thickets. In this distinctive plant community, it is often associated with Vaccinium, Gaultheria and Shortia, forming an attractive ground-cover mosaic which is enlivened with the yellow flowers in spring.
        No. 510 R. tschonoskii var. trinerve. Happo-one Ridge, just west of Hakuba, near NW boundary of Nagano Prefecture. October 20th. Elev. 1800 m. (5900 ft.) and up. Growing almost as a hedge at outer edges of the patches of evergreen trees and shrubs. This densely branched deciduous Azalea, with its small, hairy leaves and small white flowers, is especially a prize for the rock gardener or bonsai grower. Here, it was thriving on serpentine rock and the thin, serpentine - derived soil - possibly a factor to consider in cultivation or in studying its natural distribution.
        No. 518 R. aureum. Mt. Norikura, boundary of Nagano and Gifu Prefectures. October 24th. Elev. 2720-2760 m. (8920-9060 ft.) Much the same as at Mt. Tateyama but, here, the pine was more often knee-high than waist-high, and the R. aureum seldom had any shelter.
        No. 521 R. brachycarpum. Same area and date as No. 518. Elev. 2720 m. Walking around the corner of a ridge from some normal looking R. aureum, we came to completely different Rhododendrons which, surprisingly, turned out to be a patch of normal looking R. brachycarpum. Compared with the R. aureum, flower trusses had been much larger, leaves were larger, thinner, and yellow-veined, and the plants grew more or less upright. Hard as we looked, we could see no evidence that the two species were hybridizing to produce R. x nikomontanum.
        No. 523 R. metternichii var. hondoense. Found beside a new road under construction over Tsukiyo-sawa Pass, just south of Mt. Norikura, at the west boundary of Nagano Prefecture. October 26th. Elev. 1700 m. (5580 ft.) Leaves large but rather narrow for this variety; leaf color a vivid, dark green if shaded for any part of the day; leaves retained several years; indumentum thin and plastered, pale tawny color to almost bluish; seed capsules up to one inch long; flower buds exceptionally large. Generally compact growth habit to heights of about 7 feet, in this rather high and northerly location.

B. Joshin-etsu Highlands, about 80 kilometers east of the Hida Mountains.
        No. 527 R. brachycarpum. Slopes of Mt. Shirane, near Kusatsu, NW Gumma Prefecture. October 30th. Elev. 1700 m. (5580 ft.) Same location as our sparse No. 15 collection of 1965, but seed more plentiful this year. Exuberantly healthy plants, although usually not over chest-high at this altitude. Great, oval, rich-green leaves which made us think of R. orbiculare hybrids; more than average amount of indumentum for this species. Seedlings and naturally-layered plants underfoot everywhere, forming an attractive ground cover with Epigaea, Shortia, Corms, Empetrum, Gaultheria, etc. Also, as six years ago, we here saw a few plants of R. metternichii var. pentamerum, but these seemed above their optimum elevation range.
        No. 529 R. metternichii var. pentamerum (or, if you like the older name, "R. degronianum"). Same area and date as above, but collected down at 1530 m. (5020 ft.) among great thickets - dozens of acres - where the pentamerum and R. brachycarpum crowd out practically every other plant but seem to grow together without hybridizing. Here, we picked only pentamerum seed, since the R. brachycarpum did not differ noticeably from that found above. The pentamerum at this location is much more attractive than plants we have seen elsewhere: Indumentum thick and often pinkish, compact growth habit, and (at least in the wild) deep-colored leaves with a bluish tone. Seed had been scarce in 1965 (No. 12), but plentiful this year.

C. Kii Peninsula.
        No. 531 R. metternichii. Form with a rather thin but woolly indumentum of extraordinary reddish-orange color. Not plainly referable to var. hondoense or var. metternichii - but we often find it useless to try to make this distinction. Seed obtained from cultivated plants in a garden at Yoshino Town. November 4th. Source of these plants somewhat secret, but I gathered that they were dug on Sanjoga Mtn., farther south in Nara Prefecture. Seed should be "safe", since we saw no cultivated Rhododendrons other than metternichii and Azaleas during the three days we based at a Yoshino inn. Also, only this brightly-indumented strain was growing in or near the garden where we obtained the seed. Seed capsules were very plentiful and up to 1.3 inches long, and there were many buds for next spring.
        Nos. 536 and 537 Azalea: R. kaempferi or near. From Mt. Takami, a peak beside the pass of the same name where Highway 166 crosses the boundary of Nara and Mie Prefectures. November 4th. Elev. 1150-1249 m. (37704100 ft.) Both of these numbers probably represent a single variety of one species, but two forms were obvious: those with small leaves turning purple (536), and those with larger, more hairy leaves turning flame red (537). Much-branched shrubs to about head height.
        No. 541 R. metternichii. From Kumano Gorge area of central Kii Peninsula, along the upper, undrivable, portion of road leading to Zenki from Highway 169, a few kilometers north of Ikehara Dam, Nara Prefecture. November 6th. 550-620 m. (1800-2030 ft.) A cliff dweller with the tip of the plant often up and out 25 feet from the roots, making seed hard to collect, yet with full canopies of foliage and a graceful habit. Indumentum thin but woolly, a good orange-tan color. Also, perhaps 15-20% of the plants have the additional feature of a bright pink or maroon midrib on the undersurface of the leaf, producing an effect we'd never seen or heard of.
        No. 543 R. keiskei. Growing with No. 541. Another cliff dweller, often from rock cracks, and notably graceful. R. keiskei varies but little in all the different places we have seen it, and the only slight distinction of this stand was rather long, narrow, clean-looking foliage. Seed sparse.
        No. 544 R. metternichii. From central granite mountain range separating the east and west Kumano Gorges, along a newly-built road from Teragaijo, just off Highway 169, to a point south of Totsukawa on Highway 168. Nara Prefecture. November 7th. Elev. 750-900 m. (2460-2950 ft.) Rhododendrons to be seen everywhere along this road for 7 kilometers or more. Much like No. 541.

