30 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 



ent, especially when they form their habitations, as is sometimes the case, 

 in the Camellia pots. Green-houses can be readily cleared of these insects, 

 by partly filling small phials with honey and water, which they are thus 

 induced to enter, in vast numbers, where they are drowned. 



The Kermes, — commonly called the orange-bug, which is often seen on 

 the leaves and bark of the young branches, and the cochineal, which attaches 

 itself to the new shoots, and in the axils of the young leaves, draw out all 

 the sap. These enemies are to be destroyed, by visiting the Camellia often, 

 early in the morning, and crushing them with a small flat piece of wood. 



Earth worms, easily enter the pots, disturb the roots and decompose the 

 compost. The method of preventing them from entering the pots consists, 

 in placing a piece of slate under each, supporting them on planks, or making 

 a bed of fine gravel, or river sand, two or three inches thick, on which they 

 are to stand. 



When these worms are in the ball of earth, which surrounds the roots, 

 and they cannot be extirpated, by removing it from the pot, they may be 

 compelled to leave it, by watering once or twice the roots with a slight 

 decoction of tobacco. We have employed, with success, a very slight solution 

 of quick lime: but this method, if it is not performed with great precaution, 

 will completely destroy the most delicate roots, when the plant invariably 

 perishes. 



Section 8. — Florencence of the Camellia and manner of forcing it. 



The natural epoch of the florescence of the Camellia is, generally, from 

 the month of December, until the end of March. Still, by an artificial cul- 

 ture, to which it readily yields, if it is desired to calculate the phases of its 

 vegetation and follow its progress, plants may be made to bloom, in suc- 

 cession, from the commencement of September, to the end of April. The 

 best course to be pursued, to insure success, in this extra-natural culture, is 

 as follows. 



When it is desired, that a plant should bloom in September, its vegeta- 

 tion should be excited, at least a month earlier than common. For this pur- 

 pose, in the month of February, the plants, which have not any flower bud, 

 and which are in a vigorous and sufficiently forward condition, should be 

 selected and repotted, in the manner which has been described, if it is neces- 



