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