l6 INTRODUCTION. 



and Japanese have many skillful florists, and they have 

 produced numerous varieties and sub-species, and of va- 

 ried and beautiful colors and combinations of colors. 

 Since their introduction into Europe and America, new 

 varieties of exquisite beauty have been constantly pro- 

 duced by the eminent English, Dutch, German, French, 

 Italian and American florists, who have devoted much time 

 and labor to its propagation. Twenty-five years ago, there 

 were forty-five standard varieties recognized, but the genius 

 of European and American Camellia growers have annually 

 increased the number, till there are now more than two 

 hundred. The Camellia has all the beauty of the rose, 

 though it lacks its fragrance, and blooming as it does 

 during the late autumn, winter, and early spring, it sup- 

 plies what would otherwise be a most serious lack in the 

 floral world. 



In this work is given the first thorough and complete 

 treatise on the cultivation of the Camellia Japonica, and 

 one not borrowed from other works, but from my own 

 careful study and observation of more than twenty years. 

 It will, I have no doubt, be hailed with delight by every 

 true lover of the " Rose of Japan." 



ROBT. J. HALLIDAY. 



