1872. ] 
CAMELLIA CULTURE. 
81 
sively grown. Messrs. Wheeler and Son, of Gloucester, from whom our woodcut 
is borrowed, state that the apples realize a higher price in Gloucester market 
than any other sort. Specimens exhibited by them in February and again in 
May, 1868, at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society obtained a Special 
Certificate.—T. M. 
CAMELLIA CULTURE. 
'E have not in our greenhouses, and probably there is not within the 
range of Flora’s dominions, a more universally admired favourite than 
the Camellia. Its perfect proportions, richness of foliage, and purity of 
colour give to it a position, as a cut flower, which is perhaps not 
equalled by that of any other plant. And I may observe that in the setting-up 
of Camellias in vases, or otherwise, no other garniture than that of their own 
foliage is admissible. 
To grow the Camellia to the greatest possible perfection, houses should be 
specially set apart for their culture ; while to prolong the blooming period to the 
utmost, it is necessary to have two houses. I always look upon one large house 
as a great mistake ; for by having a division, the early and late-flowering sorts 
may be separated, and a greater amount of success attained, than by one uniform 
temperature, though aided by every fertility of expedient. Let it not be inferred 
from this that I consider the Camellia difficult to cultivate. On the contrary, it 
is a plant of the easiest culture. And there is no reason why it should not be 
grown successfully by all who possess the advantage of a greenhouse. If certain 
conditions are adhered to, no plant is more easily managed, and none will render 
more perfect satisfaction to the amateur cultivator. 
First, then, it is of the greatest importance that the soil in which they are 
grown should be of a suitable nature, and in none, either simple or compound, 
have I found them to succeed so well as in a tough, fibrous loam, from the sand¬ 
stone formation. Loam partaking of a calcareous nature is always to be avoided. 
When such a loam as I have recommended is not attainable, they will luxuriate in 
a rich, soft peat, which should be cut into turves and stacked for twelve months 
previous to being used. They may be repotted at any time during their season of 
comparative rest, but the best time, and that least subject to risk, is after flowering. 
Except in the case of plants in small pots, they seldom require shifting; and so 
long as they have perfect drainage and proper soil there can be no greater error 
than constantly pulling them about. Their roots are so very brittle and sus¬ 
ceptible of injury from any cause, that I consider it best to shift seldom, and 
liberally, using clean pots thoroughly drained, with an inch of charcoal over the 
crocks ; the soil being pulled into pieces by the hand, and sharp sand only 
added to it, and being rammed firmly around the ball. After potting, if they 
can be given a humid atmosphere of 50° to 60°, they will be benefited. Air 
freely, and use shading only to prevent the direct action of the sun, which when 
allowed to shine upon the leaves when they are wet often causes blotching. 
