[Illustration: Begonia.]
These pretty plants may be conveniently divided into two groups, the one
cultivated on account of their large and beautifully marked leaves, the
other grown for their flowers.
Through the politeness of Mr. James Vick, of Rochester, N. Y.,
proprietor of _Vick’s Monthly Magazine_, which is devoted entirely to
floriculture, we are enabled to give our readers an engraving of Begonia
Rex, which will enable them to form some idea of the markings of the
foliage of some of them. They are all beautifully marked, some are
dotted with silver spots, others banded after the style of Begonia Rex,
with an almost endless variety. The varieties known as Rex, Marshalli,
Queen Victoria, and Argyrostigma, are among the most desirable in this
group.
The varieties that are grown for their flowers are many of them
exceedingly showy, the flowers hang so gracefully from out the foliage,
and contrast often so richly with the shining green leaves. The variety
known as Fuchsioides is exceedingly graceful and pretty when covered
with its coral red bloom. Saundersi is most profuse in its flowering,
and is exceedingly gay all the winter long, with its showy crimson
scarlet flowers. Many of the tuberous rooted varieties seem to be always
in bloom.
All of the Begonias require heat, with a moderate amount of moisture.
They do not thrive in a low temperature, and should therefore be placed
in the warmest window, and where there is no danger that the plants will
be chilled. Those who have a conservatory will find them very easy of
cultivation, and very suitable for table or parlor decoration, and the
flowering varieties most useful for bouquets.
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