Halliday’s Practical Camellia Culture, published 
1880, describes: “WILLIAM PENN, dark crimson.” 
With only the above two brief descriptions of this 
variety, how could one be certain if WILLIAM 
PENN was a peony, rose, imbricated, single or double 
form flower? 
The parent plant from which we propagated our 
stock, we found growing about 30 miles from 
LONGVIEW. 
A short time later, this plant was sold to 
Bellingrath Garden, where this large specimen is 
now known as WILLIAM PENN. We doubt the 
authenticity of this name. We rather believe the 
Camellia described by Langdon Nursery as 
“SERRATIFOLIA — Very dark crimson, spotted 
white,” is probably the correct name. 
This Camellia, occasionally produces the most 
unique serrated foliage of any of the hundreds of 
varieties grown at LONGVIEW. 
Flowers, peony form, 3*4 to 4 inches in diameter, 
with a multitude of petals, producing a semi-ball 
shape flower with the darkest blue-red, irregularly 
blotched with white. 
Whether either of these names is correct, it has dis¬ 
tinctive, variegated flowers of unusual color, along with 
occasional serrated foliage, marking this as a rare Camellia 
of outstanding distinction. 
LOT 117, WILLIAM PENN 
Langdon Nurseries, established in Mobile county, 
1853, briefly described in their large catalogue issued 
1890-91 season, among the 39 varieties of Camellias: 
“WILLIAM PENN-Red, marbled white.” Many of 
the finest Camellias grown in old gardens of this 
vicinity, came from the large and nationally known 
nursery during the long years of their existence. 
If you wish to know the road uliead, inquire 
of those who traveled it.—Chinese proverb. If you 
wish to acquire the best Camellias, buy from a 
specialist. 
No where in this country will you find specimen plants 
as old, as now available at LONGVIEW. We have never 
before offered this variety for sale in any of our numerous 
catalogues. 
In spite of its name, the Massachusetts Horticultural 
Society is not a local organization. It has members in many 
states all of whom receive the society’s publication 
“Horticulture” twice each month and have the privilege 
of borrowing books from the library, the largest of its kind 
in America, wherever they may live. This society has over 
7000 members and occupies an entire building in Boston. 
It maintains a staff of trained men and women who are 
ready at all times to answer questions on horticulture or 
allied subjects, this service being free. “Horticulture” 
publishes lists of coming events throughout the country, 
together with_ reports of shows and meetings of particular 
importance. Visitors to Boston are welcome to make 
Horticultural Hall their headquarters and to consult with 
the members of the staff on any matter which may be of 
interest to them. 
Membership in the Massachusetts Horticultural Society 
is three dollars a year. Subscription to “Horticulture” alone 
is one dollar a year. 
The above advertisement has been published in appreciation of the many valuable 
services rendered by their librarian, for research work on Camellias, the loan of 
valuable books, and other helps gained through my membership in this worthwhile 
organization during the past 15 years. 
Camellia customers from coast to coast who joined this organization on my 
recommendation, have written me letters expressing their thanks. If you are 
interested in horticulture, you’ll never regret the small investment for annual dues. 
ROBERT O. RUBEL, JR. 
