1892.] ESSAYS. 123 



well taken care of, the second year ; but the best generally 

 flower last. 



The tuberous-rooted Begonia, as now known, is the result of 

 the crossing and recrossing of several tuberous-rooted species 

 found native in the South American Andes ; these species are, 

 Begonia boliviensis; B. octopetala; B. rosoiflora and B. 

 Veitchii. 



They are well adapted for bedding out and also one of the 

 best pot plants for summer we possess, the remarkable size of 

 the flowers and their rich colors make them very^ attractive. 



Heretofore it has always been recommended that partial 

 shade be given them when used as a bedding plant, but experi- 

 ence has shown that they are capable of withstanding our 

 brightest sunshine, and in fact do even better there than in the 

 shade. 



The tubers should be started in April and planted out about 

 the 1st of June. Those that are intended for pot culture 

 should have plenty of root room and be placed in a lightly 

 shaded greenhouse. 



They can be increased by cuttings taken during late summer 

 or early autumn. These will make tubers large enough to 

 make good plants the next summer. But by far the best mode 

 of propagation is by seed. By sowing seed in January or 

 February, or even later, the plants will bloom the same year. 

 The seed, being very fine, must be sown carefully. The soil 

 is made free from seeds of weeds by exposure to heat, sifted 

 fine and packed smooth and solid in a box or seed-pan, and 

 thoroughly watered. On this the seed is sown and lightly 

 covered with sifted sphagnum. Cover with glass and keep in 

 a temperature of 65 degrees. The plants should show in ten 

 days. As soon as large enough transplant and keep growing 

 by frequent shifting into larger pots. 



The Tigridia is not a new plant, being introduced in 1796 from 

 Mexico, still it is not as well known as it should be. The cul- 

 ture of the Tigridia is the same as that of the gladiolus, 

 with the exception that it needs plenty of water. One bulb 

 well planted and cared for, will flower all summer. The 

 flowers do not last long, but their curious shell or conch shape 



