THE BEGONIA. 



Begonia intermedia. 



EGONIAS may bo divided into 

 two great classes : those that are 

 grown for their leaves, and those 

 that are grown for their flowers. 

 The last-named section may be 

 divided into those that are de- 

 ciduous, and flower in summer ; 

 and those that are evergreen, 

 and flower at all seasons. The 

 summer-flowering kinds may be 

 properly spoken of as familiar 

 flowers, but they are somewhat 

 new to our gardens, and have 

 probably not yet attained to the 

 fulness of their fame. 



The introduction of Begonia 

 Boliviensis, B. rosceflora, B. 

 Pearcei, and some few others, was 

 in the nature of a floral surprise to the British public. 

 Their very distinct and fine characters and their compara- 

 tive hardinuds were recommendations of the highest im- 

 portance to cultivators. There was a cry for more, and 

 more were found ; and the florists, in the frenzy of a new 

 fascination, went to work and Created new begonias by 



