THE GARDEN, 26th May, 1894. TEMPLE SHOW. 
A very fine group of Begonias was exhibited by Messr-. 
H.Cannell & Sons. Swanley, the plants in full bloom and arranged 
with rare taste, not a garish mass of colour. Amongst the 
doubles were several superb acquisitions, such as Edith U 7//00 . 
white; ft. B. Parsons, rose, a clear shining shade: and 
Mrs. W. B. Mi 11 rr, of a lovely salmon-btiff shade. The same 
firm also had a fine assortment of single kinds, the self-coloured 
types the richer. We were pleased to notice the freer and 
looser forms of the double flowers. 
* 
,T is well known throughout the whole floral world that our strain is in every way different and 
far ahead of all others—habits altogether dwarfer, flowers larger, with greater brilliancy, and 
more distinct colours. As we have before said, in character 
they are very much like a potato. In winter place the 
tubers on the top of small pots, three parts full of soil, in 
some warm, dry, light corner of the greenhouse, so that 
they may be examined even* week : and if they are found 
to be at all mouldy, they must be dusted immediately with 
sulphur. Out of this hairy-like tuber, as spring approaches, 
a small red bud will show forth from the centre : then repot 
into a good, rich, light peaty soil, just leaving the bud 
visible, and in about a fortnight leaves will begin to unfold, 
and another fortnight, in a nice warm, moist temperature 
of 60°, blooms will be showing ; and a month after this let 
the plants be shifted into 5 or 6 -inch pots. In a month or 
six weeks the pots will be filled with roots, and if large 
plants are wanted, shift into a 7 or 8 -inch pot, for deep, 
good firm potting, as per engraving, which it fully 
illustrates. Be sure that there are no green fly ; if so, the 
buds will drop off, but it is very seldom that insects attack 
them. Be very particular never to allow them to become 
dry; if so, they are injured for the season, and during hot. 
dry weather, give two waterings, and they will grow and 
bloom amazingly. Shade during the summer, but admit plenty of air and light—light is one of 
the great things — just shaded from the 6 un, only kept near the glass ; no syringing, bnt occasionally 
a good drenching with rain water from a coarse rose : avoid dust and cold draughts, administer weak 
liquid manure, and keep them growing as long as possible. Our Real Manure is unquestionably the 
best; if this is not at hand, diluted cow or horse manure. When the plants show signs of decay, 
lay the pots on their sides in some dry place, in December, shake away all soil, and place the tubers on 
the top of soil in the pots before mentioned. A house can be kept in a blaze of bloom all the summer 
with Begonias, and all the winter and the remaining parts of the year with Zonal Pelargoniums, 
either of which only require the treatment any intelligent man can give them. Attention is the 
great thing. 
Seed Sowing and Seedling Raising. — First fill a pot or pan half full of some substance to 
make it porous for drainage, then cover over with moss, or something similar, to make a separation, 
and then fill to within a quarter of an inch from the top of light, fine-sifted soil, previously charred 
or burnt, so much the better, so as to kill all animal and vegetable life; press down level, and on it 
sprinkle the seed: place over this the smallest coating of the very finest cocoa-nut fibre and sea sand 
or soil, just so as to support the seed in their places. Keep in total darkness, with paper or glass over 
the top, in a temperature of 60° to 70°; as soon as they show signs of life above the soil gradually 
expose, and as soon as they have roots a quarter of an inch long, loosen round carefully, make small 
holes in similar-prepared soil in small pots. They are too small for manipulation ; in fact, they must 
not be handled. Have a wine-glass of water, dip a pencil in it (use it as a dibber), and by this means 
these small seedlings will hang to it, and can be easily placed into the hole previously made for them, 
gently press down, and place in a similar temperature for a few days afterwards; gradually expose and 
( 11 ) 
