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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13357 ***
+
+CACTUS CULTURE
+FOR AMATEURS:
+
+BEING
+
+DESCRIPTIONS OF THE VARIOUS CACTUSES
+GROWN IN THIS COUNTRY.
+
+with
+
+FULL AND PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR
+THEIR SUCCESSFUL CULTIVATION.
+
+By W. WATSON,
+Assistant Curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
+
+PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED.
+
+LONDON:
+L. UPCOTT GILL, 170, STRAND, W.C.
+
+1889.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 1.--A COLLECTION OF CACTUSES. Frontispiece.]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+The idea that Cactuses were seldom seen in English gardens, because so
+little was known about their cultivation and management, suggested to
+the Publisher of this book that a series of chapters on the best kinds,
+and how to grow them successfully, would be useful. These chapters were
+written for and published in The Bazaar, in 1885 and following years.
+Some alterations and additions have been made, and the whole is now
+offered as a thoroughly practical and descriptive work on the subject.
+
+The descriptions are as simple and complete as they could be made; the
+names here used are those adopted at Kew; and the cultural directions
+are as full and detailed as is necessary. No species or variety is
+omitted which is known to be in cultivation, or of sufficient interest
+to be introduced. The many excellent figures of Cactuses in the
+Botanical Magazine (Bot. Mag.) are referred to under each species
+described, except in those cases where a complete figure is given in
+this book. My claims to be heard as a teacher in this department are
+based on an experience of ten years in the care and cultivation of the
+large collection of Cactuses at Kew.
+
+Whatever the shortcomings of my share of the work may be, I feel certain
+that the numerous and excellent illustrations which the Publisher has
+obtained for this book cannot fail to render it attractive, and, let us
+also hope, contribute something towards bringing Cactuses into favour
+with horticulturists, professional as well as amateur.
+
+W. WATSON.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+BOTANICAL CHARACTERS
+
+CULTIVATION
+
+PROPAGATION
+
+THE GENUS EPIPHYLLUM
+
+THE GENUS PHYLLOCACTUS
+
+THE GENUS CEREUS
+
+THE GENUS ECHINOCACTUS
+
+THE GENUS ECHINOPSIS
+
+THE GENUS MELOCACTUS
+
+THE GENUS PILOCEREUS
+
+THE GENUS MAMILLARIA
+
+THE GENUS LEUCHTENBERGIA
+
+THE GENUS PELECYPHORA
+
+THE GENUS OPUNTIA
+
+THE GENUS PERESKIA
+
+THE GENUS RHIPSALIS
+
+TEMPERATURES
+
+DEALERS IN CACTUSES
+
+INDEX OF SPECIES
+
+
+
+
+
+CACTUS CULTURE
+FOR AMATEURS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+The Cactus family is not popular among English horticulturists in these
+days, scarcely half a dozen species out of about a thousand known being
+considered good enough to be included among favourite garden plants.
+Probably five hundred kinds have been, or are, in cultivation in the
+gardens of the few specialists who take an interest in Cactuses; but
+these are practically unknown in English horticulture. It is not,
+however, very many years ago that there was something like a Cactus
+mania, when rich amateurs vied with each other in procuring and growing
+large collections of the rarest and newest kinds.
+
+"About the year 1830, Cacti began to be specially patronised by several
+rich plant amateurs, of whom may be mentioned the Duke of Bedford, who
+formed a fine collection at Woburn Abbey, the Duke of Devonshire, and
+Mr. Harris, of Kingsbury. Mr. Palmer, of Shakelwell, had become
+possessed of Mr. Haworth's collection, to which he greatly added by
+purchases; he, however, found his rival in the Rev. H. Williams, of
+Hendon, who formed a fine and select collection, and, on account of the
+eagerness of growers to obtain the new and rare plants, high prices were
+given for them, ten, twelve, and even twenty and thirty guineas often
+being given for single plants of the Echinocactus. Thus private
+collectors were induced to forward from their native countries--chiefly
+from Mexico and Chili--extensive collections of Cacti." (quoting J.
+Smith. A.L.S., ex-Curator of the Royal Gardens. Kew).
+
+This reads like what might be written of the position held now in
+England by the Orchid family, and what has been written of Tulips and
+other plants whose popularity has been great at some time or other. Why
+have Cactuses gone out of favour? It is impossible to give any
+satisfactory answer to this question. No doubt they belong to that class
+of objects which is only popular whilst it pleases the eye or tickles
+the fancy; and the eye and the fancy having tired of it, look to
+something different.
+
+The general belief with respect to Cactuses is that they are all wanting
+in beauty, that they are remarkable only in that they are exceedingly
+curious in form, and as a rule very ugly. It is true that none of them
+possess any claims to gracefulness of habit or elegance of foliage, such
+as are usual in popular plants, and, when not in flower, very few of the
+Cactuses would answer to our present ideas of beauty with respect to the
+plants we cultivate. Nevertheless, the stems of many of them (see
+Frontispiece, Fig. 1) are peculiarly attractive on account of their
+strange, even fantastic, forms, their spiny clothing, the absence of
+leaves, except in very few cases, and their singular manner of growth.
+To the few who care for Cactuses there is a great deal of beauty, even
+in these characters, although perhaps the eye has to be educated up to
+it.
+
+If the stems are more curious than beautiful, the flowers of the
+majority of the species of Cactuses are unsurpassed, as regards size and
+form, and brilliancy and variety in colour, by any other family of
+plants, not even excluding Orchids. In size some of the flowers equal
+those of the Queen of Water Lilies (Victoria regia), whilst the colours
+vary from the purest white to brilliant crimson and deep yellow. Some of
+them are also deliciously fragrant. Those kinds which expand their huge
+blossoms only at night are particularly interesting; and in the early
+days of Cactus culture the flowering of one of these was a great event
+in English gardens.
+
+Of the many collections of Cactuses formed many years ago in England,
+that at Kew is the only one that still exists. This collection has
+always been rich in the number of species it contained; at the present
+time the number of kinds cultivated there is about 500. Mr. Peacock, of
+Hammersmith, also has a large collection of Cactuses, many of which he
+has at various times exhibited in public places, such as the Crystal
+Palace, and the large conservatory attached to the Royal Horticultural
+Society's Gardens at South Kensington. Other smaller collections are
+cultivated in the Botanic Gardens at Oxford, Cambridge, Glasnevin, and
+Edinburgh.
+
+A great point in favour of the plants of the Cactus family for gardens
+of small size, and even for window gardening--a modest phase of plant
+culture which has made much progress in recent years--is the simpleness
+of their requirements under cultivation. No plants give so much pleasure
+in return for so small an amount of attention as do these. Their
+peculiarly tough-skinned succulent stems enable them to go for an
+extraordinary length of time without water; indeed, it may be said that
+the treatment most suitable for many of them during the greater portion
+of the year is such as would be fatal to most other plants. Cactuses are
+children of the dry barren plains and mountain sides, living where
+scarcely any other form of vegetation could find nourishment, and
+thriving with the scorching heat of the sun over their heads, and their
+roots buried in the dry, hungry soil, or rocks which afford them
+anchorage and food.
+
+In beauty and variety of flowers, in the remarkable forms of their
+stems, in the simple nature of their requirements, and in the other
+points of special interest which characterise this family, and which
+supply the cultivator and student with an unfailing source of pleasure
+and instruction, the Cactus family is peculiarly rich.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+BOTANICAL CHARACTERS.
+
+
+
+Although strictly botanical information may be considered as falling
+outside the limits of a treatise intended only for the cultivator, yet a
+short account of the principal characters by which Cactuses are grouped
+and classified may not be without interest.
+
+From the singular form and succulent nature of the whole of the Cactus
+family, it might be inferred that, in these characters alone, we have
+reliable marks of relationship, and that it would be safe to call all
+those plants Cactuses in which such characters are manifest. A glance at
+some members of other families will, however, soon show how easily one
+might thus be mistaken. In the Euphorbias we find a number of kinds,
+especially amongst those which inhabit the dry, sandy plains of South
+Africa, which bear a striking resemblance to many of the Cactuses,
+particularly the columnar ones and the Rhipsalis. (The Euphorbias all
+have milk-like sap, which, on pricking their stems or leaves, at once
+exudes and thus reveals their true character. The sap of the Cactuses is
+watery). Amongst Stapelias, too, we meet with plants which mimic the
+stem characters of some of the smaller kinds of Cactus. Again, in the
+Cactuses themselves we have curious cases of plant mimicry; as, for
+instance, the Rhipsalis, which looks like a bunch of Mistletoe, and the
+Pereskia, the leaves and habit of which are more like what belong to,
+say, the Gooseberry family than to a form of Cactus. From this it will
+be seen that although these plants are almost all succulent, and
+curiously formed, they are by no means singular in this respect.
+
+The characters of the order are thus defined by botanists: Cactuses are
+either herbs, shrubs, or trees, with soft flesh and copious watery
+juice. Root woody, branching, with soft bark. Stem branching or simple,
+round, angular, channelled, winged, flattened, or cylindrical; sometimes
+clothed with numerous tufts of spines which vary in texture, size, and
+form very considerably; or, when spineless, the stems bear numerous
+dot-like scars, termed areoles. Leaves very minute, or entirely absent,
+falling off very early, except in the Pereskia and several of the
+Opuntias, in which they are large, fleshy, and persistent. Flowers
+solitary, except in the Pereskia, and borne on the top or side of the
+stem; they are composed of numerous parts or segments; the sepals and
+petals are not easily distinguished from each other; the calyx tube is
+joined to, or combined, with the ovary, and is often covered with
+scale-like sepals and hairs or spines; the calyx is sometimes partly
+united so as to form a tube, and the petals are spread in regular
+whorls, except in the Epiphyllum. Stamens many, springing from the side
+of the tube or throat of the calyx, sometimes joined to the petals,
+generally equal in length; anthers small and oblong. Ovary smooth, or
+covered with scales and spines, or woolly, one-celled; style simple,
+filiform or cylindrical, with a stigma of two or more spreading rays,
+upon which are small papillae. Fruit pulpy, smooth, scaly, or spiny, the
+pulp soft and juicy, sweet or acid, and full of numerous small, usually
+black, seeds.
+
+Tribe I.--Calyx tube produced beyond the Ovary. Stem covered with
+Tubercles, or Ribs, bearing Spines.
+
+1. MELOCACTUS. Stem globose; flowers in a dense cap-like head, composed
+of layers of bristly wool and slender spines, amongst which the small
+flowers are developed. The cap is persistent, and increases annually
+with the stem.
+
+2. MAMILLARIA. Stems short, usually globose, and covered with tubercles
+or mammae, rarely ridged, the apex bearing spiny cushions; flowers
+mostly in rings round the stem.
+
+3. PELECYPHORA. Stem small, club-shaped; tubercles in spiral rows, and
+flattened on the top, where are two rows of short scale-like spines.
+
+4. LEUCHTENBERGIA. Stem naked at the base; tubercles on the upper part
+large, fleshy, elongated, three-angled, bearing at the apex a tuft of
+long, thin, gristle-like spines.
+
+5. ECHINOCACTUS. Stem short, ridged, spiny; calyx tube of the flower
+large, bell-shaped; ovary and fruit scaly.
+
+6. DISCOCACTUS. Stem short; calyx tube thin, the throat filled by the
+stamens; ovary and fruit smooth.
+
+7. CEREUS. Stem often long and erect, sometimes scandent, branching,
+ridged or angular; flowers from the sides of the stem; calyx tube
+elongated and regular; stamens free.
+
+8. PHYLLOCACTUS. Stem flattened, jointed, and notched; flowers from the
+sides, large, having long, thin tubes and a regular arrangement of the
+petals.
+
+9. EPIPHYLLUM. Stem flattened, jointed; joints short; flowers from the
+apices of the joints; calyx tube short; petals irregular, almost
+bilabiate.
+
+Tribe II.--Calyx-tube not produced beyond the Ovary. Stem branching,
+jointed.
+
+10. RHIPSALIS. Stem thin and rounded, angular, or flattened, bearing
+tufts of hair when young; flowers small; petals spreading; ovary smooth;
+fruit a small pea-like berry.
+
+11. OPUNTIA. Stem jointed, joints broad and fleshy, or rounded; spines
+barbed; flowers large; fruit spinous, large, pear-like.
+
+12. PERESKIA. Stem woody, spiny, branching freely; leaves fleshy, large,
+persistent; flowers medium in size, in panicles on the ends of the
+branches.
+
+The above is a key to the genera on the plan of the most recent
+botanical arrangement, but for horticultural purposes it is necessary
+that the two genera Echinopsis and Pilocereus should be kept up. They
+come next to Cereus, and are distinguished as follows:
+
+ECHINOPSIS. Stem as in Echinocactus, but the flowers are produced low
+down from the side of the stem, and the flower tube is long and curved.
+
+PILOCEREUS. Stem tall, columnar, bearing long silky hairs as well as
+spines; flowers in a head on the top of the stem, rarely produced.
+
+With the aid of this key anyone ought to be able to make out to what
+genus a particular Cactus belongs, and by referring to the descriptions
+of the species, he may succeed in making out what the plant is.
+
+For the classification of Cactuses, botanists rely mainly on their
+floral organs and fruit. We may, therefore, take a plant of
+Phyllocactus, with which most of us are familiar, and, by observing the
+structure of its flowers, obtain some idea of the botanical characters
+of the whole order.
+
+Phyllocactus has thin woody stems and branches composed of numerous long
+leaf-like joints, growing out of one another, and resembling thick
+leaves joined by their ends. Along the sides of these joints there are
+numerous notches, springing from which are the large handsome flowers.
+On looking carefully, we perceive that the long stalk-like expansion is
+not a stalk, because it is above the seed vessel, which is, of course, a
+portion of the flower itself. It is a hollow tube, and contains the long
+style or connection between the seed vessel and the stigma, a (Fig. 2).
+This tube, then, must be the calyx, and the small scattered scale-like
+bodies, b (Fig. 2), which clothe the outside, are really calyx lobes.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 2.--FLOWER OF PHYLLOCACTUS, CUT LENGTHWISE.
+
+a, Calyx Tube. b, Calyx Lobes. c, Ditto, assuming the form of Petals. d,
+Stamens. e, Style. f, Ovary or Seed Vessel.]
+
+Nearer the top of the flower, these calyx lobes are better developed,
+until, surrounding the corolla, we find them assuming the form and
+appearance of petals, c (Fig. 2). The corolla is composed of a large
+number of long strap-shaped pointed petals, very thin and delicate,
+often beautifully coloured, and generally spreading outwards. Springing
+from the bases of these petals, we find the stamens, d (Fig. 2), a great
+number of them, forming a bunch of threads unequal in length, and
+bearing on their tips the hay-seed-like anthers, which are attached to
+the threads by one of their points. The style is a long cylindrical
+body, e (Fig. 2), which stretches from the ovary to the top of the
+flower, where it splits into a head of spreading linear rays, ½ in. in
+length. When the flower withers, the seed vessel, f (Fig. 2), remains on
+the plant and expands into a large succulent fruit, inside which is a
+mass of pulpy matter, inclosing the numerous, small, black, bony seeds.
+
+It must not be supposed that all the genera into which Cactuses are
+divided are characterised by large flowers such as would render their
+study as easy as the genus taken as an illustration. In some, such for
+instance as the Rhipsalis, the flowers are small, and therefore less
+easy to dissect than those of Phyllocactus.
+
+The stems of Cactuses show a very wide range of variation in size, in
+form, and in structure. In size, we have the colossal Cereus giganteus,
+whose straight stems when old are as firm as iron, and rise with many
+ascending arms or rear their tall leafless trunks like ships' masts to a
+height of 60 ft. or 70 ft. From this we descend through a multitude of
+various shapes and sizes to the tiny tufted Mamillarias, no larger than
+a lady's thimble, or the creeping Rhipsalis, which lies along the hard
+ground on which it grows, and looks like hairy caterpillars. In form,
+the variety is very remarkable. We have the Mistletoe Cactus, with the
+appearance of a bunch of Mistletoe, berries and all; the Thimble Cactus;
+the Dumpling Cactus; the Melon Cactus; the Turk's cap Cactus; the
+Rat's-tail Cactus; the Hedgehog Cactus; all having a resemblance to the
+things whose names they bear. Then there is the Indian Fig, with
+branches like battledores, joined by their ends; the Epiphyllum and
+Phyllocactus, with flattened leaf-like stems; the columnar spiny Cereus,
+with deeply channelled stems and the appearance of immense candelabra.
+Totally devoid of leaves, and often skeleton-like in appearance, these
+plants have a strange look about them, which is suggestive of some
+fossilised forms of vegetation belonging to the past ages of the
+mastodon, the elk, and the dodo, rather than to the living things of
+to-day.
+
+By far the greater part of the species of Cactuses belong to the group
+with tall or elongated stems. "It is worthy of remark that as the stems
+advance in age the angles fill up, or the articulations disappear, in
+consequence of the slow growth of the woody axis and the gradual
+development of the cellular substance; so that, at the end of a number
+of years, all the branches of Cactuses, however angular or compressed
+they originally may have been, become trunks that are either perfectly
+cylindrical, or which have scarcely any visible angles."
+
+A second large group is that of which the Melon and Hedgehog Cactuses
+are good representatives, which have sphere-shaped stems, covered with
+stout spines. We have hitherto spoken of the Cactuses as being without
+leaves, but this is only true of them when in an old or fully-developed
+state. On many of the stems we find upon their surface, or angles, small
+tubercles, which, when young, bear tiny scale-like leaves. These,
+however, soon wither and fall off, so that, to all appearance, leaves
+are never present on these plants. There is one exception, however, in
+the Barbadoes Gooseberry (Pereskia), which bears true and persistent
+leaves; but these may be considered anomalous in the order.
+
+The term "succulent" is applied to Cactuses because of the large
+proportion of cellular tissue, i.e., flesh, of their stems, as compared
+with the woody portion. In some of them, when young, the woody system
+appears to be altogether absent, and they have the appearance of a mass
+of fleshy matter, like a vegetable marrow. This succulent mass is
+protected by a tough skin, often of leather-like firmness, and almost
+without the little perforations called breathing and evaporating pores,
+which in other plants are very numerous. This enables the Cactuses to
+sustain without suffering the full ardour of the burning sun and
+parched-up nature of the soil peculiar to the countries where they are
+native. Nature has endowed Cactuses with a skin similar to what she
+clothes many succulent fruits with, such as the Apple, Plum, Peach, &c.,
+to which the sun's powerful rays are necessary for their growth and
+ripening.
+
+The spiny coat of the majority of Cactuses is no doubt intended to serve
+as a protection from the wild animals inhabiting with them the sterile
+plains of America, and to whom the cool watery flesh of the Cactus would
+otherwise fall a prey. Indeed, these spines are not sufficient to
+prevent some animals from obtaining the watery insides of these plants,
+for we read that mules and wild horses kick them open and greedily
+devour their succulent flesh. It has also been suggested that the spines
+are intended to serve the plants as a sort of shade from the powerful
+sunshine, as they often spread over and interlace about the stems.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+CULTIVATION.
+
+
+By noting the conditions in which plants are found growing in a natural
+state, we obtain some clue to their successful management, when placed
+under conditions more or less artificial; and, in the case of Cactuses,
+knowledge of this kind is of more than ordinary importance. In the
+knowledge that, with only one or two exceptions, they will not exist in
+any but sunny lands, where, during the greater part of the year, dry
+weather prevails, we perceive what conditions are likely to suit them
+when under cultivation in our plant-houses.
+
+Cactuses are all American (using this term for the whole of the New
+World) with only one or two exceptions (several species of Rhipsalis
+have been found wild in Africa, Madagascar, and Ceylon), and, broadly
+speaking, they are mostly tropical plants, not-withstanding the fact of
+their extending to the snow-line on some of the Andean Mountains of
+Chili, where several species of the Hedgehog Cactus were found by
+Humboldt on the summit of rocks whose bases were planted in snow. In
+California, in Mexico and Texas, in the provinces of Central and South
+America, as far south as Chili, and in many of the islands contiguous to
+the mainland, the Cactus family has become established wherever warmth
+and drought, such as its members delight in, allowed them to get
+established. In many of the coast lands, they occur in very large
+numbers, forming forests of strange aspect, and giving to the landscape
+a weird, picturesque appearance. Humboldt, in his "Views of Nature,"
+says: "There is hardly any physiognomical character of exotic vegetation
+that produces a more singular and ineffaceable impression on the mind of
+the traveller than an arid plain, densely covered with columnar or
+candelabra-like stems of Cactuses, similar to those near Cumana, New
+Barcelona, Cora. and in the province of Jaen de Bracamoros." This
+applies also to some of the small islands of the West Indies, the hills
+or mountains of which are crowned with these curious-looking plants,
+whose singular shapes are alone sufficient to remind the traveller that
+he has reached an American coast; for these Cactuses are as peculiar a
+feature of the New World as the Heaths are in the Old, or as Eucalypti
+are in Australia.
+
+Although the Cactus order is, in its distribution by Nature, limited to
+the regions of America, yet it is now represented in various parts of
+the Old World by plants which are apparently as wild and as much at home
+as when in their native countries.
