Plate 335. 



DOUBLE BEGONIA ' LOUIS THIBAUT.' 



Though the double varieties of the tuberous-rooted Begonia are of recent introduction, 

 it is remarkable with what rapidity they have been improved. The semi-double character of 

 the earliest forms have been changed to a remarkable fulness in the flowers j the outer petals 

 now encircle a dense mass of other petals, imparting to the flowers the fullest double form. 



One of the greatest improvements in the double varieties is that seen in our Illustration. 

 It was exhibited at a recent meeting of the Eoyal Horticultural Society, and awarded a First- 

 class Certificate of Merit. In addition to the full double character of the flowers, it possesses 

 a very compact habit of growth. It is very free of bloom also, to all appearance as free as 

 the best of the single varieties ; and the flowers being also of good size, it makes a valuable 

 decorative plant in the greenhouse. The colour is of a rich deep crimson. Messrs. Hooker 

 and Co., of Covent Garden Market, the introducers of this fine variety, recommend it for 

 planting out of doors, as its decorative usefulness is not in the least impaired by being grown 

 in the open air. One other good property might be mentioned, that of displaying its flowers 

 well above the surface of the leaves, and not hiding them, as the branches are apt to do in 

 some varieties. 



Plate 336. 

 DAHLIA < BOSY MOBN.' 



The fine new Dahlia which forms the subject of our Illustration is not less remarkable 

 for its striking appearance and its handsome form than it is for its reflexed outline ; 

 as instead of the petals u cupping," as is usual in the large majority of Dahlias, they recurve, 

 and that without in any way destroying the fine symmetrical outline so highly prized in our 

 Exhibition Dahlia. The colour might be best described as pale rose, though that inadequately 

 expresses our estimate of its peculiarly pleasing hue. It is said to be very constant ; and it 

 cannot fail to take high rank on the exhibition table, because it is so distinct in colour, in 

 which respect it will forcibly tell in a stand of flowers. 



Dahlia 1 Rosy Morn ' has been frequently shown this season, and it has deservedly 

 gained First-class Certificates of merit at some of the West of England Shows. It was not 

 shown in London till after the middle of September (owing to there being but one meeting of 

 the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society during that month), when the 

 flowers, through the coldness of the weather, had become somewhat rough ; but its fine 

 appearance was generally recognised, and it was admitted to be one of the very best Dahlias 

 of the year. We are indebted to the executors of the late Mr. John Keynes, Castle Street 

 Nursery, Salisbury, for the subject of our Illustration. 



