Page:The Amateur's Greenhouse and Conservatory.djvu/178

168 them, but we have seen them equally thrifty and a deal more comfortable in smart constructions of the present day, which admitted a flood of light from above and presented the temptations of a bright mosaic pavement underfoot to enhance the enjoyment of an inspection of the flowers. In its native land the camellia grows in woods, and hence a certain degree of shade is favorable to its prosperity; but we do not need heavy rafters and a century of dirt to modify the sunlight, because that can be accomplished by some cheap and respectable shading, the employment of which will really add to the comfort of the camellia house when the sun is shining brightly. Camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons make their new growth quickly, and usually show a bristling of the tender green of the rising shoots before the latest of their flowers have expanded. The appearance of this sprinkling of bright green is a signal to the cultivator that now they require a little extra warmth, and a somewhat humid atmosphere and protection against drying winds and any sudden change of temperature. That they should be carefully supplied with water at this time is of course a matter of some importance. As for that, the watering is a matter of importance at all seasons, though few believe it to be so, for nine tenths of the camellias and azaleas that perish ignobly in private plant houses, are the victims of thirst, as we shall explain presently. Amateurs do not sufficiently keep in mind the great difference between hard and soft wooded plants in respect of ill usage and neglect. We may forget a lot of geraniums and find them half dead in consequence, but if we prune them close and give them a little water, they will soon throw up a forest of new shoots, and in a little while flower again and look as buxom as ever. But if we forget our heaths and camellias and azaleas, it is no such easy work to restore them, and the very first step taken towards their restoration may result in making an end of them completely.

is well adapted for the winter garden, and is in the most proper sense of the term a “conservatory plant.” To do it complete justice it should not be associated with other plants, and hence the right way to enjoy it is to provide a camellia house. If a house is built expressly for camellias, it need not be so fully lighted as for quick-growing, soft-wooded plants; and those who grow