_Editor Mayflower:_
So many advise if but one Begonia is kept to let it be a Rubra. Well, a
well grown Rubra in full bloom is a gorgeous sight, but the President
Carnot is more beautiful, is a more robust and more rapid grower. The
foliage is beautiful, showing a sheen like changeable silk. Ours is now
in a three-gallon pail, has four stems, one 27 inches high from top of
bucket, has five large panicles of bloom, as large as man's hand, and
has not been without bloom since the 20th of June. One bunch of bloom
will hang on in fine condition for six weeks, if the plant is not
disturbed. It is the admiration of all who see it. This specimen was 12
inches high when we placed it in the Begonia bed the 22nd, of May. There
it grew and grew, until the first of September when it was placed in a
pail, and since then it has grown and blossomed almost like the famous
gourd. The soil is old swamp dirt, with one-fourth wood soot. No insects
have ever bothered it. We spray the leaves with warm water to cleanse
the lovely foliage and water the plant with very warm water. Try this
Begonia, it is a fine one.--_E. Clearwaters._