56 
A FEW FLOWERS 
was that they could not he successfully grown in the open ground. Since then they have attained a remarkable popu- 
laritt, and are universally used as bedding plants in every part of Europe, and every American tourist abroad last summer 
came home with glowing accounts of the magnificent beds of tuberous-rooted begonias they had seen. This popularity, 
I am sure, will be duplicated in America despite the prejudice against them that undoubtedly exists. It is true that many 
failures have been made, but there have been successes in all parts of the country, and there is no reason why all should 
not succeed if one does. Climatic conditions have nothing to do with these successes and failures, as I have seen them 
equally well grown in a dozen States. Failures have been caused by improper treatment. As a rule, tubers have been 
started into growth very early in the spring in a warm greenhouse, and when set out were tall weakly plants that could 
not bear the transition. It has also been generally considered that they need shade. They will do very well in a partial 
PLANT OK A SINGLK-KLOWERED TUBEROUS-ROOTED BEGONIA, GROWN IN THE OPEN AIR. 
shade, but many were planted under trees where it would be impossible to grow any plant well. That they require shade 
is a mistaken idea, and that they fairly revel in the sun has been fully demonstrated by a grower on Long Island, N. V., 
who had over 20,000 planted out in full exposure to the sun last summer. They went through without flagging one of 
the most trying drouths ever experienced in the locality, although the shrubbery in adjacent borders showed every sign 
of distress. 1 his field of begonias made a floral display I have never seen equalled ; every plant was in perfect condition 
—the very picture of vigor and health. 
from my experience and observation I commend the following treatment : The most important point is to have 
slatty well-hardened plants to set out June 1st in this latitude (Pittsburgh). The tubers may be started not sooner than 
April 20th, in greenhouse, hot-bed, or cold-frame. The cold-frame is preferred, as in it they are less liable to become 
drawn and weakened, and on pleasant, sunshiny days the sash can be removed for hardening the plants, which.should 
not be over four inches high when planted out. But it makes little difference how the tubers are started if the plants are 
