68 THE FLORIST. 



both seasons, and with nearly equal success ; but, as a general rule, 

 I prefer spring- shifting. 



The editor of the Gardeners' Chronicle has correctly stated that 

 the Camellia is not a greenhouse plant ; nevertheless, although this 

 is strictly true, it succeeds best when treated as a hardy greenhouse 

 shrub. If it be kept in a temperature above freezing, it will thrive 

 better than if grown in a warmer atmosphere. Camellias, however, 

 like an increase of warmth and plenty of moisture when they are 

 making their new wood ; and to ensure a good display of bloom, 

 this latter must be thoroughly ripened. After they have ripened 

 their wood and set their flower-buds, they may be placed in the 

 open air, or retained in the greenhouse, according to circumstances. 

 If kept in the greenhouse, as much air as possible should be ad- 

 mitted, and the foliage may be occasionally sprinkled with water, 

 which will keep it clean and healthy. On this latter point much 

 depends ; for it is in the leaves that the sap, under the influence of 

 light, undergoes those changes in its composition by which it be- 

 comes capable of forming the various compounds required in the 

 plant's economy. The roots, too, must be kept in a proper state as 

 to moisture. 



In cases in which it is not convenient to use large pots, Camel- 

 lias may be kept in health by watering them occasionally, during 

 their growing season, with weak liquid manure, which will in some 

 measure restore to the soil the fertilising qualities of which it has 

 become deficient. 



It now remains for me to speak of propagation, which is, how- 

 ever, more the province of the nurseryman than of the amateur; 

 and yet so much interest attaches to the offspring of one's own 

 handiwork, that, for the benefit of those who like to amuse themselves 

 in this kind of employment, which is as instructive as it is pleasant, 

 I will add, that Camellias are increased by inarching, grafting, and 

 budding on the single red and Middlemas red, cuttings of both of which 

 strike readily. These latter should be taken off in August or Sep- 

 tember, as soon as the young shoots are ripe. They are prepared by 

 being cut through horizontally at a joint, or better taken off with 

 a " heel," divesting them of a few leaves at the base, and potting 

 them in sand. They should then be well watered, and the pots 

 placed in a cold frame for a month or six weeks. They may then be 

 introduced into a gentle bottom heat, and potted off* into small pots 

 next spring ; still keeping them in heat until they have made their 

 growths, then gradually hardening them off. In the succeeding 

 season they will be ready to be inarched, budded, or grafted. The 

 best time for inarching is in spring, just before the plant begins to 

 grow ; and for grafting, in August or September. 



Chelsea. George Macintosh. 



