An inquiry respecting this Camellia has elicited the following from the President of the Brooklyn Horticultural Society: -

J. Jay Smith, Esq. - Dear Sir: In relation to the Downing Camellia, I have been informed by Mr. Ranch, that he had communicated to you in relation to its distribution; presuming that he had done so renders it unnecessary to advise you. The circumstances in relation to the Camellia are these: The late N. J. Becar, of several seedlings, considered this his best, and prised it most highly, as one that would be an ornament to our present varieties; and when he had determined to part with the stock, he named it the Downing (after his particular and lamented friend); and left it with me to obtain fifty subscribers, at ten dollars each, presuming that he had fifty plants, which would realise five hundred dollars. This sum was to be applied for the purpose of obtaining three portraits of Downing, to be presented to the Philadelphia, Boston, and Brooklyn Horticultural Societies, observing at the time, that he wished to "present these Societies with some appreciation of the good feeling that had been tendered him." His widow being aware of the arrangement that existed between Mr. Becar and myself, authorised me to carry it out in the manner referred to. 1

Under the advice of Mr. Ranch and others, the plan of distribution has been changed, by classifying the plants at a fixed valuation, and the price fixed is from ten to forty dollars. This is on the basis of the difference in their value. There were four in the forty dollar class, two of which have been taken, one by a member of the New York Horticultural Society, and one of the Brooklyn Society; this leaves two of that class, one of which I should be pleased to see go to Philadelphia, and the other to Boston, and the other classes it would be gratifying to see distributed as equally as possible between the four Societies named. Any aid that you can render would meet with my thanks, and would give an equal opportunity to each Society. Mr. Ranch was to have had an advertisement, giving a full description of the Downing, in your March number, which I am in hopes he has attended to. I will send you three or four of the flowers as soon as I have an opportunity, with any other information in relation to it that I have not noticed on this occasion.

With great respect, your obt. servt., J. W. Degraw, [See Advertisement in March number. - En.] 69 Washington Street, New York.