16 FLOWERS AND THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



so showy in colour and growth, that they deserve a place 

 m every collection of handsome foliage plants. They 

 require a summer heat of 70 to 80 : the first-named 

 variety may have a winter temperature of 55 to 60, the 

 others 60' to 70. There is one kind, the Caladium 

 Virginicum, which is hardy. The ginger-like roots of 

 Caladium licolor are eaten in tropical countries, under 

 the name of cocoa roots. 



They are tuberous-rooted plants, and are increased by 

 division of the roots. They will send out side shoots, 

 and these when rooted may be taken off, potted, and 

 placed in a frame or under a hand glass, with a gentle 

 bottom heat, keeping them shaded. 



Their soil is turfy loam, sandy peat, and thoroughly 

 well rotted cow manure, in equal parts ; add silver sand, 

 and a few bits of charcoal mixed in amongst it. The 

 tubers should have some rest in winter, being at that time 

 kept rather dry. As soon as the plants begin to grow 

 in the spring, shake them clear of the old soil, and re-pot 

 them in fresh compost, mixed as mentioned above. Give 

 but little water until they have made a good start, 

 and then re-pot them ; give a little bottom heat, and 

 increase the heat and moisture in the place where they 

 are kept. If the plants grow fast, they will require to be 

 re-potted in June ; give plenty of water, and now and 

 then a little liquid manure. Watch-for the green fly, and 

 if it should appear, wage war against it at once. At the 

 spring potting, if mouldy or decayed spots are seen on the 

 tubers, clean them by scraping, and dust a little powdered 

 chalk on the wound. Caladium CJiantini must be kept 

 dryer than the rest, and its offsets may be planted in 

 almost pure sand. 



The Begonias recently introduced are plants of magni- 

 ficent foliage, and are delicately pretty, although not very 

 showy in the flower. The peculiar shape of the leaves, 

 one side being so much larger than the other, and their 

 brilliant mixture of colour, render these plants very at- 

 tractive. The Hegonia rex is splendid, and many hand- 

 some seedlings have been raised from it. They require 

 about the same range of temperature as the caladiums, 



