94 FAMILIAR GARDEN FLOWERS. 



the score, and were not content with single flowers of all 

 colours, but resolved to have them double, and were soon 

 gratified by complete success. Ninety-six varieties were 

 entered in Messrs. Veitch and Son's catalogue some twenty 

 years ago, and another fifty might be found in other cata- 

 logues of London houses, and another hundred probably in 

 those of Continental firms; so that, in round numbers, 

 there must be over two hundred named varieties of flower- 

 ing begonias now in cultivation. 



All the begonias require a light, mellow, rich soil. 

 A very suitable mixture for the flowering section, when 

 grown in pots, may be prepared by mixing together equal 

 quantities of turfy yellow loam, old rotten hotbed manure, 

 and well-rotted and sifted leaf -mould. If it is not some- 

 what granular and kindly in texture, silver-sand must be 

 added ; but often the loam and leaf -mould contain as much 

 grit as is needful. We will suppose that you begin the 

 cultivation in the month of May. The plants will then be 

 small, and without flowers. At the end of the month, and 

 thenceforward to the middle of June, during warm, dull 

 weather if possible, they may be planted out. An open, 

 sunny, sheltered position is desirable. Any amount of sun- 

 shine they can endure, but wind and rain are unfavourable 

 conditions. In preparing the bed there need be no elaborate 

 arrangements. A good garden soil, well broken up and 

 enriched with a liberal addition of mellow manure, will 

 answer perfectly ; and as regards after-management, there 

 is almost nothing to do beyond keeping the. bed clear of 

 weeds, and giving the plants an occasional good soaking of 

 water during very dry weather. Such aids as sticks and 

 ties they ought not to need; but if you happen to plant 

 tall-growing sorts, they must be supported in good time, 