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R. arboreum
Hadley Osborn, El Cerrito, California

R. arboreum 'Self-topping" form U. C. Botanical Garden

        Beside the main lawn at the University of California Botanical Garden are two plants that have long been known locally as "self-topping" R. arboreum. The name alludes to the dense self branching habit they had when younger, but of course time has given them a more arboreal habit. Blooming along with and just in front of Magnolia campbellii they make a splendid show in spite of the fact that, last year at least, Steller's Jays were busily disfiguring trusses for their nectar.
        The UCBG has several representatives of the species and these are labeled conservatively "Arboreum Series", though there is no real reason that they can not fit under the vast umbrella of plant variety included in the current concept of R. arboreum. Recent travelers to Nepal have brought back photos of high altitude forms which are almost dead ringers for the two UCBG plants. Apparently the forms we think of as typical are lower elevation ones that colonize the Himalayan foothills and crown the barrier ranges.
        The immensely restrictive UCBG budget seldom allows for dead heading and the huge seed pods that form Nave been harvested by wise plants men for years. Though open pollinated, most appear true. Dr. Evans' photo is of a superb seedling of his own raising which duplicates its parent almost exactly, with the miraculous red globes being shown to particular advantage by the rich, substantial foliage.

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OUR FRONT COVER R. bullatum x 'Else Frye'
J. P. Evans, M.D., Oakland, California

        The seed parent R. bullatum is a clone from the Del James species plant. It has won numerous awards in the Northwest as an outstanding foliage plan. The pollen parent is the well known R. 'Else Frye' named by Dr. P. J. Bowman of the California Chapter. The plant was obtained by the Dowmans from Else Frye of Seattle. The parentage is not specifically known but appears to be a R. bullatum maddenii hybrid and is highly regarded on the West Coast for its truss color and substance as well as fragrance.
        This unnamed hybrid has the superb foliage of R. bullatum with marked setose petioles and indumentum. It has retained the good substance, aroma and the pastel coloring of the corolla of the pollen parent plant. It is now seven years from seed, two feet tall and three feet wide, and makes a nice garden plant.

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The Life Cycle of a Rhododendron
P. G. Valder ^1
1 Professor of Botany, University of Sydney, Sydney,
Australia. Notes accompanying an exhibit for the
Pacific Rhododendron Society, October, 1970.

FIG. 12. Flower of R. macgregoriae, partially           dissected to reveal its structure. 1-calyx;            2-corolla; 3-disc, which secretes nectar;            4-filament; 5-anther; 6-ovary; 7-style;            8-stigma.

        The Life Cycle as it Occurs in Nature. Many enthusiasts have carried a rhododendron through its complete life cycle from pollination, through seed setting, harvest, and germination, back to flowering. Since not everyone has a really clear idea of what has happened, let us start by taking a close look at that most complex of organs, the flower, the important parts of which are illustrated in Figure 12.
        The flower, like the rest of the plant, is made up of a large number of cells, each of which contains a nucleus, which in turn contains a number of chromosomes on which occur the genes, which determine every characteristic exhibited by the plant. The chromosome compliment of each nucleus is made up of two sets, identical in appearance but differing in genetic make-up, one of which has come from the pollen-parent and one from the seed-parent.
        In each nucleus an exact copy is made of every chromosome, so that, when the nucleus divides, the group of chromosomes in each new cell is an exact replica of that which was present in the original cell before it divided. Thus in every cell the complete genetic make-up of the plant is recorded on an identical set of chromosomes.
        It is because of this that botanists have been able to take a single cell from a plant and produce from it a complete plant, identical with that from which it was taken. We do the same sort of thing on a much less sophisticated scale when we propagate plants vegetatively. Mercifully, biologists have not yet succeeded in doing the same with human cells, or we might all be competing with younger but otherwise identical versions of ourselves.
        The number of chromosomes in each nucleus of a particular organism is known, not surprisingly, as its chromosome number. For instance our chromosome number is 46, made up of a set of 23 from each parent. Most rhododendrons have a chromosome number of 26, made up of a set of 13 from each parent.
        Some rhododendrons have more than two sets of chromosomes. Those with 52 have four sets, each parent contributing two and those with 78 have six sets, each parent contributing three. Occasionally rhododendrons are found with 39 chromosomes, and it is thought that these plants arose from crosses between parents with 52 and 26 chromosomes respectively, the former contributing two sets and the latter one. Plants with three sets, or any other, odd number, are usually sterile, since the chromosomes cannot divide into two equal groups. This is the most common reason for sterility in hybrid rhododendrons arising from crosses between parents with different chromosome numbers.
        Now in the flowers there are some special cells in the young anthers and ovules which undergo a special sort of cell division. In the anthers, each of these cells divides into four, but each of these four cells gets only one chromosome of each type, a single set of 13 in most rhododendrons. These cells are the pollen grains and they remain joined together in groups of four.
        Likewise in the ovules there are also special cells which divide into four. Unlike the anthers in which there are lots of such cells, each ovule has only one and, after it divides into four, only one cell survives. This then divides to form a group of cells called the embryo sac. one of the cells of which becomes the egg cell with a single set of 13 chromosomes. For further development to take place there must next be fertilization, which can only take place if it is preceded by another event, pollination, the transfer of pollen from the anthers to the stigma.
        Most rhododendrons are pollinated by insects or birds, which are attracted to the flower by their appearance and, in some cases, scent, their reward being a meal of pollen or nectar.