+
+The Indian Figs are, perhaps, the most widely distributed of Cactuses in
+the Old World-a circumstance due to their having been introduced for the
+sake of their edible fruits, and more especially for the cultivation of
+the cochineal insect. In various places along the shores of the
+Mediterranean, and in South Africa, and even in Australia, the Opuntias
+have become naturalised, and appear like aboriginal inhabitants. It is,
+however, only in warm sunny regions that the naturalisation of these
+plants is possible.
+
+From these facts, we are able to form some general idea of the
+conditions suitable for Cactuses when cultivated in our greenhouses;
+for, although we seldom have, or care to have, any but diminutive
+specimens of many of these plants as compared with their appearance when
+wild, yet we know that the same conditions as regards heat, light, and
+moisture are necessary for small Cactuses as for full-grown ones.
+
+Although the places in which Cactuses naturally abound are, for the
+greater portion of the year, very dry and warm, heavy rains are more or
+less frequent during certain periods, and these, often accompanied by
+extreme warmth and bright sunshine, have an invigorating and almost
+forcing effect on the growth of Cactuses. It is during this rainy period
+that the whole of the growth is made, and new life is, as it were, given
+to the plant, its reservoir-like structure enabling it to store up a
+large amount of food and moisture, so that on the return of dry weather
+the safety of the plant is insured.
+
+It is to the management of Cactuses in a small state, such as is most
+convenient for our plant-houses, and not to the cultivation of those
+colossal species referred to above, that the instructions given here
+will be for the most part devoted; but, as in the case of almost every
+one of our cultivated plants, it is important to the cultivator to know
+something of the conditions which Nature has provided for Cactuses in
+those lands where they are native.
+
+There is nothing in the nature or the requirements of Cactuses that
+should render their successful management beyond the means of anyone who
+possesses a small, heated greenhouse, or even a window recess to which
+sunlight can be admitted during some portion of the day. In large
+establishments, such as Kew, it is possible to provide a spacious house
+specially for the cultivation of an extensive collection, where many of
+them may attain a good size before becoming too big. And it will be
+evident that where a house such as that at Kew can be afforded, much
+more satisfactory results may generally be obtained, than if plants have
+to be provided for in a house containing various other plants, or in the
+window of a dwelling-room. Apart altogether from size, it is, however,
+possible to grow a collection of Cactuses, and to grow them well, in a
+house of small dimensions--given the amount of sunlight and heat which
+are required by these plants. We sometimes see Cactuses--specimens,
+too, of choice and rare kinds--which have been reared in a cottager's
+window or in a small greenhouse, and which in health and beauty have at
+least equalled what has been accomplished in the most elaborately
+prepared houses. It may be said that these successes, under conditions
+of the most limited kind, are accidental rather than the result of
+properly understood treatment; but however they have been brought about,
+these instances of good cultivation are sufficient to show that success
+is possible, even where the means are of the simplest or most restricted
+kind. Whether it be in a large house, fitted with the best arrangements,
+or in the window of the cottager, the conditions essential to the
+successful cultivation of Cactuses are practically the same.
+
+In Wardian Cases.--Many of our readers will be acquainted with the neat
+little glass cases, like greenhouses in shape, and fitted up in much the
+same way, which are sometimes to be seen in our markets, filled with a
+collection of miniature Cactuses. To the professional gardener, these
+cases are playthings, and are looked upon by him as bearing about the
+same relation to gardening as a child's doll's house does to
+housekeeping. Not-withstanding this, they are the source of much
+interest, and even of instruction, to many of the millions to whom a
+greenhouse or serious gardening is an impossibility. In these little
+cases--for which we are indebted to Mr. Boller, a dealer in Cactaceous
+plants--it is possible to grow a collection of tiny Cactuses for years,
+if only the operations of watering, potting, ventilating, and other
+matters connected with ordinary plant growing, are properly attended to.
+
+In Window Recesses.--In the window recess larger specimens may be
+grown, and here it is possible to grow and flower successfully many of
+the plants of the Cactus family. In a window with a south aspect, and
+which lights a room where fires are kept, at least during cold weather,
+specimens of Phyllocactus, Cereus flagelliformis, Epiphyllum, and, in
+fact, of almost every kind of Cactus, are sometimes to be met with even
+in England; whilst in Germany they are as popular among the poorer
+classes as the Fuchsia, the Pelargonium, and the Musk are with us. One
+of the commonest of Cactuses in the latter country is the Rat's-tail
+Cactus (Cereus flagelliformis), and it is no unusual thing to see a
+large window of a cottager's dwelling thickly draped on the inside with
+the long, tail-like growths and handsome rose-coloured flowers of this
+plant. This is only one among dozens of species, all equally useful for
+window gardening, and all as interesting and beautiful as those above
+described.
+
+In Greenhouses.--For the greenhouse proper, Cactuses are well adapted,
+either as the sole occupants or as suitable for such positions as are
+afforded by shelves or baskets placed near the roof glass. If the
+greenhouse is not fitted with heating arrangements, then, by selecting
+only those species of Cactus that are known to thrive in a position
+where, during winter, they are kept safe out of the reach of frost (of
+which a large number are known) a good collection of these plants may be
+grown. In heated structures the selection of kinds may be made according
+to the space available, and to the conditions under which they will be
+expected to grow. Fig. 3 represents a section of a house for Cactuses,
+which will afford a good idea of the kind of structure best suited for
+them. The aspect is due south.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 3. SECTION OF HOUSE FOR CACTUSES--A,A, Hot-water
+Pipes; B,B, Ventilators.]
+
+When grown on their own roots, the Epiphyllums, as well as the
+pendent-growing kinds of Rhipsalis, and several species of Cereus, may
+be placed in baskets and suspended from the roof. The baskets should be
+lined with thin slices of fibrous peat, and the whole of the middle
+filled with the compost recommended for these plants under "Soil". When
+well managed, some very pretty objects are formed by the Epiphyllums
+grown as basket plants. The climbing Cactuses are usually planted in a
+little mound composed of loam and brick rubble, and their stems either
+trained along rafters or allowed to run up the back wall of a
+greenhouse, against which they root freely, and are generally capable of
+taking care of themselves with very little attention from the gardener.
+
+In Frames.--For cultivation in frames, the conditions are the same as
+for greenhouses. Even when grown in the latter, it will be found
+conducive to the health and flowering of the plants if, during the
+summer months, they can be placed in a frame with a south aspect,
+removing them back to the house again on the decline of summer weather.
+Wherever the place selected for Cactuses may be, whether in a large
+plant-house, or a frame, or a window, it is of vital importance to the
+plants that the position should be exposed to bright sunshine during
+most of the day. Without sunlight, they can no more thrive than a
+Pelargonium could without water. In Germany, many growers of almost all
+the kinds of Cactuses place their young plants in frames, which are
+prepared as follows: In April or May a hot-bed of manure and leaves is
+prepared, and a frame placed upon it, looking south. Six inches of soil
+is put on the top of the bed, and in this, as soon as the temperature of
+the bed has fallen to about 70 deg., the young plants are placed in
+rows. The frames are kept close even in bright weather, except when
+there is too much moisture inside, and the plants are syringed twice
+daily in dry, hot weather. The growth they make under this treatment is
+astonishing. By the autumn the plants are ready to be ripened by
+exposure to sun and air, and in September they are lifted, planted in
+pots, and sent to market for sale. This method may be adopted in
+England, and if carefully managed, the growth the plants would make
+would far exceed anything ever accomplished when they are kept
+permanently in pots.
+
+Out-of-doors.--There are some kinds which may be grown out of doors
+altogether, if planted on a sunny, sheltered position, on a rockery. The
+most successful plan is that followed at Kew, where a collection of the
+hardier species is planted in a rockery composed of brick rubble and
+stones. During summer the plants are exposed; but when cold weather and
+rains come, lights are placed permanently over the rockery, and in this
+way it is kept comparatively dry. No fire-heat or protection of any
+other kind is used, and the vigorous growth, robust health, and
+floriferousness of the several species are proofs of the fitness of the
+treatment for this class of plants.
+
+In any garden where a few square yards in a sunny, well-drained position
+can be afforded for a raised rockery, the hardy Cactuses may be easily
+managed. To make a suitable rockery, proceed as follows: Find a position
+against the south wall of a house, greenhouse, or shed, and against this
+wall construct a raised rockery of brick rubble, lime rubbish, stones
+(soft sandstone, if possible), and fibrous loam. The rockery when
+finished should be, say, 4 ft. wide, and reach along the wall as far as
+required; the back of the rockery would extend about 2 ft. above the
+ground level, and fall towards the front. Fix in the wall, 1 ft. or so
+above the rockery, a number of hooks at intervals all along, to hold in
+position lights sufficiently long to cover the rockery from the wall to
+the front, where they could be supported by short posts driven in the
+ground. The lights should be removed during summer to some shed, and
+brought out for use on the approach of winter. Treated in this manner,
+the following hardy species could not fail to be a success:
+
+Opuntia Rafinesquii and var. arkansana, O. vulgaris, O. brachyarthra, O.
+Picolominiana, O. missouriensis, O. humilis, Cereus Fendleri, C.
+Engelmanni, C. gonacanthus, C. phoeniceus, Echinocactus Simpsoni, E.
+Pentlandii, Mamillaria vivipara.
+
+Having briefly pointed out the various positions in which Cactuses may
+be cultivated successfully, we will now proceed to treat in detail the
+various operations which are considered as being of more or less
+importance in their management. These are potting, watering, and
+temperatures, after which propagation by means of seeds, cuttings, and
+grafting, hybridisation, seed saving, &c., and diseases and noxious
+insects will be treated upon.
+
+Soil.--The conditions in which plants grow naturally, are what we
+usually try to imitate for their cultivation artificially. At all
+events, such is supposed to be theoretically right, however difficult we
+may often find it to be in practice. Soil in some form or other is
+necessary to the healthy existence of all plants; and we know that the
+nature of the soil varies with that of the plants growing in it, or, in
+other words, certain soils are necessary to certain plants, whether in a
+state of nature or cultivated in gardens. But, whilst admitting that
+Nature, when intelligently followed, would not lead us far astray, we
+must be careful not to follow her too strictly when dealing with the
+management of plants in gardens. There are other circumstances besides
+the nature of the soil by which plants are influenced. Soil is only one
+of the conditions on which plants depend, and where the other conditions
+are not exactly the same in our gardens as in nature, it is often found
+necessary to employ a different soil from that in which the plants grow
+when wild.
+
+It has been stated that plants do not grow naturally in the soil best
+suited for them, and that the reason why many plants are found in
+peculiar places is not at all because they prefer them, but because they
+alone are capable of existing there, or because they take refuge there
+from the inroads of stouter neighbours who would destroy them or crowd
+them out. There are, as every gardener knows, numerous plants that
+succeed equally well in widely different soils, and a soil which may be
+suitable for a plant in one place, may prove totally unsuited in
+another. Hence it is why we find one gardener recommending one kind of
+soil, and another a different one, for the same plant, both answering
+equally well because of other conditions fitting better with each soil.
+This helps us to understand how it is that many garden subjects grow
+much better when planted in composts often quite different from those
+the plants are found in when wild. Few plants have a particular
+predilection for soil, and some have what we may call the power to adapt
+themselves to conditions often widely different.
+
+In Cactuses we have a family of plants for which special conditions are
+necessary; and, as regards soil, whether we are guided by nature or by
+gardening experience, we are led to conclude that almost all of them
+thrive only when planted in one kind, that soil being principally loam.
+Plants which are limited in nature to sandy, sun-scorched plains or the
+glaring sides of rocky hills and mountains, where scarcely any other
+form of vegetation can exist, are not likely to require much decayed
+vegetable humus, but must obtain their food from inorganic substances,
+such as loam, sand, or lime. So it is with them when grown in our
+houses. They are healthiest and longest-lived when planted in a loamy
+soil; and although they may be grown fairly well for a time when placed
+in a compost of loam and leaf mould, or loam and peat, yet the growth
+they make is generally too sappy and weak; it is simply fat without
+bone, which, when the necessary resting period comes round, either rots
+or gradually dries up. In preparing soil, therefore, for all Cactuses
+(except Epiphyllum and Rhipsalis, which will be treated separately) a
+good, rather stiff loam, with plenty of grass fibre in it, should form
+the principal ingredient, sand and, if obtainable, small brick rubble
+being added--one part of each of the latter to six parts of the former.
+The brick rubble should be pounded up so that the largest pieces are
+about the size of hazel nuts. Lime rubbish, i.e., old plaster from
+buildings, &c., is sometimes recommended for Cactuses, but it does not
+appear to be of any use except as drainage. At Kew its use has been
+discontinued, and it is now generally condemned by all good cultivators.
+Of course, the idea that lime was beneficial to Cactuses sprang from the
+knowledge that it existed in large quantities in the soil in which the
+plants grew naturally, and it is often found in abundance, in the form
+of oxalate of lime, in the old stems of the plants. But in good loam,
+lime, in the state of chalk, is always present, and this, together with
+the lime contained in the brick rubble, is sufficient to supply the
+plants with as much as they require.
+
+For Epiphyllums and Rhipsalis, both of which are epiphytal naturally,
+but which are found to thrive best in pots in our houses, a mixture of
+equal parts of peat and loam with sand and brick rubble in the same
+proportion as before recommended, will be found most suitable. Leaf
+mould is sometimes used for these plants; but unless really good it is
+best left out of the soil. The finest Epiphyllums have been grown in a
+soil which consists almost wholly of a light fibry loam, with the
+addition of a little crushed bones.
+
+Potting.--Cactuses, when healthy, are injuriously affected by frequent
+disturbance at the roots. On the arrival of the potting season, which
+for these plants is in April and May, established plants should be
+examined at the root, and if the roots are found to be in a healthy
+condition, and the soil sweet, they should be replaced in the same pots
+to continue in them another year. If the roots are decayed, or the soil
+has become sour, it should be shaken away from the roots, which must be
+examined, cutting away all decayed portions, and shortening the longest
+roots to within a few inches of the base of the plant. Cactuses are so
+tenacious of life, and appear to rely so little on their roots, that it
+will be found the wisest plan, when repotting them, to cut the roots
+thoroughly.
+
+The size of pots most suitable is what would be considered small in
+comparison with other plants, Cactuses preferring to be somewhat cramped
+in this respect. This, indeed, is how they are found when wild, the
+roots generally fixing themselves in the crevices of the rocks or stones
+about which the plants grow, so that a large specimen is often found to
+have only a few inches of space in the cleft of a rock for the whole of
+its roots. When thus limited, growth is firmer and the flowers are
+produced in much greater profusion than when a liberal amount of root
+space is afforded. The pots should be well drained-about one-fifth of
+their depth filled with drainage when intended for large, strong-growing
+kinds, and one-third for the smaller ones, such as Mamillarias. A layer
+of rough fibry material should be placed over the crocks to prevent the
+finer soil from stopping the drainage. When filling in the soil, press
+it down firmly, spreading the roots well amongst it, and keeping the
+base of the plant only an inch or so below the surface.
+
+For plants with weak stems, stakes will be necessary, and even
+stout-stemmed kinds, when their roots are not sufficient to hold them
+firmly, will do best if fastened to one or two strong stakes till they
+have made new roots and got firm hold of the soil. Epiphyllums, when
+grown as standards, should be tied to strong wire supports, those with
+three short, prong-like legs being most desirable, as, owing to the
+weight of the head of the plant, a single stake is not sufficient to
+hold the whole firmly. After potting, no water should be given for a few
+weeks. In fact, if the atmosphere in which the plants are placed be kept
+a little moist, it will not be necessary to water them till signs of
+fresh growth are perceived. For Epiphyllums and Rhipsalis, water will be
+required earlier than this; but even they are best left for a few days
+without water, after they have been repotted. As soon as fresh growth is
+perceived, the plants may be well watered, and from this time water may
+be supplied as often as the soil approaches dryness. Newly-imported
+plants, which on arrival are usually much shrivelled and rootless,
+should be potted in rather dry soil and small pots, and treated as
+recommended above. Cactuses, we must remember, contain an abundance of
+nourishment stored up in their stems, and upon this they will continue
+to exist for a considerable time without suffering; and, when their
+growing season comes round, root action commences whether the soil is
+wet or dry, the latter being the most favourable.
+
+Plants altogether exposed to the air will push roots in due time. A
+remarkable instance of this has been recorded by Mr. J. R. Jackson,
+curator of the museums at Kew. A plant of Pilocereus senilis, which had
+grown too tall for the house, was cut off at the base, and placed in the
+museum as a specimen. Here it gradually dried up to within 2 ft. of the
+top, where a fracture across the stem had been made. Above this the stem
+remained fresh and healthy, and, on examining it some months afterwards,
+it was found that not only had the top of the stem remained green, but
+it had formed roots of its own, which had grown down the dead lower
+portion of the stem, and were in a perfectly healthy state. When it is
+remembered that all this happened in the dry atmosphere of a museum, it
+will be apparent how exceptional Cactuses are in their manner of growth,
+and in the wonderful tenacity of life they exhibit under conditions
+which would destroy the majority of plants in a very short time. We
+sometimes find, when examining the bases of Cactus stems, that decay has
+commenced; this is carefully cut out with a sharp knife, and the wound
+exposed to the action of the air till it is perfectly dry, or, as we
+term it, "callused."
+
+Watering.--It will have peen gathered from what has been previously
+said in relation to the conditions under which the majority of the
+plants of the Cactus family grow when wild, that during their season of
+growth they require a good supply of moisture, both at the root and
+overhead; and afterwards a somewhat lengthened period of rest, that is,
+almost total dryness, accompanied by all the sunlight possible, and
+generally a somewhat high temperature. The growing season for all those
+kinds which require to be kept dry when at rest is from the end of April
+to the middle of August, and during this time they should be kept
+moderately moist, but not constantly saturated, which, however, is not
+likely to occur if the water is not carelessly supplied, and the
+drainage and soil are perfect. This treatment corresponds with what
+happens to Cactuses in a wild state, the frequent and heavy rains which
+occur in the earlier part of the summer in the American plains supplying
+the amount of moisture necessary to enable these plants to make fresh
+growth, and produce their beautiful flowers and spine-clothed fruits.
+After August, little or no rain falls, and the Cactuses assume a rather
+shrivelled appearance, which gives them an unhealthy look, but which is
+really a sign of ripeness, promising a plentiful crop of flowers when
+the rainy season again returns.
+
+As the sun in England is not nearly so powerful as in the hot plains of
+Central America and the Southern States of North America, where Cactuses
+are found in greatest abundance, it will be evident that, if flowers are
+to be produced, we must see that our plants have a sufficiency of water
+in early summer, and little or none during the autumn and winter, whilst
+the whole year round they should be exposed to all the sunlight
+possible, the temperature, of course, varying with the requirements of
+the species, whether it is a native of tropical or of temperate regions.
+It is important that the cultivator should understand that if water is
+liberally supplied all through the summer, the plants cannot obtain the
+rest which is necessary to their ripening and producing flowers, as
+dryness at the root alone is not sufficient to provide this, but must be
+accompanied by exposure to bright sunlight, which is not possible in
+England during winter, so that the ripening process must begin before
+the summer is over.
+
+It is possible to preserve most Cactuses alive by keeping them
+constantly growing; but, with very few exceptions, such treatment
+prevents the plants from flowering. The following is what is practised
+in the gardens where Cactuses are successfully cultivated. For the
+genera Cereus, Echinopsis, Echinocactus, Mamillaria, Opuntia, and
+Melocactus, a moist tropical house is provided, and in April the plants
+are freely watered at the root, and syringed overhead both morning and
+afternoon on all bright days. This treatment is continued till the end
+of July, when syringing is suspended, and the water supplied to the
+roots gradually reduced. By the end of August, the plants are placed in
+a large light frame with a south aspect, except the tall-growing kinds,
+which are too bulky to remove. In this frame the plants are kept till
+the summer is over, and are watered only about once a week should the
+sun be very powerful. The lights are removed on all bright sunny days,
+but are kept on during wet or dull weather, and at night. Under this
+treatment, many of the species assume a reddish appearance, and the
+thick fleshy-stemmed kinds generally shrivel somewhat. There is no
+occasion for alarm in the coloured and shrivelled appearance of the
+plants: on the contrary, it may be hailed as a good sign for flowers.
+
+A common complaint in relation to Cacti as flowering plants is that they
+grow all right but rarely or never flower. The explanation of this is
+shown by the fact that the plants must be properly ripened and rested
+before they can produce flowers. On the approach of cold weather the
+plants which were removed to a frame to be ripened should be brought
+back into the house for the winter, and kept quite dry at the roots till
+the return of spring, when their flowers will be developed either before
+or soon after the watering season again commences.
+
+Hitherto we have been dealing with those genera which have thick fleshy
+stems; but there still remain the genera Rhipsalis, Epiphyllum, and
+Phyllocactus, which are not capable of bearing the long period of
+drought advised for the former. The last-mentioned genus should,
+however, be kept almost dry at the root during winter, and, if placed in
+a light, airy house till the turn of the year, the branches will ripen,
+and set their flower buds much more readily than when they are wintered
+in a moist, partially-shaded house. During summer all the Phyllocactuses
+delight in plenty of water, and, when growing freely, a weak solution of
+manure affords them good food. Epiphyllums must be kept always more or
+less moist at the root, though, of course, when growing freely, they
+require more water than when growth has ceased for the year, which
+happens late in autumn. The same rule applies to Rhipsalis, none of the
+species of which are happy when kept long dry. For the several species
+of Opuntia and Echinopsis, which are sufficiently hardy to be cultivated
+on a sunny rockery out of doors, it will be found a wise precaution to
+place either a pane of glass or a handlight over the plants in wet
+autumns and during winter, not so much to serve as protection from cold
+as to shield them from an excess of moisture at a time when it would
+prove injurious.
