ADVERTISEMENT. 



This work is divided into three distinct parts: the first contains a full 

 account of the method of cultivating and multiplying the Camellia j the sec- 

 ond, a description of the most elegant varieties, amounting to about two hun- 

 dred and eighty, — each of which is annexed to a number that has reference 

 to a corresponding one in the two synoptical tables. 



For the purpose of being easily understood by all persons, who cultivate 

 and admire the Camellia, a simple and uniform mode has been adopted, 

 in the descriptions, based on the most striking characteristics of the plant, — 

 as the size of the leaves, and the form and color of the buds and flowers. 

 All the irregularities or resemblances, which the varieties present, as well as 

 the synonymes are carefully designated, whenever it has been possible to do 

 so, with certainty. 



The buds have been divided, as follows, in conformity to the color of the 

 colycinal scales — which also characterise the more or less facile development 

 of the flowers. 



1 . Buds with green colycinal scales. Florescence easy. 



2. Buds with yellowish colycinal scales. Florescence less easy. 



3. Buds with dark coPd colycinal scales. Florescence uncertain or difii- 

 cult. 



The flowers have been divided into simple, semi-double, double, and 

 full. 



To prevent any doubt in the mind of the cultivator, — who may often 

 be deceived, with respect to the preceding denominations, the definitions, are 

 here given. By a simple flower is understood, such as have but one rank 

 of Petals J although in some varieties the sexual organs occasionally change 

 to the petalous state. Example, Camellia, dicanthifloray insignis, &c. These 

 latter are flowers, which certain gardeners erroneously call double. 



Semi-double are those which have but two rows of petals, with occasion- 

 ally petalous stamens. 



Double flowers are those which have several ranks of petals intermixed, 

 with fertile and apparent petalous stamens, in the centre. 



Full flowers have the rows of petals so multiplied, that they have the 

 form of the hundred leaf rose. 



The asterisk denotes the distinct species which have been recognized, 

 as such, by botanists} and they are eight in number. 