FIG. 13. Flower of R. macgregoriae showing pollen being shed through two pores at the apex of each anther. Note that it clings together in a sticky mass, and thus it can be pulled out from the anthers by insects or birds which touch it. Note also that the stigma is not yet mature and is situated behind the anthers, where it is unlikely to be pollinated.

        The anthers of rhododendrons open by means of pores at their tips (Fig. 13) and it is from these that the pollen is shed. Amongst the pollen grains of rhododendrons are fine threads, which are entangled with one another and with the pollen grains. When an insect or bird touches the tip of the anther, it pulls the pollen out through the pores in a tangled mass and then may move off to another flower, perhaps on another plant, and some of the pollen may be wiped off onto the stigma.
        Most rhododendrons have evolved devices which make it probable that cross-pollination will occur. In some the stigma protrudes from the bud before it opens to reveal the anthers. In others, the anthers mature and shed their pollen before the stigma is mature. In some of these the style remains shorter than the filaments of the anthers and elongates, pushing the stigma forward, after the pollen has been removed. In yet others the anthers bend back after a time, exposing the stigma, making it more probable, as in the previous case, that it will be touched by a bird or insect visiting the flower. The mature stigma secretes a sugary fluid which has two main functions. Firstly it traps the pollen grains and secondly, it provides them with moisture and food materials for their further development. Also, if experience with other plants is any guide, it will probably be found that it inhibits the further development of pollen grains of most plants other than rhododendrons.

FIG. 14. Longitudinal section of the ovary, style, and stigma, showing the course followed by a pollen tube. Note that the cavities of the ovary contain large numbers of ovules. 1-calyx; 2-position of corolla attachment; 3-disc; 4-ovary; 5-ovules; 6-style; 7-stigma; 8-pollen grain. The fertilized egg nucleus commences dividing to form the embryo, each cell of which has 26 chromosomes, and the whole ovule gradually develops into the seed.

        After the rhododendron pollen grain has been deposited in this fluid it commences further development. Each pollen cell has a conspicuous pore in its wall and through this a tube develops which then grows into the tissue of the stigma, down the style, and into the ovule (Figure 14) where it discharges two nuclei into the embryo sac. One of these nuclei fuses with the nucleus of the egg cell to produce a cell with two sets (26) of chromosomes once more. This cell commences dividing and develops into the embryo of the next generation and the tissues surrounding it also develop further, the whole thing becoming the seed. Fertilization also triggers off the further development of the ovary which enlarges, as the seeds develop, becoming a fruit of the type known as a capsule.
        As the seed matures the embryo ceases development and becomes dormant. At this stage, however, there has already been considerable differentiation. The embryonic stem bears at its base an embryonic root, the radicle, and at its apex an embryonic growth bud, which will develop into the shoot (Figure 15). On either side of this are the two seed leaves, the cotyledons, and the whole embryo is surrounded by several layers of cells in which is stored sufficient food to enable the seedling to establish itself and commence manufacturing its own food.

FIG. 15. Longitudinal section of a mature seed, showing the seed coat surrounding the food storage tissue in which the embryo is embedded. 1-embryonic root; 2-embryonic shoot; 3-seed leaves (cotyledons); 4-food storage tissue; 5-seed coat

