62 THE TUBEROUS BEGONIA. 



especially when growth has fairly commenced. The after culture is also very 

 similar -to that required by the single forms, though a slightly higher tem- 

 perature is advisable during the earlier stages, and early in the season if it 

 can be afforded. But under these or indeed any conditions, the fullest pos- 

 sible supply of light is absolutely necessary, as well as abundant room 

 between and around each plant while growth is being made, to the produc- 

 tion of dwarf and well-branched specimens and fine blooms. 



As regards the most suitable compost, much the same kind of material as 

 has been recommended for the single varieties when grown for exhibition 

 (see p. 67) may be made use of here ; but as we have said, it should not be 

 used in quite so rough a state, and must be made somewhat firmer in the pots. 

 Loam of the best possible description, leaf-soil and sand are the principal 

 ingredients, and a compost made up of about three parts of the former to- 

 two of the latter, and half a part of saiid with a little crushed charcoal and 

 granular coco-nut fibre will be found to suit these plants admirably in all 

 stages, or of any size. Manure, however thoroughly decayed and sweet, we- 

 do not recommend, though a very small portion may be used for large 

 plants of a vigorous nature. Peat may be used 'in default of leaf-soil 

 indeed, should the loam be at all inclining to a heavy nature, or deficient 

 in porosity or fibre, a third of good fibrous peat in addition to the leaf- 

 soil will be really advantageous. Decayed spent hops, in a sweet and flaky 

 state, we find very beneficial, and if such can be obtained, they may be used 

 in moderate quantity either instead of or in addition to the leaf-soil. Some 

 growers say they can dispense with sand, but unless the loam is of an extra- 

 ordinarily perfect description we should not like to pot these plants, particu- 

 larly if small or delicate-rooted, without any, and we have always found the 

 doubles succeed best with a rather liberal allowance of sand. Do not be 

 persuaded to use any strong artificial manures in potting ; these are quite 

 unnecessary, in fact, injurious in the early stage, and when extra nourish- 

 ment is required it can be readily supplied, as necessary, in the form of liquid 

 manure. 



A shelf near the glass in a well-heated structure is undoubtedly the best 

 place for plants in the early part of the season, and the reason why Begonias 

 in baskets are usually so successful is probably owing to their being sus- 

 pended in full light, with abundance of fresh air all around them. After- 

 wards, when the heat of summer sets in, a place on an open stage, or slightly 

 raised on inverted pots or boards above a cool and moderately damp layer of 

 ashes or shingle, is more suitable and less parching than a shelf. In really 

 hot weather air can scarcely be admitted too freely, a close atmosphere being 

 fatal both to the plants themselves and to the size and endurance of the 

 blooms. At alt stages of the growth, however, air should be admitted 

 whenever safe, but in ungenial weather this must be done very cautiously, for 

 a cold draught or sudden chill will often administer a severe check. 



