January.] OREEN-HOUSE CAMELLIA JAPONICA. 191 



OF WATERING. 



In this month very little is requisite, and must be given 

 with great caution. Few plants will require much and some 

 nardly any; but all must be attended to, and have their wants 

 supplied. Some will need it twice, some once a week, and 

 some in two weeks, according to their shrubby and woody 

 nature. Herbaceous and deciduous plants will seldom need 

 water. Perhaps, from the shedding of the foliage to the com- 

 mencement of vegetation, three or four times will be sufficient. 

 Particular attention should be paid to the state of health and 

 of growth, in which the plants respectively are, in the appli- 

 cation of water : otherwise much mischief may be clone, and 

 many entirely ruined. 



Green-house plants being now in an absolutely inactive 

 state, require a little more water than merely to keep the earth 

 about their roots from becoming perfectly dry, by occasionally 

 applying a very small quantity at the root ; and, if done with 

 a watering-pot, as described under this head in the hot-house 

 of this month, very little will be spilt in the house to increase 

 dampness, which if it does appear, by any of the leaves of 

 the plants becoming musty, they must be instantly picked off; 

 and, if it increases, give a little fire and air. Succulent plants 

 will not need any water during this month, unless omitted in 

 December. 



CAMELLIA JAPONICA. 



This magnificent and attractive flower, with all its splendid 

 varieties, will, about this time, begin to open its beautiful 

 flowers. But for this admired genus of plants, our green- 

 houses at this season would be void of allurement. It is, in 

 this country, subject to the red spider, and more especially 

 in this city, which appears to be from the nature of the air. 

 The effects of the spider on these plants, if not prevented, 

 would prove fatal; as, from appearances, many have died by 

 it in several collections. If it has reached a great extent, 

 the leaves are brownish, having the appearance of being de- 

 cayed or scorched with the sun. In taking hold of the leaf 



