History and Culture of the Viola. 17 



commence taking root, at which time they will be materially assisted 

 in their growth by being placed in a mild hot-bed. When it is con- 

 sidered that they have sufficient roots, which will probably be in 

 about one year, they may be repotted, singly, into small pots, giving 

 them the compost used for established plants. 



The Camellia may be easily made to produce seed, but rarely 

 without the aid of artificial impregnation. When it is ripe, which 

 will be in October or November, it should be sown in small pots, 

 placed in the green-house, and kept moderately moist during the 

 winter. In the spring, the plants will be up, and the following autumn 

 they may be separated, with small balls of earth, and potted in the 

 usual manner. 



Having, gentlemen, completed the observations intended for this 

 communication, 1 may, if leisure should permit, offer some further 

 remarks on the treatment of this beautiful genus, together with a brief 

 description of such named varieties as are known to be worthy of culti- 

 vation. Yours, M. P. Wilder. 



Boston, Dec. 16, 1834. 



If our Magazine contained only the above communication from Mr. Wilder, we' 

 should then consider it as worth double its stated price. The Camellia has now 

 become so popular a flower, that no collection of plants can be called perfect un- 

 less they contain some of its choice and beautiful varieties. We visited most of 

 the gardens around New York, last spring, with the intention of becoming more 

 acquainted with this favorite flower. Among others, were those of Messrs. Prince, 

 Hogg, Floy and Harrison ; the two latter gentlemen have raised many splen- 

 did varieties ; indeed, some of them are held at very high prices in the catalogues 

 of the London nurserymen. Mr. Floy has raised one, which we observed in 

 bloom, that as far excels all the plants, descriptions or plates of any Camellias we 

 have ever seen, as can be imagined ; he has named it Floyii. Mr. Harrison has 

 also raised a lovely Double White, which almost equals the old White; he has 

 also raised many others. Among all their numerous varieties, we observed none 

 which surpassed, in the beauty and health of the plants, the elegance of their rich, 

 dark green, shining foliage, or the splendor of their magnificent flowers, those of 

 Mr. Wilder. He has, we believe, nearly one hundred varieties, some of which 

 are of late introduction, and are very rare in European collections. Many of 

 these will produce their blossoms this winter. when our readers may expect from him 

 a description of them. We presume many recollect tiie plant of Camellia Chand- 

 lerii, one of the finest kinds, which Mr. Wilder presented at the Horticultural 

 Society's room, last season, with other varieties. Those wlio do. will not forget its 

 gorgeous appearance. The above are the results of Mr. Wilder's experience, 

 and we can testify to the excellence of his practice. — Conds. 



Art. V. On the History and Cultivation of the Viola tricolor, 

 Pansy violet, or HcarV s-casc. By S. Walker. 



" The daughters of the flood have search'd the mead 

 For violets pale, and cropped the poppy's head ; 

 Punsies to please the sight, and cassia sweet to smell." — Drydcn. 



The cultivation of flowers has been the care of the tasteful, in 

 every age and in every climate. While it affords an innocent and 

 interesting occupation for the young, the gay, and the happy, it may 



VOL. I. NO. I. c 



