THE WINTER 



mealy-bug, and red spider. Any plant strong 

 and sturdy enough to take care of itself in this 

 respect will commend itself to the woman who 

 has had experience with insect enemies. 



AMONG the flowering Begonias we have 

 several varieties admirably adapted to 

 winter use. The best of the list, in some 

 respects, is Begonia Rubra, with bright, coral- 

 red flowers and luxuriant, dark-green foliage. I 

 know of few plants that bloom more profusely 

 and persistently. I have had plants of this 

 variety that were not without flowers for periods 

 of two and three years. They were out of blos- 

 som only when they were cut back and com- 

 pelled to renew themselves by a vigorous devel- 

 opment of new branches. The double-flow- 

 ered kinds of recent introduction are very free 

 bloomers, and their great clusters of carmine 

 flowers show to superb effect against the rich, 

 glossy green of their foliage. Gloire de Lor- 

 raine is another most charming variety. Small 

 plants will be literally covered with flowers 

 for many months. These flowers, which are of 

 a bright rose color, are borne in wide-spreading 

 panicles that droop over the pot and give 



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