February.] monthly calendar. 127 



It should be observed, that Camellias are by no means 

 tender shrubs, but require to be kept in a medium even 

 temperature, and they generally succeed best in a green- 

 house, where the atmosphere is damp. As the buds begin 

 to swell, they will require more water than at any other 

 time, which may be applied from the rose of a watering pot, 

 or syringe, while in bud, but when in blossom it should be 

 applied to the earth. 



If Camellias be kept where there is a dry air, occasioned 

 from fire heat, they must have plenty of the natural air at 

 all opportunities, or the buds will become brown and fall 

 off; and if they are subject to extreme cold at night, 

 which is too frequently the case, when kept in rooms of an 

 uneven temperature, premature decay of the buds Avill 

 inevitably be the consequence. 



To preserve Camellias in a healthy condition, they should 

 be kept in fresh, moderately light soil, consisting of sandy 

 loam taken from under grass sods, and leaf mould well 

 mixed ; nothing being more injurious to them than over- 

 potting ; they should not be shifted into larger pots, until the 

 projection of the roots show evidently that they arc in need 

 of it. Few plants bear privation of sunshine in Summer 

 better than these ; they should, however, be kept in an 

 open situation, where they can have a full share of light 

 and air. 



Such bulbous roots as may be in progress of blooming, 

 will require attention this month ; turn them frequently to 

 the light, as recommended in page 99, and increase the 

 supplies of water as they advance towards perfection. 



Attend to Campanula Pyramidalis, Hepeticas, Mimu- 

 lus, Senecios, and herbaceous plants in general ; those 

 not in bud should be watered very sparingly. Shrubby 

 plants, especially those which bud and blossom in the Win- 

 ter, and early part of the Spring, as the several varieties of 

 Acacias, Azelias, Calceolarias, Correas, Coronillas, Daph- 

 nes, Diosmas, Eupatoriums, Eutaxias, Fuchias, Gnidias, 



