362 
On the Cultivation of the Cumellia. 
Tf it be agreeable to you, I will forward to you in the course of a 
few weeks, a list of the varieties most worthy of cultivation, accom¬ 
panied with a few observations on some of them. 
I remain. Gentlemen, yours, &c. 
A Young Amateur, 
December 9, 1831. G. A. L. 
Further Observations on the Cultivation of the Camellia, 
By Joseph Paxton, F.L.S. & H.S. 
Note. —The Cameltia has been in this country nearly a century, being introdu¬ 
ced from China, in 1739, and although it is admitted to be the most beautiful 
plant in cultivation, the means necessary to be used in order that it may be made 
to flourish, and flower to perfection, appear so very little known, that we feel a 
pleasure in being able to add to the statement of our esteemed correspondent, some 
actual observations of our own, on the culture of this splendid plant. 
As soon as the usual flowering season is over, (about the end of March,) we 
have the plants, that require it, potted in a well prepared compost, of 
One barrow-full of rich hazel loam, 
One-third ditto fine sand, 
Half ditto peat earth. 
Half ditto good rotten dung. 
These ought to be ijicorporated together at least twelve months before using, and 
be repeatedly turned during that period. After the plants are potted, we place 
them in a house, and subject them to the temperature of from 6^ to 75 deg. Fahr. 
by day, and from 55 to 60, by night. This heat we consider far preferable to a 
greater, during their time of growth, as too much heat, at that period, has a ten¬ 
dency to render the growing shoots both weakly and short. We make it a rule 
to syringe them every morning*, when in a growing state, and if the sun shines 
powerfully, shade them slightly, both at this time, and when they are in flower j 
indeed we have invariably found them to flourish and look far better, when not 
too much exposed to the sun’s rays, during any period of the season. At this time, 
as well as when in flower, we water them pretty freely, and give as much air as 
the weather will admit of. As soon as the young shoots have done growing*, 
(which is easily perceived,) we raise the heat to 80 or 85 degrees by day, and 
from 70 to 75 by night : this increase of heat, enables the plants to form their 
flower-buds with greater facility, more strength, and in far greater quantities. 
It should be particularly observed that this increase of heat, ought to be applied 
immediately on the plants perfecting their shoots, before they become of a woody 
texture, for if delayed until the wood becomes hard, it has not the desired effect, 
of producing an abundance of blossom buds. 
When they have completely set their flower-buds, which will be in about three 
weeks after they are subjected to this increased temperature, we gradually de¬ 
crease the heat, until the end of June, when they are sufficiently hardy to stand 
out of doors. We are careful to place them in rather a shady situation, for if 
placed where fully exposed to the sun, the leaves are not only liable to be blotched 
and unsightly, but the plants are apt to push their buds prematurely into flower. 
The great reason why the flower-buds very often fall off, without properly 
coming into bloom; is, the too sudden changes in the temperature, to which 