        The seeds are scattered when the capsules open and may be carried away by air currents or dispersed by other means. The seeds of many species have wing-like projections which assist aerial dispersal. The long-tailed seeds of the Malesian species are particularly well adapted for being blown away.
        If the seed falls in a suitable place, it will germinate, sooner or later, when conditions of temperature and moisture are satisfactory. The seed absorbs moisture and the cells of the embryo commence dividing once more, the embryo continuing its development with the aid of the food materials stored in the tissue which surround it. A root emerges from the seed and grows down into the soil. The young stem grows up into the air and the seed-leaves are pulled from inside the seed-coat. The young seedling then becomes independent, its root system absorbing water and dissolved substances from the soil, and the shoot absorbing carbon dioxide and light energy. It then grows on and eventually flowers, the cycle being repeated.
        Seed production ensures dispersal, continuity of the species in time, and variability, since each seedling has a different compliment of genes received from the pollen nucleus and egg cell from which it developed.
        The development of the seedling is, of course, influenced by many environmental factors. Since gardeners are likely to provide adequate moisture and nutrients and some protection from diseases, pests and other adversities, the factors which will be considered here are day length and temperature.
        In temperate climates most rhododendrons flower in the spring, grow in late spring and early summer, cease growth with their shoots terminating in flower or shoot-buds, ripen their seeds, and then become dormant prior to the onset of the cold weather. This dormancy is induced by a shortening of the days and is broken by subjection of the plant to a period of cold, followed by rising temperatures and increasing day-length. Thus the plant ensures that, in its natural habitat, it becomes dormant before winter arrives and doesn't flower and grow until the danger from frosts is over.
        There is one feature of the behavior of rhododendron plants which seems worthy of mention. As happens with most plants, the roots of rhododendrons enter into complex relationships with fungi. The absorbing organs of the plants are thus not just roots, but roots invaded by a fungus. When such an association appears to benefit both partners we call it a symbiosis, and the symbiotic association between a root and a fungus is called a mycorrhiza.
        As it happens, almost nothing is known concerning the type of mycorrhiza that occurs in rhododendrons, other members of the Ericaceae, members of the Epacridaceae, and certain other plants. The identity of the fungus or fungi has not been established nor has the function of the mycorrhiza been elucidated. It seems likely, however, that the position will be shown to be similar to that occurring in many other plants. For these it has been shown that, while the fungus is parasitic on the plant, the disadvantages of this are far outweighed by the increased efficiency of the mycorrhizal roots in taking up minerals, particularly phosphorus. It is probable that many plants growing under natural conditions in poor soils would be unable to survive were it not for these mycorrhizal associations. In cultivation, however, the plants will grow perfectly satisfactorily without the fungus, provided they are given adequate mineral nutrients.
        The root systems of rhododendrons and their relatives are very characteristic in appearance. The main branches are rarely extensive and give rise to a mass of extremely fine and frequently branching rootlets. Some of the tropical epiphytic rhododendrons are described in the literature as having "thick, fleshy roots", a description which calls to mind the orchids. There is no evidence, however, that these are anything more than the main roots, which give rise to the fine rootlets in situations in which it is possible for them to develop. The fine roots grow through the soil as a result of the elongation brought about by the rapid division of a group of cells at the tip. These cells divide to produce the root cells on one side, and root-cap cells on the other. The root cap cells are loose and easily pushed off and, being continuously replenished, they protect the root tip from injury as it pushes through the soil.
        In transverse section it can be seen that each rootlet has a single layer of large cells surrounding a fine central core of conducting tissue. The fungus grows around these roots and grows into the large outer cells and forms complex coils within them.

FIG. 16. Flower prepared for pollina-     tion, showing removal of the anthers     and part of the corolla. This must be     done before the bud opens as other-     wise pollination may already have     occurred.

Some Practical Considerations For
Hybridizers and Seedling Raisers.
        For those interested in raising species or hybrids from seed, a detailed knowledge of the growth and reproduction of rhododendrons can be of considerable use. Some of the practical aspects are examined below.

Emasculation
        Because of the strong tendency for cross-pollination to occur, open-pollinated seed is notoriously unreliable except from plants growing in the wild or which flower at a time when there is nothing else for them to be crossed with. Hence, under garden conditions hand pollination is essential, and even this must be combined with measures which render cross-pollination impossible.
        Firstly, if a cross is to be attempted, all the anthers must be removed from the flowers of the seed parent before the buds open, preferably well before if you wish to avoid self-pollination, since in many species and hybrids the pollen is mature and can be easily dislodged several days before the flowers open. It is usually easiest to remove most of the corolla with scissors and then cut off the anthers. (Figure 16).

Pollination
        Many authorities say that following the removal of the anthers, the flowers should then be covered with a bag and left till the stigmas mature before pollination is carried out. It is certainly easy to get the pollen to stick on if this is done, but it is much less bother to carry out the emasculation, pollination, bagging and labeling as part of the one operation. Because of the threads amongst the pollen grains a mass of pollen can usually be wound round the stigma even if it is not yet sticky. The proportion of "takes" following pollination at this time is no less than when it is carried out later when the stigmas have matured. If it proves too difficult to attach a mass of pollen to an immature stigma, it can be wetted with a drop of water, or even better, a 10% sugar solution (two ounces in one pint of water). Under laboratory conditions rhododendron pollen has been shown to germinate and grow very well in such a solution. However, with a little practice, it should not be necessary to have to resort to such devices.

FIG. 17. Pollination is easily carried out using               an anther held by the filament. Anthers               must be taken from unopened buds,                since those from open flowers may be               contaminated with pollen from else-                where.

        The easiest way to pollinate a stigma is to hold an anther by the filament and touch the pollen against the stigma and allow it to be pulled through the pores (Figure 17). The use of camel-hair brushes, or forceps, is finicky and they have to be sterilized between each use if contamination with unwanted pollen is to be avoided. The hands, of course, should always be thoroughly washed if there is any chance of their carrying unwanted pollen. It should always be remembered that pollen should be taken from unopened flowers only, as otherwise one cannot be certain that it has not become mixed with pollen from other flowers.
        Following pollination the flowers should be enclosed in a bag and left there till the stigmas wither and are no longer receptive. Brown paper bags are the best. They shade the flowers and allow movement of moisture and gases in and out. Plastic, cellophane, or waxed paper bags are much less satisfactory. They retain moisture, which encourages the development of moulds, and, if sunlight strikes them, the flowers heat up and may well be injured, since they are in a water saturated atmosphere and are not cooled by evaporation from their surfaces as they would otherwise be.
        Failure to emasculate properly, to bag the flowers, and to take pollen only from unopened flowers are undoubtedly the factors responsible for some of the unlikely-sounding parentages recorded in the Rhododendron Stud Book.

