CAMELLIA JAPONICA. 
67 
let them be taken out of the pots, a little of the soil 
removed from the sides, top and bottom of the ball 
and the ball loosened a little, but no roots should be 
taken away, unless they are dead. The pots should 
always be well drained ’with broken potsherds or 
gravel, then place a little soil over the drainage, and 
return the plant and fill up the pot with the compost, 
pressing it down the sides with the finger or a piece 
of flat stick, leaving a little space between the soil and 
rim of the pot, to allow of watering. When Camellias 
are inclined to grow too straggling and tall, they should 
be pruned, the side shoots cut back, and the leader or 
top shoot shortened so as to reduce them to regular 
shape, which should be done as soon as they have 
done flowering. When they have completely set their 
flower buds, or by the beginning or middle of June 
they will be sufficiently hardy to place out for sum¬ 
mer ; precaution is necessary to prevent worms from 
getting an entrance into the pot by placing a piece of 
board under it, but if any do find their way, they 
should be taken out, or the pots watered with lime 
water once a week for two or three weeks, which will 
cause them to come out, but be careful not to give 
them too much lime water as it may injure their 
roots. As long as the weather continues favorable, 
that is, without frost or excessive rains, they need not 
be taken in till the latter end of September or the 
beginning of October. Previous to taking them into 
the house, it may be necessary to take off a little of the 
old soil from the surface of the pot, but not deep 
enough to injure their roots, and topdress them with 
a little fresh compost, which will be very beneficial 
