134 Observations on the Camellia, and its Varieties. 



ration pre\ious to planting. If the seeds are planted in a pot and 

 placed in a hot-bed, with a very strong heat, they will sometimes 

 vegetate, but they start much more freely, if previously to sowing 

 they are soaked in warm water several hours, pouring it upon them 

 when scalding hot. This is the method generally adopted — but 

 we have tried several experiments, and have scarcely ever found 

 the seed to fail when managed as follows ; — take the seeds, and with 

 a sharp penknife, cut off the hull at the small end. This will allow 

 the germen to swell, and burst the remaining part of the hull. We 

 have had them come up in three or four days after sowing, when 

 treated thus, and we have not the least hesitation in recommending 

 this method. Only one thing is necessary, to be careful in cutting 

 off the hull, not to injure the germen. When the young plants be- 

 gin to show their pinnated leaves, and all danger of frost is over, 

 turn them into the flower garden, where wanted to ornament any 

 particular place. They will not twine round a stick if it is perfectly 

 smooth. We have formed pyramids of the cypress vine by driving 

 down a tall stake in the centre of several plants, which were placed 

 about six inches from the base. Strong pieces of twine were made 

 fast at the ground near the plants by means of pegs, and tied at the 

 top of the stake. When the plants cover the whole space, they form 

 a compact mass of leaves and flowers in a pyraniidal shape. We 

 prefer this style of training to any other, not only as beautiful in itself, 

 but as displaying the flowers to the greatest advantage. 



(To he Continued.) 



Art. VII. Observations on the Camellia, and its Varieties, 7vith some 

 Account of its Introduction into Great Britain and this Country. 

 By M. P. Wilder, Esq. 



In continuation of my remarks on the cultivation and treatment 

 of the Camellia, I would observe, that to secure a full and healthy 

 development of their flowers, the plants must be strong and well 

 grown. Under the influence of improper or indifferent management, 

 no correct idea can be formed of their size and beauty. 



To grow the Camellia to perfection, care should be taken that the 

 plants have the essential pre-requisites of proper compost and per- 

 fect drainage, and at all seasons of the year a regular supply of air 

 and water ; due regard being had to time and temperature. 



When not in a growing or flowering state, they need only be mod- 

 erately watered, but on no account should they be suffered to become 

 dry, under the false but prevalent notion, that starving them for wa- 

 ter, will produce a ])lentiful supply of flower buds. — It has been my 

 constant practice to keep the soil in the pots moist, and to give water 

 as soon as the surface began to be dry. 



