Plate 430. 

 CAMELLIA LA M^STOSA. 



The culture of the Camellia does not make that progress with 

 us that its merits so justly entitle it to ; blooming at the season 

 at which it does, giving flowers of such exquisite form and 

 such beauty of coloui-, it is assuredly a plant which ought to be 

 everywhere well grown, nor does it present any difficulties in 

 cultivation, for we are persuaded that there is not one that 

 will endure anything like the treatment that the Camellia will. 

 We have seen it well grown in dusty rooms, and miserably grown 

 in well-built greenhouses, while all kinds of soil are used, and 

 it endeavours to accommodate itself to all. 



A great deal has been said and written lately on the subject 

 of Camellia culture and the dropping of the flower-buds, of 

 which so many have to complain, and many reasons have been 

 given for this. There are a few things which we consider are 

 oftentimes overlooked, and on which good culture a great deal 

 depends : in the first place, we think, as a general rule. Camellias 

 are over potted with us ; we have seen, both in Belgium and 

 France, very large plants grown in comparatively small pots, 

 and we believe that there is not the necessity that some imagine 

 there is for an annual potting of the plants, as good top-dressing 

 would be, we think, sufficient every alternate year ; then there 

 is no question, that the Camellia will take a great deal more 

 moisture than it oftentimes gets, especially when the buds are 

 swelling ; moreover, we think that very often sufficient care is 

 not taken to prevent the ingress of worms into the pots, and 

 wlien much water is required, good drainage (which is apt to be 



