^ssssssssss: 
1739 BICENTENNIAL 1939 
CELEBRATION 
do/nmemoxutinj the 200tfi <^/pnnioexi.axij 
of the dintxo Auction of 
CAMELLIAS FROM CHINA 
TO EUROPE 
PdzAicateA to the <zAfonox of 
GEORG JOSEPH KAMEL 
BORN APRIL, 21, 1661 
DIED 1706 
the acme of perfection . . . their bewitchingly lovely 
flowers excite universal admiration. 
In commemorating the bicentennial introduction of 
Camellias from China to Europe, it is well to pause 
for a moment and look back for a brief history of 
these glamorous plants. 
It was during the reign of the Chinese emperor, 
Keen-lung, fifteenth and the favourite son of the 
former emparor Ying-chin, that Georg Joseph Kamel, 
is credited with having been responsible for introducing 
this noble floral gem from China to Europe. 
Legendary reports indicate Kamel died in the 
Philippine Islands, 33 years before Camellias were 
brought to Europe. Accuracy of dates can not be 
vouched for. 
Kamel was known as a Moravian Protestant 
missionary of the Moravian Brethren faith.* (see 
foot note) 
The celebrated botanist Linnaeous, commemorated 
Kamel by latinizing the name Camellia in his honor. 
With the passing of 1939, that year is looked on as 
the 200th anniversary of the introduction of Camellias 
from China to Europe. 
Land of mystic, oriental culture, science and 
invention that anti-dates Christianity, we are 
indebted to China for these most beautiful, breath¬ 
taking flowers. 
Tribute should be paid to the celestial empire for 
the numerous other rare and exotic plants which adorn 
gardens and conservatories. But the Camellia alone, 
represents the most outstanding species of all winter¬ 
flowering plants from China. 
Bewitchingly lovely Camellias, flowers with 
numerous color combinations, various forms, and 
almost countless named and MIS-NAMED varieties 
of today, excite the admiration of every flower lover, 
wherever they are grown. 
During the winter months, Camellias add a note of 
sparkle and romance, to an otherwise colorless garden 
in mild wintered sections. 
Under greenhouse culture in the North, they reach 
Bao-Jzi On Qatnzlliai. 
Very little seems to have been published 
about Camellias prior to 1800. 
Perhaps the most interesting early printed 
article on Camellias was that in the Botanical 
Magazine by William Curtis, Vol. 2, published 
1758. Here a colored plate of what Camellia 
fanciers of today would consider an insignificant 
single red flower is shown. It is also described 
as “ROSA CHINESIS,” and goes on to say: 
“Representations of this flower are frequently 
met with in Chinese paintings.” 
Even at this early date, the editor ventured 
the suggestion Camellias would prove as winter 
hardy as Laurustinus or Magnolias: “The high 
price at which it has heretoibre been sold, may 
have prevented its being hazzard in this way.” 
Unrooted cuttings at that time sold at 
$25.00 each. 
Cautious horticulturists hesitated risking 
the loss of an expensive plant by allowing it 
to freeze. 
Real enthusiasm for Camellias was awakened 
in 1792, when Capt. Connor of the Clipper ship 
Carnatic East Indiaman, arrived from China 
with an ALBA PLENA and a double striped 
variety, for the Hon. John Slater, Esq., of the 
India House. As late as June, 1818, The 
Botanical Cabinet, published in London, states: 
“Twelve distinct sorts (Camellias) are at present 
cultivated in this country. They have all been originally 
imported from China where it is said that several more 
kinds exist.” 
It is interesting to note the same magazine goes on to 
say: “There can hardly be a grander sight in nature 
than a large (green) house full of these beautiful plants 
when in bloom. We have sometimes had upward of 
20 000 flowers of the different varieties all open at 
once.” 
A year later, Curtis Monograph on the Genus Camellia, 
describes 25 varieties of Camellias, and four plants 
that had not yet flowered. Judging by their foliage, 
it was thought these four were distinct sorts. 
Pi&uj f Ua>iiztizi. aj Came Iliad, 
English and European horticulturists worked as¬ 
siduously, cross pollenizing these celestial emigrants, 
producing an endless number of new seedlings. 
By 1842, The Ladies Magazine of Gardening, pub¬ 
lished in London, reports: 
“Above a thousand other (varieties of Camellias) 
have originated in England and Europe,” from these 
seedlings. 
There are numerous books, and monographs published 
on Camellias from 1819 to 1860, giving the only authentic 
history now available concerning these awe inspiring 
floral gems from China. Unfortunately, for one 
interested in bibliography on Camellias, it is easier 
and much cheaper to acquire a collection of rare 
Camellia plants than to locate these treasured books, 
published 70 or more years ago on this subject. 
An example of the value placed on Camellia pub¬ 
lications with colored plates, is apparent when one 
learns $1,200.00 was recently paid for five original 
water color paintings of Camellia flowers by Clara 
Marie Pope, as used in the original Curtis Monograph 
of 1819. 
After 200 years, since their introduction. Camellias 
today are bringing a more abundant life, awaking 
emotional ecstasies, by the elegance and brilliancy of 
their flowers. 
Robert Owen Rubel.Jr 
♦ Fop further Information about Moravian Brethren faith, Soelety of Christians, see Encyclopedia 
Brittanica, subject, MORAVIA. 
