MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 35 



drown the plants, nearly all the buds were uninjured, perfectly fresh, well 

 nourished, and some of them beginning to bloom, and all of them in a few 

 days were admirably developed. 



It is here proper to mention some varieties of the Camellia, whose buds 

 expand into blossom with difficulty and but very rarely, in consequence of the 

 multiplicity of the petals, which are contained in them: they are the Camel- 

 lia Dorsettiy Woodsii, giganleay Chandleriiy Rex GeorgiuSy Florida, ^c. 



The buds of these plants often only half open, and sometimes even less ; 

 they remain in this state for several days, and finally drop off. 



If these buds are opened after their fall, a certain quantity of water is 

 found collected in their calyx, and their central petals in a state of decom- 

 position. To this stagnant humidity it is most probable may be attributed, 

 the destruction of the vegetable energy of the short peduncle which sustains 

 the bud, and whose putrefaction occasions its fall. 



This examination has induced us to attempt a particular mode of obtain- 

 ing a regular florescence of these varieties of the Camellia j and the experi- 

 ment having succeeded two years in succession, it is now made known for the 

 benefit of amateurs. We placed, during the winter, several of these varie- 

 ties, and especially the Woodsii and Dorsetti, in a very airy, light, dry and 

 sufficiently cool situation; the number of buds were reduced, that there 

 might be more sap and vigor for those which remained; the plants were kept 

 in a low temperature, for the purpose of retarding the growth and develop- 

 ment of the buds, until the season of pleasant weather was so far advanced, 

 as that the natural heat of the atmosphere became both more equal and ac- 

 tive. At the close of the winter, these Camellias were removed into the 

 green-house and placed in the most favorable position, where they were 

 watered frequently, but only a little moisture was furnished at a time. In 

 the spring, all these plants developed their buds easily, and presented a mag- 

 nificent florescence. We invite all amateurs to repeat this experiment and 

 request them to inform us of the result. 



Section 10. — The management of Camellias in private a-partments. 



The Camellia is such a pleasing and elegant plant, that every one is de- 

 sirous of decorating their saloons with it : but these positions being too warm 



