4 THE TUBEROUS BEGONIA. 



which we have referred, and also possessing such vigorous constitutions as to 

 enable them to be propagated from cuttings, perfectly true to type, on a large 

 scale and with great success. This is saying a great deal, for nineteen out 

 of twenty Begonias deteriorate so rapidly when increased in this manner as 

 to become in a short time almost worthless. But even were this rule abso- 

 lute, we can always fall back upon seedlings, which have far more vigour 

 than plants raised from cuttings ; and it is now a noticeable and proved fact 

 that seed saved from a distinct and strongly characterised class of plants, 

 such as the above, will produce a large proportion possessing all the desirable 

 qualities of the parents, combined in varying degree ; while a judicious 

 system of selection will eliminate any stragglers, and ensure the continua- 

 tion, and probably the advancement, of the type. 



The value of Begonias as bedding-out plants, though beginning to be recog- 

 nized by a few, is very far indeed from being appreciated to a tithe of its 

 actual extent. The result of employing these elegant plants in this capacity 

 is, when carried out in a tolerably judicious and suitable manner, always so 

 highly satisfactory in every respect, that their general adoption for the pur- 

 poses of the decoration of the flower garden is only a matter of time. Indeed, 

 they have already gained a considerable footing in many districts where a fair 

 trial has been given them ; and among these may be mentioned such widely 

 separated localities as some parts of Devonshire (where Begonias succeed 

 amazingly well, and give little or no trouble), the Highlands of Scotland, and 

 the extreme eastern counties of England. In Devonshire very good Begonias are 

 now to be seen in a high degree of perfection, not only in the gardens of the 

 rich, and those who take a strong interest in the advancement of horticulture, 

 but in many cottage and farm-house gardens as well, where they seem to be 

 equally at home, and equally appreciated. In some of the eastern counties, 

 again, these Begonias are made a speciality in many gardens ; while in Scot- 

 land, among other places, they have been introduced, and are now extensively 

 cultivated with the greatest success in the gardens of Drummond Castle in 

 Perthshire, at New Tarbat in Ross-shire, and at Culloden in Inverness-shire ; 

 and also in several instances in the Carse o'Gowrie. 



Seedlings raised in good time, and planted out early in June, though they 

 do not come into full bloom until rather late, and attain no great size, make 

 a fine display of bright and varied colour during August, September, and even 

 October of the same year as well, when the latter month assumes the calm and 

 genial character which in many seasons renders it almost the most enjoy'able 

 month of the year at least in country places, and to the lover of ' ' rural sights 

 and sounds." In support of this fact may be instanced the appearance of Messrs. 

 John Laing and Son's nursery beds, the main quarter of which this year contains 

 112,000 seedlings. Tubers one, two, or more years old are, however, naturally 

 more satisfactory than seedlings / as they not only commence flowering much 

 earlier in the season, but form much more floriferous and bushy, as well as larger, 



