BULBS 33 



species had no particular importance in themselves, as parents they 

 proved invaluable. Their progeny have been intercrossed until all 

 trace of the original plants has been lost, and we have a new race. 

 The value of the tuberous Begonias as flower garden plants is limited 

 by the fact that they do not flourish in hot, dry weather. Beds of 

 them are apt to be thin and ineffective in a scorching summer. The 

 plants do not absolutely die out, and when the cooler weather of 

 late September and early October comes they spread and bloom 

 freely ; but as far as the main part of the summer is concerned 

 they must be written down as poor. The contrast in a damp, cool 

 summer is remarkable. Then the plants grow strongly, fill out 

 the beds, and give a beautiful display of bloom by the end of 

 July at the latest. 



Since so much turns on moisture, the admirer of Begonias 

 will probably ask himself whether he cannot ensure success, dry 

 summer or no, by making provision for supplying the necessary 

 humidity. Yes, he can certainly do a great deal. He can deepen 

 and manure his soil for one thing, and if this work is thoroughly 

 done it will go a long way. If he will work the soil two spades 

 deep, and put a thick coat of decayed yard manure about nine inches 

 below the surface, he will have done much to encourage success. 

 Another thing that he can do is to specially prepare his plants in 

 the spring. He can buy his tubers, or take them out of their 

 winter quarters, about the end of March, and place them six 

 inches apart in boxes filled with a compost in which leaf-mould 

 predominates. A situation on a shelf in a greenhouse, or in a 

 frame (with a covering in cold weather if there is no artificial heat), 

 will suit them, and in the course of a week or two buds will show. 

 Never let the soil get quite dry, and the shoots will push strongly. 

 If kept close to the glass they will be short and sturdy, not long 

 and weak. They should have abundance of air to help to keep 

 them healthy. This treatment will certainly bring its reward. By 

 the first week in June the plants will be very strong. A third 