+
+Temperature.--As the amount of heat required by the different species
+of Cactus varies very considerably, and as the difference between the
+summer and winter temperatures for them is often as great as it is
+important, it will be as well if we mention the temperature required by
+each when describing the species. It is true that the majority of
+Cactuses may be kept alive in one house where all would be subjected to
+the same temperature, but many of the plants would merely exist, and
+could not possibly flower. It would be easy to point to several
+instances of this unsatisfactory state of things. At Kew, for example,
+owing to the arrangements necessary for the public, it is found
+convenient to have the majority of the large collection of Cactuses in
+one house, where the plants present an imposing appearance, but where,
+as might be expected, a good number of the species very rarely produce
+flowers. The Cactuses which inhabit the plains of the Southern United
+States are subjected to a very high summer temperature, and a winter of
+intense cold; whilst on the other hand the species found in Central and
+South America do not undergo nearly so wide an extreme, the difference
+between the summer and winter temperatures of these countries being
+generally much less marked. A word will be said under each species as to
+whether it is tropical, temperate, or hardy, a tropical temperature for
+Cacti being in summer 70 degs., rising to 90 degs. with sun heat, night
+temperature 60 degs. to 70 degs., in winter 60 degs. to 65 degs. Temperate:
+in summer 60 degs., rising to 75 degs. with sun heat, night 60 degs. to
+65 degs., in winter 50 degs. to 55 degs. The hardy species will, of course,
+bear the ordinary temperatures of this country; but, to enable them to
+withstand a very cold winter, they must be kept as dry as possible. In
+the colder parts of England it is not advisable to leave any of these
+plants outside during winter.
+
+Insect Pests.--Notwithstanding the thickness of skin characteristic of
+almost every one of the Cactuses, they are frequently attacked by
+various kinds of garden pests when under cultivation, and more
+especially by mealy bug. There is, of course, no difficulty in removing
+such insects from the species with few or no spines upon their stems;
+but when the plants are thickly covered with clusters of spines and
+hairs, the insects are not easily got rid of. For Cactuses, as well as
+for other plants subject to this most troublesome insect, various kinds
+of insecticide have been recommended; but the best, cheapest, and most
+effectual with which we are acquainted is paraffin, its only drawback
+being the injury it does to the plants when applied carelessly, or when
+not sufficiently diluted. A wineglassful of the oil, added to a gallon
+of soft water, and about 2oz. of soft soap, the whole to be kept
+thoroughly mixed by frequently stirring it, forms a solution strong
+enough to destroy mealy bug. In applying this mixture, a syringe should
+be used, or, if the plants are to be dipped overhead, care must be taken
+to have the oil thoroughly diffused through the water, or the plant,
+when lifted out, will be covered with pure paraffin, which does not mix
+properly with water, but swims upon the surface if allowed to stand for
+a few moments. The plants should be laid on their sides to be syringed
+with the mixture, and after they have been thoroughly wetted, they may
+be allowed to stand for a few minutes before being syringed with pure
+water. Plants that are badly infested with mealy bug should be syringed
+with the paraffin mixture once a day, for about a week. It is easy to do
+serious harm to these plants by using a stronger solution than is here
+recommended, and also by not properly mixing the oil with the soap and
+water; and the amateur cannot, therefore, be too careful in his use of
+this excellent insecticide. It would be easy to recommend other
+insecticides, so called, for Cactuses; but whilst they are less
+dangerous to the plants, they are often as harmless as pure water to the
+insects.
+
+For scale, which sometimes infests these plants, and which is sometimes
+found upon them when wild, the paraffin may be used with good effect.
+
+Thrips attack Phyllocactus, Rhipsalis, and Epiphyllum, especially when
+the plants are grown in less shade, or in a higher temperature, than is
+good for them. Fumigation with tobacco, dipping in a strong solution of
+tobacco, or sponging with a mixture of soap and water, are either of
+them effectual when applied to plants infested with thrips. The same may
+be said of green-fly, which sometimes attacks the Epiphyllums.
+
+A blight, something similar to mealy bug, now and again appears on the
+roots of some of the varieties of Echinocactus and Cereus. This may be
+destroyed by dipping the whole of the roots in the mixture recommended
+for the stems when infested by mealy bug, and afterwards allowing them
+to stand for a few minutes immersed in pure water. They may then be
+placed where they will dry quickly, and finally, in a day or two,
+repotted into new compost, first removing every particle of the old soil
+from the roots.
+
+Diseases.--When wild and favourably situated as regards heat and
+moisture, the larger kinds of Cactus are said to live to a great age,
+some of the tree kinds, according to Humboldt, bearing about them signs
+of having existed several hundred years. The same remarkable longevity,
+most likely, is found in the smaller kinds when wild. Under artificial
+cultivation there are, however, many conditions more or less
+unfavourable to the health of plants, and, in the case of Cactuses, very
+large specimens, when imported from their native haunts to be placed in
+our glass houses, soon perish. At Kew, there have been, at various
+times, very fine specimens of some of the largest-growing ones, but they
+have never lived longer than a year or so, always gradually shrinking in
+size till, finally, owing to the absence of proper nourishment, and to
+other untoward conditions, they have broken down and rotted. This
+rotting of the tissue, or flesh, of these plants is the great enemy to
+their cultivation in England. When it appears, it should be carefully
+cut out with a sharp knife, and exposed to the influence of a perfectly
+dry atmosphere for a few days till the wound has dried, when the plant
+should be potted in a sandy compost and treated as for cuttings.
+Sometimes the decay begins in the side of the stem of the plant, in
+which case it should be cut away, and the wound exposed to a dry air.
+The cause of this decay at the base or in the side of the stems of
+Cactuses is no doubt debility, which is the result of the absence of
+some necessary condition when the plants are cultivated in houses or
+windows in this country.
+
+Grafted plants, especially Epiphyllums, when worked on to Pereskia
+stocks, are apt to grow weak and flabby through the stem wearing out, or
+through the presence of mealy bug or insects in the crevices of the part
+where the stock and scion join, in which case it is best to prepare
+fresh stocks of Pereskia, and graft on to them the best of the pieces of
+Epiphyllum from the old, debilitated plant. It is no use trying to get
+such plants to recover, as, when once this disease or weakness begins,
+it cannot easily be stopped.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+PROPAGATION.
+
+
+Cactuses may be multiplied from cuttings of the stems, from seeds, and
+also by means of grafting; this last method being adopted for those
+species which, under cultivation, are not easily kept in health when
+growing upon their own roots, or, as in the case of Epiphyllums, when it
+offers a means of speedily forming large and shapely specimens. From
+seeds the plants are generally freer in growth than when cuttings are
+used, although the seedlings are longer in growing into flowering
+specimens than large cuttings would be. To the amateur, the process of
+germination and development from the seedling to the mature stage, is
+full of interest and attraction, the changes from one form to another as
+the plant develops being very marked in most of the genera.
+
+Seeds.--Good fresh seeds of Cactaceous plants germinate in from two to
+four weeks after sowing, if placed in a warm house or on a hotbed with a
+temperature of 80 degs. If sown in a lower temperature, the time they
+take to vegetate is longer; but, unless in a very low degree of heat,
+the seeds, if good, and if properly managed as regards soil and water,
+rarely fail to germinate. For all the kinds, pots or pans containing
+drainage to within 2 in. of the top, and then filled up with finely
+sifted loam and sand, three parts of the former to one of the latter,
+and pressed down moderately firm, will be found to answer. If the soil
+be moist at the time of sowing the seeds, it will not be necessary to
+water it for a day or two. The seeds should be scattered thinly over the
+surface of the soil, and then covered with about 1/8 in. of soil. Over
+this, a pane of glass may be placed, and should remain till the
+seedlings appear above the soil. Should the position where the seeds are
+to be raised be in a room window, this pane of glass will be found very
+useful in preventing the dry air of the room from absorbing all the
+moisture from the soil about the seeds. For the germination of Cactus,
+and indeed of all seeds, a certain amount of moisture must be constantly
+present in the soil; and after a seed has commenced to grow, to allow it
+to get dry is to run the risk of killing it.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 4.--SEEDLINGS OF CEREUS. a, One month after
+ germination. b, Two months after germination. C, Three months after
+ germination. (Magnified six times,).]
+
+The seeds of Cactuses may be sown at anytime in the year; but it is best
+to sow in spring, as, after germinating, the young plants have the
+summer before them in which to attain sufficient strength to enable them
+to pass through the winter without suffering; whereas plants raised from
+autumn-sown seeds have often a poor chance of surviving through the
+winter, unless treated with great care. The seeds of all Cactuses are
+small, and therefore the seedlings are at first tiny globular masses of
+watery flesh, very different from what we find in the seedlings of
+ordinary garden plants. The form of the seedling of a species of Cereus
+is shown at Fig. 4, and its transition from a small globule-like mass of
+flesh to the spine-clothed stem, which characterises this genus, is also
+represented. At a we see the young plant after it has emerged from the
+seed, the outer shell of which was attached to one of the sides of the
+aperture at the top till about a week before the drawing was made. At b,
+the further swelling and opening out, as it were, of what, in botanical
+language, is known as the cotyledon stage of development, will be seen;
+a month afterwards, this will have assumed the shape of a very small
+Cereus. It is interesting to note how the soft fleshy mass which first
+grows out of the seed is nothing more than a little bag of food with a
+tiny growing point fixed in its top, and that, as the growing point
+increases, the food bag decreases, till finally the whole of the latter
+becomes absorbed into the young stem, which is now capable of obtaining
+nourishment by means of its newly-formed roots.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 5.--SEEDLINGS OF OPUNTIA, SHOWING MODE OF
+GERMINATION. (Magnified three times).]
+
+In the genus Opuntia, the cotyledon stage (see Fig. 5) of the plant is
+different from that of the Cereus, and is more like that of a cucumber.
+Still, though the form is different, the purpose of the two cotyledons
+and the juicy stem in the seedling Opuntia is the same as in the Cereus;
+and, as the growing point develops, the cotyledons shrivel up and fall
+off, the plant food they contained having passed into that part of the
+young seedling which was to be permanent. The seedlings of these two
+genera serve as an illustration of the process of germination from seed
+of all the Cactuses; and it must be evident that there is much that is
+singular and full of interest in raising these plants from seeds. As
+soon as the seedlings are large enough to be handled, they may be
+planted separately in small pots, using a compost similar to, but
+slightly coarser than, that in which the seeds were sown. The soil
+should be kept moist till the summer is over; and after that, till the
+return of warm sunny weather, it will be found safest to keep the
+seedlings on the dry side, a little water only to be given at intervals
+of a week, and only when the sun is shining upon the plants.
+
+To obtain seeds from cultivated plants, it is necessary, in order to
+insure fertilisation that the top of the stigma (see Fig. 2) should be
+dusted over with the dust-like pollen from the anthers. This may be done
+by means of a small camel-hair brush, which should be moistened in the
+mouth and then pushed among the anthers till covered with pollen, which
+may then be gently rubbed on to the stigma. A warm, sunny morning is the
+most suitable time for this operation, as fertilisation takes place much
+more readily under the influence of bright sunshine than at any other
+time. Some of the kinds have their floral organs so arranged as to be
+capable of self-fertilisation; still, it is always as well to give them
+some assistance. The night-flowering species must, of course, be
+fertilised either at night or very early in the morning. By using the
+pollen from one kind for dusting on to the stigma of another, hybrids
+may be obtained, and it is owing to the readiness with which the plants
+of this family cross with each other, that so many hybrids and forms of
+the genera Epiphyllum and Phyllocactus have been raised. It would be
+useless to attempt such a cross as Epiphyllum with Cereus giganteus,
+because of their widely different natures; but such crosses as
+Epiphyllum with Phyllocactus, and Cereus flagelliformis with C.
+speciosissimus, have been brought about. To an enthusiast, the whole
+order offers a very good field for operations with a view to the
+production of new sorts, as the different kinds cross freely with each
+other, and the beautiful colours of the flowers would most likely
+combine so as to present some new and distinct varieties.
+
+Cuttings.--No plants are more readily increased from stem-cuttings than
+Cactuses; for, be the cutting 20 ft. high, or only as large as a thimble,
+it strikes root readily if placed in a warm temperature and kept
+slightly moist. We have already seen how, even in the dry atmosphere of
+a museum, a stem of Cereus, instead of perishing, emitted roots and
+remained healthy for a considerable time, and it would be easy to add to
+this numerous other instances of the remarkable tenacity of life
+possessed by these plants. At Kew, it is the common practice, when the
+large-growing specimens get too tall for the house in which they are
+grown, to cut off the top of the stem to a length of 6 ft. or 8 ft., and
+plant it in a pot of soil to form a new plant. The old base is kept for
+stock, as it often happens that just below the point where the stem was
+severed, lateral buds are developed, and these, when grown into
+branches, are removed and used as cuttings. Large Opuntias are treated
+in the same way, with the almost invariable result that even the largest
+branches root freely, and are in no way injured by what appears to be
+exceedingly rough treatment. Large cuttings striking root so freely, it
+must follow that small cuttings will likewise soon form roots, and, so
+far as our experience--which consists of some years with a very large
+collection of Cactuses--goes, there is not one species in cultivation
+which may not be easily multiplied by means of cuttings. The nature of a
+Cactus stem is so very different from the stems of most other plants,
+that no comparison can be made between them in respect of their
+root-developing power; the rooting of a Cactus cutting being as certain
+as the rooting of a bulb. The very soft, fleshy stems of some of the
+kinds such as the Echinocactus, should be exposed to the air for a time,
+so that the cut at the base may dry before it is buried in the soil. If
+the base of a plant decays, all that is necessary is the removal of the
+decayed portion, exposure of the wound to the air for two or three days,
+and then the planting of the cutting in a dry, sandy soil, and placing
+it in a warm moist house till rooted. All cuttings of Cactuses may be
+treated in this way. If anything proves destructive to these cuttings,
+it is excessive moisture in the soil, which must always be carefully
+guarded against.
+
+Grafting.--The object of grafting is generally either to effect certain
+changes in the nature of the scion, by uniting it with a stock of a
+character different from its own, which usually results in the better
+production of flowers, fruit, &c., or to multiply those plants which are
+not readily increased by the more ordinary methods of cuttings or seeds.
+In the case of Cactuses, however, we resort to grafting, not because of
+any difficulty in obtaining the kinds thus treated from either cuttings
+or seeds, as we have already seen that all the species of Cactuses grow
+freely from seed, or are easily raised from cuttings of their stems, nor
+yet to effect any change in the characters of the plants thus treated,
+but because some of the more delicate kinds, and especially the smaller
+ones, are apt to rot at the base during the damp, foggy weather of our
+winters; and, to prevent this, it is found a good and safe plan to graft
+them on to stocks formed of more robust kinds, or even on to plants of
+other genera, such as Cereus or Echinocactus. By this means, the
+delicate plants are raised above the soil whence the injury in winter
+usually arises, and they are also kept well supplied with food by the
+more robust and active nature of the roots of the plant upon which they
+are grafted. Grafting is also adopted for some of the Cactuses to add to
+the grotesqueness of their appearance; a spherical Echinocactus or
+Mamillaria being united to the columnar stem of another kind, so as to
+produce the appearance of a drum stick; or a large round-growing species
+grafted on to three such stems, which may then be likened to a globe
+supported upon three columns. As the species and genera unite freely
+with each other, it is possible to produce, by means of grafting, some
+very extraordinary-looking plants, and to a lover of the incongruous and
+"queer," these plants will afford much interest and amusement. Besides
+the above, we graft Epiphyllums, and the long drooping Cereuses, such as
+C. flagelliformis, because of their pendent habit, and which, therefore,
+are seen to better advantage when growing from the tall erect stem of
+some stouter kind, than if allowed to grow on their own roots. By
+growing a Pereskia on into a large plant, and then cutting it into any
+shape desired, we may, by grafting upon its spurs or branches a number
+of pieces of Epiphyllum, obtain large flowering specimens of various
+shapes in a comparatively short time. For general purposes, it is usual
+to graft Epiphyllums on to stems, about 1 ft. high, of Pereskia aculeata;
+pretty little standard plants being in this way formed in about a year
+from the time of grafting, As an instance of how easily some kinds may
+be grafted, we may note what was done with a large head of the
+Rat's-tail Cactus which had been grown for some years on the stem of
+Cereus rostratus, but which last year rotted off just below the point of
+union. On re-grafting this head on to the Cereus a little lower down, it
+failed to unite, and, attributing the failure to possible ill-health in
+the stock, we determined to transfer the Rat's-tail Cactus to a large
+stem of Pereskia aculeata, the result being a quick union and rapid,
+healthy growth since. Upon the same stock some grafts of Epiphyllum had
+previously been worked, so that it is probable these two aliens will
+form on their nurse-stem, the Pereskia, an attractive combination. In
+Fig. 6 we have a fine example of this kind of grafting. It represents a
+stem of Pereskia Bleo upon which the Rat's-tail Cactus and an Epiphyllum
+have been grafted.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 6. PERESKIA BLEO, WITH EPIPHYLLUM AND CEREUS
+FLAGELLIFORMIS GRAFTED UPON IT.]
+
+For most plants the operation of grafting must be carefully and
+skilfully performed, but in the case of Cactuses very little skill is
+necessary if one or two rules, which apply to all kinds of grafting, are
+observed. The period of vigorous growth, and while the sap of both the
+stock and the scion is in motion, is the most favourable time for the
+operation. It is then only necessary, in order to bring about a speedy
+union, that the parts grafted should be cut so as to fit each other
+properly, and then bound or in some way fastened together so that they
+will remain in close contact with each other till a union is effected. A
+close atmosphere and, if possible, a little shade should be afforded the
+worked plants till the grafts have taken. The ligature used should not
+be bound round the graft too tightly, or it will prevent the flow of the
+sap; if bound tightly enough to hold the parts together and to prevent
+their slipping, that will be found quite sufficient.
+
+Epiphyllums are treated as follows: Cuttings of Pereskia are rooted and
+grown on to the required size, and in the month of September they are
+headed down, the tops being used as cuttings. Grafts of Epiphyllum are
+then prepared by cutting them to the required length, usually about
+6 in., and removing a thin slice of the fleshy stem on each side so as to
+form a flat wedge. The stem of Pereskia is then split down about 1 in.
+with a sharp knife, and into this the wedge of the graft is inserted,
+and fastened either by means of a small pin passed through the stem and
+graft about half-way up the slit, or by binding round them a little
+worsted or matting, the former being preferred. The worked plants are
+then placed in a close handlight or propagating frame, having a
+temperature of about 75 degs., where they are kept moist by sprinkling
+them daily with water; they must be shaded from bright sunlight. As soon
+as a union has been effected, which will be seen by the grafts beginning
+to grow, the ligature and pin should be removed, and the plants
+gradually hardened off by admitting air to the box, till finally they
+may be removed to the house where it is intended to grow them. In a
+cottage window this operation may be successfully performed if a box
+with a movable glass top, or a large bell glass, be used to keep the
+grafts close till they have taken.
+
+For the spherical-stemmed kinds of Mamillaria, Cereus, Echinocactus,
+&c., a different method is found to answer. Instead of cutting the base
+of the graft to a wedge shape, it is simply cut across the base
+horizontally, or, in other words, a portion of the bottom of the graft
+is sliced off, and a stock procured which, when cut across the top, will
+about fit the wound at the base of the scion; the two sliced parts are
+placed together, and secured either by passing a piece of matting a few
+times over the top of the graft and under the pot containing the stock,
+or by placing three stakes around it in such a way that, when tied
+together at the top, they will hold the graft firmly in position.
+Another method is that of cutting the base of the scion in the form of a
+round wedge, and then scooping a hole out in the centre of the stock
+large enough to fit this wedge; the scion is pressed into this, and then
+secured in the manner above mentioned. To graft one spherical-stemmed
+kind on to three columnar-stemmed ones, the latter must first be
+established in one pot and, when ready for grafting, cut at the top into
+rounded wedges, three holes to correspond being cut into the scion. When
+fixed, the top should be securely fastened by tying it to the pot, or by
+means of stakes. For this last operation, a little patience and care are
+necessary to make the stocks and scions fit properly; but if the rules
+that apply to grafting are properly followed, there will be little fear
+of the operation failing. In the accompanying illustrations, we have a
+small Mamillaria stem grafted on to the apex of the tall
+quadrangular-stemmed, night-flowering Cereus (Fig. 7), and also a
+cylindrical-stemmed Opuntia worked on a branch of the flat,
+battledore-like Indian Fig (Fig. 8.)
+
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 7.--GRAFT OF MAMILLARIA RECURVA ON CEREUS
+NYCTICALUS.]
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 8.--GRAFT OF OPUNTIA DECIPIENS ON O. FICUS-INDICA.]
