ON THE CAMELLIA AND ITS CULTURE. 377 



be removed by a brush. For the health as well as for the 

 appearance of the plants they should be kept clean, and 

 that useful domestic article known as soap is all that is 

 required for the purpose. Syringing with soap suds 

 occasionally is an excellent plan, and if the suds pass 

 to the roots it will benefit rather than injure them. 



With regard to the best varieties of the Camellia, 

 opinions on this point will probably differ, according to 

 whether the individual flower or the general decorative 

 character of the plant is most valued. The Double White 

 combines these qualities, but there are others which 

 possess them singly. Many of the Anemone-flowered 

 varieties are among the most valuable for decorative 

 purposes, and ' they flower profusely and grow more 

 rapidly, ultimately forming large umbrageous trees. The 

 species known as reticulata is gorgeous as a conservatory 

 plant, but the florist would likely pronounce the flowers 

 loose and untidy in appearance. 



In conclusion, permit me to reiterate the opinion that 

 the Camellia, far from deserving the ill name it has 

 acquired, far from being a difficult subject to deal with, 

 is one of the least expensive in its habits, and one of the 

 most tractable in its nature to be met with in the whole 

 range of flowering plants. But before venturing to deal 

 with it, it is only reasonable that we should ascertain its 

 nature and requirements. What can we expect if we 

 persist in keeping the dog unduly shut up or in feeding 

 him on unsuitable or insufficient diet? 



THE CAMELLIA. 



[From " The Gardeners' Chronicle? April iith et seq. 1879, pp. 461, 

 493, 524, 557, 593, 656, 687.] 



THE Camellia derives its name from George Joseph 

 Kamel, or Camellus, a Moravian Jesuit. In the 

 Vegetable Kingdom, by Dr Lindley, the plant is placed in 



