CULTURE OF THE CAMELLIA. 
333 
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 natural 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 speedily 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 become infested with the scale, and I have now found that turning 
them out for awhile is inimical to the spread of these pests, which will always be found to 
infest forced Camellias more than those which are treated in the ordinary way. 
I have always deemed it necessary to use a canvas screen during bright sunshine, for 
two or three weeks after their first exposure out-doors. Towards the early part of August 
it may safely be withdrawn altogether, and now they will require more copious waterings 
still with the liquid manure ; they must not be suffered to get dry at the root for an hour, 
if possible. This course pursued brings us to the 
Fourth Period.— The development of the blossoms. 
The commencement of this period may be marked by their re-introduction to the 
house, and my practice is, to get them in by the middle of September. 
The house being duly cleaned and prepared, and the plants or trees housed, the course 
henceforward is very simple. 
No shading will be requisite, provided the plants are in a sound and healthy condition ; 
regular waterings of liquid manure must be followed up, and a thinning out of the buds 
must take place ; indeed, the thinning out had better be performed before bringing them 
into the house, if possible. I do not like thinning them until the buds are half grown ; 
they are then easily singled out, and if the practice previously laid down is carefully carried 
out, a considerable number may be parted with. 
In the first place there is generally a cluster of buds around each leading shoot ; 
sometimes a complete bunch at the terminal point. I generally reduce the point to a 
couple at most, and as my plants generally form buds in the cavity of the next two or 
three leaves downwards, I reserve on the average from four to five buds on each shoot ; 
those shoots, however, of a weaker character, and lower down the stem, I leave, according 
to their strength. 
At this very period, if there be any scaly insects on the plants, I commence a syringing 
process, which will soon destroy them, of which more under the head “ Insects.” Inde- 
pendently of this, however, provided there be no insects, the ordinary syringing is 
followed up, and a very liberal course of ventilation carried out. 
It will be understood that I have been describing a course of practice pursued in order 
to have forced Camellias ; that is to say, Camellias flowering all through the winter. 
Perhaps the term “ forced Camellias” is not strictly applicable ; it will, nevertheless, 
serve to convey an idea of what I mean. By the practice here described they will 
commence flowering in November, and continue blooming until the following March. 
Now to ladies and gentlemen who spend their time in the country, as many do from 
the autumn until the “London season,” the gratification of such a fine winter house of 
Camellias is very considerable ; for of what benefit is it in such cases to have them 
blooming in April and May, which is the most usual period for those which are not forced. 
To proceed. I do not apply any fire heat until frosts occur, and then with great 