Pollen Storage
        Very often the most desirable crosses turn out to be those between species which do not flower at the same time, or in which there is no overlap between the opening of the last flowers of one and the first of the other. This problem can easily be overcome by storing pollen, which keeps quite well in a dry atmosphere, and will remain viable for quite long periods, probably several months, if kept in a refrigerator. It has recently been reported that dry pollen will keep for several years if frozen, and there is little doubt that pollen collected in the northern hemisphere in May could be used to pollinate flowers in the southern hemisphere in the following October.
        If anthers are collected from flowers about to open and laid out in a matchbox or some other small container, and placed in the refrigerator with one end of the box slightly open, they will dry out and the pollen will remain viable for a couple of months at least, which is all most people want. The more sophisticated may wish to store their pollen in gelatin capsules over silica gel in a sealed container, although for most purposes this is an unnecessary refinement. However, it is quite easy to do. The anthers are placed in gelatin capsules, or folded in pieces of paper, which are just as good, and placed in a jar with some silica gel. The silica gel should be blue (if it is pink, heat it in the oven until it goes blue) and can be kept in place in the bottom of the jar with a layer of cotton wool. The jar should be tightly sealed to exclude moisture. If the gel starts to go pink it should be replaced or reheated at once.
        The only alternative to pollen storage is a retardation or advancement of the flowering time of one or other of the proposed parents. This, of course, is much more bother and is unnecessary. Ordinarily it doesn't matter which of the parents is the seed parent as, in spite of the claims of some, geneticists are of the opinion that the progeny will be similar either way. However, if a cross is found not to take it is always worth trying the reverse cross.

Seed Harvesting
        "In autumn, at the first sign of the capsules splitting, they should be carefully harvested and stored in a cool, dry place, etc., etc.,", say many authorities, and good advice it is too. Then when the capsules have dried out fully and split open, the seed can be shaken out, placed in a packet, and stored.
        The impatient rhododendron breeder, however, may wish to be a bit more reckless. If the capsules are picked a month, or even more, before they are expected to mature and allowed to dry out, they can be broken open (they don't usually split if picked green) and viable seeds obtained. These usually look rather pale compared with those from mature capsules but, if they are sown at once, they germinate and a new generation gets under way earlier than would otherwise be possible.
        It may be that these immature seeds do not keep as long as those from ripe capsules, but then they wouldn't have been harvested early if they weren't going to be sown at once.

Seed Storage
        The same remarks apply here as did for pollen storage, except that seeds of most rhododendrons will keep for at least twelve months at room temperature. The seeds of the Malesian species and their hybrids seem to be short-lived, however, and don't seem to remain viable for long whatever you do. No doubt there has been no reason for the Malesian species to evolve a prolonged seed viability, since they come from tropical climates in which there is little variation the year round, whatever the altitude.
        "The cool, dry place" we hear so much about is, of course, the best one in which to keep seeds of most kinds, since they stay alive longest at low temperature and humidity. In refrigerators most rhododendron seeds will remain viable for at least two years and perhaps much longer.

Seed Raising

FIG. 18. Pots sown with seeds are stood in                  half an inch of water in a container,                  which is enclosed in a plastic bag.                  If the whole thing is stood in good                  light, but not direct sunlight, at 70-                  75�F, germination should ensue                  within 14 days.

        As everyone knows, seeds need moisture, air, and warmth to germinate, and they won't get far after that if there isn't some light as well. An open compost with good water-retaining ability is the best and temperatures around 70-75�F., although most rhododendrons will germinate at somewhat lower temperatures. While everyone has his or her own favorite compost, pure peat seems very reliable and eucalyptus sawdust seems to work very well too. The surface should then be moistened and anchored down with a fine spray of water, such as that provided by an atomizer.
        A simple way of raising seedlings is to plant the seeds in a small plastic pot, which is stood in half an inch of water in a tin or some other suitable container, and the whole thing enclosed in a plastic bag (Figure 18) and stood in good light but where no direct sunlight falls. When the cotyledons have expanded, it is a good idea to remove the bag and sprinkle the surface of the pot with sand (preferably sterilized by autoclaving or boiling in water) to anchor the seedlings. The bag should then be replaced but left open a little at one end. This reduces the humidity and the seedlings harden off. After about a week the bag can be removed permanently, then, a few days later, a little direct sunlight will do no harm.. The pot is kept damp by adding water to the tin as required.
        If the seedlings are crowded, it is wise at this stage to thin them with forceps, so that those left are about a quarter of an inch apart. The pot can then be watered with a soluble fertilizer and subsequent applications made very three or four weeks. As soon as one or two leaves have expanded the pot can be removed from the tin and gentle overhead watering commenced.

FIG. 19. Provided temperatures are high                  enough, rhododendrons can be                  kept growing continuously if kept                  near a light bulb which is left                  switched on. This prevents the                  onset of dormancy when the day                  length is short. The light bulb is                  used merely to prevent dormancy                  not to serve as a supplementary                  source of light for growth.

        It is usually a good idea to transplant the seedlings to individual pots before they get too crowded, as otherwise diseases, such as Botrytis blight, may break out. A watch should be kept too for mites and insect pests and appropriate control measures carried out where necessary.

Supplementary Light
        Unless you live in a frost-free climate or have a glasshouse or growth room, it is not worth worrying about artificial light of any sort. However, if temperatures remain high enough for growth to take place throughout the year, supplementary light enables the seedlings to keep growing continuously. Otherwise, as the days shorten and temperatures begin to fall at the end of their first season, they will become dormant.
        The response of plants to day-length is in fact very largely a response to night-length. As the nights lengthen the plant becomes dormant. By lighting the plants for a short period in the middle of the night, the dark period is divided into two short "nights" and no dormancy occurs. The plants just keep on growing, provided temperatures are high enough.
        The intensity of light needed is very small, and, since the wavelengths required to affect the day-length response are at the red end of the spectrum, ordinary incandescent light bulbs are as good as anything. Without acquiring any complex apparatus, the desired effect can be achieved by hanging a bulb above the seedlings and leaving it on all night, or, more simply, all the time (Figure 19). The ordinary daylight provides the plants with the energy they need for growth and the light bulb stops them becoming dormant.
        Sooner or later the plants will have to be transferred to the natural seasonal regime, and this should be done in late spring or summer so that the plants can adjust before the days shorten. Then they will become dormant in the usual manner in the autumn. However as a result of the early seed harvest and treatment with supplementary light, the seedlings should be pleasingly large 18 months after pollination.

