THE LADIES MAGAZINE OF GARDENING. 365 
kept in good order, any individual may syringe the foliage of the plants, 
and let but little water fall upon the carpet or floor. The wider the 
benches, the better you can protect the carpet from water. Where a 
person has but few plants, they might be watered over their tops with a 
watering-pot with a rose on it, by laying each plant on its side, so as to 
keep from wetting the earth in the pot too much; this could be done in a 
large tub, or on a kitchen floor. 
I generally use water for my plants, both winter and summer, directly 
from the pump ; though probably it would be better if it was warmed to 
the same temperature of the room, in winter. 
As to general watering of the flower-pots, I think it best, whenever the 
top earth begins to get dry, to water well and freely, so that the water 
may pass to the bottom roots, and to repeat the watering when the surface 
begins to get dry again: when the camellias are blooming or growing, 
they require more watering than at any other time. 
The number and size of the benches or tables should be in proportion 
to the quantity of plants the individual has to winter : they should not 
be crowded. 
In the spring of the year the sun will shine so powerfully as to injure 
and disfigure the foliage of the camellias by scorching it by its intense 
rays. In such cases, the window-glass should be washed’ over, (or made 
dim,) by the application of common whiting and wrater, or a thin muslin 
curtain should be hung over the window, to protect the foliage of the 
plants from the scorching rays of the noonday sun; though this caution 
will not generally be necessary, except where the wdndows are on the 
south side of the house. 
I have cultivated camellias by the above plan, in such a manner as 
would do credit to most greenhouses, or their cultivators; and I am also 
led to the conclusion, from experience, that camellias are easier cultivated 
than most other plants. 
If you deem this hasty sketch of sufficient importance, you may publish 
it in your valuable Magazine. 
Respectfully yours, 
J. S. Gunnell. 
Washington, D. C. 
April , 1841. 
CAs in the above paper the writer mentions that he uses water for his 
camellias, taken directly from the pump, it appears necessary to add, 
that this should never be done if it can be avoided; as pump water is not 
only colder, but is less suitable for the nourishment of plants, than water 
which has been exposed to the air.] 
VOL. i. —NO. XII. 3 B 
