MISCELLAXE0U8 EXHIBITION PLANTS. 99 



(1.) Size, compactness, and freshness of the plant; (2.) quality 

 and quantity of expanded flowers, which should be double, full, 

 and well formed. 



BEGONIA. 

 The species and varieties of Begonia are both numerous and 

 useful. The tuberous-rooted section, to which our remarks 

 apply, includes splendid varieties, which produce seedlings, if 

 carefully selected, of equal merit, if not superior, to the parents. 

 A year-old tuber of good size is a suitable subject on which to 

 build an exhibition specimen. The roots should be shaken 

 out in March, and potted in six-inch pots, using a compost of 

 rich sandy loam, old manure rubbed down, some bone-meal, 

 sand, and wood-ashes. Plunge the pots near the glass in a 

 mild heat, and give the shoots all the light and air possible to 

 ensure a sturdy short-jointed growth. Before the flower-buds 

 appear, remove the plants to a warm greenhouse, re-pot, and 

 train out the shoots, keeping the lower ones down over the 

 edge of the pot. Pinch the strong shoots and cut out the 

 weak ones, to admit light and air through the centre of the 

 plant. When the roots are thiough the new soil, feed with 

 weak liquid manure and shade from bright sun. The points 

 of merit are: (1.) Size and healthy condition of the plant; 

 (2.) size and number of flowers; and (3.) substance and colour 

 of the flowers, which should be pure, bright, and distinct. 



CALCEOLARIA. 

 The herbaceous or greenhouse kinds of Calceolaria have 

 flowers so different from those of other plants, and the variety 

 of colour is so diversified as to give them prominence among 

 other subjects for exhibition. Seed from the finest strain 

 should be sown in June or Jul}', according to the time the 

 plants are wanted in flower. When the seedlings are large 

 enough, prick them in boxes four inches apart among sandy 

 soil and leaf-mould, and when they have made six to eight 

 leaves, shift into six-inch pots, using one part sandy loam, and 

 one part leaf-mould, sand, rotted sheep or cow manure. Place 

 near the glass in a cool frame on a damp bottom, water regu- 

 larly, and keep them clear of insects. When the roots have 



