BEGONIAS 233 
margins dark green with metallic sheen, the intervening space silvery 
white. Flowers large, pink, in loose cyme, on erect scape. Native of 
’ Assam (1858). Most of the beautiful-leaved Begonias in general cultiva- 
tion are, in part if not wholly, the offspring of this species. Plate 112. 
There are hybrids between this and B. socotrana, B. evansiana, ete., 
all of them good decorative plants. 
B. THwWAITEsit (Thwaites’). Leaves radical, heart- -shaped, variegated 
with rich coppery green, purple-red, and white; under-side deep red. 
Flowers white, in an umbel, on short scape. Hamid stove. Native of 
Ceylon (1852). 
It is necessary that the natural ‘species mostly 
‘cultivated should be known, but in recent years the garden 
hybrids have become far more important than their parents from the 
horticultural point of view. These exhibit great advance in the 
form, size, and colour of the flowers. They are at present very 
numerous, and the list is being extended every year. A few of the 
best may be briefly mentioned :— 
ASCOTENSIS is one of the finest; the beautiful pink flowers borne 
in large clusters. In the South of England this may be used for 
bedding purposes. 
GLOIRE DE ScEAUX. Upright habit, with bronzed leaves and 
numerous large, flat pink flowers, which appear in winter. 
Incramu. Of dwarf habit, with dark foliage and reddish-pink 
flowers. Suitable for outdoor culture in warm situations. 
KNowsLEYANA. Of more vigorous habit, with blush-tinted flowers, 
very serviceable for cutting during the first months of the year. 
Paut Bruant. Very free bloomer; flowers of a soft pink hue. 
President Carnot, Gloire de Lorraine, Triomphe de Lemoine, and 
the bedding varieties of B. semperflorens are other forms that may be 
recommen 
Garden Hybrids. 
Begonias are, as a rule, easily cultivated if one or two 
essential requirements are observed. The tropical species 
require a temperature of not less than 55° in winter, and a minimum of 
65° in summer. A considerable number may be grown in an ordinary 
greenhouse, and some are suitable for cultivation ca the open air during 
the warm months of the year. The tropical species require shade in 
very bright weather, and a liberal allowance of fresh air at all times. 
‘They all prefer a light, loamy, well-drained soil. They are propagated 
by means of cuttings inserted at any time, April being most preferable, 
as cuttings rooted at that time make large plants by the winter, when 
Begonias of the shrubby or evergreen section have most value. Some 
11.—18 
Cultivation. 
