INTRODUCTION TO THE TRANSLATION. 



The elegance of form, the perfect symmetrical arrangement of the 

 petals, the immaculate purity of the white, the depth and brilliancy of the 

 colors of the red and variegated flowers, the beautiful contrast between these 

 and the dark glossy evergreen foliage, and the neatness and cleanliness of 

 growth of the Camellia, must always ensure to this plant a high station in 

 the estimation not of the devotee of horticulture alone, but also of every 

 common observer, who would pass thousands of other floral forms un- 

 noticed and unpraised. 



The first sight of the double white or of the fimbriated camellia is sure 

 to attract universal admiration, nor is this admiration merely momentary 

 or soon forgotten, the pleasure is always renewed and increased on more 

 intimate acquaintance. 



No wonder then that these plants are eagerly sought after to decorate 

 the greenhouse or the parlour, no wonder that the methods of cultivating 

 them in perfection should be considered desirable, or that they should be- 

 come an object of such extensive commerce as is the case in Europe, where 

 stocks of 3000 to 6000 plants, in value from 5000 to 20,000 dollars are com- 

 mon amongst individual nurserymen in almost every country. 



In introducing the monography of the Abbe Berlese to the reader it is 

 almost unnecessary to premise that it contains not merely the latest, but the 

 only authentic information on the numerous beautiful hybrids, as well as 

 on the new varieties from Japan and China, recently ushered into notice by 

 the patient and liberal efforts of scienitfic and zealous horticulturists. It is 

 in fact the commencement of a descriptive catalogue of all the varieties that 

 have attracted the attention of amateurs, and which may be easily continued 

 as new ones are produced j a very desirable addition however would be the 

 names of the two plants by admixture of which the diff^erent hybrids were 

 produced; this and all other minute information which could be obtained 

 would much increase its value. The foundation and frame work is here, and 

 this can be amplified to suit the taste of the amateur. 



The Camellia was certainly cultivated in Europe as early as the year 



