ALE3CINA CAMET.MA. 3 



and those whose only object is to make wood. The production of 

 blossoms is another thing ; and in the case of luxuriant plants, this 

 can only be done by a temporary check of some kind, the best of 

 which is, in my opinion, limiting the supply of water at the root, 

 and not calling a new series of fibres into play until the blossom-buds 

 are decidedly formed. Repot Camellias when they require it, which 

 is soon after they have made their young growth — as soon as the 

 young leaves are perfectly developed, and the end of the young wood 

 at the point of junction with the wood of the former year begins to 

 turn a little brown and the flower-buds can be just seen. The ball 

 of the plant should be rather moist at shifting ; and when it is in a 

 pot-bound state, it should be immersed in tepid water for an hour, 

 about three days previous, allowing a day or two for the superfluous 

 water to drain away before potting ; place the ball immediately on 

 the moss. After shifting, the plants must be placed in the green- 

 house, &c. 



The thermometer is kept during the season of growth from 60 D to 

 65° by day, and 50° to 55° by night. The treatment is now of a 

 close and moist character, giving air in moderation and with caution 

 every morning, from ten o'clock until noon, and then, unless very hot 

 weather, shutting close up. A little fire-heat is given every morning, 

 from seven o'clock until eleven, when it is taken away until four 

 o'clock, and then applied for the evening ; the temperature being 

 from 65° to 10° by day, and from 55 to 60" by night, and accom- 

 panied with a free circulation of air, avoiding all cold winds. The 

 main business now is the concentration of those principles which form 

 tbc future blossom -bud, now in an incipient state j strong action of 

 the root with free watering, and an overmoist atmosphere, will readily 

 convert the would-be blossom-bud into a second shoot. The plants 

 are now very sparingly watered ; in fact, a good smart syringing 

 every afternoon immediately the air was taken away, say four o'clock, 

 js nearly sufficient. A Utile fire should be made every afternoon, 

 except on warm sunny days, about two o'clock ; but put it entirely 

 out about five o'clock, as it is only requisite to warm the pipes or 

 flues sufficiently to produce a genial vapour for the night ; and half 

 an hour after the fire is pulled out, the flues and floor are saturated 

 with water, to be evaporated by the next day's ventilation. 



When the bud is formed it requires feeding ; and the fire must be 



a 2 