+
+In the hands of a skilful cultivator, the different Cactuses may be made
+to unite with one another almost as easily as clay under the moulder's
+hands; whilst even to the amateur, Cactuses afford the easiest of
+subjects for observing the results of grafting.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE GENUS EPIPHYLLUM.
+
+(From epi upon, and phyllon, a leaf).
+
+
+It is now about a century since some of the most beautiful of Cactaceous
+plants came into cultivation in this country, and amongst them was the
+plant now known as E. truncatum, but then called Cactus Epiphyllum; the
+name Cactus being used in a generic sense, and not, as now, merely as a
+general term for the Natural Order. Introduced so early, and at once
+finding great favour as a curious and beautiful flowering plant, E.
+truncatum has been, and is still, extensively cultivated, and numerous
+varieties of it have, as a consequence, originated in English gardens.
+We do not use the seeds of these plants for their propagation, unless
+new varieties are desired, when we must begin by fertilising the
+flowers, and thus obtain seeds, which should be sown and grown on till
+the plants flower.
+
+Epiphyllums have already "broken" from their original or wild
+characters, and are, therefore, likely to yield distinct varieties from
+the first sowing. In the forests which clothe the slopes of the Organ
+Mountains, in Brazil, the Epiphyllums are found in great abundance,
+growing upon the trunks and branches of large trees, and occasionally on
+the ground or upon rocks, up to an elevation of 6000 ft. It was here that
+Gardner, when travelling in South America, found E. truncatum growing in
+great luxuriance, and along with it the species known as E.
+Russellianum, which he sent to the Duke of Bedford's garden, at Woburn,
+in 1839. These two species are the only ones now recognised by
+botanists, all the other cultivated kinds being either varieties of, or
+crosses raised from, them. The character by which Epiphyllums are
+distinguished from other Cactuses, is their flattened, long, slender
+branches, which are formed of succulent, green, leaf-like branchlets,
+growing out of the ends of each other, to a length of from 3 ft. to 4 ft.
+As in the majority of Cactuses, the stems of Epiphyllum become woody and
+almost cylindrical with age, the axes of the branchlets swell out, and
+the edges either disappear or remain attached, like a pair of wings.
+
+Cultivation.--Epiphyllums require the temperature of an intermediate
+house in winter, whilst, in summer, any position where they can be kept
+a little close and moist, and be shaded from bright sunshine, will suit
+them. Remembering that their habit, when wild, is to grow upon the
+trunks of trees, where they would be afforded considerable shade by the
+overhanging branches, we cannot be wrong in shading them from direct
+sunshine during summer. Some growers recommend placing these plants in a
+hot, dry house; but we have never seen good specimens cultivated under
+such conditions. All through the summer months, the plants should be
+syringed both morning and evening; but by the end of August they will
+have completed their growth, and should, therefore, be gradually exposed
+to sunshine and air.
+
+It is advisable to discontinue the use of the syringe from September
+till the return of spring, but the plants should always be kept supplied
+with a little moisture at the root and in the air about them during the
+winter months. In this respect, these plants and the Rhipsalis are
+exceptions among Cactuses, as all the others are safest when kept dry
+during the cold, dull weather between September and April. The soil most
+suitable for them is a mixture of peat, loam, and sand, unless a light
+and fibrous loam be obtainable, which is, perhaps, the best of all soils
+for these plants, requiring only the addition of a little rotted manure
+or leaf-mould, silver sand, and some small brick rubble. The Pereskia
+stock is not a stout-rooted plant, and does not, therefore, require much
+root-room, although, by putting in plenty of broken crocks as drainage,
+the soil space in the pots may be reduced to what is considered
+sufficient for the plant. If small pots are used, the head of the plant
+is apt to overbalance the whole. The stems should be secured to stout
+stakes, and, if large, umbrella-like specimens are wanted, a frame
+should be made in the form of an umbrella, and the stem and branches
+fastened to it. Smaller plants may be kept in position by means of a
+single upright stake, which should be long enough to stand an inch or
+two above the head of the plant, so that the stoutest branches may be
+supported by attaching a piece of matting to them, and fastening it to
+the top of the stake. In the remarks upon grafting we mentioned the
+large pyramidal specimens of Epiphyllum which are grown by some
+cultivators for exhibition purposes; and, although these plants are much
+rarer at exhibitions now than they were a few years ago, yet they do
+sometimes appear, especially in the northern towns, such as Liverpool
+and Manchester.
+
+It would not be easy to find a more beautiful object during winter than
+an Epiphyllum, 5 ft. or 6 ft. high, and nearly the same in width at the
+base, forming a dense pyramid of drooping, strap-like branches bearing
+several hundreds of their bright and delicate coloured blossoms all at
+one time, and lasting in beauty for several weeks. With a little skill
+and patience, plants of this size may be grown by any amateur who
+possesses a warm greenhouse; and, although it is not easy to manage such
+large plants in a room window, handsome little specimens of the same
+form may be grown if the window is favourably situated and the room kept
+warm in winter. Mr. J. Wallis, gardener to G. Tomline, Esq., of Ipswich,
+has become famous for the size and health of the specimens he has
+produced. Writing on the cultivation of Epiphyllums, Mr. Wallis gives
+the following details, which are especially valuable as coming from one
+of the most successful cultivators of these beautiful plants:
+
+"The Epiphyllums here are grown for flowering in the conservatory, and
+are usually gay from the first week in November till February. During
+the remainder of the year, they occupy a three-quarter span-roof house,
+in which an intermediate temperature is maintained. All our Epiphyllums
+are grafted on the Pereskia aculeata. We graft a few at intervals of two
+or three years, so, if any of the older plants become sickly or shabby,
+they are thrown away, and the younger ones grown on. Some of the stocks
+are worked to form pyramids, and some to form standards. The height of
+the pyramids is 6 ft., and, to form these, six or eight scions are
+inserted. The heads of the standards are on stems ranging in height from
+4½ ft. down to 1½ ft. To form these heads, only one scion is put on the
+stock. Some of our oldest pyramids are 4 ft. or 5 ft. through at the base,
+and the heads of the standards quite as much. When in flower, the heads
+of the latter droop almost to the pots. The pyramids occupy No.2 and
+No.4 sized pots, the standards 8's and 12's. Each plant is secured to a
+strong iron stake, with three prongs fitting the inside of the pot, and
+the Epiphyllum is kept well supported to the stake by ties of stout
+wire. After the plants are well established, they are easily managed,
+and go many years without repotting; but, of course, we top-dress them
+annually, previously removing as much of the old soil as will come away
+easily. We grow these plants with plenty of ventilation on all
+favourable occasions, and they are seldom shaded. During active growth,
+water is given freely, occasionally liquid manure; they are also
+syringed daily. After the season's growth is completed, water is given
+more sparingly, and syringing is dispensed with."
+
+When grown on their own roots, Epiphyllums are useful for planting in
+wire baskets intended to hang near the glass; large and very handsome
+specimens form in a few years, if young rooted plants are placed rather
+thickly round the sides of the baskets, and grown in a warm house.
+Epiphyllums are employed with good effect for covering walls, which are
+first covered with peaty soil by means of wire netting, and then
+cuttings of the Epiphyllums are stuck in at intervals of about 1 ft. The
+effect of a wall of the drooping branches of these plants is attractive
+even when without their beautiful flowers; but when seen in winter,
+clothed with hundreds of sparkling blossoms, they present a most
+beautiful picture. Large plants of Pereskia may be trained over pillars
+in conservatories and afterwards grafted with Epiphyllums; in fact,
+there are many ways in which these plants may be effectively employed in
+gardens.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+E. truncatum (jagged); Bot. Mag. 2562.--Branchlets from 1 in. to 3 in.
+long, and 1 in. wide, with two or three distinct teeth along the edges,
+and a toothed or jagged apex (hence the specific name). The flowers are
+3 in. long, curved above and below, not unlike the letter S; the petals
+and sepals reflexed, and exposing the numerous yellow anthers, through
+which the club-headed stigma protrudes; colour, a deep rose-red, the
+base of the petals slightly paler. The varieties differ in having
+colours which vary from almost pure white, with purplish tips, to a
+uniform rich purple, whilst such colours as salmon, rose, orange, and
+scarlet, are conspicuous among them.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 9.--EPIPHYLLUM RUSSELLIANUM.]
+
+E. Russellianum (Russell's); Fig. 9.--This has smaller branchlets than
+the type plant (E. truncatum), and is thus easily distinguished; they do
+not exceed 1 in. in length and ½ in. in width, whilst the edges are
+irregularly and faintly notched, not distinctly toothed, as in E.
+truncatum. The flowers are a little larger than in the older kind, and
+are not curved, whilst the petals are narrower; their colour is bright
+rosy-red. This species flowers rather later in the year than E.
+truncatum, and may be had in blossom so late as the month of May or
+June. There are several varieties of it which have either larger and
+darker, or smaller and variously tinted flowers. Both the species will
+cross with each other, and probably many of the varieties enumerated by
+nurserymen have been obtained in this way.
+
+VARIETIES.
+
+The following is a selection of the best varieties, with a short
+description of the flowers of each:
+
+E. bicolor (two-coloured).--Tube of flower white; petals purple,
+becoming almost white towards the base.
+
+E. Bridgesii (Bridges').--Tube violet; petals dark purple.
+
+E. coccineum (scarlet).--Bright scarlet, paler at the base of the
+petals.
+
+E. cruentum (bloody).--Tube purplish-scarlet; petals bright scarlet.
+
+E. Gaertneri (Gaertner's).--This is an interesting and beautiful
+hybrid, raised from Epiphyllum and a Cereus of some kind. The branchlets
+are exactly the same as those of E. truncatum, but the flowers are not
+like Epiphyllum at all, resembling rather those of Cereus or
+Phyllocactus. They are brilliant scarlet in colour, shaded with violet.
+
+E. magnificum (magnificent).--Tube rosy-violet; petals dark red.
+
+E. salmoneum (salmon-coloured).--Tube and base of petals white, rest
+salmon-red, shaded with purple.
+
+E. spectabile (remarkable).--Tube and base of petals white; tips of
+petals carmine.
+
+E. tricolor (three-coloured).--Tube salmon-red; petals red, centre
+purplish.
+
+E. violaceum (violet).--Tube white; petals carmine, margined with
+violet-purple.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE GENUS PHYLLOCACTUS.
+
+(From phyllon, a leaf, and Cactus).
+
+
+As in the case of the Epiphyllums, the principal character by which the
+Phyllocactus is distinguished is well described by the name, the
+difference between it and Epiphyllum being that in the former the
+flowers are produced along the margins of the flattened branches,
+whereas in the latter they are borne on the apices of the short,
+truncate divisions. If we compare any of the Phyllocactuses with Cereus
+triangularis, or with C. speciosissimus, we shall find that the flowers
+are precisely similar both in form and colour, and sometimes also in
+size.
+
+In all the kinds the stem is compressed laterally, so as to look as if
+it had been hammered out flat; or sometimes it is three-angled, and the
+margins are deeply notched or serrated. These notches are really the
+divisions between one leaf and another, for the flat, fleshy portions or
+wings of the stems of these plants are simply modified leaves--not
+properly separated from each other and from the stem, but still to all
+intents and purposes leaves--which, as the plant increases and matures,
+gradually wither away, leaving the central or woody portion to assume
+the cylindrical stem which we find in all old Phyllocactuses. It is from
+these notches that the large, showy flowers are developed, just as in
+plants the flowers of which are borne from the axils of the leaves.
+
+Under the names "Spleenwort-leaved Indian Figs," and "Winged
+Torch-thistles," as well as those here adopted, the most beautiful
+perhaps of all Cactuses, and certainly the most useful in a garden
+sense, have been cultivated in English gardens for more than 150 years;
+for it was in 1710 that the flowering of E. Phyllanthus was first
+recorded in English horticulture. Philip Miller grew it with many other
+Cactuses in the botanical garden at Chelsea which was founded by Sir
+Hans Sloane, in 1673, to be maintained "for the manifestation of the
+power, wisdom, and glory of God in the works of creation," and which
+still exists as the botanical emporium of the Apothecaries' Society. The
+majority of the gorgeous Phyllocactuses which we now possess are of only
+recent introduction, or are the result of cultivation and crossing.
+
+The species are natives of various parts of tropical America, chiefly
+Mexico and Central America, where they are found generally growing, in
+company with Bromeliads and Orchids, upon the trunks of gigantic
+forest-trees. Phyllocactuses are therefore epiphytes when in a wild
+state, but under cultivation with us, they thrive best when planted in
+pots or in baskets--the latter method being adapted for one or two
+smaller kinds. It is easy to imagine the gorgeousness of a group of
+these plants when seen enveloping a large tree-trunk, clothing it, as it
+were, with balls of brilliant or pure white flowers. We are told by
+travellers of the splendours of a Cactus haunt during the flowering
+season, and those who have seen a well-managed pot specimen of
+Phyllocactus when covered with large, dazzling flowers, can form some
+idea of what wild plants are like when seen by hundreds together, and
+surrounded by the green foliage and festooning climbers which associate
+with them in the forests where they abound.
+
+Cultivation.--For the following cultural notes we are indebted to a
+most successful grower of Cactuses in Germany, whose collection of
+Phyllocactuses is exceptionally rich and well managed: The growing
+season for these plants is from about the end of April, or after the
+flowers are over, till the end of August. As soon as growth commences,
+the plants should be repotted. A light, rich soil should be used, a
+mixture of loam, peat, and leaf-mould, or rotten manure with a little
+sand, being suitable. Small plants should have a fair shift; larger ones
+only into a size of pot which just admits of a thin layer of fresh soil.
+When pot-bound, the plants flower most freely, and it is not necessary
+to repot large specimens more often than about once every three years.
+When potted they should be placed in a sunny position in a close house
+or frame, and be kept freely watered. In bright weather they may be
+syringed overhead twice a day. For the first few days after repotting it
+is advisable to shade the plants from bright sunshine. A stove
+temperature is required until growth is finished. After this they should
+be gradually ripened by admitting more air and exposing to all the
+sunlight possible. During winter very little water is needed, just
+sufficient to prevent shrivelling being safest. Excess of moisture in
+winter is ruinous, as it often kills the roots, and sometimes causes the
+plant to rot off at the collar. The lowest temperature in winter should
+be 50 degs., lower than this being unsafe, whilst in mild weather it
+might be 5 degs. higher.
+
+It is a bad plan to turn these plants round, in order, as some think, to
+ripen the growths properly. As a matter of fact, it does no good, but
+often does harm, by suddenly exposing the tender parts to the full force
+of sunlight.
+
+The stems may be trained either in the form of a fan or as a bush. Old
+branches which have flowered and are shrivelling may be cut away in the
+spring.
+
+Some fine specimens have been grown in pockets on old walls inside
+lean-to greenhouses, where the conditions have been favourable to the
+healthy growth and flowering of most of the species. When grown in this
+way, water must be supplied exactly as advised for plants grown in pots;
+if the pockets are not within easy reach of the watering pot, the plants
+can be watered by means of a heavy syringing.
+
+Propagation.--For the propagation of the Phyllocactus either the whole
+plant may be divided at the base, or cuttings of the branches may be
+used; the latter, after having dried by remaining with their bases
+exposed to the air for a day or two, should be planted in small pots
+filled with very sandy soil; they may be placed on a dry, sunny shelf
+near the glass, and be slightly sprinkled overhead daily till rooted.
+Seeds, which sometimes ripen on cultivated plants, should be gathered as
+soon as the fleshy fruits have turned to a purplish colour, dried for a
+day or so, then sown in a light, porous soil, and placed in a warm frame
+or house to germinate.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+P. Akermanni (named after a Mr. Akermann, who introduced it from Mexico
+in 1829); Fig. 10.--Stem becoming cylindrical at an early age, and
+clothed with little clusters of spiny hairs; the branches are flattened
+out, and form broad, rather thin, blade-like growths, with the margins
+sinuately lobed (waved and notched). The flowers are large--over 6 in.
+in diameter--the petals, very acutely pointed and undulated along the
+edges; flower tube 2 in. long, with a few small scales scattered over its
+surface; stamens curved, clustered around the stigma, and almost hiding
+it. Colour of whole flower a rich scarlet, with a satin-like lustre.
+Flowers in June and July.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 10. PHYLLOCACTUS AKERMANNI.]
+
+This is one of the best-known kinds, having been extensively cultivated
+as an ornamental greenhouse plant till within the last few years. It was
+grown by several nurserymen for Covent Garden Market about eight years
+ago; small plants, about 1 ft. high, and bearing each from two to six
+flowers, finding much favour among the costermongers, as the plants
+could be bought at a low price, and, owing to their large, brilliant
+flowers, always sold well at a good profit. This species has been
+employed by the hybridists for the obtaining of new kinds, and some very
+handsome and distinct varieties have consequently been raised. As well
+as crossing with other species of Phyllocactus, P. Akermanni has been
+used in combination with several species of Cereus, good hybrids having
+been the result. As a compact-growing and free-flowering species, this
+may be specially recommended.
+
+P. anguliger (angle-stemmed); Fig. 11.--The branches of this kind are
+distinguished by having the notches along their margins more like the
+teeth of a saw than the others. The habit is rather stiff and erect. The
+flowers are produced near the apex of the branches, and are composed of
+a curved tube 6 in. long, spreading out at the top to a width of 6 in.,
+and surmounted by a whorl of pure white petals, in the centre of which
+are the stamens, rather few in number, and the large, ten-rayed stigma.
+The flowers are developed in December and January, and have a powerful
+and delicious odour. Introduced, in 1837, from West Mexico, where it is
+said to grow in oak forests.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 11.--PHYLLOCACTUS ANGULIGER.]
+
+P. (Disocactus) biformis (two-formed); Fig. 12.--This is a small plant,
+and is intermediate between this genus and the Epiphyllums. It possesses
+no particular beauty or distinctive character such as would render it of
+much value for garden purposes. The branches are short, rather narrow
+and drooping, the margins notched and tinged with red. The flowers are
+borne generally on the ends of the branches, and are drooping in habit;
+in form they are more like the Epiphyllums than the ordinary
+Phyllocactuses, as they have their petals arranged in a sort of tube
+about 3 in. long. The fruit is a red berry as large as a gooseberry.
+Honduras, 1839.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 12.--PHYLLOCACTUS BIFORMIS.]
+
+P. crenatus (toothed); Bot. Reg. 3031.--A large-flowered and very
+beautiful species, rivalling, in the size and fragrance of its blossoms,
+the gigantic night-flowering Cereus grandiflorus. It grows to a height
+of about 2 ft., with round-based branches, the upper portion flattened
+out and the margins serrated. The flower tube is 4 in. long,
+brownish-green, as also are the sepals; petals 4 in. long, in a whorl,
+the points curving inwards; stamens and pistil erect, forming along with
+the petals a large star of a pale cream-colour. The beauty and fragrance
+of these flowers, which open in June, render them specially valuable for
+cutting and placing in rooms, where, notwithstanding their short
+duration, they never fail to win much admiration. Introduced from
+Honduras, in 1839. This fine species is one of the parents of the
+hybrids which have been raised both in this country and in America,
+where Mr. Hovey succeeded in obtaining some of the choicest as regards
+colour and size. Some of these latter were exhibited in London two or
+three years ago, and were much admired.
+
+P. grandis (large-flowered).--The large, creamy-white flowers of this
+plant are like those of the night-flowering Cereus; and, in addition to
+the similarity in form and size between these two, there is a further
+one in the time when the flowers expand, this species, along with one or
+two others, opening its flowers after sunset; and although they remain
+in good condition till late on in the day following, and sometimes even
+longer, we may suppose that the proper flowering time is at night. The
+delicious almond scent of the flowers of this fine Cactus is so strong,
+that during the flowering period the atmosphere of the large
+Cactus-house at Kew Gardens is permeated with it, the large specimens
+there having usually a score or more flowers open together, the effect
+of which is truly grand. Even this number of flowers is, for this
+species, by no means extraordinary, specimens having been grown
+elsewhere, in pots only 8 in. across, with as many flowers open on each.
+From this it will be seen that P. grandis is one of the most useful
+kinds, its large, sweet-scented flowers, and its free-growing nature,
+rendering it of exceptional value as a decorative plant. Its branches
+are broad and notched along the margins, and the flowers are 1 ft. in
+length, including the tube, whilst across the broad, spreading petals
+they measure almost as much. Honduras. Introduced 1837 (?). Time of
+flowering, summer and autumn.
+
+P. Hookeri (Hooker's); Bot. Mag. 2692, under Cactus Phyllanthus.--A
+robust-growing kind, often attaining to the size of a good shrub. Its
+flowers expand in the evening, and are sweet-scented. They are produced
+along the margins of the broad, flat, deeply-notched branches, the
+serratures being rounded instead of angled, as in some of the kinds. The
+tube of the flower is long and slender, no thicker than a goose quill,
+and covered with reddish scales; the petals are spreading, and form a
+cup 6 in. across; they are narrow, pointed, and pure white, the outer
+whorl, as well as the sepals, being tinged on the under side with a
+tawny colour. The stamens form a large cluster in the centre, and are
+bright yellow, the style being red and yellow. It is probable that this
+plant has been in cultivation for many years, as it was figured in the
+work quoted above under the name of one of the first introduced kinds of
+Phyllocactus, from which, however, it is abundantly distinct, as will be
+seen by a comparison of the descriptions of the two. There are, in the
+Kew collection, several large plants of P. Hookeri that flower annually
+during the summer and autumn. Brazil.
