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family as to growth, but is so distinct in growth and 
peculiar in its leaf development that it stands out unique 
and striking in all its individual beauty. 
TUBEROUS BECONIAS. 
There is at present a growing craze for this class of 
plants, and many florists grow them largely and catalogue 
them extensively. The magnificent coloring, large size 
and effectiveness of this very handsome flower is only 
now beginning to be appreciated and used with fine effect 
for Summer bedding plants in many places in this coun- 
try. Many of the flowers vie with the Orchids in rich- 
ness and delicacy, and all have a waxy appearance that 
surpasses in brilliancy all the other Begonias. ‘his class 
is raised from seed very freely and is the best method for 
its propagation. It has tubers like a potato, and must 
not be kept growing only about nine months out of the 
twelve. If it is desired to have an outdoor display, choose 
a position, when possible, where the plants will have 
plenty of moisture and partial shade from the midday 
sun. The soil should berich loam and the tubers planted 
not more than two inches deep from the crown of the 
bulb, after all danger from frost has passed. In hot or 
dry weather a slight sprinkling of water will assist them, 
but under no circumstances should they be saturated 
until growth has fairly commenced. After the leaves 
have begun to develop place a mulching of short manure 
or grass over the beds about two inches deep, for the two- 
fold purpose of preventing evaporation and keeping the 
soil from becoming hard, which usually occurs after fre- 
quent watering or storms. Those possessing a greenhouse 
can have large plants for bedding at the proper season by 
starting the bulbs any time after January. If preferable 
to grow ou in pots, they should be placed in a three-inch 
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