XXI. BEGONIAS 



HEN a plant enjoys the 

 popularity which the 

 Begonia can justly 

 pride itself on, it may 

 be set down as certain 

 that it has many and 

 very positive merits. 

 We find the favorite flower occupying a place 

 only second to the Geranium in most window- 

 gardens, and in many collections it is given 

 the place of honor. Some grow it for its flow- 

 ers, others for its foliage. Many sorts do not 

 lay claim to any particular beauty so far as 

 flower is concerned, but these have, as a general 

 thing, such peculiar and strikingly beautiful 

 foliage that the amateur florist is not content, 

 after seeing well-grown specimens of them, 

 until he becomes the owner of some of the most 

 distinct varieties. Begonia-growing often be- 

 comes a fad with those who admire this plant, 

 and often entire collections are made up of 

 the representative types of the great Begonia 

 family. 



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