September 7, 1895. 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
11 
Winter Gem. 
ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERIES, 
CHELSEA. 
Of the six species of Begonia concerned in the pro¬ 
duction of the all-absorbing modern race of tuberous 
Begonias, Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Royal 
Exotic Nurseries, Chelsea, introduced five. They 
also raised the first hybrids, and, besides setting an 
example to the country at large, were practically the 
pioneers in a work that in the course of the last 
thirty-one years has reached gigantic proportions. 
Though the firm does not now make a speciality of 
the summer-flowering race, it is still in the unique 
position of having originated a winter-flowering 
race ; and continues the improvements in a field not 
hitherto disputed by any other enterprising 
adventurer. We visited the nursery the other week 
and were pleased, however, to find that the summer¬ 
flowering race is not neglected even at Chelsea. A " 
span-roofed structure was gay with a collection of 
unnamed single varieties, the remainder of a large 
stock disposed of in spring for bedding purposes. 
Fuchsias on the rafters overhead and Bouvardias 
thinly interspersed amongst the plants gave the 
house a charming effect. The strain is of the best, 
though only a remnant and not a selection. For 
bedding purposes they are simply assorted into 
colours which are sufficiently numerous and choice. 
Winter-flowering Race. 
The first of this type was raised from B. socotrana 
crossed with a tuberous variety named Viscountess 
Doneraile, and the product was named John Heal 
which is still one of the most valuable and esteemed 
of the varieties grown. The accompanying illustra¬ 
tion shows the flower’s natural size. The foliage is 
light green, the plant branching, bushy, graceful and 
floriferous. The individual flowers are rosy-carmine 
and last in perfection for sixteen or eighteen days. 
The plant is of easy culture, is propagated by 
cuttings, and comes into bloom when the summer¬ 
flowering rivals have given up the field. The next 
