11. B. castaneæfolia. The specimens that I have seen growing are so like B. ulmifolia, that I have either not seen the true species or they are both the same.
12. B. Fischeri, a rather scarce Brazilian species, but one of the most desirable, approaching B. incarnata. In the spring months it is covered with its numerous pink or white flowers.
13. B. incarnata, a South American, that should be No. 1 in all collections. Its pink flowers may be had nearly all the year.
14. B. coccinea, another first rate Brazilian. A strong grower, covered with spikes of scarlet flowers from April to July.
15. B. manicata, from Brazil. A fine species when well grown, though the individual flowers are indifferent. The leaves are distinguished by a production resembling the claws of a mole on their under surface. Flowers in winter and spring.
16. B. fuchsoides, a well known species from New Grenada, with fuchsia like foliage, and scarlet flowers, appearing from June to September, a strong grower and fine kind.
The species of this division are readily propagated from cuttings of the half ripened wood, put in sand, and plunged in a slight bottom heat. They are liable to damp off if kept too close. Indeed if they are in a situation somewhat shaded they will do better without the usual accompaniment of a bell glass. They will grow well in a soil of sandy loam and leaf mould. They should never be grown in very large pots; or, in the language of gardeners, should be always under potted. When growing fast they take a good supply of moisture; love a moist atmosphere and frequent applications of the syringe, and may be placed in the full light. If a moist atmosphere cannot be maintained, they will do better in a shaded part of the green house. The chief thing to guard against, is their damping off; small, well drained pots are the securities. When they are not growing they will live and do better with very little water. They are easily raised from seed, sown on the surface of the soil in pans, and placed in a warm shaded place, with the only attention of never being allowed to get dry. Some fine varieties, I believe, have been lately raised by hybridizing in Europe. It opens a fine field.
I think the remark of the Calendar writer in the last No. worthy of repetition; that the Horticultural Society would do well to encourage the growth of the Begonia by a premium.
A Philadelphia Gardener.