20G 
THE ELOEAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
desired height, so as to regulate the flow of the sap, and induce the 
formation of lateral branches, upon which the flowers are produced. 
The stronger shoots should be supported by neat stakes, aud tied 
out, so as to accommodate the side shoots which are to produce the 
flowers. 
Managed in this way they form fine bushy plants, commence 
blooming in October, and continue in flower till March, or even 
later, if kept in a temperature of 50° or 55°. A second lot of 
cuttings should be got in about the beginning of July, aud treated 
as the first, except that after the second shift, which they should 
receive in September, they may remain in eight-inch pots till 
February. During winter they should occupy a situation near the 
glass, where the temperature may average from 50° to 60°. Early 
in February a portion of the plants may be shifted into thirteen-inch 
pots, alter which a slight increase of heat will be essential to their 
well doing ; but when subjected to a high temperature at this early 
season, they should receive all the light that it is possible to give 
them. As the plants progress in growth, they must receive attention 
in the way of stopping and tying, and when the pots become full of 
roots they should be watered frequently with clear manure. 
The remainder of the plant", if allowed to remain in their winter 
pots, and encouraged with a slight increase of temperature, will 
flower at an earlier period than those which occupy larger pots, or 
they may be left in a cool place until the middle of March, and then 
shifted to form a succession to those shifted in February. This 
Begonia may be removed to a conservatory when in flower, where it 
will continue to produce a constant succession of blossoms during 
several months ; but unless the conservatory is treated something 
like an intermediate house, it will be necessary to place the plants in 
the warmest corner, and where they will not be exposed to currents 
of cold air ; a situation where they can receive abuudance of light, 
without being exposed to the direct rays of the mid-day sun, will be 
necessary in order to have the flowers well coloured. After the 
blooming season is over, the old specimens may be thrown away, to 
afford space for young plants, which bloom more freely and produce 
fine trusses. 
The soil best suited for this Begonia in all its stages is equal 
parts turfy loam, peat, and well decomposed cow or horse manure. 
The peat and loam should be carefully broken, and used in as rough 
a state as the size of the shift will allow ; the dung should be care- 
fully mixed with sharp sand previous to being mixed with the peat 
aud loam ; this tends to thoroughly separate any lumps, which other- 
wise would be sure to form a harbour for worms ; the quantity of 
sand should be regulated according to the nature of the loam and 
peat, enough being added to secure perfect drainage, as this Begonia 
is somewhat impatient of stagnant moisture about the roots. 