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R. hodgsonii at the Blake Garden
Hadley Osborn, El Cerrito. California

R. hodgsonii Blake Garden

        While making a pilgrimage to the University of California Blake Garden early last spring to view their R. giganteum, my eye was struck by a marvelously appealing truss on a nearby plant. Fortunately Dr. Evans was able to dash out with me a couple of days later and take the accompanying picture. Nothing whatsoever is known about the history of this plant but it keys out readily to R. hodgsonii. The flowers are lighter and more rose than apparently is average. As with the English award clone 'Poet's Lawn', which also has lighter than normal flowers, they gain in appeal thereby.
        The leaf underneath the truss was turned over to show the indumentum underneath at my suggestion and out of my own pure ignorance. Having not then done my homework I didn't know that the most distinctive things about R. hodgsonii foliage were the silvery flecks that persist on the top side of the leaves and which it has become almost obligatory to describe as "mica-like". The leaves do have these flecks, but you'll note that no leaves at all appear directly under the truss. In truth, the plant appears to have had a checkered past and has a definite lean and hungry look. It is a pleasure to report that this year's growth was sleek and strong, and the plant appears no longer in danger.

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R. aurigernum x 'Pink Delight"
J. P. Evans, M.D., Oakland, California

R. aurigeranum x 'Pink Delight' Photo by J. P. Evans, M.D.

        R. aurigeranum is a native species of New Guinea and is found there as a shrub 3 - 6 feet in height. It has orange-yellow funnel shaped corollas 3 inches long with 8 to 10 per truss. This species was first described in 1960 by Sleumer.
        R. "Pink Delight" is a complex parentage Javanicum hybrid dating back to the late 19th century hybridizing efforts of the Veitch collection.
        We are indebted to Tom Lelliott of Australia for this hybrid. It was grown from seed sent to Pete Sullivan of Strybing Arboretum. And it further illustrates the wide range of pastel colors in yellow-orange, pink-red possibilities that the Vireya section has to offer. It's corollas are the size of R. aurigeranum with superb shades of watermelon pink which show subtle color change depending upon the individual maturity of the florets of the truss. This plant has good growth habit and would be an addition to outdoor gardens where it can be grown; and to green house culture anywhere.

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Nominating Committee Reports

The following is a list of the nominees from which four Directors will be elected in 1972. Those names receiving the highest number of votes will be elected for a term of 3 years. Enclosed with this issue is your ballot. Please vote for four and return immediately.
SIDNEY V. BURNS: Collector, hybridizer, and propagator. Active A.R.S. over ten years. Former President N. Y. Chapter, recipient ARS Bronze Medal. President Long Island Horticultural Society.
ROY W. CLARK: Early Officer Tacoma Chapter and first President of Olympia Chapter. Nurseryman and hybridizer. Frequent judge at Pacific Northwest Shows.
DR. J. HAROLD CLARKE: Incumbent. Former President of A.R.S. Editor of ARS Quarterly for seven years. Nurseryman, author, and Past President Washington State Nurserymen's Association.
FRED GALLE: Incumbent, Director of Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia. Former President American Horticultural Society. Active member Middle Atlantic Chapter.
DONALD KELLAM, M.D.: Orthopedic surgeon in Charlotte, N.C. Amateur grower and propagator. Active in National and Chapter meetings. Assisted in formation of Piedmont Chapter ARS.
DR. DAVID G. LEACH: Noted breeder and author. Honored by ARS and RHS for achievement. First President Great Lakes Chapter. President American Horticultural Society.
F. OWEN PEARCE: Past President California Chapter. Frequent visitor to noted gardens in Europe. Editor of California Horticultural Journal. Has exhibited and judged Chapter Shows for many years.
LAWRENCE J. PIERCE: Past President Seattle Rhododendron Study Club. Active member Seattle Chapter. Nurseryman, propagator and collector.
BISHOP VON WETTBERG: Judge of Probate Court, enthusiastic collector and nurseryman. Charter member and former President Connecticut Chapter. Member International Plant Propagator's Association.

Respectfully submitted, 
     John P. Evans, M.D. 
     Mrs. Emil Hager 
     Britt M. Smith 
     Ernest H. Yelton, M.D. 
     P. H. Brydon, Chairman

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Gold Medal Citation for Edward Dunn
Presented at 1971 Annual Meeting

FIG. 20. Mr. Edward B. Dunn, Past President of the A.R.S. accepting the                  Gold Medal from Dr. Carl Phetteplace at the Annual Meeting in                  Philadelphia.      Photo by P. H. Brydon

