January 5,1882. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
Fig. 3 .—Begonia semperflorens graxbiflora. 
freely, and large heads of fine flowers. Plants are, moreover, 
raised from seed sown in the spring, fine-flowering plants being 
produced in the autumn. As Mr. Abbey has so fully described 
this Begonia on page 423, November 10th, 1881, and as it was also 
referred to with great approval on page 354, October 20th, we will 
only add that the stock is in the hands of Mr. Iggulden, Marston 
Gardens, Frome ; and the plants there, treated as annuals, have 
been admired by all visitors. This Begonia is without doubt 
a great acquisition, and will form a good companion plant to 
the useful 13. Knowsleyana, represented on page 565 of our last 
volume. 
Preserving Rowan Berries.— It is said that Rowan berries 
may be kept fresh for winter decorations by being packed in salt in 
jars or wide-mouthed bottles. We have never tried that method, 
as we find that they keep fresh and plump when bottled as Grapes 
are, kept in a cool moist shed where frost cannot reach them.—S. 
AN AMATEUR'S PIOLIDAY. 
(Continued from page 570.') 
“ PAUL of Paisley’s Pinks and Pansies ” is an alliteration with 
which I have been familiar for many years. The late accom¬ 
plished florist, Mr. William Paul, who rendered that combination 
famous is no longer to be met at our shows, but his productions 
are known far and wide, and attract much attention wherever 
they are properly exhibited. His son, Mr. J. G. Paul, now head of 
Crossflat and Greenlaw Nurseries, has entered with spirit into the 
field which his father made so notably his own. 
styptic or shellac varnish, which will make sure of no loss occurring 
by evap oration through that channel.—S. 
BEGONIA SEMPERFLORENS GRANDIFLORA. 
Begonia semperflorens has long been known and valued for 
its usefulness as a decorative plant. It is of sturdy growth, with 
bright green shining leaves, and produces stems about 9 inches 
high surmounted with compact trusses of silvery white flowers. 
By constantly producing fresh growths from the root flowers are 
produced over a long period, but the plants are the most attrac¬ 
tive during autumn and winter. They are increased by cuttings, 
growths being selected that have not produced flowers, as the 
tops of those which have flowered seldom or never form good 
plants. 
The variety represented on fig. 3 is a striking improvement on 
the species, the plant being altogether more vigorous, attaining 
twice the height, with proportionate strength, producing branches 
