CAMELLIA. 238 



repotting is just -when the young growths begin to start ; 

 some growers object to this operation being performed 

 until the 'blooms are all past, but it has always seemed to us 

 the most natural to give fresh nourishment to the young 

 wood at the time it can be used with the greatest advantage, 

 even though it be at the sacrifice of a few flowers. After 

 potting, a little artificial heat should be given, and the plants 

 must be liberally supplied with water, both to the roots and 

 foliage. The growth being complete, heat must be dis- 

 continued, and water given more sparingly, while more air 

 is permitted, in order that the plants may be hardened ofi', 

 preparatory to being stood in the open air to thoroughly 

 ripen their wood and swell up the flower buds. If very 

 large flowers are required, each shoot should be allowed to 

 carry but one bud, though in other cases two or more buds 

 may be left, according to fancy. In the autumn the plants 

 must be removed in-doors again, and care must be taken 

 that the watering is carefully done, for the giving of either 

 too little or too much will cause the buds to fall off, and the 

 whole season's labour to be lost. Camellias are not forced 

 into bloom very successfully in the ordinary way. Those 

 intended for the first blooming should be potted and grown 

 on before the others, and should both be placed in the open 

 air earlier, and be returned sooner to the house, than those 

 required to flower later ; these will thus naturally open their 

 blossoms sooner, and afibrd a display of flowers until the 

 main stock is ready. 



In many gardens of large extent a house is devoted 

 entirely to the Camellia, and a more glorious sight can 

 scarcely be conceived than is presented by hundreds of 

 these splendid flowers all open together. In such a house 

 they are best planted out in the borders, using compost 

 similar to that recommended for pot culture, or if any 