+
+P. latifrons (broad-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 3813.--This is another
+large-growing species, as large at least as P. Hookeri, to which,
+indeed, it bears a close resemblance, both in flowers and in habit. Like
+that species, too, its date of introduction is not known, though it
+appears to have been cultivated in England at an early period. It may be
+grown so as to form a large shrub in a few years; or by cutting it back
+annually, or growing on young plants from cuttings every two years, nice
+little pot plants may be obtained; and as the plant produces flowers
+freely when in a small state, it is available for small greenhouses as
+well as for large ones. A fine specimen, such, for instance, as that at
+Kew, which is over 8 ft. in height, and well furnished with branches, is
+an attractive object when clothed with numerous creamy-white flowers,
+here and there tinged with red. The branches are from 4 in. to 5 in.
+broad, and deeply notched; the flowers are about 8 in. in length, and the
+same across the spreading petals. Mexico. Spring.
+
+P. phyllanthus (leaf-flowering).--This species is now rarely seen in
+cultivation. As the oldest of the garden kinds it is, however, deserving
+of a little notice. Philip Miller grew it in his collection in 1710. The
+branches are broad and flat, the edges waved, not notched, and the
+flowers are composed of a thin tortuous tube, 9 in. in length, bearing at
+the top a whorl of recurved greenish petals, 1 in. long, with a cluster
+of whitish stamens and a green, club-shaped style and stigma. Brazil.
+
+P. phyllanthoides (phyllanthus-like); Bot. Mag. 2092.--For the
+introduction of this handsome-flowered kind we are indebted to the great
+travellers and naturalists, Humboldt and Bonpland, who discovered it
+growing in the woods upon the trunks of old trees around Cartagena in
+South America. Plants of it were forwarded by them to France, where they
+flowered for the first time in 1811. From that time till now this
+species has been in favour as a garden plant, though it is, at the
+present time, much less common in English gardens than it deserves to
+be. The branches are broad, triangular when young, flat when old, about
+1 ft. long by 2 in. wide, with shallow incisions, the serrations rather
+sharply angled. The height of the plant is from 2 ft. to 3 ft. The flowers
+are produced on the margins of the young branches, and are composed of a
+short, thick tube, not more than 2 in. in length, and short, dark,
+recurved scales; the petals are broad, pointed, and form a stellate
+cluster about 4 in. across; they are of a bright rose-colour, streaked
+with white, and shaded here and there with a darker colour of red. The
+stamens are numerous and pure white. The flowers open in the day-time,
+and are scentless; they last in perfection for two or three days, and
+may, therefore, be employed as cut flowers for vases, &c. Early summer.
+
+HYBRIDS AND VARIETIES.
+
+In addition to the cultivated species of Phyllocactus there are numerous
+hybrids and varieties, many of which are beautiful and distinct either
+in colour or in size of blossom.
+
+The following is a selection of the best of them:
+
+P. albus superbus (superb white).--The most beautiful of white-flowered
+kinds. Flowers fragrant, 6 in. across, resembling those of the
+night-blossoming Cereus grandiflorus; sepals greenish-white, petals pure
+white.
+
+P. aurantiacus superbus (superb orange).--A compact plant, with
+numerous large, brick-red flowers, 5 in. to 6 in. in diameter.
+
+P. Conway's Giant.--Flowers full, deep scarlet, about 8 in. in diameter.
+
+P. Cooperi (Cooper's).--An English hybrid, remarkable for its large,
+beautiful yellow flowers.
+
+P. Franzi (Franz's).--Flowers 3 in. to 4 in. across; petals numerous,
+outer ones scarlet, inner violet.
+
+P. General Garibaldi.--Flowers very large, scarlet, tinged with orange
+on the reflex side.
+
+P. grandiflorus (large-flowered).--Flowers bell-shaped, 4 in. across;
+sepals narrow, scarlet; petals incurved and of a fiery orange-scarlet
+colour.
+
+P. Haagei (Haage's); Fig. 13.--Flowers about 5 in. across,
+flesh-coloured when first expanded, becoming carmine before fading.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 13.--PHYLLOCACTUS HAAGEI.]
+
+P. ignescens (fiery).--Flowers 8 in. across, almost flat when expanded;
+petals numerous, deep brilliant scarlet.
+
+P. Jenkinsoni (Jenkinson's).--Flowers medium in size, colour
+cherry-red.
+
+P. Johnstonei (Johnstone's).--Flowers large, with broad scarlet petals.
+
+P. Kaufmanni (Kaufmann's).--Flowers purplish-red, very large.
+
+P. kermesina magnus (large scarlet).--An enormous-flowered kind, having
+produced blossoms which measured 10 in. across; petals vivid orange with
+a tip and central stripe of red; sepals blood-red.
+
+P. Pfersdorffii. (Pfersdorff's).--Flowers as in Cereus grandiflorus,
+8 in. to 10 in. across, very fragrant; petals white; sepals yellow,
+brownish outside.
+
+P. Rempleri (Rempler's).--Branches three-angled; flowers with short,
+linear, incurved sepals; petals long, broad, arranged like a tube,
+colour salmon-red.
+
+P. roseus grandiflorus (large rose-flowered); Fig. 14.--Flowers 6 in.
+long and broad, nodding, white.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 14.--PHYLLOCACTUS ROSEUS GRANDIFLORUS.]
+
+P. Schlimii (Schlim's).--Branches three-angled; flowers large, sepals
+bright purple; petals broad, purple, tinged with scarlet.
+
+P. splendens (splendid).--Flowers 8 in. across, purple-pink.
+
+P. Wrayi (Wray's).--Flowers 5 in. long by 8 in. in diameter; sepals brown
+on the outside, yellow inside; petals yellowish-white, fragrant when
+first expanded.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE GENUS CEREUS.
+
+(From cereus, pliant; in reference to the stems of some species.)
+
+
+Over 200 distinct species of Cereus are, according to botanists,
+distributed over the tropical and temperate regions of America and the
+West Indies, extending to the Galapagos, or "Tortoise" Islands, 200
+miles off the coast of Peru. It was in these islands that the late
+Charles Darwin found several small kinds of Cereus, some of them growing
+near the snow-line in exposed situations on the highest mountains. In
+Mexico, C. giganteus, the most colossal of all Cacti, is found rearing
+its tall, straight, columnar stems to a height of 60 ft., and branching
+near the top, "like petrified giants stretching out their arms in
+speechless pain, whilst others stand like lonely sentinels keeping their
+dreary watch on the edge of precipices." In the West Indies most of the
+night-flowering kinds are common, their long, creeping stems clinging by
+means of aerial roots to rocks, or to the exposed trunks of trees, where
+their enormous, often fragrant, flowers are produced in great abundance,
+expanding only after the sun has set. Between these three distinct
+groups we find among the plants of this elegant genus great variety both
+in size and form of the stem and in the flower characters of the
+different species. A large proportion of the 200 kinds known are not
+cultivated in European gardens, and perhaps for many of them it is not
+possible for us to provide in our houses the peculiar conditions they
+require for their healthy existence. But there are a good many species
+of Cereus represented in gardens, even in this country, and among them
+we shall have no difficulty in finding many useful and beautiful kinds,
+such as may be cultivated with success in an ordinary greenhouse or
+stove. Lemaire, a French writer on Cactuses, groups a number of species
+under the generic name of Echinocereus; but as this name is not adopted
+in England, it is omitted here, all the kinds being included under
+Cereus.
+
+THE NIGHT-FLOWERING SPECIES.
+
+The most interesting group is that of the climbing night-flowering
+kinds, on account of their singular habit of expanding their flowers in
+the dark and of the very large size and brilliant colours of their
+flowers. In habit the plants of this set are trailers or climbers, their
+stems are either round or angled, and grow to a length of many feet,
+branching freely as they extend. By means of their roots, which are
+freely formed upon the stems, and which have the power of attaching
+themselves to stones or wood in the same way as ivy does, these kinds
+soon spread over and cover a large space; they are, therefore, useful
+for training over the back walls in lean-to houses, or for growing
+against rafters or pillars--in fact, in any position exposed to bright
+sunlight and where there is a good circulation of air. Soil does not
+appear to play an important part with these plants, as they will grow
+anywhere where there is a little brick rubble, gravel, or cinders for
+their basal roots to nestle in. They have been grown in the greatest
+luxuriance and have produced flowers in abundance with nothing more than
+their roots buried in the crumbling foundations of an old wall, upon
+which the stems were clinging. The chief consideration is drainage, as,
+unless the roots are kept clear of anything like stagnation, they soon
+perish through rot. During the summer, the stems should be syringed
+morning and evening on all bright days, whilst in winter little or no
+water will be required.
+
+Like all other Cactuses, these plants may be propagated by means of
+large branches, which, if placed in a porous soil, will strike root in a
+few weeks. We saw a very large specimen of C. triangularis, which last
+autumn suddenly rotted at the base, from some cause or other, and to
+save the specimen, a mound was built up of brick rubble and soil, high
+enough to surround the base of the plant above the rotted part. In a few
+weeks there was a good crop of new roots formed, and the plant has since
+flowered most satisfactorily. With almost any other plant, this course
+would have proved futile; but Cactuses are singularly tenacious of life,
+the largest and oldest stems being capable of forming roots as freely
+and as quickly as the young ones.
+
+C. extensus (long-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 4066.--This has long rope-like
+stems, bluntly triangular, less than 1 in. thick, with very short spines,
+arranged in pairs or threes, about 1 in. apart along the angles, and
+aerial roots. The flowers are developed all along the stems, and are
+composed of a thick, green, scale-clothed tube, about 3 in. long; the
+larger scales yellow and green, tipped with red, and a spreading cup
+formed of the long-pointed sepals and petals, the former yellow, green,
+and red, the latter white, tinted with rose. The flower is about 9 in.
+across. When in blossom, this plant equals in beauty the finest of the
+climbing Cactuses, but, unfortunately, it does not flower as freely as
+most of its kind. It is cultivated at Kew, where it has flowered once
+during the last five years. A native of Trinidad, whence it was
+introduced, and first flowered in August, 1843. Judging by the
+conditions under which it grows and blossoms in its native haunts, no
+doubt its shy-flowering nature under cultivation here is owing to the
+absence of a long continuance of bright sunshine and moisture, followed
+by one of drought and sunlight. If placed in a favourable condition as
+regards light, and carefully treated in respect of water, it ought to
+flower.
+
+C. fulgidus (glittering); Bot. Mag. 5856.--In the brilliant deep
+scarlet of its large buds, and the bright orange-scarlet of the expanded
+flowers, this species stands quite alone among the night-flowering,
+scandent-stemmed Cereuses. Its one drawback is its shy-flowering nature,
+as it is rarely seen in blossom even when liberally treated, and along
+with the other kinds which flower so freely. The history of this plant
+is not known; but it is supposed to be a hybrid between C. Pitajayi or
+variabilis and one of the scarlet-flowered Phyllocactuses, or, possibly,
+C. speciosissimus. It first flowered at Kew, in July, 1870. Stems bright
+green, slow-growing, three or four-angled, about 2 in. wide; angles much
+compressed, so that a section of the stem shows a cross; margins
+notched, with clusters of short, hair-like spines at each notch. Flowers
+6 in. long, and about the same across the top; tube covered with soft
+hairs and short deep-red scales, which are enlarged towards the top,
+where they spread out, and form, along with the petals, a large rosette
+of several whorls, arranged as in a semi-double rose, the centre being
+occupied by a brush-like cluster of greenish stamens, with the radiating
+stigma standing erect in the middle. It is to be regretted that the
+flowers are not more freely produced by cultivated plants.
+
+C. grandiflorus (large-flowered); Bot. Mag. 3381.--There is scarcely
+any plant that makes a more magnificent appearance when in full blossom
+than this. A strong plant will produce many flowers together, but they
+do not remain long expanded, opening at seven or eight o'clock in the
+evening, and fading at sunrise the next morning; nor do they ever open
+again, even when cut and placed in warm water in a dark place. The
+closing of the flowers may, however, be retarded for a whole day by
+removing the bud before it is fully open and placing it in water. The
+stems are almost cylindrical, with four to seven slight ridges, or
+angles, which bear numerous tufts of wool and short stiff spines. Roots
+are thrown out from all parts of the stem, even when not in contact with
+anything. The flowers are developed on the sides of the stems,
+principally the younger, shorter ones; the flower tube is about 4 in.
+long by 1 in. in diameter, and is covered with short brown scales and
+whitish hairs; the calyx is 1 ft. across, and is composed of a large
+number of narrow sepals of a bright yellow colour inside, brown on the
+outside; the petals are broad, pure white, and arranged in a sort of cup
+inclosing the numerous yellow stamens and the club-shaped stigma. The
+flower has a delicious vanilla-like odour, which perfumes the air to a
+considerable distance. Flowers in July. Native of the West Indies.
+Introduced 1700, at which time it is said to have been cultivated in the
+Royal Gardens at Hampton Court.
+
+C. Lemairii (Lemaire's); Bot. Mag. 4814.--In the size and fragrance of
+its blossoms, and also in the brilliancy of its colours, this species
+rivals C. grandiflorus; differing in the following particulars: the tube
+is covered with large green, crimson-edged scales instead of small brown
+scales and white hairs; the sepals do not spread out in a star-like
+manner, as in C. grandiflorus, and they are tinged with crimson; the
+stem of the plant shows a bluntly triangular section, and the angles are
+marked with a row of distant spines instead of the clusters of spines
+and wool in C. grandiflorus. In all other particulars, these two species
+are almost identical, so that where space is limited either the one or
+the other will be sufficient to represent both. C. Lemairii was
+introduced into England through Kew, whither a plant was sent in 1854
+from the Royal Botanical Garden of Hanover, under the name of C.
+rostratus. It blossoms in the Kew collection every June, the flowers
+lasting for several hours after sunrise. Seeds are freely ripened by
+this plant. Native of Antigua (?)
+
+C. Macdonaldiae (Mrs. MacDonald's); Bot. Mag. 4707.--A magnificent
+Cactus, producing flowers often 14 in. in diameter, with the same
+brilliant colours as are described under C. Lemairii. The stems are
+slender, cylindrical, not ridged or angled, bearing at irregular
+intervals rather fleshy tubercles instead of spines, and branching
+freely. Its flowers are produced on both young and old stems, several
+crops appearing in the course of the summer when the treatment is
+favourable. Roots are not so freely thrown out from the stems of this
+kind, and as the latter are slender and very pliant, they may be trained
+round a balloon trellis, so as to form handsome pot specimens, which,
+when in flower, may be carried into the house, where their large,
+beautiful flowers may be enjoyed. Writing of this species over thirty
+years ago, Sir Wm. Hooker said: "Certainly, of the many floral
+spectacles that have gratified lovers of horticulture at the Royal
+Gardens, Kew, of late years, few have been more striking than this to
+those who were privileged to see the blossoms in bud and fully expanded.
+The plant was received from Honduras through the favour of Mrs.
+MacDonald, and was planted at the back of the old Cactus-house, and
+trained against a wall. It first showed symptoms of blossoming in July,
+1851. A casual observer might have passed the plant as an unusually
+large form of the 'night-blooming Cereus' (C. grandiflorus), but the
+slightest inspection of the stems and flowers, the latter 14 in. in
+diameter by 14 in. long, shows this to be a most distinct species."
+
+C. Napoleonis (Napoleon's); Bot. Mag. 3458.--This is very like C.
+grandiflorus, and is slightly and not very agreeably perfumed. The
+flowers sometimes open very early in the morning and fade in the
+afternoon, so that they may be enjoyed during the day-time. The flower
+tube is 6 in. long, curved upwards, and clothed with rose-tinted scales,
+which become gradually larger towards the top, where they widen out into
+a whorl of greenish-yellow sepals, above which are the white petals
+forming a broad shallow cup, 8 in. across, with a cluster of yellow
+stamens in the centre. The stems are three-angled, light green, and bear
+clusters of short stiff spines along the angles at intervals of 2 in.
+Flowers in autumn. Mexico (?), 1835.
+
+C. nycticalus (flowering at night); Fig. 15.--Stems four to six-angled,
+2 in. wide, dark green, bearing little tufts of hair and thin white
+spines along the angles, and a profusion of aerial roots. Flowers as
+large as those of C. grandiflorus; tube covered with tufts of white
+hairs; sepals or outer whorl of segments bright orange, the inner pure
+white, and arranged like a cup. They open at about seven o'clock in the
+evening, and fade at seven on the following morning. This plant may
+still be met with in some old-fashioned gardens, but only rarely as
+compared with its popularity a generation ago, when it was to be found
+in almost every collection of stove plants. At that time, the flowering
+of this Cactus was looked upon as an event, and it was customary for the
+owner to invite his friends to meet and watch the development of the
+flowers, and enjoy to the full their almost over-powering but delicious
+fragrance. So bright are the colours of the flowers, that a sort of
+luminosity seems to surround them when at their best. Flowers in autumn.
+Mexico, 1834.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 15.--CEREUS NYCTICALUS.]
+
+C. triangularis (three-angled); Bot. Mag. 1884.--This plant is easily
+recognised because of its stout triangular stems, which increase at a
+rapid rate and bear roots freely; by means of these roots they cling to
+almost any substance with which they come in contact. There are large
+examples of it in the Kew collection, where it bears numerous flowers
+annually, which open in the evening and close at about eight o'clock
+next morning. The flowers measure 1 ft. in length by about the same in
+width of cup, and are composed of a whorl of long narrow green sepals,
+with pale brown points, a cluster of pure white petals, bright yellow
+stamens, and a large club-like stigma; they appear in autumn. Mexico.
+This species was cultivated at Hampton Court in 1690.
+
+C. speciosissimus (most beautiful).--Although not a night-flowering
+kind, nor yet a climber, yet this species resembles in habit the above
+rather than the columnar-stemmed ones. It is certainly the species best
+adapted for cultivation in small greenhouses or in the windows of
+dwelling-houses, as it grows quickly, remains healthy under ordinary
+treatment, is dwarf in habit, and flowers freely--characters which,
+along with the vivid colours and large size of the blossoms, render it
+of exceptional value as a garden plant. Its stems are slender, and it
+may be grown satisfactorily when treated as a wall plant. For its
+cultivation, the treatment advised for Phyllocactuses will be found
+suitable. When well grown and flowered it surpasses in brilliancy of
+colours almost every other plant known. Specimens with thirty stems each
+6 ft. high, and bearing from sixty to eighty buds and flowers upon them
+at one time, may be grown by anyone possessing a warm greenhouse. The
+stems are three to five angled, spiny, the tufts of spines set in little
+disks of whitish wool. The flowers are as large as tea saucers, with
+tubes about 4 in. long, the colour being an intense crimson or violet, so
+intense and bright as to dazzle the eyes when looked at in bright
+sunlight. When cut and placed in water they will last three or four
+days. April and May. Mexico, 1820. "Numberless varieties have been
+raised from this Cereus, as it seeds freely and crosses readily with
+other species. Many years ago, Mr. D. Beaton raised scores of seedlings
+from crosses between this and C. flagelliformis, and has stated that he
+never found a barren seedling. Much attention was given to these plants
+about fifty years ago, for Sir E. Antrobus is said to have exhibited
+specimens with from 200 to 300 flowers each. I have been informed that
+an extremely large plant of this Cereus, producing hundreds of flowers
+every season, is grown on the back wall of a vinery at the Grange,
+Barnet, the residence of Sir Charles Nicholson, Bart." (L. Castle).
+
+THE SEMI-SCANDENT SPECIES.
+
+These are characterised by a thin, drooping or trailing stem, and,
+though not strictly climbers, they may most fittingly be considered in a
+group by themselves. Some botanists have made a separate genus for them,
+viz., Cleistocactus, but for all practical purposes they may be grouped
+under the above heading, whilst popularly they are known as the
+Rat's-tail or Whipcord Cactuses. Two of them--viz., C. flagelliformis
+and C. Mallisoni--are generally grafted on the stem of some erect,
+slender Cereus or Pereskia, or they may be worked on to the stem of a
+climbing Cereus, such as C. triangularis, in such a way as to hang from
+the roof of a house. A large specimen of C. flagelliformis, growing from
+the climbing stem of C. rostratus, was, for a long time, conspicuous
+among the Cactuses at Kew, but owing to the decay of the "stock" plant,
+this fine specimen no longer exists. A large Pereskia, trained along the
+roof in the Cactus-house at Kew, has recently been grafted with a number
+of pieces of C. flagelliformis, which in a few years will, no doubt,
+form a handsome specimen. In the same establishment a specimen of C.
+Mallisoni is grafted on the stem of another kind, and is very attractive
+when in flower. C. serpentinus thrives well upon its own roots. For the
+cultivation of this little group, the instructions given for the
+climbing and other kinds may be followed.
+
+C. flagelliformis (whip-formed).--Stems prostrate, or, when grafted on
+a tall stem, pendent, ½ in. in diameter, round, with numerous ridges
+almost hidden by the many clusters of fine bristle-like hairs. Flowers
+2 in. long and 1 in. wide; colour bright rosy-red. In some parts of
+Germany this plant is one of the commonest of window ornaments, and it
+is so well grown by the peasants there, that the whole window space is
+completely screened by the numerous long, tail-like stems, 4 ft. or 6 ft.
