==Begonia, fibrous-rooted==l

==Begonia semperflorens.  Half-hardy perennial==

Fibrous-rooted Begonias are exceedingly valuable for either bedding in summer or greenhouse decoration during the autumn and winter.  They produce a continual succession of flowers, rather small in size, but very useful for bouquets, and the plants are charming as table ornaments.  The directions for sowing and after-treatment recommended for the Tuberous-rooted class will be suitable also for the Fibrous-rooted varieties, except that the latter must always be kept in a growing state, instead of being dried off at the end of the flowering season.  Sow seed at the end of January or in February, and again at the beginning of March.  Under fair treatment the first batch of plants will come into flower for bedding out in June.

==Calceolaria, herbaceous==

==Calceolaria hybrida.  Greenhouse biennial==

The present magnificent race of Herbaceous Calceolarias, both as to constitution and the beauty of its flowers, is the result of much cross-fertilisation of the finest types, so that the best strains are capable of affording ever-new surprise and delight.  The superb collections exhibited in recent years, which have made lasting impressions on the public by their form and brilliancy of colour, have invariably been raised from seeds of selected varieties, saved on scientific principles that insure vigour, variety, and splendour in the progeny.

Calceolarias thrive under intelligent cool-house culture, but it must be clearly understood that in every stage of growth they are quick in resenting neglect or careless treatment.  The work must be carried out with scrupulous attention, and the result will more than justify the labour.  Extreme conditions of temperature are distinctly injurious, and the plants are especially susceptible to a parched, dry atmosphere.

May is early enough to commence operations, and July is the limit for sowing.  As a rule, the June sowing will produce the quickest, strongest, and most robust plants.

The soil, whatever its composition, should be rich, firm, and, above all, porous.  Press it well into the pots or pans, and make the surface slightly convex and quite smooth.  A compost that has been properly prepared will not need water; but should water become needful, it must be given by partially submerging the pans.  The seed is as fine as snuff, and requires delicate handling.  It is easily lost or blown away, and therefore it is wise not to open the packet until perfectly ready to sow.  Distribute the seed evenly and sift over it a mere dusting of fine earth.  Place a sheet of glass upon each pot or pan, and the glass must be either turned or wiped daily.  This not only checks rapid evaporation, but prevents the attacks of vermin.  Germination is always slower on an open than on a close stage.  Perhaps the best possible position is a moist shady part of a vinery, if care be taken when syringing the vines to prevent the spray from falling upon the seed-pans.