REMARKS ON THE CAMELLIA. 
Ill 
aspect, and the short, scraggy branching of the plants, added to these appearances 
when they flower, the smallness of their blooms, &c, is, it must be allowed, weak 
evidence in favour of growing large plants in pots or tubs. Indeed the unfrequency 
with which we meet with large specimens where they have only been accommodated 
in the way under consideration, is a sufficient test of what we now advance ; for it 
is too frequently found that, beyond a certain age, Camellias cannot be induced to 
maintain a passable appearance under pot culture. This is invariably the case, where 
collections are grown. In such places, an evil extensively prevails of keeping too 
great an assortment. There is the less excuse for such an error being cherished, 
when it is recollected how little distinction of colour exists among the different 
varieties. The naturally consequent evil flowing from this source is, that no one 
plant is justly regarded and cultivated, through inability, from want of room, to 
accommodate any properly. This brings us to consider the extent to which Camellias 
may be well grown in an easy manner, by planting them out. 
It is of course understood that by planting them out, doing so under glass is 
meant; for although considerable success has in some instances attended their being 
grown in sheltered situations in the warmest parts of the country, in the open air, 
it never will be able to be carried out to any extent, if even better success had been 
experienced ; and for this reason, that the earliness with which Camellias flower, 
renders them very liable to have their bloom buds destroyed by winter weather. 
And from the same cause, it rarely happens their bloom can be enjoyed, except 
as cut flowers. 
No obstacle worthy the name of such exists where a greenhouse is at all possessed, 
to some suitable situation being found for the accommodation of one or more plants, 
favouring them with the advantage of having no restrictions to the extent they are 
allowed to root and grow. The fine feature they constitute when flowering, suffi- 
ciently justifies their being maintained there the whole season ; but, in addition to 
this, the dark-green foliage forms a pleasing and refreshing object at all times. It is 
too frequently the case that greenhouses can seldom accommodate more plants than 
are placed there for preservation ; but, as we have in another place recently stated, 
these structures by judicious management may be rendered more free of the kind of 
plants alluded to, than they usually are. When such is done, the principal obstacle 
to their being rendered the interesting places of resort they ought at all times to be, 
is removed. 
We take now, of course in our mind's eye, those gardening establishments in 
which perhaps one such house only exists. The situation in an erection of the kind 
alluded to, in which a Camellia should be placed, is easily determined ; the more 
isolated the position it occupies the better for its welfare, and for its being seen to 
advantage. Great care should always be taken that it is not so placed that its roots 
or branches come within the drying influence of the flues, hot- water piping, or what- 
ever the heating apparatus may be. 
The Camellia is peculiarly adapted to the purpose for which we have just recom- 
