262 2'he Storj of a irhite Camellia. 



and prove a paying crop. To those versed in horticulture I would simply remark, 

 that we annually import roses in quantity ; that they are raised in immense quanti- 

 ties by our florists, and yet the demand is greater than the supply. Florida is the 

 home of the rose, and in one year from cuttings plants will attain a remarkable size ; 

 and we are satisfied that their production would prove remunerative. If any of your 

 readers could see with what luxuriance camellias and gardenias grow in the South, 

 they would agree with me that there is money^in their culture. My impression is, 

 that there are openings in Florida for nurseries. Grape vines, fruit trees and orna- 

 mental plants are obtained from the Northern States, On the main lines of travel 

 there is a constant and increasing demand for cut flowers during the winter months. 

 During the course of last winter 40,000 persons visited the State ; and it is probable 

 that the majority possessed floral taste, and would have purchased cut flowers, but 

 they could not be obtained. 



On the main lines of travel during the winter months there is a constant demand 

 for superior vegetables, but they are not produced. As one source of income, I may 

 refer to the annual demand in our Northern cities for tuberoses and liliums ; and 

 with cheap land and cheap labor, I see no reason why these bulbs cannot be profit- 

 ably grown. With cheap lands, inexpensive houses, cheap lumber, a hospitable peo- 

 ple, frequent summer rains, vegetables the year round, meat at from five to seven 

 cents per pound, game and fish in plenty, in many localities a bracing sea breeze and 

 perfect health, I see no reason why emigrants should wander westward and slave for 

 six months to raise sufiicient to keep themselves and stock for the other six. In con- 

 clusion, we may remark that planting an orange grove will pay better than any other 

 description of fruit culture in the United States; that with carefully-prepared soil, 

 selected varieties, and fair culture, the planter may anticipate a return of from $500 

 to $1,000 per acre per annum. 



If you shall deem it of sufiicient importance, I shall only be too happy to supply 

 reliable data regarding soil, climate and productions of the State ; and may remark, 

 that I cannot consent to reply to letters ; but if any of your readers desire informa- 

 tion, I shall only to be too happy to welcome them to my residence and furnish such 



information as I may have obtained regarding the State. 



♦-» 



The Story of a White Camellia. 



THE following beautiful sketch is translated from the German, showing the love of 

 queen Josephine for the Camellia, to whom it is said is to be given the credit of 

 the first introduction of this stately flower within her lovely home : 



The time of roses is done ; quickly done I — as ever — it is gone. Summer and 

 autumn rustled by like a dream and gathered all the flowers in their train. Only in 

 great quiet rooms of palm-tree houses and winter-gardens are found bright blossoms 

 and buds, which flourish in spite of the stern winter-king, who frowns on everything 

 but his ice-flowers and tendrils. 



It is the proud camellia which now unfolds her glossy leaves, polishes the folds of 

 her drapery and salutes us above them ; graceful as a princess. There seems to be 

 something embodied in this charming, unapproachable flower, that reminds us of the 

 words " Touch not the queen." With unspeakably earnest eyes, it gazes upon us 



