GREENHOUSE AND HOTHOUSE FLOWERS 165 



blooming to be passed by. ' The young plants should be grown 

 in a frame during summer, and brought into the greenhouse or 

 conservatory in autumn, before sharp frosts set in. 



Camellia. We have in the Camellia one of the noblest of 

 conservatory plants. Its charm lies partly in the large, glossy 

 foliage, and partly in the symmetrical and beautiful flowers. 

 Everybody admires this magnificent shrub, and the worst criti- 

 cism that has ever been levelled against it is that the flowers 

 have a somewhat stiff and artificial appearance. This is due 

 to their perfect contour, great substance, and wax-like texture. 

 The Camellia is almost hardy, and in mild counties like Corn- 

 wall it lives for many years in the open air. In most parts of 

 the country it requires the protection of a greenhouse. It is not 

 always satisfactory when grown in pots in a small house, because, 

 although it grows healthily, it often casts its flower buds. This 

 does not happen, as a rule, when it is planted out in a conserva- 

 tory. The trouble is doubtless due to some error in watering, of 

 which the grower may be unconscious. Certainly great attention 

 to watering is needed, and while the plants must not be regularly 

 watered at periods when the soil is moist (which would have the 

 effect of rendering it sodden), it must never be allowed to remain 

 absolutely dry. The normal mixture of soil will do, but it is an 

 advantage to omit the leaf-mould and decayed manure and substi- 

 tute peat, which may be used in equal proportions to the loam. 

 Propagation may be effected by striking cuttings in summer, or 

 by grafting. 



One of the most beautiful Camellias is the double white (alba 

 plena). The coloured plate shows a small plant of this growing 

 behind an orange Clivia in the greenhouse at Kew. These two 

 plants formed a charming picture in February and March 1908, 

 and their effect was enhanced by a plant of the charming Jasmine 

 (Jasminum primulinum) near. Other beautiful varieties of Camellia 

 are: C. M. Hovey, crimson; Donckelaari, crimson and white, 



