January.] green-house — camellia japonica. 187 
OF WATERING. 
In this month very little is requisite, and must be given 
with great caution. Few plants will require much and some 
hardly any ; but all must be attended to, and have their 
wants supplied. Some will need it twice, some once a-week, 
and some in two weeks, according to their shrubby and woody 
nature. Herbaceous and deciduous plants will seldom need 
water. Perhaps, from the shedding of the foliage to the 
commencement of vegetation, three or four times will be 
sufficient. Particular attention should be paid to the state 
of health and of growth, in which the plants respectively 
are, in the application of water : otherwise much mischief 
may be done, and many entirely ruined. 
Green-house plants being now in an absolutely inactive 
state, require little more water than merely to keep the earth 
about their roots from becoming perfectly dry, by occasion- 
ally applying a very small quantity at the root ; and, if done 
with a watering-pot, as described under this head in the 
hot-house of this month, very little will be spilt in the house 
to increase dampness, which, if it does appear, by any of the 
leaves of the plants becoming musty, they must be instantly 
picked off; and, if it increases, give a little fire and air. 
Succulent plants will not need any water during this month, 
unless omitted in December. 
CAMELLIA JAPONICA. 
This magnificent and attractive flower, with all its splendid 
varieties, will, about this time, begin to open its beautiful 
flowers. But for this admired genus of plants, our green- 
houses at this season would be void of allurement. It is, in 
this country, subject to the red spider, and more especially 
in this city, which appears to be from the nature of the air. 
The effects of the spider on these plants, if not prevented, 
would prove fatal ; as, from appearances, many have died by 
it in several collections. If it has reached a great extent, 
the leaves are brownish, having the appearance of being de- 
cayed or scorched with the sun. In taking hold of the leaf, 
