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THE FLORIST’S JOURNAL. 
THE GENUS BEGONIA. 
There are few ornamental stove-plants which possess greater 
interest, on account of their varied and sometimes noble cha¬ 
racter, together with the dense and lively inflorescence which 
distinguishes them—exhibited, too, at a season when the majority 
of Flora’s train have ceased to charm, than the individuals 
composing this genus. They are all beautiful; and yet how 
seldom we find them in the stations they are so well adapted 
to embellish. This neglect is inexplicable : it cannot be that 
they are difficult of management, for their culture is ot the 
easiest description; neither can a want of diversity, or even 
the charm of novelty, be advanced as a reason or excuse for 
this supineness. Whatever it is, must be left a matter of mere 
conjecture; notwithstanding, I am pretty certain all who have 
grown, even though it be but a few species, must duly appre¬ 
ciate them as very desirable winter-flowering plants. 
They are chiefly natives of South America, and their habit of 
flowering in mid-winter renders their cultivation peculiarly 
devoid of trouble. The period of growth commences with them 
about the middle of August, when they are benefited by 
repotting; though, so remarkably free are they both to grow 
and flower, that I have known instances in which this particular 
has been neglected for three or four years without apparent 
injury to the plants : still a good-sized pot, with a mixture ot 
turfy peat and leaf-mould, will enable them to produce vigorous 
shoots, and as a matter of consequence abundance of flowers. 
From this time up to the end of April, or sometimes to that of 
May, they require the temperature of an ordinary plant-stove, 
with rather an abundance of water, when they continue to 
display their lovely dioecious blossoms without intermission. 
The exact period of their retention in the stove must be regu¬ 
lated by their flowering. Just after it is over they should be 
removed to the greenhouse, in order to afford them the neces¬ 
sary rest. In this condition they merely require so much care 
as will prevent the soil about them becoming dry, and with a 
moderate pruning at the end of summer, all the art in their 
culture terminates. The following are a few of the best, 
