BEGONIA. 119 



B. longifolmm. — This is the most distinct and beautifdl 

 species of the genus. The stem is stout ; leaves from six 

 to ten feet in length, narrow, pendent, forming a beau- 

 tiiul vase-like centre, and dark green in colour. Native 

 of Mexico. 



B. reourvata. — This species is sometimes to be met with 

 under the name of B. tuheraulata. Our woodcut illustration 

 gives a good idea of its general appearance, and our 

 readers may judge that such a plant, with its bright green 

 pendulous leaves, must form a beautiful object, either in 

 the open air during summer, in the conservatory, or 

 indeed in any position. It is a native of Mexico. 



B, striata. — Stem stout, with a swollen base, as in all the 

 other species. The leaves are some three feet or more in 

 length, less than an inch broad, and very glaucous. Native 

 of Mexico. 



Begonia. 



A great quantity of the Begonias are not only remarkable 

 for their free-flowering qualities, but also for the exquisite 

 variegation of their foliage ; and although the flowers of 

 the ornamental-leaved kinds are not so attractive as those 

 of their plain green relatives, yet they are sufficiently 

 large, and produced in sufficient abundance to make them 

 very eflfective in the. stove. A great many of the finely 

 variegated-leaved kinds are of garden origin, having for 

 jtheir parent B. Sex, which created such a sensation when 

 first introduced. Some amateurs grow these plants for 

 summer decoration only, resting them by partially drying 

 ofi" during winter. This we consider a mistake, as they 

 are so very attractive during the dull months, and require 

 but little attention, although they would amply repay the 

 most tedious care. To grow these plants well (and it 