+long, which hang from baskets. It is sometimes cultivated by cottagers
+in England, and we have seen a very fine specimen in a cottager's window
+in Gunnersbury. Without its pretty bright-coloured flowers, this Cactus
+has the charm of novelty in the form and habit of its stems, and as it
+is easily cultivated in a window through which the sun shines during
+most of the day, it is just the plant to grow for the double purpose of
+a screen and a curiosity. If planted in baskets, it should be potted in
+a porous loamy soil, and kept moist in the summer and perfectly dry in
+winter. Summer. Peru. Introduced 1690.
+
+C. Mallisoni ( Mallison's); Bot. Mag. 3822.--This is supposed to be of
+hybrid origin, a Mr. Mallison having sent it to Dr. Lindley to be named,
+and stating that he obtained it by fertilising flowers of C.
+speciosissimus with pollen from C. flagelliformis. Whatever its origin,
+it is a distinct kind, with stems similar to those of the last-named,
+but thicker and slightly less spiny, and flowers 4 in. long by 4 in.
+across the spreading petals, the whole being bright red with a cluster
+of pale yellow stamens protruding 1 in. beyond the throat. The flowers
+are produced from the sides of the stems, a few inches from the apex,
+and as they are borne in abundance and last three or four days each, a
+large specimen makes a very attractive display for several weeks in the
+summer. The plant at Kew, a large one, is grafted on the stem of C.
+Macdonaldiae, which is trained along a rafter, so that the stems of C.
+Mallisoni hang conspicuously from the roof.
+
+C. serpentinus (serpent-like); Fig. 16.--When young, the stems of this
+plant are erect and stout enough to support themselves; but as they
+lengthen they fall over and grow along the ground, unless supported by a
+stake or wire; they have numerous ridges, with clusters of hair-like
+spines, which are usually purplish. Flowers large, handsome, fragrant;
+tube 6in, long, green; petals and sepals spreading and forming a star
+3 in. in diameter, the petals purplish on the outside, and pinkish-white
+inside; stamens arranged in a sort of cup 1 in. deep. This plant rarely
+produces aerial roots. Small specimens are ornamental even when not in
+flower, the bright green, regularly ridged stem, with its numerous
+little clusters of fine spines, at the base of which are short tufts of
+a white woolly substance, being both curious and pretty. It flowers
+freely every summer. South America, 1814.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 16.--CEREUS SERPENTINUS.]
+
+THE GLOBOSE AND COLUMNAR STEMMED SPECIES.
+
+Many of these are unsuited for culture in ordinary plant-houses, whilst
+others are so rare that, although cultivated in botanical collections,
+they are not available for ordinary gardens, not being known in the
+trade. There are, however, a good many species that may be obtained from
+dealers in Cactuses, and to these we shall confine ourselves here. At
+Kew, the collection of Cereuses is large and diversified, some of the
+specimens being as tall as the house they are in will allow them to be,
+and the appearance they present is, to some eyes at least, a very
+attractive one. Such plants are: C. candicans, which is a
+cluster-stemmed kind, very thick and fleshy, and in shape like an Indian
+club; C. chilensis;--with tall hedgehog-skinned stems, the numerous
+ridges being thickly clothed with clusters of yellowish spines, which
+become dark brown with age; C. Dyckii, 10 ft. high, the stems thick and
+fleshy, with ridges 1½  in. deep; C. gemmatus, a hexagonal, almost
+naked-stemmed species 10 ft. high; C. strictus, C. peruvianus, C.
+geometrizans, and C. Jamacaru, which are tall, weird-looking plants,
+10 ft. or more high, some of them freely branched. The following is a
+selection of the largest-flowered and handsomest kinds:
+
+C. Berlandieri (Berlandier's); Fig. 17.--A distinct and beautiful
+plant, of dwarf, creeping habit, forming a tuft of short branchlets
+springing from the main procumbent stems, none of which exceed 6  in. in
+length by ¾ in. in thickness. They are almost round when old, the younger
+ones being slightly angled, and bearing, along the ridges, little
+tubercles, crowned with short spines. Even old stems are very soft and
+watery, and, on this account, it is necessary for the safety of the
+plant, in winter, that it should be kept absolutely dry. The flowers are
+produced on the young upright stems, and they are as much as 4 in.
+across. They are composed of a regular ring of strap-shaped, bright
+purple petals, springing from the erect bristly tube, and in the centre
+a disk-like cluster of rose-coloured stamens, the stigma standing well
+above them. In form the flowers are not unlike some of the Sunflowers or
+Mutisia decurrens. They are developed in summer, and on well-grown
+plants the display of blossom is exceptionally fine. This species is
+sometimes known as C. repens and C. Deppii. It is a native of South
+Texas and Mexico, where it is found growing in sandy or gravelly soils,
+on dry, sunny hill-sides. It should be grown in a cool greenhouse or
+frame, in a position where it would get plenty of sunshine to ripen its
+growth and induce it to flower. In winter it should be placed close to
+the glass, where the sun can shine full on it, and where it will be safe
+from frost. It will not thrive if wintered in a warm house. In April, it
+should be examined, repotted if the soil is sour, and kept watered as
+growth commences.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 17.--CEREUS BERLANDIERI.]
+
+C. Blankii (Blank's); Fig. 18.--This is very similar to the C.
+Berlandieri in habit and stem characters, differing only in having
+longer, broader, less spreading petals, a club-shaped stigma, and in the
+colour, which is a deep rose, flushed in the throat with crimson. A
+comparison of the figures here given will show the differences better
+than any description. C. Blankii comes from Mexico at high elevations,
+and thrives under cultivation with the same treatment as the preceding.
+It is very common in Continental gardens, where it is grown
+out-of-doors, being protected from cold in winter by a handlight and
+straw. It flowers in summer.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 18.--CEREUS BLANKII.]
+
+C. caerulescens (blue-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 3922.--An erect-growing, tall
+Cactus, rarely branching unless made to do so by cutting off the top of
+the stem; furrows and ridges about eight, the ridges prominent, waved,
+and bearing tufts of blackish wool, in which are set about a dozen black
+spines, ½ in. long; the stem when young and in good health is bluish in
+colour. Flowers springing from the ridges, about 8 in. long, the tube
+covered with reddish-grey scales, which pass upwards into the sepals;
+petals spreading, white, the margins toothed, and forming a spreading
+top, not unlike a large white single Camellia; the stamens are arranged
+in a sort of cup, and are yellow-anthered, with a large rayed yellow
+stigma in the middle. In the Botanical Magazine it is stated that the
+flowers of this species are equal and even superior to those of C.
+grandiflorus; but we have not seen flowers such as would bear out that
+statement. This species is too tall-stemmed to be recommended for
+windows or small greenhouses; but where room can be afforded it, the
+attractive colour of its stems, together with the size and beauty of its
+flowers, should win it favour. It blossoms in summer, generally about
+July, and is a native of Mexico. Introduced in 1841.
+
+C. caespitosus (tufted); Fig. 19.--A dwarf species, the stem not more
+than 8 in. high by about 4 in. in diameter, sometimes branched, or bearing
+about its base a number of lateral growths, which ultimately form a
+cluster of stems--hence the name. The bark or skin of the stem is
+greyish-green, and the ribs, of which there are from a dozen to
+eighteen, are thickly covered with clusters of whitish wool and spines,
+the latter rose-tinted, and radiating in all directions. The flowers are
+produced on the top of the stems, and are short-tubed, the tube clothed
+with little bundles of spines; spread of the petals (from thirty to
+forty in each flower), 4 in.; colour deep rose; anthers and stigma
+forming an eye-like cluster, the former yellow, and the latter bright
+green. Flowered at Kew for the first time in 1882, but, although new to
+cultivation, it is becoming plentiful. Native of New Mexico and Texas.
+For windows or small greenhouses this is a most suitable plant, as it
+flowers freely and keeps in good health in an ordinary greenhouse
+temperature, always, however, requiring plenty of sunlight and rest
+during winter. By placing it upon a shelf near the glass from October to
+March, allowing it to remain perfectly dry, and afterwards watering it
+freely, the flowers should make their appearance early in summer. A
+plant with several stems, each bearing a large bright rose blossom,
+sometimes two, presents an attractive appearance.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 19.--CEREUS CAESPITOSUS.]
+
+C. cirrhiferus (tendril-bearing).--A prostrate, branching-stemmed,
+small-growing kind, very proliferous, with roots along the main stems;
+branchlets upright, five-angled, with slightly raised points, or
+tubercles, upon which are ten short hair-like spines, arranged in a
+star, and surrounding three or four central erect spines, all whitish
+and transparent. Flowering branches erect, 4 in. high, by about 1 in. in
+diameter, bearing, near the apex, the large bright red flowers, nearly
+4 in. in diameter, regular as a Sunflower, and lasting about a week. This
+species was introduced from Mexico in 1847. It is one of the best-known
+and handsomest of this group. It requires similar treatment to C.
+Berlandieri.
+
+C. ctenoides (comb-like); Fig. 20.--Stem 3 in. to 5 in. high, and about
+3 in. in diameter, egg-shaped, unbranched, rarely producing offsets at
+the base. Ribs fifteen or sixteen, spiral, with closely-set cushions of
+stiff, whitish spines, which interlace and almost hide the stem; there
+are from fourteen to twenty-two spines to each cushion, and they are
+¼ in. long. Flowers produced on the ridges near the top of the stem; tube
+short, spiny; petals spreading, like a Convolvulus, 3 in. to 4 in. across,
+bright yellow; stamens yellow, pistil white. The flowers expand at about
+9 a.m., and close again soon after noon. They are developed in June or
+July. This species is a native of Texas, and is rare in cultivation.
+When not in flower it might easily be mistaken for Echinocactus
+pectinatus. It should be grown in a sunny position, in a warm house or
+pit, all summer, and wintered on a shelf, near the glass, in a
+temperature of from 45 degs. to 50 degs. during winter. Under cultivation
+it is apt to rot suddenly at the base, more especially when old. Should
+this happen, the rotten parts must be cut away, and the wound exposed to
+the air in a dry house for a week or two.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 20.--CEREUS CTENOIDES.]
+
+C. enneacanthus (eight-spined); Fig. 21.--Stem seldom more than 6 in.
+high by less than 2 in. in diameter, cylindrical in shape, bright green,
+simple when young, tufted in old specimens. Ribs shallow, broad,
+irregular on the top, with spine-cushions on the projecting parts;
+spines straight, yellowish-white, semi-transparent, variable in length,
+longest about 1 in. There are frequently as many as twelve spines in a
+tuft, although the specific name implies eight spines only. Flowers on
+the ridges near the top of the stem, with spiny tubes, spreading petals
+of a deep purple colour, and yellow stamens and pistil. They are
+developed freely in June and July. This is a soft-fleshed species, from
+Texas; it is not easily kept in health, and is therefore rarely seen. It
+should be treated as advised for C. ctenoides. Neither of these plants
+will flower unless it is grown in a sunny position as near to the
+roof-glass as is possible.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 21.--CEREUS ENNEACANTHUS.]
+
+C. Fendleri (Fendler's).--One of the best of the dwarf-stemmed kinds.
+It has a pale green stem, about 6 in. high, rarely branching at the base,
+but often found growing in clusters. Ridges nine to twelve, running
+spirally round the stem, and bearing clusters of brown spines, some of
+them nearly 2 in. in length. Flowers composed of a tube 1 in. long, green,
+fleshy, and spiny, with a spreading cup-like arrangement of petals and
+sepals, 3 in. in diameter, and of a bright purple colour; stigma and
+anthers green. It produces its flowers in June. It was introduced from
+the mountainous region of New Mexico about five years ago, and has
+blossomed freely in several collections, notably in that of Mr. Loder,
+of Northampton, who has cultivated this and several other species from
+the same region in a sunny sheltered position out of doors, where, for
+several years, they have withstood winter's cold with no other
+protection than that afforded by an over-hanging wall. Mr. Loder says of
+C. Fendleri that it is the best of all Cactuses for cool treatment, as
+the flowers last more than a week, closing at night, and opening only in
+sunshine, when its rich purple colour is quite dazzling to the eye. It
+also blossoms freely under glass; but the colour of the flowers is not
+so vivid as when they are produced in full sunshine out of doors.
+
+C. giganteus (gigantic); Fig. 22.--This is the most colossal of all
+Cactuses, in which respect it is chiefly interesting. Its stem, when
+young, is very similar to that of other dwarfer species, whilst, so far
+as is known, its flowers have not been produced under cultivation. It
+grows very slowly, a plant 6 in. high being eight or ten years old, so
+that, to attain its full development, a very long time indeed is
+necessary. When young, the stems are globose, afterwards becoming
+club-shaped or cylindrical. It flowers at the height of 10 ft. or 12 ft.,
+but grows up to four or five times that height, when it develops lateral
+branches, which curve upwards, and present the appearance of immense
+candelabra. The flowers are 4 in. or 5 in. long, and about the same in
+diameter. There is a small specimen, about 3 ft. high, in the succulent
+collection at Kew. The appearance of a number of tall specimens of this
+wonderful Cactus, when seen towering high above the rocks and scrub with
+which it is associated, is described by travellers as being both weird
+and grand. Judging by the slowness of its growth, the prospect of seeing
+full-sized specimens of this species in English gardens is a very remote
+one, unless full-grown stems are imported, and this is hardly possible.
+Native of Mexico and California.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 22.--FLOWER OF CEREUS GIGANTEUS.]
+
+C. Leeanus (Lee's); Bot. Mag. 4417.--A dwarf plant, the stems not more
+than 1 ft. in height, and about 5 in. in diameter at the base, tapering
+gradually towards the top, so that it forms a cone; the furrows number
+about a dozen, and the ridges are ½ in. high, the angles sharp, and
+clothed with clusters of pale brown spines, the central one 1 in. long,
+the others much shorter. The flowers are produced on the top of the
+stem, four or five together, and are large, handsome, brick-red in
+colour, the tube 2 in. long, clothed with yellowish, green-tipped scales,
+and little clusters of hair-like bristles. The arrangement of the
+petals, and the cluster of yellow anthers in the centre, give the
+flowers the appearance of Camellias, if looked at from above. Introduced
+from Mexico by Mr. Lee, of Hammersmith, in 1848, and flowered soon
+afterwards at Kew, in summer. Being a native of the higher, more
+northerly regions of Mexico, this species needs only to be protected
+from severe frosts; it has been known to bear a little frost without
+injury. For windows and greenhouses it is a very desirable plant.
+
+C. leptacanthus (slender-spined); Fig. 23.--One of the most beautiful
+of all Cactuses, and one of the easiest to cultivate, the only drawback
+being that it rarely flowers under cultivation. In habit it is similar
+to C. Berlandieri. A plant 8 in. across bears about twenty short
+branches, each of which, under careful cultivation will produce several
+flowers in the months of May and June, and these, when expanded, last
+about eight days before withering; they close every afternoon, opening
+about ten o'clock in the morning. The petals are arranged in a single
+series, spreading so as to form a shallow cup, and are notched on the
+edges near the upper end. They are coloured a deep purple-lilac on the
+upper half, the lower part being white, like a large pied daisy. The
+stamens are pure white; the anthers orange-coloured, as also is the
+star-shaped stigma. The plant is a native of Mexico, and was introduced
+in 1860. It requires the same treatment as the preceding kinds. The
+illustration is sufficient to show the beauty of this little creeping
+Cactus, which, although so long known, is not grown in English gardens,
+though it is common enough in Continental collections.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 23.--CEREUS LEPTACANTHUS.]
+
+C. multiplex (proliferous); Fig. 24.--A globose-stemmed species,
+becoming pear-shaped with age; height 6 in., by 4 in. in diameter; ridges
+angled, clothed with clusters of about a dozen spines, the central one
+longest. Flowers 6 in. to 8 in. long, and about the same across the
+spreading petals; tube clothed with small, hairy scales; the sepals long
+and pointed; petals 2 in. or more long, 1 in. wide, spreading out quite
+flat; stamens arranged in a ring, with the whitish-rayed stigma in the
+middle. This species flowers in autumn. It is a native of South Brazil,
+and was introduced in 1840. It thrives best when kept in a warm, sunny
+position in a window or heated greenhouse.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 24.--CEREUS MULTIPLEX.]
+
+At Fig. 25 is a curious variety of the above, the stem being fasciated
+and divided into numerous crumpled, flattened branches. It is remarkable
+as a monster form of the type plant. So far as is known, neither this
+nor any other of the monster Cactuses produces flowers.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 25.--CEREUS MULTIPLEX CRISTATUS.]
+
+C. paucispinus (few-spined); Bot. Mag. 6774.--A dwarf-stemmed species
+of recent introduction, and one which, owing to the beauty of its
+flowers and the hardy nature of the plant, is certain to find much
+favour among growers of Cactuses. The stem is about 9 in. high, by 2 in.
+to 4 in. in diameter, the base much wider than the apex, the ridges
+irregular, very thick and rounded, giving the stem a gouty or tumid
+appearance. Upon the prominent parts of these ridges are stellate tufts
+of long, pale brown spines, some of them nearly 2 in. long, and each tuft
+containing about eight spines. When young, the stems are more like some
+of the Mamillarias than the Cereuses. The flowers are developed near the
+top of the stem, two or three opening together; they are composed of a
+tube 2 in. long, clothed with long spines and large, green, scaly sepals
+below, the latter gradually enlarging till at the top they become as
+large as the petals, which are 2 in. long, with a spread of nearly 3 in.,
+rounded at the tips, and coloured deep blood-red, tinged with orange
+inside. The stamens are clustered together sheaf-like, with the dark
+green stigmas protruding through them. This is a native of New Mexico,
+whence it was introduced in 1883, and flowered in May. Mr. Loder, of
+Northampton, has successfully cultivated it in a cool frame in the open
+air, and it has also grown well in the Kew collection when treated in a
+similar way. This suggests its hardiness and fitness for window
+cultivation. Owing to the watery nature of the stems, it is necessary
+that they should be kept quite dry during the winter.
+
+C. pentalophus (five-winged); Bot. Mag. 3651.--As the name denotes, the
+stem of this erect-growing, somewhat slender species has five very
+prominent sharp-edged ridges, along which are little clusters of small
+spines about ½ in. apart; the stem is 1 in. in diameter, and the angles
+are wavy. The flowers are about 3 in. wide, spreading, the petals, broad
+and overlapping, rose-coloured, except in the centre of the flower,
+where they become almost pure white; the anthers are yellow, whilst the
+colour of the rayed stigma is purplish-blue. A native of Mexico,
+introduced and flowered in 1838. For its cultivation, the temperature of
+a warm greenhouse is required, though during summer it may be placed in
+a sunny position in a frame out of doors. If grown in windows, it should
+be kept through the winter in a room where there is a fire constantly.
+
+C. peruvianus (Peruvian).--A tall-grower, the stems fleshy when young,
+and very spiny. The ridges on the stem number from five to eight, with
+stellate bundles, about 1 in. apart, of small, stiff black spines. The
+flowers appear upon the upper portion of the stem, and are 5 in. across,
+the petals pure white above, tinged with red below, and forming a large
+saucer, in the middle of which the numerous stamens, with yellow
+anthers, are arranged in a crown. There is something incongruous in the
+tall, spine-clothed, pole-like stem, upon which large, beautiful,
+water-lily-like flowers are developed, looking quite out of place on
+such a plant. Flowers in spring and early summer. It requires warm
+greenhouse or stove treatment. There are some fine examples of this
+species at Kew. A variety of this species, with a fasciated or monstrous
+habit, is sometimes cultivated. Introduced in 1830.
+
+C. pleiogonus (twisted-angled); Fig. 26.--An erect cylindrical-stemmed
+species, from 6 in. to 1 ft. high by 4 in. in diameter, with from ten to
+fourteen angles or ridges; these are somewhat tumid, and marked with
+depressions, from which the star-like clusters of spines spring, about a
+dozen spines in each cluster, the central one much the largest. The
+flowers are about 8 in. long, the tube being rather thick and
+cylinder-like, expanding at the top, so as to form a sort of cup, in
+which the petals are arranged in several rows, with the middle filled by
+the numerous stamens, surmounted by the club-like pistil. The colour of
+the flowers is purple-red. This species appears to have first found its
+way into cultivation through some Continental garden, its native country
+being unknown. It thrives only in a warm house, developing its flowers
+in summer.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 26.--CEREUS PLEIOGONUS.]
+
+C. polyacanthus (many-spined).--A newly-introduced species, from El
+Paso, in Mexico, where it is common on the sand ridges and stony hills.
+Stem 10 in. high, 2 in. to 4 in. wide, pale green or glaucous, with about
+eight ridges, the spines being placed along the angles in clusters of
+half a dozen or so, and about ½ in. apart. The flowers are 2 in. to 3 in.
+long; the tube spiny; the petals semi-erect and concave, rounded at the
+tip, and forming a shallow cup or wine-glass-like flower; the colour of
+the petals is deep blood-red. This beautiful Cactus is exceptional in
+the length of time its flowers remain expanded and fresh, lasting a week
+or more; and as the plant is very free flowering, there is usually a
+beautiful display of rich red blossoms for about six weeks. It may be
+grown in a cool greenhouse or window, requiring no artificial heat
+beyond what would be necessary to insure its protection from frost. It
+flowers in spring.
