92 THE BOOK OF BULBS 



grown in any heated greenhouse in rather light but 

 rich soil. They should have plenty of water while 

 growing. The best species are concinnum, about two 

 feet high ; curvatum, about four feet high, and both 

 flowering in June ; also galeatum, Griffithi, nepen- 

 thoides, and speciosa. 



ARUMS 



The greenhouse and stove Arums thrive in a warm, 

 moist temperature, and are curiously interesting as well 

 as worthy of being admired for the beauty of their 

 foliage. Rich loam, a little sand, and some thoroughly 

 rotted manure will grow them well. After flowering 

 they may have the supply of water restricted so as to 

 keep them at rest until spring, when they start into 

 growth again. Among the most useful of the green- 

 house species are sanctum or palaestinum, spectabile 

 (half-hardy), and spirale. 



BEGONIAS 



The great genus Begonia would, as regards even the 

 tuberous or rhizotamous-rooted species alone, take up 

 too much space, so that this brief reference must 

 principally deal with the cultivation of the hybrid 

 Begonias, which are for most gardens the most valuable 

 of all.- They are standing witnesses to the powers of 

 the skilful hybridiser, and the perfection to which they 

 have been brought makes any words of praise super- 

 fluous. Their value in the garden or under glass is 

 self-e*vident. 



The Begonia may be readily raised from seeds sown 

 in January or February in a house with a temperature of 

 about seventy degrees, and in pots or pans of fine, light 

 soil. Some sow the seeds before watering, and then 

 water with a fine rose ; while others water before 



