REMARKS ON THE CAMELLIA, 
109 
the heads of flowers were quite blue, every sign of the usual pink tint being absent ; 
while on the terrace-border, not ten yards remote, the same plant retained the 
customary hue. We were assured that no attempt had been made to effect this 
change ; and, indeed, we observed that in a few places, and near the former plants, 
the water which oozed from the yellow loam was deeply stained with solution of iron, 
The Blue Hydrangea, and the mode of its transformation, were at one time 
subjects of some interest. We possess a letter from an Italian Count, addressed to 
us expressly thereon ; but cannot now recur to it. The writer described particularly 
the method adopted in Italy ; and in his attempts to imitate them here, he alluded 
to a considerable proportion of fine iron-filings, or rather of knife-grinder's dust, 
mixed carefully with black-sandy peat. Among all the receipts given verbally, or in 
print, we have found none that produced the desired effect. That of the Italian 
Noble might succeed, but it was till now lost sight of ; certain however it is, that 
the soil about the rocky bank was a ferruginous clayey loam, and the water which 
passed near the Hydrangeas appeared of the colour of pale malt liquor : hence, it 
was a solution of per-oxide of iron in some acid ; most likely the sulphuric. 
We have thus digressed from the delightful subject of this communication, and 
our allotted space is filled. May we be permitted to hope that the few imperfect 
hints thus offered will be productive of some good, by inducing those who possess 
means and opportunities, to improve their scenery by the scientific introduction of 
picturesque masses ? 
REMARKS ON THE CAMELLIA. 
This noble plant being so well known, and to a greater or less extent, with 
various degrees of success, cultivated by almost all who have any pretensions to be 
considered growers of exotics, we might have some scruple in penning the remarks 
we are about to make, did we not feel more than assured that, however little anything 
that may be stated respecting it, tends to place it in a more engaging light, it will 
be highly acceptable. 
We are led to notice it because — seeing some time ago a house principally 
occupied with Camellias which were turned into the open border, in flower — we have 
scarcely since, beheld a collection in any state with pleasure, certainly not with feelings 
of satisfaction. A brief account of the plants we allude to, and the circumstances 
under which they were flourishing, will better enable us to establish the position 
respecting the Camellia, we are anxious to assume. The house, then, in which they 
were growing was altogether of the old-fashioned description. It was an elevated 
span-roofed building, constructed of wood, with one side and the ends glazed ; the 
mansion to which it was adjoined forming the other side. Its aspect being west, its 
elevation considerable, the frame-work and sash-bars all of wood, and the glass in 
