250 THE NURSERY-MANUAL 



Derivatives of B. socotrana are grown from the bulbels, that 

 usually form freely. 



Tuberous begonias may be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and 

 by division of the tubers. They are commonly grown from seeds, 

 which should be sown early in spring, and the seedlings pricked off 

 and shifted regularly. Cuttings of the young rapidly-growing 

 shoots, if taken as soon as the plants are 4 to 6 inches high, will 

 form good tubers by fall. Cuttings made while the plants are in 

 flower rarely produce tubers of much value ; B. boliviensis and 

 B. Veitchii are particularly likely to fail in this respect. The 

 cuttings should be 2 to 4 inches in length, the lower cut being 

 just beneath a joint ; remove one or two of the lowest leaves and 

 insert singly near the edge of thumb-pots filled with a soil com- 

 posed of about equal parts sand, leaf -mold and loam. Place in a 

 cool shaded position, applying water only to prevent flagging. 

 Dividing the tubers is an unsatisfactory method of propagation. 

 If employed, the tubers should be cut before active growth begins, 

 so that each part shall have an eye or crown. They are then 

 treated as separate tubers. Begonias which have not been im- 

 proved are most easily and rapidly propagated from seed ; the 

 named or improved varieties are best increased by cuttings. 



Belamcanda, including Pardanthus (Blackberry Lily). Iridaceae. 



Increased by seeds, division and cuttings of young growth. The 

 blackberry lily (B. chinensis) propagates readily by division and by 

 seeds, the latter being freely produced. 



Belli s (English Daisy). Composites. 



Increased readily by seeds, which should be sown in early spring. 

 Also propagated by division after flowering. Seeds do not always 

 reproduce the special kind, and choice forms are multiplied by 

 division. 



Benincasa. Cucurbitacece. 



The wax gourd is readily raised from seeds planted after the 

 weather is warm ; handle same as for melons. 



Benthamia: Cornw. 



Berberidopsis. Flacourtiacew. 



Multiplied by seeds in spring, by layering in autumn, and by 

 young greenwood cuttings in spring. 



