The Culture of the Camellia. 211 



well fed, in order to force as many buds as possible to de- 

 velop themselves. I use liquid manure very frequently, du- 

 ring this stage. I will describe the kind I use, towards the 

 conclusion of this paper. 



SECOND PERIOD. FORMATION OF FLOWER-BUDS. 



Now comes an important period, indeed, in the earlier stages 

 of which, much nicety of management becomes requisite. 



We all know that, under ordinary circumstances, the ca- 

 mellia, — especially if " pot-bound," — forms its buds readily 

 enough ; but how often do we hear complaints of such cast- 

 ing their buds : and why ? simply because they are in a 

 better condition to form buds, than to maintain them after- 

 Avards. This often happens with the amateur, yet seldom 

 with the nurseryman ; and this, because the former is not 

 aware how much moisture is at times necessary to the ca- 

 mellia ; and if pot-bound, how often the interior of the ball, 

 wedged up with hundreds of fibres, can scarcely be pene- 

 trated, without steeping it occasionally, especially if, through 

 any neglect of watering, the ball has become thoroughly dry. 

 This, then, amongst other circumstances, shows that a sys- 

 tematic course is necessary, and that directions for the ama- 

 teur should be very explicit ; so much so, indeed, that old 

 practitioners will be apt to consider them tedious. 



It must not be thought, that in thus noticing, in a digres- 

 sive way, watering, this period in camellia culture requires 

 more water than any other ; I name it here, to pave the way 

 to suggestions for a more liberal amount of pot-room, for 

 such is quite compatible with free flowering, provided the 

 cultivator exercises that control over his plants, during the 

 latter part of this stage, which a niggardly application of 

 water will furnish. 



In the earlier part of this stage, a slight decline in the 

 temperature may take place ; 60° will amply suffice ; more 

 solar heat, however, will frequently compel the cultivation to 

 stand at a higher pitch. Shading must be continued as be- 

 fore, and the only difference requisite is a free circulation of 

 air, night as well as day, and a gradual diminishing of the 



