REMARKS ON THE CAMELLIA, 
109 
ie heads of flowers were quite blue , every sign of the usual pink tint being absent ; 
hile on the terrace-border, not ten yards remote, the same plant retained the 
istomary hue. We were assured that no attempt had been made to effect this 
lange ; and, indeed, we observed that in a few places, and near the former plants, 
ie 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 
Objects of some interest. We possess a letter from an Italian Count, addressed to 
3 expressly thereon ; but cannot now recur to it. The writer described particularly 
ie method adopted in Italy ; and in his attempts to imitate them here, he alluded 
) a considerable proportion of fine iron-filings, or rather of knife-grinder’s dust, 
lixed carefully with black-sandy peat. Among all the receipts given verbally, or in 
rint, we have found none that produced the desired effect. That of the Italian 
ioble might succeed, but it was till now lost sight of ; certain however it is, that 
le soil about the rocky bank was a ferruginous clayey loam, and the water which 
assed near the Hydrangeas appeared of the colour of pale malt liquor : hence, it 
r as 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 
ur allotted space is filled. May we be permitted to hope that the few imperfect 
hits thus offered will be productive of some good, by inducing those who possess 
leans and opportunities, to improve their scenery by the scientific introduction of 
icturesque masses ? 
REMARKS ON THE CAMELLIA. 
This noble plant being so well known, and to a greater or less extent, with 
arious degrees of success, cultivated by almost all who have any pretensions to be 
onsidered growers of exotics, we might have some scruple in penning the remarks 
ye are about to make, did we not feel more than assured that, however little anything 
hat may be stated respecting it, tends to place it in a more engaging light, it will 
>e highly acceptable. 
We are led to notice it because — seeing some time ago a house principally 
•ccupied with Camellias which were turned into the open border, in flower — we have 
carcely since, beheld a collection in any state with pleasure, certainly not with feelings 
>f satisfaction. A brief account of the plants we allude to, and the circumstances 
mder which they were flourishing, will better enable us to establish the position 
•especting the Camellia , we are anxious to assume. The house, then, in which they 
•vere 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 
nansion to which it was adjoined forming the other side. Its aspect being west, its 
deration considerable, the frame-work and sash-bars all of wood, and the glass in 
