III 
POPULAR FLORIST FLOWERS 
alsams are well-known annuals. ‘There are many 
strains of seeds, some giving more, others less double 
flowers, the double-flowered ones only being of any 
value. The colors of Balsams are extremely ten- 
der and beautiful, varying from white to deep-red, 
either one-colored or mottled or striped. Camellia 
flowered Balsams are the largest and finest. 
Balsams should be sown in March or April, or even later, for 
late bloom in the house. Place a few seeds in 2-inch pots, 
and when rooting through the soil re-pot into larger ones re- 
peatedly until the plants are in 5- or 6-inch pots, in which 
they may flower. The young seedlings should be kept in the 
warmest and lightest apartment. ‘Turn the plants round fre- 
quently, as they grow toward the light. Two parts of loam, 
one of well-decayed leaf mould and horse manure, and one of 
sand makes a good soil. 
Begonias. Begonias are among the most beautiful and eas- 
iest grown house plants. Of late years there have been raised 
a number of hybrids and varieties excelling in beauty of form 
and color any known species. Begonias grown for their flow- 
ers are of two kinds. One group with tuberous roots, the 
other shrubby. = ZwSerous rooted Begonias are raised from 
seeds which are extremely fine, and must be sown on the sur- 