+
+C. procumbens (trailing); Fig. 27.--This is a very pretty little
+Cactus, with spreading prostrate stems, from which upright branches grow
+to a height of 3 in. or 4 in.; they are ½ in. thick, generally only
+four-angled or square, with small spines in tufts along the angles. The
+flowers are developed on the ends of the branches, and are 3 in. long and
+wide, the sepals spreading and recurved, as in a Paris daisy, their
+colour being bright rose purple. The anthers form a corona-like ring,
+inclosing the upright, rayed stigma. A native of Mexico; flowers in May
+and June. In its native haunts we learn that this little Cactus is very
+free-flowering, but under cultivation in this country it flowers only
+rarely. It thrives best when grown in a dry, sunny greenhouse, and kept
+perfectly dry during autumn and winter. If allowed to get wet in that
+season, it is apt to rot, the stems being soft and watery.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 27.--CEREUS PROCUMBENS.]
+
+C. reductus (dingy); Bot. Mag. 4443.--Stem erect, sometimes 3 ft. high,
+and about 4 in. wide, deeply furrowed, the furrows usually numbering
+about fourteen; the ridges tumid and irregular, and coloured a dingy
+glaucous-green. Spines embedded in a tuft of grey wool, about a dozen
+spines in each cluster, 1 in. long, a few of them only half that length.
+Flowers on the top of the stem, three or four opening together, each
+being 3 in. long and wide; the tube short and scaly, with overlapping
+sepals and saw-edged petals, which are white, slightly tinged with rose.
+Stamens filling the whole of the flower-cup, bright yellow. A native of
+Mexico, introduced in 1796, flowering in summer. This species was
+evidently a favourite many years ago, but it is rare with us now. It
+thrives in a house where the winter temperature does not fall below
+45 deg., requiring no water at that time, but a liberal supply in the
+summer when growth is being made, and all the sunlight possible. When
+without its star-shaped, handsome flowers, the stem is remarkably
+ferocious-looking, the spines upon it being quite as thick and as strong
+as on a hedgehog.
+
+C. repandus (undulated); Fig. 28.--Stem erect, 10 ft. or more high,
+unbranched, unless compelled to do so by the removal of the top. Ribs
+eight or nine in number, rounded, somewhat undulated, and bearing
+spine-tufts nearly 1 in. apart; each tuft contains about ten spines,
+which are almost equal in length, fine, stiff, brown, and persistent;
+there is a little cushion of white wool about the base of the spines.
+Flowers produced on the side, within a few inches of the top of the
+stem; they are composed of a scaly tube, 4 in. long, a circular row of
+spreading, incurved, pale brown sepals, and two rows of broad,
+overlapping, snow-white petals; stamens white, with yellow anthers;
+stigma yellow. The flowers, developed in summer, are very beautiful,
+but, unfortunately, each lasts only a few hours. A native of the West
+Indies, and an old introduction to English gardens (1720), but rare in
+cultivation now. It requires the treatment of a stove all the year
+round.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 28.--CEREUS REPANDUS.]
+
+C. Royeni (Royen's); Bot. Mag. 3125.--This plant is not one of the
+handsomest as regards flowers; but its stems are ornamental, and the
+form of the flowers is such as would please those who admire the
+curious. The stem is erect, several feet high, 2 in. in diameter, with
+about ten acute ridges, along which are little tufts of white wool about
+the base of the clustering spines, which are dark brown and 1 in. long.
+The flower-tube is 2 in. long, thick, spineless, scaly, the scales
+becoming large near the top of the flower, where they form a cup-like
+whorl, enclosing the small rose-coloured petals, the stamens being
+white. Introduced from New Grenada, in 1832. It flowers in spring and
+summer. It should be grown in a stove.
+
+C. variabilis (variable); Bot. Mag. 4084, under the name of C. pitajaya.
+--A tall-growing plant, rather straggling in habit, branching freely,
+the stems usually four-winged, but sometimes with three, five, or more,
+constricted at intervals, as in Phyllocactus, the wings spiny along the
+edges; spines 1 in. long. Flowers on the sides of the stems, rather low
+down, long-tubed; large, showy; tube 6 in. long, smooth, fleshy, with a
+few scales near the top, and a whorl of greenish, strap-shaped, pointed
+sepals, the petals spreading, with toothed margins and a long acute
+point, white or cream-coloured; anthers yellow. A native of various
+parts of South America and the West Indies, but always close to the sea.
+It flowers in July; the flowers, which open generally in the evening,
+remain expanded all night, and close before noon the day following. This
+species requires tropical or warm house treatment. There are some old
+plants of it in the Kew collection, where it flowers annually. Except
+for large houses, this species is not recommended for general
+cultivation, as it blossoms only after attaining a good size, and the
+stems, when old, are not at all ornamental.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE GENUS ECHINOCACTUS.
+
+(From echinos, a hedgehog, and Cactus.)
+
+
+Many of the plants included in the genus Echinocactus are very similar
+in habit and stem-characters to the Cereus. Botanists find characters in
+the seed vessel (ovary) and in the seeds by which the two genera are
+supposed to be easily separable; but, so far as can be made out by a
+comparison of their more conspicuous characters, there is very little
+indeed to enable one to distinguish the two genera from each other when
+not in flower. A comparison of the figures given in these pages will
+show that such is the case.
+
+The name Echinocactus was given to E. tenuispinus, which was first
+introduced into English gardens in 1825. The spiny character of this
+species is surpassed by that of many of the more recently introduced
+kinds; still it is sufficient to justify its being compared to a
+hedgehog. Some of the kinds have spines 4 in. long, broad at the base,
+and hooked towards the point, the hooks being wonderfully strong, whilst
+in others the spines are long and needle-like, or short and fine as the
+prickles on a thistle. The stems vary much in size and form, being
+globose, or compressed, or ovate, a few only being cylindrical, and
+attaining a height of from 5 ft. to 10 ft. They are almost always
+simple--that is, without branches, unless they are compelled to form
+such by cutting out or injuring the top of the stem; the ridges vary in
+number from about five to ten times that number, and they are in some
+species very firm and prominent, in others reduced to mere undulations,
+whilst in a few, they are separated into numerous little tubercles or
+mammae. The species are nearly all possessed of spines, which are
+collected in bundles along the ridges of the stem. Generally, the
+flowers are about as long as wide, and the ovary is covered with scales
+or modified sepals. The fruit is succulent, or sometimes dry, and, when
+ripe, is covered with the persistent calyx scales, often surrounded with
+wool, and usually bearing upon the top the remains of the withered
+flower. The position of the flowers is on the young part of the stem,
+usually being perched in the centre, never on the old part, as in some
+of the Cereuses. The flowers open only under the influence of bright
+sunlight, generally closing soon after it leaves them.
+
+The geographical distribution of the species, of which over 200 have
+been described, extends from Texas and California to Peru and Brazil;
+they are in greatest abundance in Mexico, whence most of the garden
+kinds have been introduced. The conditions under which they grow
+naturally vary considerably in regard to temperature and soil; but they
+are all found in greatest numbers and most robust health where the soil
+is gravelly or sandy, and even where there is no proper soil at all, the
+roots finding nourishment in the clefts or crevices of the rocks. As a
+rule, the temperature in the lands where they are native is very high
+during summer, and falls to the other extreme in winter, some of the
+species being found even where frost and snow are frequent; the majority
+of them, however, require what we would call stove treatment.
+
+Turning now to a consideration of those kinds known as garden plants, we
+find that comparatively few of the species known to botanists are
+represented in English collections, though, perhaps, we may safely say
+that not one of the kinds known would be considered unworthy of
+cultivation except by those who despise Cactuses of whatever kind. Their
+flowers are conspicuous both in size and brilliancy of colour; and in
+the curious, grotesque, and even beautifully symmetrical shapes of their
+stems, one finds attractions of no ordinary kind. The stem of E. Visnaga
+shown at Fig. 48 may be taken as an instance of this--apart from the
+cluster of star-like, bright yellow flowers seen nestling upon the top
+of their spine-protected dwelling, the whole suggesting a nest of young
+birds. This plant is indeed one of the most remarkable of the
+Echinocactuses, owing to the size and number of its spines--which are
+3 in. long, almost as firm as steel, and are used by the Mexicans as
+toothpicks--and to the gigantic size and great weight of the stem. The
+following account of a large specimen of this species introduced to Kew
+in 1845, is taken from an article from the pen of the late Sir Wm.
+Hooker in the Gardeners' Chronicle of that year. This gigantic plant was
+presented to the nation, in other words to Kew, by F. Staines, Esq., of
+San Luis Potosi. Such was its striking appearance, that it was stated
+that, if exhibited in the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, some hundreds of
+pounds might be realised by it. In a letter from Mr. Staines, here
+quoted, our readers will perceive how difficult it often is to obtain
+living specimens of these plants from their native habitats. He writes:
+"I mean to have a large specimen of E. Visnaga deposited in a strong
+box, sending the box first to the mountain where the monsters grow, and
+placing it on the springs of a carriage which I shall despatch for that
+purpose. My monstrous friend cannot travel any other way, from his
+stupendous size and immense ponderosity, which cannot be adequately
+calculated for here, where the largest machine for conveying weights
+does not exceed sixteen arrobes, or 400lb. This enormous plant will
+require twenty men at least to place it upon the vehicle, with the aid
+of such levers as our Indians can invent. It grows in the deep ravines
+of our loftiest mountains, amongst huge stones; the finest plants are
+inaccessible to wheeled vehicles, and even on horseback it is difficult
+to reach them. I shall pack him carefully in mats before applying to his
+roots the crowbars destined to wrench him from his resting place of
+unknown centuries. He will have to travel 300 leagues before he reaches
+Vera Cruz." Being too large to be packed in a box, it was first
+surrounded with a dense clothing of the Old Man's Beard or Spanish moss
+(Tillandsia usneoides)--and a better covering could not have been
+devised--and well corded. Fifteen mats, each as large and as thick as
+an ordinary doormat, formed the exterior envelope. When unpacked on its
+arrival at Kew, this monster Cactus was seen as perfect, as green, and
+as uninjured as if it had been that morning removed from its native
+rocks, its long, rope-like roots arranged in coils like the cable of a
+ship. When placed in scales it weighed 713lb., its circumference at 1 ft.
+from the ground was 4½ ft., and its total height, 8 ft. 7 in.; the number
+of ridges was forty-four, and on each ridge were fifty bundles of
+spines, four spines to each bundle. Thus there were 8800 spines or
+toothpicks, enough for the supply of an army. A still larger specimen
+was a year or so later successfully brought to Kew, and which weighed 1
+ton; but this, as well as the smaller one, survived only a short time.
+There have been numerous other large specimens of this Cactus in English
+gardens lately, all of them, however, succumbing to the unfavourable
+conditions of our climate. Mr. Peacock, of Hammersmith, recently
+possessed two large plants of E. Visnaga, one of which weighed nearly
+5cwt., and measured 8 ft. 6 in. in circumference.
+
+Cultivation.--The soil for Echinocactuses should be similar to that
+recommended for the Cereuses, as also should be the treatment as regards
+sunlight and rest. It cannot be too clearly understood that during the
+period between October and March these plants should be kept perfectly
+dry at the root, and in a dry house, where the temperature would not
+fall below 50 deg. There is no occasion for re-potting the Echinocactuses
+every year, it being by far the safest plan to allow them to remain in
+the same pots several years, should the soil be fresh and the drainage
+perfect.
+
+All the larger-stemmed kinds may be kept in health when grown on their
+own roots; but for some of the smaller species it is a good plan to
+graft them upon the stem of some of the Cereuses, C. tortuosus or C.
+colubrinus being recommended for the smaller kinds, and for the larger
+C. peruvianus, C. gemmatus, or any one the stem of which is robust, and
+of the right dimensions to bear the species of Echinocactus intended to
+be grafted. Some growers prefer to graft all the small Echinocactuses
+upon other kinds, find certainly, when properly grafted, they are safer
+thus treated than if grown on their own roots. In grafting, the two
+stems (stock and scion) must be cut so that their edges meet, and in
+securing them two or three stakes must be placed in such a way as to
+afford support to the graft and hold it firmly in position.
+
+Propagation.--Besides grafting, cuttings of the stems may be utilised
+for the multiplication of Echinocactuses, first removing the upper
+portion of the stem and putting it into soil to root, and afterwards, as
+lateral stems develop on the old stock, they may be cut away with a
+sharp knife, and treated in a similar manner. Should a plant become
+sickly, and look shrivelled and cankered at the base, it is always best
+to cut away the healthy part of the stem, and induce it to form fresh
+roots, thus giving it a new lease of life. Seeds of these plants may be
+obtained from dealers, more especially Continental nurserymen, and to
+watch the gradual development of the plant from the seedling is both
+interesting and instructive. The seeds should be sown in soil, and kept
+moist and warm; in about a month after sowing, the little pea-like,
+green balls will be seen pushing their way through the thin covering of
+soil, and gradually but slowly increasing in size, their spines also
+increasing in number and strength, the ridges forming according to the
+character of the species, till, finally, they assume the mature
+characters of the plant, both in stem and habit. The flowers, of course,
+appear according to the length of time it takes for the species to grow
+to flowering size.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+E. brevihamatus (short-hooked).--Several kinds of Echinocactus are
+distinguished from the rest in having the ridges divided into tubercles,
+which are often globular and arranged in a spiral round the stem, as in
+the genus Mamillaria; to this section the present species belongs. The
+stem is almost sphere-shaped, from 4 in. to 6 in. high, the tuberculated
+ridges about ¼ in. deep, and upon each tubercle is a tuft of about a
+dozen brown, radiating spines, with a long central one hooked at the
+point. The flowers are borne in clusters on the top of the stem, three
+or four opening together; they are 1 in. in length, and the same across
+the spreading petals, which are pink, shaded with deep rose. A native of
+the mountainous regions of South Brazil; introduced about 1850. Flowers
+in summer. This pretty little plant will thrive if placed upon a shelf
+in a greenhouse where it will have full sunshine during the greater part
+of the day. It grows very slowly, especially when on its own roots, but
+succeeds better when grafted on another kind.
+
+E. centeterius (many-spined); Bot. Mag. 3974.--This has a
+conical-shaped stem, 6 in. high by 4 in. wide, with about fourteen ridges,
+which are notched, and bear star-shaped clusters of pale brown spines,
+½ in. long. The blossoms are borne rather thickly on the summit of the
+stem, from six to nine flowers being sometimes open together; and as
+they are each nearly 3 in. across, and of good substance, they present an
+attractive appearance. The petals are of a deep straw-colour, with a
+reddish streak down the centre, and 1½ in. long, with the apex notched or
+toothed. The stamens are spirally coiled round the stigma, which is
+club-shaped and white. This species is probably a native of Mexico, and
+was first flowered in England at Kew, in 1841. A cool, dry greenhouse
+suits it best; or it may be grown in a sunny room window where frost
+would not be allowed to reach it in winter. Unless subjected to very dry
+treatment during the winter months, and also kept in a position where
+all the sunlight possible would reach it--even when at rest--there is
+not much chance of this plant producing its large flowers. It may be
+kept alive by giving it uniform treatment all the year round, but it
+would never flower.
+
+E. cinnabarinus (cinnabar-flowered); Bot. Mag. 4326.--This is another
+of the Mamillaria-like kinds, and is remarkable for the depressed form
+of its stem, which may be likened to a sea urchin, both in size and
+shape. Old plants are from 6 in. to 8 in. in diameter, and about 4 in.
+high; the spiral formed by the tubercles rises very gradually, and each
+of the latter is surmounted by a tuft of strong, brown, radiating
+spines, imbedded in a little cushion of wool. The flowers spring from
+the outside of the depressed top of the stem, two or three opening
+together and forming a beautiful picture, both as to size and colour.
+The tube is short and green, with a row of long green sepals at the top,
+and above these the petals, which are 2 in. long, overlapping, recurved,
+the edges toothed, and the colour a brilliant cinnabar-red. The stamens
+are in two series, very numerous, and the anthers are bright yellow.
+Looking at the flattened, spiny stem, it seems impossible that such
+large, handsome flowers should be produced by it. A native of Bolivia;
+introduced about 1846. It blossoms in July, and may be grown on a shelf
+in a cool greenhouse, as advised for the E. centeterius.
+
+E. concinnus (neat); Fig. 29.--A small species with a globose stem,
+2 in. high and 3 in. wide, and about twenty ridges, which are rounded,
+rather broad, each bearing about half-a-dozen little bunches of spines
+arranged in a star. The flowers are numerous, as large as, or larger
+than, the stem, being 3 in. long and broad, the tube covered with brown
+hair-like spines, and having a few reddish scales, whilst the petals are
+in several rows, overlapping, with pointed tips, and are coloured dark
+yellow with a red streak down the centre. Several flowers are sometimes
+developed together on a little stem, when they have the appearance of
+being much too large for so small a plant to support. The pale green of
+the stem and its brown spines contrast prettily with the handsome yellow
+flowers, which are brightened by the streaks of red on the petals and
+the clear red colour of the stigma. It is a native of Mexico, and was
+introduced about 1840, flowering early in summer. It requires a warm
+greenhouse temperature all the year round, with, of course, plenty of
+sunshine. It may be grafted on the stem of an erect-growing Cereus, such
+as C. serpentinus or C. Napoleonis, the stock to be not higher than
+6 in., and about as wide as the plant of E. concinnus is at the base.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 29.--ECHINOCACTUS CONCINNUS.]
+
+E. coptonogonus (wavy-ribbed); Fig. 30.--Stem globose, seldom more than
+5 in. in diameter, depressed on the top, with from ten to fourteen
+strong, sharp-edged, wavy ribs, the furrows also being wavy. Spine tufts
+set in little depressions along the margins of the ribs, five spines in
+each tuft, the two upper 1 in. long and four-angled, the two lower
+flattened and shorter, the fifth, which is the longest, being placed in
+the top of the cushion. Flowers 2 in. across, daisy-like, produced in
+April and May; tube very short; sepals and petals linear, spreading,
+white, with a purple stripe down the centre; stamens red, with yellow
+anthers; pistil purple, with an eight-rayed, yellow stigma. A native of
+Mexico. (Syn. E. interruptus.)
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 30.--ECHINOCACTUS COPTONOGONUS.]
+
+E. cornigerus (horn-bearing).--This remarkable plant, of which a
+portion is represented at Fig. 31, has the stoutest spines of all
+cultivated Cactuses, and their arrangement on the ridges of the stem is
+such as would withstand the attacks of all enemies. The broad
+tongue-like spine is purple in colour, and as strong as iron; the three
+erect horn-like spines yellow, and as firm as the horns of an antelope,
+to which they bear a resemblance. The stem is sphere-shaped, grey-green
+in colour, and is divided into from fourteen to twenty-one stout wavy
+ribs, upon which the spine tufts occur at intervals of about 2 in. The
+arrangement of the spines is shown in the illustration, as also is the
+position of the flowers, which are small, with narrow purple petals and
+brown-red sepals. The plant is a native of Mexico and Guatemala, and
+would require stove treatment. We have seen only small living examples,
+but according to descriptions and figures, the most interesting
+character it possesses is its spiny armament. It has been called
+Melocactus latispinus and Echinocactus latispinus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 31.--ECHINOCACTUS CORNIGERUS.]
+
+E. corynodes (club-like); Fig. 32.--The stem of this is about as large
+as a Keswick Codlin apple, with the broad end uppermost, and the sides
+cut up into about a dozen and a half rather prominent sharp ridges, with
+bunches of stout yellow spines arranged, at intervals of about 1 in.,
+along the edges. The flowers, which are produced in a cluster on the top
+of the stem, form a crown of bright yellow petals, studded with scarlet
+eye-like stigmas. Each flower is 2 in. in diameter when fully spread out,
+cup-shaped, and composed of two or three rows of over-lapping petals. In
+the middle of these nestle the short stamens, and projecting well beyond
+them is the bright scarlet stigma, forming a beautiful contrast to the
+petals. This plant is a native of Mexico, and was introduced about the
+year 1837. It is also known in gardens under the names of E. rosaceus
+and E. Sellowianus. There was a pretty little specimen of this flowering
+in the Kew collection last year, and the opening and closing of the
+flowers, as the sunlight reached or receded from them, was almost as
+rapid as that observed in the daisy. The whole plant is so small, and,
+when in flower, so charming, that no one could fail to admire it. It
+requires similar treatment to E. concinnus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 32.--ECHINOCACTUS CORYNODES.]
+
+E. crispatus (curled); Fig. 33.--The flattened, wavy or curled ridges
+of this species are characteristic of several other kinds of
+Echinocactus. Its long, stout, ferocious-looking spines, directed
+upwards, have a very forbidding aspect. The stem grows to a height of
+about 8 in., and is said to produce its large, long-tubed, purple flowers
+in the summer months. It has been introduced by a Continental
+nurseryman, but, so far as is known, has not yet flowered in any English
+collection. It is apparently closely allied to E. longihamatus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 33.--ECHINOCACTUS CRISPATUS.]
