304 The Camellia; its Propagation. 



CUTTINGS. 



The principal mode of propagating the camellia is by cut- 

 tings. This is done to obtain stocks upon which to inarch 

 or graft the fme varieties, the kind being the old single red, 

 or rapid and free growing seedlings. Probably seven eighths 

 of ah the camellias are so cultivated. It is frequently resort- 

 ed to to increase choice varieties ; but, unless such varieties 

 are of very free growth, the plants never make such fme 

 specimens as those inarched or grafted. Cuttings should be 

 treated as follows : — 



At any time when the wood is fully ripe, cuttings va^j be 

 taken off. Generally, this is from July to January, unless 

 the plants make an autumn growth. Select young shoots 

 which are perfectly ripened, and cut them to the length of 

 three or four inches, always making a smooth cut immedi- 

 ately under an eye ; pinch off the two or three lower leaves, 

 and the cutting is ready for insertion, as in our engraving, 

 {Jig. 29.) The pots or pans, in which they are to be planted, 



should be previously prepared, by fill- 

 ing them about one third with good 

 drainage, and the remainder with 

 clean sand : make the whole firm, 

 ^^^1 and proceed to insert them about 



an inch apart, and two inches deep. 

 Place the pots in a frame, with a 

 mild heat, or in a shady part of the 

 '^''- ""paS^jS'^:^ ^"- greenhouse ; keep them regularly wa- 

 tered, and, in two or three months, they will be sufficiently 

 rooted to pot off. If the cuttings are covered with a hand- 

 glass, they will root sooner and with more certainty. Their 

 after-treatment is the same as for old plants, and, if properly 

 treated, they will be sufficiently strong to graft or inarch 

 when two years old. 



EYES. 



The camellia may be multiplied by eyes or buds, just in 

 the same manner as the grape vine, but the process is more 

 uncertain than cuttings, and only practised by skilful garden- 

 ers. They are managed similarly to cuttings, only they re- 



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