Plate 1 . 
COUNTESS OE DERBY CAMELLIA. 
Camellia japonica, var . 
The new form of Camellia japonica , with which we introduce 
to our readers the Floral Magazine, is one of sterling merit, 
not surpassed in beauty, nor in the qualities which, in the eyes 
of connoisseurs, constitute a fine variety in this family, by any 
that have preceded it. The variety, which is of Italian origin, 
was imported, in 1856, by Messrs. Veitch and Son, of the Royal 
Exotic Nursery, Chelsea., by whom it has been increased for 
sale. Our illustration is taken from a fine plant growing in 
Mr. Veitch 5 s conservatory. 
Among the Camellias already distributed in gardens, pro¬ 
ducing white-striped flowers, the variety now figured is remark¬ 
able on account of the hold character of its broad deep green 
glossy foliage, and of the size as well as purity and delicacy of 
colouring and fine form observable in its flowers. These flowers 
are, under favourable conditions of cultivation, as much as four 
inches in diameter, sufficiently full to form a rosette of pleas¬ 
ing outline, and made up of broad smooth-edged petals of re¬ 
markable substance, ranged in an imbricating manner, having a 
pure white ground, and marked with broad and well-defined 
but not crowded stripes or flakes of a delicate rose-colour; in 
the young flowers the petals assume a cup-like form, but when 
fully expanded the outer ones become moderately reflexed, so 
that a larger proportion of their surface is brought into view. 
Altogether it is one of the most beautiful varieties yet produced. 
Like other plants which have been taken under the fostering 
care of the cultivator, the Camellia, in every state a beautiful 
Plate 1 . — Camellia japoxica, var. Couxtess oe Derby : flowers large, 
quite double, white, distinctly and distantly flaked with rose-pink; outer 
petals reflexed. 
