2 THE TUBEROUS BEGONIA. 



plant, in the entire range of exotics, that can compare with the Begonia, 

 either in regard to its capability for producing a gorgeous display of rich 

 and varied colour, when grown in masses, or as a thoroughly useful and easily- 

 cultivated decorative subject. Anyone who has visited the show houses of 

 Messrs. John Laing and Sons, at Forest Hill, or of Messrs. Cannell and 

 Sons, at Swanley, when in the height of perfection, will readily admit the 

 former proposition ; and those who attempt the culture of this plant, under 

 conditions at all suitable, whether indoors or out, will very shortly agree to 

 the latter, if they have not already done so. 



In our opinion, nothing in the entire floral treasury can possibly surpass in 

 effect a mass or large houseful of the choicest varieties of Zonal Pelargonium, 

 both single and double, when skilfully grown in pure air, and just in per- 

 fection ; but a collection of modern Begonias, under similar circumstances, 

 will run them very close indeed, even as regards the production of large and 

 dense masses of rich colour ; while in quaintness and variety of form, habit, 

 and colour, the Begonia might fairly be awarded the palm. Undeniably the 

 Zonal Pelargonium is possessed of a few advantages that the Begonia lacks. 

 For instance, the former will, under favourable conditions, continue to bloom 

 throughout the winter, or, indeed, at any season of the year, and is therefore 

 valuable as affording brightness, or a supply of flowers for cutting, at a time 

 when bloom of any kind is scarce and welcome ; while, though the Tuberous 

 Begonia may, by starting the tubers early in the year, and growing them in 

 a genial warmth, be got into flower by the month of May, or even April, 

 and by the use of late-potted seedlings, or plants taken up from the open 

 ground, be induced to prolong their season of beauty up to about Christmas- 

 tide, yet, during the three or four months between these times, the roots 

 demand a season of rest, and we must for the time be content to dispense 

 with their presence. The new race of winter-flowering Begonias, however, 

 which has been obtained by crossing Begonia socotrana with some of the 

 summer- flowering varieties, promises ere long to give a plant that will carry 

 on the flowering season right through the winter. 



Again, the blooms of the Zonal Pelargonium especially of the double- 

 flowering forms are undeniably much better adapted for cutting, and more 

 particularly when the flowers have to be packed, or to travel any distance, and 

 therefore become a more saleable commodity. At the same time, Begonia 

 blooms, either single or double, are considerably more suitable for cutting, 

 and useful when cut, than is generally imagined, and if they can be used on 

 the spot, or very carefully carried, are really very valuable and effective for 

 this purpose, and last a considerable time in water; but the delicate waxy 

 petals are soon bruised and disfigured by any rough handling. The erect- 

 flowering varieties are exceedingly useful in making up choice bouquets, and 

 in specimen glasses, button-holes, etc., while the drooping kinds come in 

 admirably in filling epergnes, and other methods of table decoration. 



