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CULTURE OF BEGONIAS. 
"Within the last few years this genus of plants has risen much in the estima- 
tion of the floral public, partly through the introduction of a few highly interesting 
varieties, and partly owing to the progressive improvement which their culture has 
undergone. Still we believe they are not yet such universal favourites as they 
must eventually become, when their merits have been more extensively elicited 
and made known. 
We hardly know a genus of plants which may be rendered more acceptable in 
a collection where floral beauty and handsome growth are desired ; and there are 
few that display more strikingly the evidences of an appropriate and attentive, or 
a mistaken, careless treatment. The singular form of the leaves, and in some 
species their satiny upper surface, and in others their blood-red under surface ; the 
pleasing and conspicuous arrangement of the inflorescence, the delicate white or 
bluish-tinted petals and yellow stamens of one kind, and the scarlet or coral-like 
hue of another ; the long endurance of the blossoms, and in some species their 
fragrance — these are all features which are universally esteemed and admired; and 
we may add, that there is scarcely a month of the year in which some one or other 
of the species may not be seen in the perfection of flowering. 
Popular notions have long prescribed stove culture ; hence many have been 
deterred from attempting their cultivation, who would otherwise have delighted 
in them. Such, however, is by no means indispensable in the management of 
several species, though all are certainly benefited by the application of considerable 
warmth in the earlier stages of their growth. 
The station most congenial to their nature, and most incitative of a speedy 
development, is one where they can be supplied with an atmosphere uniformly 
moist, and the roots exposed to a gentle bottom-heat. And in no place can this 
be better managed than in a common frame placed on a hotbed, or in an ordinary 
brick-pit, heated either by fermenting materials, or by a tank of hot water. 
"Whichever mode of heating be adopted, the degree of warmth furnished should 
be suffered to lessen gradually as the plants advance in growth, till they commence 
developing their blossoms, when (in the summer season at least) it may be entirely 
suspended. By this gradual reduction of artificial heat, the plants will not only 
be more robust and capable of enduring greater hardships, but the flowers will last 
longer and acquire a finer tint. 
During growth, moreover, it is essential to supply water with a liberal hand, 
and to shelter them from the mid-day sun-light ; for they are generally found in 
their natural haunts, occupying a humid soil in some sheltered shady place. The 
only danger which can arise from this, lies in using a soil of an unsuitable texture, 
or the want of effective drainage. If water can pass away quickly from the soil, 
just leaving it moist, without rendering it sodden, there need be no fear of evil 
VOL. XII. NO. CXLI. E E 
