386 THE CAMELLIA. 



GENERAL REMARKS ON CULTIVATION. 



There is an opinion abroad, too prevalent and deeply 

 rooted we fear to be easily removed, that Camellias are 

 difficult to preserve in a healthy and flourishing state. 

 It must be admitted that they are often met with out of 

 condition, the plants scrubby, mis-shapen, bearing feeble 

 branches, yellow leaves, and flower-buds which expand 

 indifferently or drop off before expansion. These facts 

 we fear have done much to maintain the misconception, 

 or perhaps they are the foundation of the opinion, that 

 Camellias are difficult to grow. Having cultivated the 

 Camellia for many years, and possessing no less than 

 250 varieties, we may perhaps be allowed to say, without 

 laying ourselves open to a charge of presumption, that we 

 believe that while on the one hand no plant is more easily 

 managed, on the other hand no plant is so generally 

 mismanaged, or we might say so systematically ill- 

 treated. 



Before proceeding further, let us propose half-a-dozen 

 questions, to which we will reply, and then pursue the 

 question of general cultivation. 



1. Why are Camellias scrubby? Answer, Because in 

 cutting off the flowers they are usually cut with long 

 stalks, and thus the eyes or wood-buds best stored with 

 food are cut away and the new growth thrown on to eyes 

 with a limited supply of food at their command. Or, as 

 another and wholly distinct cause, insufficient heat or 

 moisture is supplied during the period of growth. 



2. Why are Camellias mis-shapen ? Answer, Because 

 the trees are not pruned sufficiently, or are pruned at the 

 wrong season. 



3. Why are Camellias so often seen bearing feeble 

 branches? Answer, Because they are not sufficiently 

 nourished. This may be that they are grown in an 

 unsuitable soil ; it may be that too little moisture and 

 heat are given during the period of growth ; or it may 



