THE CAMELLIA. 



there is no reason why a good show of flowers should not 

 be secured in the months of October, November, Decem- 

 ber, and January. This is brought to pass by forcing. If 

 when housing the plants in September or October a given 

 number be placed in the forcing-house, the flower-buds 

 will gradually unfold and in succession throughout the late 

 autumn and early winter months. 



It is well not to apply too much heat in the first 

 instance or the first year that the plants are forced. Let 

 it also be borne in mind that here especially increased 

 heat should be accompanied by increased moisture both at 

 root and top. 



A temperature commencing with 55 by day and 45 

 by night, which may be slightly and gradually increased as 

 the flower-buds advance in growth, will be found to suit 

 them very well. When the plants have been forced two 

 or three years in succession 60 by day and 50 by night 

 as a starting point will do no harm, and of course then the 

 period of flowering will be accelerated. 



But Camellias, like all other plants, should be prepared 

 for forcing. By applying moisture and warmth in January 

 and February an early growth will be induced, and this 

 will be followed by an early ripening of the wood. Plants, 

 like animals, must have their periods of rest if sound health 

 and longevity are to be secured. If Camellias are made to 

 grow in January and February they will set their flower- 

 buds in April and May, rest in June, July, and August, 

 and be ready to work out their flowering in autumn and 

 winter. 



Of course, forced Camellias must not be turned out-of- 

 doors till all danger from spring frosts is over, as by 

 forcing they become somewhat tender, and the young 

 leaves, even if fairly ripened, are liable to be disfigured 

 by frost. When the growth is finished and the buds set, 

 it is well to keep them in a cool house till the month of 

 June, when they may be conveyed to the north side of a 

 wall or fence, as previously recommended. 



