S. dh.i\i\ell & ^or\^’ 0uide ♦ 
this let the plants be shifted into 5 or C-ineh pots. In a 
month or six weeks the pots will be filled with roots, and if 
large plants are wanted, shift into a 7 or 8-ineh pot, for 
deep, good firm potting, as per engraving, which it fnlly 
illustrates. Be sure that there are no green fly ; if so, the 
buds will drop off, but it is very seldom that insects attack 
them. Be very particular never to allow them to become 
dry ; if so, they are injured for the season, and during hot, 
dry weather, give two waterings, and they will grow and 
bloom amazingly. Shade during the summer, but admit 
plenty of air and light — light is one of the great things — 
just shaded from the sun, only kept near the glass ; no 
syringing, but occasionally a good drenching with rain 
water from a coarse rose ; avoid dust and cold draughts, 
administer weak liquid manure, and keep them growing as 
long as possible. Our Ileal Manure is unquestionably the 
best ; if this is not at hand, diluted cow or horse manure. 
When the plants show signs of decay, lay the pots on their 
sides in some dry place, in December, shake away all soil, 
and place the tubers on the top of soil in the pots before 
mentioned. A house can be kept in a blaze of bloom all the 
summer with Begonias, and all the winter and the remaining parts of the year with Zonal Pelar- 
goniums, either of which only require the treatment any intelligent man can give them. Attention 
is the great thing. 
For the full History, &c., of the Begonia, see Book by B. Ravenscroft, 1/2 post free. 
Seed Sowiko and Seedling Raising. — First fili a pot or pan half full of some substance to 
make it porous for drainage, then cover over with moss, or something similar, to make a separation, 
and then fill to within a quarter of an inch from the top of light, fine-sifted soil, previously charred 
or burnt, so much the better, so as to kill all animal and vegetable life; press down level, and on it 
sprinkle the seed ; place over this the smallest coating of the very finest cocoa-nut fibre and sea sand 
or soil, just so as to support the seed in their places. Keep in total darkness, with paper or glass over 
the top, in a temperature of 60° to 70° ; as soon as they show signs of life above the soil gradually 
expose, and as soon as they have roots a quarter of an inch long, loosen round carefully, make small 
holes in similar-prepared soil in small pots. They are too small for manipulation ; in fact, they must 
not be handled. Have a wine-glass of water, dip a pencil in it (use it as a dibber), and by this means 
these smali seedlings will hang to it, and can be easily placed into the hole previously made for them, 
gently press down, and place in a similar temperature for afew days afterwards ; gradually expose and 
reduce from 60° to 60°, and keep near the glass. The sun, after February, must not be allowed to 
shine long on Begonias under glass, as they dislike extreme heat, sun, and cold ; they delight in, and 
mnst be kept at. a medium temperature. 
The gold clock awarded tc 
H. CANNELL A SONS. 
FOR NEW DOUBLES FOR 1898, 
SEE NEW THINGS. 
THE GOLD CLOCK COLLECTION. 
The highest and most important 
award yet given, and indicating the excellency 
of our strains. 
( 9 ) 
