NOVEMBER. 321 



CAMELLIA " COUNTESS OF DERBY." 



(Plate 157.) 



This truly fine Camellia, like many others of our best varieties, 

 is of Italian origin, Mr. Veitch having imported it from Italy 

 during the autumn of 1856. Having seen the plants when in 

 bloom last spring, we can answer for the following description, 

 taken from Mr. Veitch's catalogue just published, being strictly 

 correct : — " The flowers are of immense size, and of a clear 

 white, broadly and distinctly flaked with deep rose; the 

 individual petals are of fine form and great substance, and 

 most beautifully reflexed, which gives the flowers an effect 

 second to no other in cultivation. It is of vigorous habit, with 

 foliage of a peculiarly rich green." Our own impression when 

 looking at the plants last spring was that it was the finest 

 Camellia in cultivation, and which opinion we think will be 

 borne out by all who take it into cultivation when it comes to 

 bloom. 



In our May number we gave a list of a few sterling new 

 varieties which all growers of Camellias should have. Quite 

 as much has been done by way of improving the form and 

 properties of the Camellia as with the Azalea, Rhododendron, 

 and other favourite flowers of the florist, though this is a fact 

 not generally known. Take a few kinds, as the Double White, 

 Eimbriata, Chandlerii, Imbricata, Colvillii, Beali, and one or 

 two others from the old collections, and the rest will stand no 

 comparison whatever with the magnificent kinds now to be had 

 at ordinary prices. The new kinds being principally European 

 hybrids are also of much more vigorous habit than the 

 originally imported species, and sooner make specimen plants. 

 We have before alluded to the great value of the Camellia 

 to country residences as a conservatory plant for the winter, 

 and also for decorating corridors, halls, &c, it has no com- 

 petitor ; and we hope the day is not far distant when the same 

 care and attention will be bestowed on it as is now done in 

 many places on the continent, when we feel satisfied it will be 

 as highly prized. A cool shady house for its summer growth, 

 and protection from frost during winter, are all this noble tribe 

 requires to form those magnificent sjjecimens which they are 

 capable of becoming when otherwise suitably grown. 



In a note on this Camellia, Mr. Veitch, jun., informs us 

 that it is at present profusely covered with buds, and that as 

 he has propagated it extensively he hopes soon to be able to 

 send it out. 



VOL. XII., NO. CXLIII. 



