CALENDAR AND INDEX. 



101 



enjoyment is reduced to the mere possession of a 

 handsome green shrub, Destined from the extreme 

 beauty and unrivalled delicacy of their flowers to be- 

 come the chief pride and ornament of the greenhouse 

 and drawing-room in the winter season, the Camellias 

 should have a fair chance given them to exhibit their 

 bloom in perfection. 



It should be observed, that Camellias are by no 

 means tender shrubs, but require to be kept in a 

 medium even temperature, and they generally succeed 

 best in a greenhouse, where the atmosphere is damp. 

 As the buds begin to swell, they will require more 

 water than at any other time, which may be applied 

 from the rose of a watering pot, or syringe, while in 

 bud, but when in blossom, it should be applied to the 

 earth. 



If Camellias be kept where there is a dry air, occa- 

 sioned from fire heat, they must have plenty of the 

 natural air at all opportunities, or the buds will become 

 brown and fall off ; and if they are subjected to extreme 

 cold at night, which is too frequently the case, when 

 kept in rooms of an uneven temperature, premature 

 decay of the buds will inevitably be the consequence. 



Such bulbous roots as may be in progress of blooming, 

 will require attention this month ; turn them fre- 

 quently to the light, as recommended in page 73, 

 increase the supplies of water as they advance towards 

 perfection, and admit air at all opportunities. Take 

 off and remove yellow and decayed leaves from plants 

 in general ; those that are not in bud should be 

 watered very sparingly. Shrubby plants, especially 

 those which bud and blossom in the winter, and early 

 part of the spring, as the several varieties of Acacias, 

 Correas, Coronillas, Daphnes, Diosmas, Eutaxias, 

 Fuchsias, Gnidias, Heaths, Laurustinuses, Lemon 

 and Orange trees, &c, will require water once or 

 twice a week according to circumstances, and air 

 should be given at all opportunities, or the plants will 

 not blossom in perfection. 



9* 



