PLANTS FOR WINDOW GARDENING. 109 



BEGONIA. 



The only two species of this ornamental stove plant that 

 do well in the parlor, are B. incarnata, and fachsioides. 

 The former is an evergreen shrub, with thick, fleshy stems, 

 and large, drooping clusters of pink flowers in winter. It 

 shows to great advantage if well cared for, and is one of the 

 best window plants. The latter is often called " coral 

 drop," and resembling the former somewhat in habit, pro- 

 duces at all seasons, but chiefly in summer, its pretty, 

 drooping, coral flowers. 



Both species require the warmest possible situation, and 

 plenty of light and sun. They are impatient of much 

 water, but the plants should never be allowed to droop. 

 Good drainage is indispensable. The whole family thrive 

 in a compost of one half loam, one half leaf mould, with a 

 slight portion of sand. 



