CHLAJPTER 



THE CAMELLIA. 



The Camellia, when cultivated in window gardens, requires great care on 

 account of the tendency of its flower-buds to drop off. 



Too much or too little water, and great variations of temperature when the 

 buds are swelling, cause this trouble ; yet with care it can be flowered in profu- 

 sion without any artificial heat. A northern or northeastern exposure is the 

 most desirable, and a temperature from 40 to 50, better humid than without, 

 the most advisable. 



When the plant has flowered, if it is a young, small sized plant, it should be 

 shifted into a pot one size larger; but if an old, large plant, it need not be repot- 

 ted oftener than once in two years. The soil should be composed of equal parts 

 of black peat and rich loam, but if the peat is not within reach, sandy loam, 

 enriched with one-third leaf mould, will make the plant flower well. 



After potting, the plant can be placed in the window of a room where a fire is 

 kept, but it does not require much sunshine. (In its native woods it grows in 

 moist, shady places.) While new leaves and buds are forming, water should be 

 given every day, and the leaves and branches frequently sponged or showered, as 

 the dust will adhere to the leaves. The plant requires light, but does not need 

 the direct rays of the sun. 



In the spring, when it has ceased growing, it can be placed out of doors in a 

 shady situation, yet not under the dripping of trees or shrubs, and where it will 

 be exposed only to the morning's sun. Early in September it must be brought 

 in doors, for it would lose all its flower-buds should the frost touch it. If the 

 plant is in good health, it will now be filled with buds. One hour's drought, or 

 a soaking wet soil, will bring down the buds and destroy all hopes of flowers. 

 The air should be too cold for a person to sit comfortably in the room, until the 

 flower-buds open ; then the plant can be brought into the parlor. When tho 

 mercury marks 40 or 45, a couple of hours of fresh air will be useful to the 

 Camellia, but do not place it in the fullest sunshine. 



When the buds swell for flowering, a little more water is needed ; give it in 

 plentiful doses, turning away all that runs out into the saucers. Apply the water 

 directly to the soil, for the flowers are injured by sprinkling; never shower the 

 foliage when the sun shines upon it, lest the leaves should be blistered or 

 spotted. After the plants have flowered, and fully repaid you for all your atten- 

 tion, observe the same routine of culture again. 



