THE GREEN-HOUSE AND CONSERVATORY, 41 



flower ; without it the flowers are not shown to the best 

 advantage, and the perfection of beauty is attained when a 

 perfectly symmetrical plant is seen, healthy in foliage, free 

 from disease, and gemmed with a profusion of bud and 

 blossom. 



Let us consider a few of the plants which, now neglected, 

 would, as specimens, be pictures of beauty. 



And first, the CAMELLIA. This plant is by nature of the 

 most symmetrical form, and with little care can be perfectly 

 grown. Contrary to the general opinion, there is no plant 

 which bears pruning better than the Camellia. Let the 

 branches be well pruned out, so as not to interfere ; the 

 plants be stocky and well covered with foliage ; the roots 

 allowed room enough, and the soil kept sweet and rich ; 

 and the specimen is obtained. The common care of remov- 

 ing all but two flower-buds^ or even one, from each shoot, 

 with other minor cares, must not be neglected ; but, above 

 all, do not crowd your plants ; let them have light and air 

 on every side, above and below, and keep an even, low 

 temperature : follow this plan, and you will no longer com- 

 plain of weak plants, long-drawn, tall specimens with yel- 

 low leaves and dropping buds ; and you will be surprised at 

 the health and vigor of your plants. From one plant thus 

 4* 



