HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 197 
bud of Belle de Ohoisy, wliich I inserted into one I had a year ago, grew 
very well. 
The bird cherry does not grow near so fast as our own wild cherry, [Q. 
serotina) and after many years of careful culture, still remains but a very 
small tree. Perhaps the Q. Virgmiana, a dwarfer plant than either of the 
other tAvo, might be successfully employed to advantage, and probably 
several other kinds ; all my object in the present article being to call atten- 
tion to a worthy subject, rather than to point out the means which may 
lead to its attainment. 
Cerasus. 
ON THE BEGONIA PARVIFOLIA, OR SMALL-LEAVED 
ELEPHANT'S EAR. 
We like this plant for several reasons. It has a compact habit, is an 
abundant flowerer over a long period, (the whole summer,) while it takes up 
important room, to keep it through the winter. To those who dislike to 
see their houses naked in summer, we take it the last two recommendations 
are not the least. This interesting but singular family of plants is almost 
a collection in itself, and we are continually adding to its now numerous 
species and varieties. 
Our present subject is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, has small 
angulated oblique leaves, and flowers in great profusion, of a bluish white. 
It is sometimes called B. Jioribunda, and semperflorens. 
Like all the bulbous kinds, the stem dies down after flowering, and merely 
requires keeping moderately dry and cool during winter. In spring, as 
early as means will permit, they may be started into growth by heat and 
moisture, when they will soon commence putting forth flowers, and continue 
without intermission, except to increase in abundance, till towards fall, when 
they begin to assume a yellow tint, and the old stems ultimately die, more 
or less, down to the bulb. To be seen at its greatest beauty, it requires a 
stove in the early part of its growth, but will make respectable plants, with 
care, even in a greenhouse, especially if started in a hotbed. 
PROPAGATION AND CULTURE. 
Cuttings strike readily in sandy soil, any time before August, but we 
prefer doing it as early as possible. If placed under a bell-glass, or small 
frame, in the stove or hotbed, when struck, pot into 3-inch pots, and 
encourage in a warm, moist, growing atmosphere. 
