A Few Cultural Notes on 
CAMELLIAS 
Natives of China, Japan and Korea, Camellias were 
first introduced into England early in the | 8th century. 
For many years thereafter they were sought after and 
cultivated more than almost any other plant, and a 
great many hybrids were produced, particularly dur- 
ing the first half of the 19th Century. 
The varieties of Camellias are now so numerous that 
there are forms, sizes and colors to satisty almost any- 
one's taste. By careful selection of different varieties 
the blooming season may extend from October to 
May. 
These plants are very much at home in Calitornia, 
and are especially valuable as they flower during the 
winter months, when there is a dearth of color on most 
_ other subjects. Even when they are not in bloom, their 
shapely habit and their lustrous evergreen leaves ren- 
der them plants of unusual character and distinction, 
and adorned with their lovely regal flowers they light 
up a dull and somber day. 
Their culture is simple. During the spring, summer and 
autumn months they should be kept well supplied with 
water by thorough and deep irrigation, and the foliage 
well hosed off trom time to time to keep the plants 
refreshed and healthy. Of capital importance is good 
drainage, so that excess water does not stand around 
their roots; and, preterably shelter from the sun dur- 
ing the hottest hours of the day. They like and should 
have a soil on the acid side. If the ground is heavy it 
can be improved by incorporation of leaf mold, cow 
manure, bean straw, etc. If the soil is very light, peat 
moss, leaf mold, manure or bean straw should be 
added. Light applications of fertilizer should be given 
every thirty days after the plants have finished bloom- 
ing, until about September. 
