The Culture of the Camellia. 213 



wood-bud, and the other an incipient blossom-bud, of which 

 more will subsequently be developed, as the young wood 

 becomes mature. 



THIRD PERIOD. MATURATION OF FLOWER-BUDS. 



The horticultural tyro must not fancy, that the periods, 

 here alluded to, are as definitely detached as the divisions of 

 my remarks. As may be inferred, they gradually merge into 

 each other ; this period, therefore, may be characterized as 

 fairly commencing, when the flower-buds are as large as 

 peas ; then it is my practice to commence a course of liquid 

 manure. The characters of this will be hereafter described. 



At the commencement of this stage, a more liberal amount 

 of watering may be commenced, observing to apportion its 

 amount according to the character of growth ; those which 

 are thoroughly set for blossom receiving a full watering, and 

 those of a gross and undecided habit receiving it in a limited 

 way. Indeed, check, through partial drought, must entirely 

 cease from this period, for if the plants commence their 

 forcing process in February or March, — which they ought to 

 do, if possible, — the period I now describe will be about the 

 middle of May, by which time they will receive much natu- 

 al heat, together with more light, and at times a greater 

 amount of aridity in the atmosphere : water then must be 

 liberally supplied. 



This course pursued for a few weeks, still contriving to 

 shade with thin canvas, and to syringe frequently, the buds 

 will enlarge with great freedom ; and with their enlargement 

 the leaves will be perceived to increase, both in size and 

 thickness, gradually exchanging their pallid green for a dark 

 and glossy character ; and if the root action is good, and the 

 drainage perfect, the benefits of liquid manure will be speed- 

 ily manifest. Towards the early part of July, the buds will 

 be three parts grown, and here I would advocate the turning 

 the plants out of doors for a few weeks. 



There is no absolute necessity for this course, as I have 

 proved ; kept in altogether, however, they are apt to be- 

 come infested with the scale, and I have now found that 



