210 The Culture of the Camellia. 



I am generally enabled to retard the growing principle, by 

 such means, for nearly a month ; but a very low temperature 

 becomes necessary, — 35° to 40° is amply sufficient. 



I have now been unwittingly drawn into a discussion of 

 the fifth period, but will again revert to the first period, the 

 forcing into wood. 



What pruning is necessary, should be performed the mo- 

 ment they have ceased flowering ; or, indeed, somewhat 

 before, if possible. The best situation to commence the 

 growing process in, would perhaps be a pit, containing a 

 small, yet enduring bottom heat, of about 75° ; not, how- 

 ever, with the idea of plunging them, for I could never dis- 

 cover much lasting benefit to the camellia, by this course ; 

 what may be gained by a sudden impulse, is more than 

 counteracted by the derangement of the drainage through 

 the earth-worm ; for few plants suffer more from a derange- 

 ment of the drainage than the camellia, especially if liquid 

 manure be frequently used. 



It has not, however, been my practice to use a pit for this 

 purpose : I force the whole of my trees at once, in the house 

 appropriated to them, and in which they have both blossomed 

 and rested. I merely cut off the hot water to effect the 

 resting period, and turn it on in full power when the forcing 

 commences. 



A temperature ranging from 60° to 70° is, I consider, the 

 most congenial to the forcing process : they will, however, 

 do very well with a temperature of 55° to 60°, provided 

 little air is given, and plenty of atmospheric moisture is 

 maintained. To effect this, I use the syringe freely, at least 

 twice a day : indeed, when the wood-buds are swelling, I 

 keep the wood almost constantly moist. 



Shading is particularly necessary, during this period ; the 

 young buds of the camellia are exceedingly delicate, whilst 

 unfolding their tender foliage. I employ a thin canvas, 

 which admits a flickering light ; it is probable, however, that 

 our new rough plate glass will supersede, in a short period, 

 the necessity for canvas. 



Watering, also, is an essential item. The root should be 



