Fcbtaary.\ GREEN-HOUSE CAMELLIA JAPONICA. 195 



situation. They are very frequently placed under other 

 plants by the inexperienced, until they show their flowers, 

 and then brought to the light, having weak flowers, and com- 

 paratively of momentary existence. 



Hyacinths, Narcissus, Gladiolus, Ixia, &c., having flower- 

 stems, ought to have support, to prevent accident, especially 

 the two former ; keep them nigh the glass, and water freely. 

 Change the water regularly once or twice a week in the bulb 

 glasses, observing that their roots are never allowed to become 

 matted with fetid water. Any of the above plants that are 

 in flower might, if desired, be taken into the drawing-room or 

 parlour, washing the pots clean, and putting saucers under 

 them, keeping therein a little water. Twice a week the de- 

 cayed ones can be taken out, and supplanted with those that 

 are coming into bloom. 



CAMELLIA JAPONICA 



Will, in this month, show a profusion of flowers; and 

 where there is a variety, they have truly a magnificent ap- 

 pearance. From a good selection, endless varieties, by seed, 

 of exquisite beauty, might be obtained by attention to the 

 following rule : The best to select for bearing seed are, Car- 

 nea, Donkelaari, Rubricaulis, Tricolour, King, and Wara- 

 tah, and, in many instances, the pistil, or pistillum of Varie- 

 gata, Regalis, Alexina, and Miss Percival are perfect, with 

 several others. When any of the above are newly expanded 

 ( Waratah is most perfect about one day before full expansion), 

 take a fine camel-hair pencil, and put it gently on the farina 

 or pollen, from the double sorts, which is a yellow substance 

 on the anthers, and, when ripe, appears in thousands of 

 small particles. Then, with this on the pencil, dust it lightly 

 on the stile of those intended to carry seed. Between the 

 hours of ten and twelve in the forenoon is the most proper 

 time for the operation ; the seed will be ripe in September or 

 October, which will be taken notice of, and directions given. 

 For other particulars on cleaning and syringing, see January 

 under this head. 



