VENTURA-BY-THE-SEA, CALIFORNIA. 39 
Mrs. Shepherd’s New Giant Begonias. 
Seedlings From Pink Rubra. 
The charming mother of these Giant Begonias is thrown in the shade 
by her stately children. Their canes shoot up like stems of bamboo, some 
of which measure 1% inches in diameter at the base. ‘The leaves are 
thick and leathery, and often measure 10 inches long by 4% inches across. 
The flowers, which hang on very long strong stems 5 to 7 inches in length, 
are double the size and number of those of the parent. They are prolific 
bloomers at all stages of growth. 
Hebe. Light green foliage. Young leaves spotted with silver. Old 
leaves often measure 10 inches by 4% inches. The plant, if allowed, will 
grow 6 to 8 feet high. The flowers are pale pink of an exquite melting shade, 
indescribably beautiful; a perfectly lovely begonia. 25c¢ to 50¢ each. 
Carmen. A lovely variety: a wonderfully profuse bloomer that bears 
periect showers of exquisite pink blossoms. The original plant stands 8 feet 
high, with four great canes, with wide spreading branches, resembling a 
great fan, drooping nearly to the ground with great clusters of flowers. So it 
has appeared for most of the past year. The toliage is similiar to the other 
varieties described below. 25c each. 
“Striking Beauty.’ Almost the counterpart of the Carmen 
with the same habit of growth, and large leathery foliage. The flowers, how- 
ever, are more the color of Rubra, but it is a Rubra magnified several times, 
both in flower and foliage, and is the general tavorite of all who see it, It 
makes a beautiful companion to ‘‘Carmen.’’ 25c¢ to 50c. Stock of these 
still scarce. 
Rubra “Bamboo.” The stems of this giant begonia shoot up like 
canes of bamboo. It has strong, rich foliage; thick and leathery. The 
bright young foliage is covered with large silver spots. It bears immense 
panicles of bright red flowers on very long, strong stems. 25c to 50c. 
Other Seedlings. 
Incarnata “California,” A seedling from ‘‘Incarnata,’’ of much 
stronger habit, with leaves twice as large, and prettily waved; flowers a 
deeper shade and much Jarger, and in larger panicles. A vigorous grower 
and always in bloom; beautiful for boquets. [5c to 25c¢ each. 
] 
Sylvia. A very pretty seedling from ‘‘Incarnata California,’ with a 
beautiful lacinated foliage and a profusion of dainty pink flowers in graceful 
drooping clusters. It throws up numerous shoots; forms a ronnd handsome 
plant, and is always in bloom. An ideal basket plant. 15c to 25c each. 
. 
“Dearest Mae.’ A seedling from Odorata Alba. The leaves are 
larger than those of the parent plant, and are darker, as if varnished. The 
young leaves are exquisitely shining, and prettily ruffied atthe edges. Flow- 
ers are in large panicles, blush white faced with pink. The plant is a rapid 
grower, and sends up many stems. 15c, 25c to 50¢ each 
