ON THE CULTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE CAMELLIA. 267 



time from the beginning to the end of June, place the plants out of 

 doors, either under a north wall, or other shelter, where they will get 

 no sun except in the morning and evening, and where they are well 

 sheltered from the wind ; the increase of heat mentioned above to be 

 given whilst the shoots are young and tender ensures abundance of 

 blossom buds. 



Watering. — When the plants are potted, and during the whole 

 time they are subjected to a high temperature, syringe or sprinkle, 

 with a rose watering pot, over the leaves every morning or evening 

 in fine weather, and give a plentiful supply of water at the roots. 



Shading. — From the middle of March to the end of September 

 camellias are unable to endure a full exposure to the mid-day rays of 

 the sun, which invariably cause the leaves to blotch and become 

 yellow ; always, therefore, throw a net or other slight shade over the 

 glass in sunny weather, from 10 till 3 or 4 o'clock. 



Worms.— Whilst the plants are out of doors, worms will occasion- 

 ally effect an entrance into the pots, unless the pots are placed on a 

 prepared floor, or piece of slate be put under each ; to effectually 

 prevent damage, water with clear lime water at the roots. 



Housing.— In the first week in October take the plants into the 

 greenhouse, or other cool place. As you wish them to come into 

 flower, remove successively into temperature of 60 or 65 degrees. 

 When the buds are near expanding, keep the heat regular, or the buds 

 will fall without opening ; when expanded, remove to any light, cool 

 place, and the flowers will continue a long time. 



Insects. — The only insects infesting the camellia are the thrips 

 (Thrips physapus), the chermes (Psylla cratregi), the brown scale 

 (Coccus Hespcridum), and the aphis (Aphis vitis) ; also, if the plants 

 are kept in a hot and humid atmosphere during their season of tor- 

 pidity they are liable to the mildew. The thrips anil chermes disfigure 

 the plants by destroying the cuticle of the leaves, cawing a spotting 

 not unlike that produced by the red spider (Acarus telarius) ; and 

 the coccus and aphis check the growth by pumping up the juices, 

 and thus cause the extremities of the shoots to become stunted and 

 diseased ; and the mildew, by spreading over the leaves, stops up the 

 pores and prevents a free circulation of the juices. 



