170 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



also good for edgings, growing only ift. high, and producing 

 elegant recurved crimson foliage. 



Fig. 82. — Beta hortensis metallica, or Victoria Beet. '.f 



Begonias. — The tuberous-rooted Begonias constitute a class 

 of plants admirably adapted for this style of bedding. They 

 may be grown with less labour and attention than many bedding 

 plants, and when in flower it is surprising how they will 

 withstand the ill-effects of wind and heavy rain, and remain 

 one mass of colour until frost puts in an appearance. The tubers 

 are started into growth about March by placing them either 

 singly in pots or several together in boxes of light soil composed 

 of loam, leaf-mould, and sand, with a little decayed cow-manure 

 added. The pots or pans should be well-drained, and the com- 

 post in a moist condition when used. The tubers should be 

 potted firmly, placing them just below the surface, and watering 

 carefully until growth is fairly active. They should be gradually 

 hardened off by admitting air, and transferred to the beds in 

 June. In dry weather water should be freely applied, never allow- 

 ing the tubers to get dry at the root ; they will then produce a 

 display which, for brilliancy of colour, and duration and profusion 

 of blossom, will compare favourably with any other bedding plant 

 grown. When lifted in the autumn, the tubers require to be 