        The qualities of true leadership are found in few men, but the American Rhododendron Society is fortunate to have been served by a man who has these qualities in abundance. A wise counselor, thoughtful chairman, and above all, a gentleman, Edward Dunn has contributed generously to virtually every activity of the Society.
        A charter member and one of the first presidents of the Seattle Chapter, Edward has continued to contribute in a major way to the success of chapter activities while traveling widely on behalf of the Society. Most recently he has been active in the planning stages and has been instrumental in the acquisition of land for a major Rhododendron Test Garden in the Seattle area.
        A long-standing director of the American Rhododendron Society, he has served the National Society with distinction. As Vice-President and President, his accomplishments over the years have been meaningful and lasting. None has been more significant, however, than his efforts in strengthening the ties that make the Society a truly national organization. It is a mark of genuine dedication that after retiring as President, rather than taking a well-deserved rest, he directed his talents to a new challenge and accepted the presidency of the Rhododendron Species Foundation.
        Therefore, in recognition of the full measure of energy, wisdom, and leadership he has given, the American Rhododendron Society takes pride in presenting to Edward Dunn its highest honor, the Gold Medal.

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A Species Enthusiast Speaks
Dennis MacMullan, Greenwich, Conn.
Extract from paper written for ARS, New York Chapter.

FIG. 22. R. fulvum, in new growth.                  Photo by Cecil Smith

        My garden is located approximately one mile from Long Island sound. I am sufficiently elevated to be able to see across the sound to the North Shore of Long Island. My garden is very small, but since there are hardly more than three square yards that are level, I can accommodate far more plants than could be grown in a more "normal" planting site. A built-in advantage to this site is that drainage is aided considerably - and as we all know, poor drainage is one of the surest assassins of Rhododendrons. In our hot summers, excess water around a plant is a certain invitation to that unwanted guest Phytophthora cinnamomi - "Root Rot". I hope none of you have ever had the displeasure of a visit by "old droopy" but if you have, you know his calling card - not just one dead plant, but often everything in the area.
        Species offer the enthusiast one thing (at least) that most hybrids do not - wide variance in leaf form, etc. This is even more true in the Northeast where most of the Maddenii, Irroratum, and Neriiflorum Series hybrids are not hardy. Since we live with our plants 52 weeks a year (some of us do get two weeks off for good behavior) and our plants flower (?) for about two weeks, shouldn't we try some varieties that will bring us pleasure for the remaining period of the year? Enter species!
        In a small way I have been trying to work with certain species which have something to offer in three areas: (1) Excellent leaf form, plant habit, and often presence of indumentum (2) Flower color (3) Leaf retention.
        The following list is comprised of species that have been winter hardy for me (with a little effort) for at least 2 winters (and summers). In winter I use burlap wind-breaks and also recommend a covering with salt-hay (which I have not yet used, but intend to this year.) Mice often tunnel in salt-hay and may chomp on plant leaves as a salad course so you have to be alert. It should pay off, however.

FIG. 24. R. crinigerum, Rock 2, showing                   flower buds.                     Photo by Carl Phetteplace

        I work almost exclusively with cutting-grown plants because I have found that when working with specific clones of species there is considerable variance when selfed. Often no seed at all develops. Also when working with these "borderline" plants you will have more going for you initially with a rooted plant in your effort to bring it through a few winters. When the plant has proven itself to your satisfaction, seedlings can be developed.
        I will not touch on Series that are probably being grown by most of you - Lapponicum, Ponticum, Fortunei, etc. There are a number of species within these series that are not being widely grown and I will mention them. Perhaps some of you will try a few listed - they are all marvelous plants. I hope this will be of some help so that you will benefit from some of my painful experiences. I have lost many plants due to over-fertilization (don't do it!), borers and other hazards. I fully expect to lose more - but at least not for the same reasons. However each year a plant survives, its chances of surviving for another year are greatly increased - older plants can survive increased adversity. Thus, those of you involved in hybridizing programs may really have something to work with if you can develop some of these species into sturdy plants. The rewards are far greater than the effort involved. That is the only thing I will guarantee.
        There are other plants that I am trying (and intend to try) but they have not yet passed the test of "2 winters". Obviously there are many deciduous azalea species that should be developed such as the very prostrate R. nakaharae, R. amagianum, R. sanctum, R. wadanum, R. quinquefolium (a marvelous plant), R. serpyllifolium, etc.

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Planting Fields Arboretum Revisited
Fred E. Knapp, Locust Valley, New York

FIG. 23. Some of the handsome trees in the Planting Fields                      Arboretum.           Gottscho photo.

