Azalea
a genus of plants belonging to the order ericaceæ (heathworts). Several foreign azaleas are cultivated in gardens and greenhouses on account of the abundance of their fine flowers, and, in some cases, their fragrant smell. There are numerous varieties of the species, and hybids may be formed between azalea and the nearlyallied genus rhododendron. Azaleas are best cultivated in a peaty soil. The most delicate species is azalea indica.
AZEGLIO (ä-zāl'yō), MASSIMO TAPARELLI, MARQUIS D', an Italian author, artist, diplomatist, and statesman, born at Turin, in 1801, was the descendant of an ancient and noble Piedmontese family. At the age of 14 he was, excommunicated for an assault upon his teacher, who was an ecclesiastic.
In 1816 he accompanied his father to Rome, where he he studied painting and music. In 1830 he married the daughter The earliest of these, of Manzoni, the great novelist, and wrote several romances. several romances. The earliest of these, "Ettore Fieramosca," published in 1833, found great favor. His next romance, "Niccolò de' Lapi," published eight years afterward, became equally popular, and is esteemed by Italian critics the best historical novel in any language. In 1842 Azeglio abandoned his favorite pur- AZERBAIJAN suits, and, with his friends, Balbo and sake of strengthening its defense. The Gioberti, he made a tour through the provinces of Italy, awakening the revolutionary spirit which troubled the last years of Gregory XVI. After the Revolution of 1848 he supported the cause of the King of Piedmont, and, at the head of the Papal troops, fought against the Austrians at Vicenza, where he was wounded. In 1849, Victor Emmanuel appointed him President of the Cabinet of Ministers, which office he resigned in 1852 to his political adversary, Count Cavour.
In 1859, after the peace of Villafranca, he undertook a confidential mission as Ambassador Extraordinary to England; and was afterward appointed governor of the city of Milan. He died Jan. 15, 1866.