l66 HOME FLORICULTURE 



The Silk Oak 



Grevillea robusta — A very beautiful plant, with 

 large, spreading foliage almost as finely cut as that of 

 some of the Ferns. It is often attacked by red spider 

 and thrip, but these can be controlled by the use of 

 insecticides heretofore advised. The plant is of rapid 

 growth, and soon becomes quite a tree. Young plants 

 are valuable for table decoration. 



Res Begonias 



Begonia rex — We have few plants more beautiful 

 in coloring than these. Their large, rich foliage, in 

 which green of all shades is blended with silver, bronze 

 and red and purple, makes them wonderfully attrac- 

 tive. In some varieties, the entire leaf seems overlaid 

 with metallic colors having a satiny luster indescrib- 

 ably charming. In others the variegation is disposed 

 in bands and blotches of rich colors on a ground of 

 green, while some sorts seem powdered with silver 

 dust through which tints of plum and purple show 

 with delicate effect. A well-grown plant is always 

 sure to attract and fascinate the lover of beautifully 

 colored foliage. 



These Begonias can be grown in the living room 

 if care is taken to keep the soil moist only — never wet 

 — and they are not given large pots while young. 

 They have small roots, and do not require much pot 

 room during the first year. Do not give them sunshine 

 and never shower the foliage. To keep them clean, 

 cover with papers or a thin cloth, when sweeping and 

 dusting. If mealy bugs attack them, remove with a 

 soft brush. Cut away all buds that form, as soon 

 as seen, to throw all the strength of the plant into the 

 production of foliage. Some persons are not success- 

 ful with these Begonias in the wmdow garden, while 



