three bulbs which, if they are placed near the outer edge, will give a 
splendid effect. It is well to emphazise that if more than one bulb is 
used care should be taken to see that they are of equal growth and of 
one variety in order to get an evenly balanced specimen. 
If baskets are used they are first prepared by being lined with 
moss on the inside level with the top. Fresh sphagnum moss is the 
best. Over the moss place a layer of soddy loam, then fill with a com- 
post consisting of two parts of fibrous loam, one part of leaf mould 
and a little sand to keep it open, to which may be added some very 
old and well-rotted cow-manure. 
The plants should then be placed in a greenhouse on raise pots 
or pipes and given one good watering in order to settle the soil round 
the roots and should be allowed to remain on the benches from at least 
three to four weeks. After that they can be hung up in their proper 
place. Temperature of 60 to 65 degrees and ranging to 75 with sun- 
heat suits them the best. 
Keep the baskets moist by syringing. This should be done daily 
in pleasant weather, a light syringing during the early stages of the 
plants' growth is all that is required and it should on no account be 
over-done. With too much water the soil will be sodden and the 
plants will be ruined for the season; but after the plants are well 
established there is no danger. 
When the plants are well established a little weak cow-manure 
water and a small quantity of Scotch soot tied up in a coarse bag, 
if given at regular intervals, will greatly benefit the plants and if all 
flowers picked off, the period of flowering will be extended. Shade 
lightly from bright sun while in the greenhouse and keep an even 
atmosphere by keeping the walks well damped down and by all means 
AVOID all artificial fertilizer. 
Like all other Begonias they like a moist atmosphere so are not 
at all suitable for hot, dry or windy positions, therefore if planted 
in vases outside, select a place where they will get some shade during 
the hottest part of the day, and a sheltered position is the best. 
Begonias as a rule are free from insect pests, but every plant which 
is worth growing has its enemy and in later years a Rust, due to a 
Mite and a specie of Thrip, has appeared on the scene and is a serious 
menace. It attacks all types of Begonias whether they be fibrous 
or tuberous rooted. 
We find this can be exterminated by keeping the greenhouse clean. 
Let no rubbish collect back of heating pipes or under the benches, 
give a dusting of air-slacked lime every so often underneath and on 
top of benches and fumigate and dip the plants when small in water 
diluted with some good tobacco extract. We prefer Nicoteen as it is 
the safest and most effective to use. 
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