        Many members may fondly remember Planting Fields Arboretum, in Oyster Bay, Long Island, 'New York, site of the 1965 ARS Annual Meeting. For those others who have a collection of quarterly bulletins, a series of very fine photographs of Arboretum features is included in the 1965 issues (primarily January) along with a description of the collection and its history and purposes by Director Gordon E. Jones. It would be inappropriate to repeat Mr. Jones' complete article, but there are many ARS members who have joined since 1965 and do not have a collection of old quarterlies. A briefer commentary should interest these and bring us all up to date on the progress of this matchless horticultural institution as modern society closes in on our plant world.
        Planting Fields was the private estate of William R. Coe. Mr. Coe spent 45 years collecting fine and rare trees and shrubs, of which the rhododendron family was one of his particular favorites. His earliest purchase of rhododendrons was a large shipment of catawbiense hybrids from the Anthony Waterer nursery in England in 1916. Many of these are now extremely large specimens and make a magnificent show each year. Tender large flowered hybrids were added over the years, and a surprising number of these have flourished under the tall oaks and pines of the Rhododendron Park. In later years. Mr. Coe obtained Dexter hybrids from the Parker estate (now owned by Dorothy Schlaikjer of the N. Y. Chapter) and gave some of them family names such as Mrs. W. R. Coe, Mr. W. R. Coe, etc.
        In 1949, Mr. Coe presented Planting Fields to the people of the State of New York, and at his death in 1955 control was assumed by the State University system. Under the terms of the gift, the property was to be used as a public arboretum and horticultural training center, maintained by the State. Assistance in developing its potential as an educational center in horticulture and in improving and extending the plant collection was also provided by the establishment of the Planting Fields Foundation, funded from Mr. Coe's estate.
        Among the many Long Islanders enjoying Planting Fields (250,000 people a year is the most current rate of attendance), members of the New York Chapter of ARS are some of the most frequent and fortunate. Many meetings and cut truss shows have been held there. Many wonderful hours have been spent in the azalea walk, rhododendron park, the developing species garden, and the fascinating Synoptic Garden displaying a variety of shrubs and plants most successful in the Long Island area. The great house with its wide lawns and immense specimen trees provides not only a horticultural experience but one of a beauty and quality of life which none can hope to match in our time or our apparent future. Even the rich today cannot be rich in developed land and plant material as they could in our grandfathers' times. It is not well to envy, yet it is not well to have nothing to envy. In losing, through soaring taxes and labor costs, the opportunity for the wealthy to develop property as they once did, the majority of us have lost the opportunity to feel what horticultural beauty, what specimen plants in their proper setting, what nature with man's intelligence and labor added can do for the quality of man's life. One can never own beauty, but can become immersed in it without clutching a title deed. So it has been for the appreciative Visitor to Planting Fields.
        As all of us do when things are going well, the regular users of Planting Fields complacently have believed that nothing could disturb such a comfortable day-dream. Not so! New York State in 1970 entered a budget emergency situation. Cost cutting, shifting of responsibilities, readjustment of priorities, political realities and accounting procedures combined to produce a sudden shift of the administration of Planting Fields out of the especially budget sensitive State University system into the Parks Department. The latter was unfortunately unaware of the shift until it occurred, and was therefore unprepared and unfunded. As a result, Planting Fields Arboretum was closed to the public in July of 1971. It will remain so until at least next April. To reopen at that time requires reinstatement of adequate funds in the coming budget. That budget is as difficult for the State as was the one which resulted in closing. There is no guarantee that we can return to our daydream so soon.
        Many interested parties from different segments of the Long Island community, including most garden clubs and plant societies, have banded together to form a society called "Friends of Planting Fields". The society is now in existence, with the immediate purposes of raising emergency funds for winter greenhouse operations and of organizing the community for political action to assure a budget big enough to maintain Planting Fields and reopen it next spring. If this can be accomplished, the "Friends" will go on to help develop the educational and horticultural potential of the Arboretum in every way possible, always remaining alert to the kind of emergency that has brought the group into existence.
        On Long Island, we are no longer complacent. We hope we can return our Arboretum to its proper function and preserve it thus. If you, the reader, and your horticultural friends, have such a treasure in your midst supported by public funds, do not be complacent. Form your defenses now, get to know how funds are obtained and how they are inserted into the budget, what political figures are involved, and which ones might help. If possible, form an auxiliary organization allied to the institution you would protect. A great deal of help can be offered by such a group in increasing the resources of the chosen institution, a great deal of enjoyment can be had by the workers, and most important, the community can be alert and ready to defend its treasures. So long as there is a clear understanding and a sense of service rather than proprietorship on the part of such groups, they should always be welcomed by the institutional staff involved.
        The New York Chapter is of course participating in the "Friends of Planting Fields" and its efforts. We hope to see the Arboretum reopened and continuing to grow, and some day perhaps to see another National ARS Meeting on the site, made more beautiful than ever by the passing years. We hope, too, that others will learn from our present emergency and try to prevent the loss of horticultural beauty wherever it may be threatened by the problems of modern government finance, population pressure or commercial encroachment so typical today.

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Philadelphia Chapter Bronze Medal Citation 

CHARLES HERBERT

WHEREAS, you possess a great enthusiasm and an extensive knowledge of the genus Rhododendron and have used these attributes to the benefit of the genus in a number of ways, to wit; the collection of many valuable species and hybrids, the dissemination of plants, cuttings, pollen and seed nationally as well as locally:
WHEREAS, you have had a vast influence on many other people in relation to the genus in numerous ways, to wit; you have kindled their interest in using the genus in their landscapes, you have inspired them to great productive efforts and provided counsel and facilities for their work, you have accumulated your own excellent color slides and have not only used these in many presentations but have made them available for others, you have willingly shared your great storehouse of knowledge of the genus:
WHEREAS, you have demonstrated your interest in the society in several ways, to wit; by being a charter member and a past president of two chapters and by providing the present meeting place for one;
BE IT THEREFORE KNOWN that the Philadelphia Chapter hereby confers upon you, Charles Herbert, the Bronze Medal Award of the American Rhododendron Society on this fourteenth day of May, 1971.

(For photo of C. Herbert accepting Bronze Medal, see ARS Bulletin Vo. 25, No. 3, Page 137.)

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MEASUREMENTS Oregon State University Extension Service

One of the more frustrating jobs sometimes is that of converting pesticide rates from pounds per 100 gallons to smaller proportions. Then just as we get started, the telephone rings and 10 minutes later one says "Where was I?" Listed below are some fungicide measures that you might find of help. Remember that because of the difference in bulk density, the weight of a tablespoonful of a variety of fungicides will vary.

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