+
+E. Cummingii (Cumming's); Bot. Mag. 6097.--A pretty little species,
+with a globose stem about 3 in. in diameter, the ridges divided into
+tubercles, and running spirally round the stem. From each tubercle
+springs a radiating cluster of yellowish, hair-like spines. The flowers
+are numerous, 1 in. long and wide, the scales on the tube tipped with
+red, whilst the petals stamens, and stigma are an uniform bright
+ochre-yellow; so that, looked at from above, they suggest the flowers of
+the common marigold. A well-managed plant produces as many as
+half-a-dozen of these flowers together, which open out widely under the
+influence of bright sunlight. It is one of the hardiest of the genus,
+thriving well in a frost-proof house or frame. During winter, the
+atmosphere surrounding it should be as dry as possible; but in summer it
+likes plenty of moisture, and exposure to full sunshine. A variety of E.
+Cummingii was raised from seeds a few years ago by Mr. Daniel, of Epsom,
+the flowers of which were pale almost to whiteness. The type is said to
+attain a height of 8 in. in its native country, Bolivia, whence plants
+were introduced to Kew in 1847, and flowered in July.
+
+E. cylindraceus (cylindrical).--A large-growing kind, attaining a
+height of several feet, very broad, and, as the name denotes,
+cylindrical in shape. When large, the stem often develops lateral
+branches about its base. Cultivated plants of it are 6 in. high, the
+sides marked with about a score of ridges, upon which, arranged in a
+dense cluster, are the stout, strong spines, the longest of them 3 in.
+long, hooked, and projecting outwards, the shorter spreading and
+interlacing so as to form a sort of spiny network all round the stem.
+The flowers are yellow, 2 in. long, and are composed of a short, thick
+tube bearing from forty to fifty fringed sepals, and about half that
+number of petals, which are also fringed. There are as many as a dozen
+flowers opened together on stout, aged plants; it is, however, more
+because of the densely spinous stems than the flowers that this species
+has found its way into cultivation. It cannot be recommended for any
+except large collections, and where it can be grown in a stove
+temperature. It is a native of the hot deserts of Colorado, and was
+introduced about ten years ago. There are several healthy young
+specimens of it in the Kew collection.
+
+E. echidne (viper; probably in allusion to the fang-like spines).--This
+species is remarkable in having a stout cylindrical stem, 12 in. high by
+8 in. wide, with about a dozen deep ridges; these are disposed spirally,
+and bear tufts of rigid, broad spines, 1 in. or more long, spreading, so
+as to interlace and form a wire-like network all round the stem. It may
+be mentioned here that an American naturalist has recently suggested
+that the object of these iron-like spines on the stems of many Cactuses,
+and more especially on the majority of the Hedgehog kinds, is not so
+much to defend the fleshy stems from browsing animals as to afford
+protection from the scorching rays of the sun, which would otherwise
+cause the stems to blister and shrivel; and the nature of the spiny
+covering of E. echidne seems to support such a view. As in many others,
+the clusters of spines in this plant have their bases embedded in a tuft
+of whitish wool. The flowers are developed near the centre of the top of
+the stem, and are of medium size, bright yellow, with whitish stamens;
+they are produced two or three together, in summer. This species is a
+native of Mexico; it thrives in a greenhouse where frost is excluded,
+but only rarely flowers with us under cultivation.
+
+E. Emoryi (Emory's); Fig. 34.--This is a very large-stemmed kind,
+specimens having been found nearly 3 ft. in height and about 2 ft. in
+diameter. Smaller plants, such as are in English collections, have
+globose stems 1 ft. through, with about thirteen ribs, the ribs
+tuberculated, the tubercles large, and rounded; the spines are borne on
+the apex of the tubercles in star-shaped bundles of eight or nine, and
+are angled, often flat on the top side, articulated, with hooked points,
+whilst in length they vary from 1 in. to 4 in. The flowers are 3 in. long,
+the tube clothed with heart-shaped scales or sepals; the petals are red,
+with yellowish margins, spreading so as to form a beautiful, large,
+cup-like flower, with a cluster of deep yellow stamens in the centre.
+The flowering period is in the autumn, and the plant is a native of the
+Lower Colorado and California. Living plants of it have only recently
+been introduced into English collections. At Kew, it is cultivated in a
+warm greenhouse, where it is in good health. From accounts of it in its
+native haunts, it will, however, probably prefer a cool house in winter,
+and as much sun and warmth as possible in spring and summer; for we are
+told that during winter it is often subjected to severe frosts and heavy
+snowfalls, whilst in summer the fierce heat of the sun is such as to
+burn up all vegetation, except Cactuses and other similar plants.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 34.--FLOWER AND SPINES OF ECHINOCACTUS EMORYI.]
+
+E. gibbosus (humped).--A small apple-like plant, not more than 4 in.
+high, with a depressed top, the lower part being narrowed. It has
+sixteen ribs or ridges, composed of rows of thick fleshy tubercles, upon
+every other of which are six or eight horny spines, 1 in. long. The
+flowers are pushed out from the edge of the depression on the top of the
+stem, and are large; the tube 1½ in. long. The petals spread to a width
+of 3 in., and are arranged in several rows, overlapping each other,
+becoming smaller towards the centre of the flower, as in an aster; they
+are pure white, except for a tinge of red on the tips of the outer ones,
+the stamens being bright yellow. Two flowers are usually developed on a
+plant, generally in June. This species was introduced from Jamaica about
+1808, by a nurseryman in Hammersmith; but as no Echinocactuses are wild
+in the West Indian Islands, it must have been introduced into Jamaica
+from some of the Central American States, or probably from Mexico. It
+may be grafted on to another free-growing kind with advantage, as it
+does not always keep healthy when on its own roots. It should be grown
+in a cool greenhouse, or in the window of a dwelling-room, always,
+however, in a position where it would get plenty of sunlight.
+
+E. Haynii (Hayne's); Fig. 35.--An upright cylindrical-stemmed species,
+very much like a Mamillaria in the form and position of the tubercles
+and the numerous greyish hair-like spines arranged in a radiating ring
+on the top of each tubercle. The flowers are much longer than in any yet
+described, the tube being 6 in. in length, clothed with large sepals on
+the upper portion, and the petals are semi-erect with recurved points,
+and coloured a brilliant purple-red. A native of Peru, where it is found
+at high elevations, growing in crevices of rocks and exposed to full
+sunlight. With us it thrives in a warm greenhouse, producing its
+beautiful flowers in summer. Introduced about 1850.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 35.--ECHINOCACTUS HAYNII.]
+
+E. hexaedrophorus (tubercles six-sided); Fig. 36.--This plant is
+distinguished by the gouty-looking tubercles into which its broad,
+spiral ridges are divided, and which look as if they would suddenly
+burst like a blister if pricked with a pin. It grows about 4 in. in
+height, and is similar in form to what is shown in the accompanying
+figure, except that the top is usually flatter than here represented.
+The whole stem has a glaucous hue, and the spines are reddish-brown. The
+flowers, which are produced freely in June and July, are short-tubed,
+spreading to a width of 2 in.; the petals toothed at the tips, and
+arranged in several rows, overlapping each other, the colour being
+white, tinted with rose, with a disk-like cluster of yellow stamens in
+the centre, and a white-rayed stigma. A native of North Mexico,
+introduced about 1830. It is very slow-growing, attaining full size in
+not less than six years from seed; indeed, it is stated that in twelve
+years a plant of it did not grow more than 2 in. Still, slow as it is, it
+remains in good health when kept in a sunny position on a shelf in a
+greenhouse or in a dwelling-room, so that it may be recommended for
+places where space is very limited. Like E. gibbosus, it does best when
+grafted on to another kind. We have seen perfect "drum-sticks" formed by
+grafting a full-grown plant of this on the stem of a Cereus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 36.--ECHINOCACTUS HEXAEDROPHORUS.] E.
+horizonthalonis (spreading-spined); Fig. 37.--Stem globose, usually
+flattened on the top, and divided into eight or nine large ribs or
+ridges, grey-green in colour. Spines in crowded star-shaped clusters
+along the apex of the ribs, seven spines in each cluster, all of them
+strong, slightly curved, horn-like, and marked with numerous rings; they
+are yellow, tipped with red when young, ash-coloured when old; the
+longest are about 2 in. in length. Flowers terminal, springing from the
+young spine tufts, each 4 in. across, with two rows of petals arranged
+regularly in the form of a cup; colour deep rose, paler on the inside of
+the cup; stamens very numerous, with white filaments and yellow anthers.
+The flowers expand at sunrise and close again in the evening, each one
+lasting about a week; they are very agreeably scented. Flowering season,
+May and June. The plant is a native of Mexico, and was introduced in
+1838. (Syns. E. equitans, E. horizontalis.)
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 37.--ECHINOCACTUS HORIZONTHALONIS.]
+
+E. Le Contei (Le Conte's); Fig. 38.--Another of the large-stemmed
+kinds, which have only recently found their way into English gardens,
+although long since discovered and described by American travellers. The
+illustration represents a young plant. When full-grown, this species has
+a stem 5 ft. high by 2 ft. wide, with broad deep channels and ridges,
+wrinkled and covered with a thick network of stout spines, which are set
+in clusters in a cushion of whitish wool, the longest being about 3 in.
+in length, with curved or slightly hooked points, and distinctly
+angular. The flowers are 2 in. long, bell-shaped; the petals shining
+lemon-yellow, with a tinge of brown on the outside, whilst the sepals
+are like a number of fish-scales, overlapping each other down the
+outside of the campanulate tube. The stamens and pistil are almost
+hidden inside the flower. Flowers are borne by quite young plants,
+whilst upon full-grown specimens they are so numerous as to form a large
+yellow cap to the immense, prickly, conical stems. They are developed in
+August and September. A native of Mexico, where it is found wild on the
+rocky or gravelly plains and ravines, and often in crevices of
+perpendicular rocks. It requires warm greenhouse treatment, and plenty
+of water during the summer, care being taken that the soil it is planted
+in is perfectly drained.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 38.--ECHINOCACTUS LE CONTEI.]
+
+E. Leeanus (Lee's); Bot. Mag. 4184.--This species has many characters
+in common with E. hexaedrophorus and E. gibbosus, the stem being no
+larger than a small orange, with plump globose tubercles, bearing
+star-shaped clusters of short brown spines. The flowers are 1½ in. long
+and wide, and are composed of a green fleshy tube, with a few whitish
+scales, which gradually enlarge till, with the white, rose-tipped
+petals, they form a spreading cup, the large cluster of pale yellow
+stamens occupying the whole of the centre. This pretty little Cactus was
+raised from seeds by Messrs. Lee, of the Hammersmith Nursery, in 1840.
+It is a native of the Argentine Provinces, and flowers in May. The
+treatment recommended for E. gibbosus will be found suitable for this.
+It is happiest when grafted on to another kind. For the amateur whose
+plants are grown in a room window or small plant-case, these tiny
+Hedgehog Cactuses are much more suitable than larger kinds, as they keep
+in health under ordinary treatment, and flower annually; whereas, the
+larger kinds, unless grown in properly-constructed houses, rarely
+blossom.
+
+E. longihamatus (long-hooked); Fig. 39.--We heartily wish all species
+of Cactaceous plants were as readily distinguished and as easily defined
+in words as in the present remarkably fine and handsome one--remarkable
+in the very prominent ridges, the large and regularly-arranged spines,
+the central one very long, flattened, and usually hooked at the end, and
+handsome in the size and colouring of its flowers, both in the bud and
+when fully expanded. The stem is globose, 8 in. or more high; it has
+about thirteen prominent rounded ridges with waved tumid edges, from
+which, about 1½ in. apart, spring clusters of spines, about a dozen in
+each cluster, dark red when young, becoming brown with age. In length,
+these spines vary from 1 in. to 6 in., the latter being the length of the
+central, hooked one, which is broad and flattened at the base. The
+flowers are 4 in. broad and long, the tube short, green, and bearing
+reddish scales, which gradually pass into bright yellow petals blotched
+with red on the outside, the inner ones spreading and forming a shallow
+cup, in the centre of which are the short yellow stamens and large
+pistil. Plants of this species have been grown with stems 20 in. high;
+but it takes a great number of years for the development of such
+specimens. The flowers are produced on the apex of the stem in July.
+This species was introduced from Mexico about 1850; it thrives only when
+grown in a warm greenhouse, where the temperature in summer may be
+allowed to run up to 90 degs. with sun heat. For large collections it is
+one of the most desirable.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 39.--PORTION OF PLANT OF ECHINOCACTUS
+LONGIHAMATUS.]
+
+E. Mackieanus (Mackie's); Bot. Mag. 3561.--A small plant, not more than
+about 5 in. high, and 2 in. broad at the base, widening slightly upwards.
+The ridges are broken up into numerous fleshy, rounded, green tubercles,
+crowned with a tuft of thin brown spines from ½ in. to 1 in. long, their
+bases set in a small pad of yellow wool: As the stem gets older, it
+loses its tubercles at the base, which are changed into brown wrinkles.
+The flowers are developed on the top of the stem, generally two or three
+together, egg-shaped and scaly when in bud, 2½ in. across when expanded;
+the petals white, tipped with brown; the stigma green, club-shaped. This
+curious little Cactus is one of about a dozen species found in the
+Chilian Andes. It was introduced in 1837 by the gentleman whose name it
+bears, and who, at that time, possessed a famous collection of Cacti.
+Like the rest of the Chilian kinds, it should be cultivated in a cool
+greenhouse in full sunshine, where it will produce its flowers in
+summer.
+
+E. mamillarioides (Mamillaria-like); Bot. Mag. 3558.--This is another
+small, tubercled species, which, like the preceding, is a native of
+Chili. Its stem is very irregular in form, owing to the crowding of the
+tubercles, which look as if they were filled with water. The spines are
+small, in tufts of about half a dozen, set in a little cushion of
+yellowish wool. In size, the whole plant is like E. Mackieanus, but it
+blossoms more freely, as many as sixteen flowers having been borne at
+one time by a plant at Kew. These were short-tubed, the calyx clothed
+with green scales, and the petals 2 in. long, recurved at the apex,
+forming a beautiful cup-like flower of a bright yellow colour, with a
+band of red down the centre of each petal; the stamens and pistil
+yellow. The number of flowers developed on the small stem formed by this
+plant is quite extraordinary. It grows and flowers freely in an ordinary
+greenhouse, and would thrive in a sunny window if kept dry during the
+winter.
+
+E. mamillosus (nipple-bearing).--A short, dumpy plant, with numerous
+tubercled ridges, bearing bunches of dark brown hair-like spines, which
+form a close network about the stem. The flowers are developed on the
+top of the stem, and are about 4 in. in diameter, with a thick tube; the
+petals are spreading, bright yellow in colour, and arranged in a
+regular, bell-like whorl. Inside this bell is a circle of purple
+filaments or stamens, forming a pretty contrast with the clear yellow of
+the petals. This is a recent introduction, which flowered in the Kew
+collection for the first time in June, 1886. It is one of the most
+beautiful of the large-flowered kinds, and, as it thrives in a warm
+greenhouse and is very free-flowering, it may be expected to become a
+favourite with Cactus growers. Owing to the lack of information
+respecting the conditions under which many of the Cactuses are found
+wild, and to the fact that little in the way of experimental culture has
+been done by growers of this family, cultivators are sometimes in the
+dark as regards the lowest temperature in which the rarer kinds can be
+safely grown. Many of the species of the present genus, for instance,
+were grown in stoves years ago but are now known to thrive in a cool
+greenhouse where frost alone is excluded.
+
+E. multiflorus (many-flowered); Bot. Mag. 4181.--A well-named Cactus,
+as its small stem (seldom more than 5 in. high, and the same in width)
+often bears a large cap-like cluster of beautiful white flowers, except
+for a slight tinge of brown on the tips of the petals. Each flower is
+composed of a green, scaly tube, and several rows of reflexed petals,
+which form a shallow cup 2½ in. across. The stamens are tipped with
+orange-coloured anthers, and the stigma is rayed and snow-white. The
+stem is ridged with rows of fleshy mammae or tubercles, which are
+curiously humped, and each bears a cluster of spreading, brown spines,
+1 in. long. The number of flowers this little plant annually produces
+seems more than could be possible without proving fatal to its health;
+but we have seen it blossom year after year, and in no way has its
+health appeared impaired. It may be grown on a shelf in a warm
+greenhouse, or in the window of a heated dwelling-room. Introduced,
+probably from Mexico, in 1845. This, like all the small,
+globular-stemmed kinds, may be grafted on the stem of a Cereus of
+suitable thickness. Some cultivators believe that grafting causes the
+plants to flower more freely, but we have not observed any difference in
+this respect between grafted and ungrafted plants.
+
+E. myriostigma. (many-dotted); Fig. 40.--In the form of the stem of
+this species we have a good illustration of how widely a plant may
+differ from others of the same genus in certain of its characters, for
+the spines are almost totally suppressed, and the ridges are regular,
+deep, and smooth. There are usually five or six ridges, a transverse
+section of the stem revealing a form exactly like the common star-fish
+(Astrophyton), a resemblance to which the name Astrophytum, sometimes
+applied to this plant, owed its origin. The form of the stem is well
+represented in the Figure. The white dots shown on the bark, and which
+look like scales, are composed of very fine interwoven hairs, which,
+under a microscope, are very pretty objects. This species was introduced
+from Mexico along with the large plant of E. Visnaga described at the
+beginning of this chapter, and was first flowered at Kew, in July, 1845.
+Stems 1 ft. in length were received, along with shorter ones; but only
+the small ones were established. The flowers are daisy-like, 1½ in.
+across, and are straw-coloured, the petals being tipped with black. It
+thrives under warm greenhouse treatment. When without its flowers, it
+looks more like a piece of chiselled stone than a living plant.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 40.--ECHINOCACTUS MYRIOSTIGMA.]
+
+E. obvallatus (fortified); Fig. 41.--The form of stem in this species
+is shown in the Figure. It grows very slowly plants 4 in. through taking
+about ten years to reach that size from seeds. The spines are stout, all
+deflexed, and arranged along the edges of the numerous ribs into which
+the stem is divided. The flowers are developed from the centre of the
+plant, and are surrounded by the erect spines, which crown the, as yet,
+undeveloped tubercles. Two or three flowers are produced at about the
+same time, each one being composed of a short, spiny tube, and a whorl
+of erect petals, which are pointed, purple-coloured, paler at the
+margin, the stamens being yellow. Native of Mexico. It requires a stove
+temperature, and flowers in summer.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 41.--ECHINOCACTUS OBVALLATUS.]
+
+E. Ottonis (Otto's); Bot. Mag. 3107.--A dwarf kind, with a
+balloon-shaped stem, rarely exceeding 4 in. in height, and divided into a
+dozen wide ridges with sharp, regular edges, along which are clusters of
+small, brown spines, set in little tufts of wool, and looking like an
+array of spiders. The flowers are borne on the tops of the ridges, and
+are pale yellow in colour, with a band of red hair-like spines
+surrounding the calyx just below the petals, which are narrow,
+spreading, and look not unlike the flowers of the yellow Marguerite; the
+stigma is bright red. The symmetrical form of the stem, with its rows of
+spider-like spines, renders this plant attractive, even when without its
+bright and pretty flowers. It thrives only in a warm stove. Introduced
+from Brazil in 1831, flowering in the month of July. As it produces
+young plants about its base, it may be easily propagated by removing
+them and planting them in soil; or they may be grafted as advised for
+other of the small, globose-stemmed kinds.
+
+E. pectiniferus (comb-bearing); Bot. Mag. 4190.--One of the most
+striking of the plants of this genus, owing to the character of its
+stem, and the large size and beauty of its flowers. The former resembles
+a pear with the thin end downwards; its height is from 4 in. to 6 in., and
+it has about twenty ridges, which are sharply defined and bear along
+their angles little cushions of white wool ½ in. apart, with a radiating
+cluster of brown spines springing from each. The arrangement of the
+spines in rows is not unlike the teeth of a comb. The flowers are borne
+near the top of the stem, and consist of a green, fleshy tube, clothed
+with spines and little tufts of white wool; the sepals form a row
+beneath the petals, and are yellowish, tinged with purple; petals 2 in.
+long, broad, with the upper margins toothed and the tip acute, their
+colour being bright rose, tinged with greenish-white at the base;
+stamens yellow; stigma large, green. The form of the flowers is that of
+a cup, nearly 3 in. across. Introduced from Mexico in 1845. Flowering
+season, April and May. It requires warm-house treatment.
+
+E. polycephalus (many-headed); Fig. 42.--Stem globose when young,
+becoming cylindrical with age; number of ribs varying from twelve to
+twenty, sharply defined, and bearing, at intervals of 1 in., clusters of
+stout, reddish spines, somewhat flattened on the upper side, and marked
+with raised rings, or, as it is termed, annulated, the central ones
+attaining a length of over 3 in. on old plants, and sometimes curved. The
+flowers are enveloped at the base in a dense mass of white wool, which
+hides the tube, its spines only showing through; petals narrow, 1 in.
+long, spreading like a saucer, and coloured bright yellow; stamens
+numerous, yellow, as also is the large rayed stigma. California and
+Colorado, on stony and gravelly hills. Flowers in spring; introduced to
+Kew in 1886. This new plant is remarkable in that it is often found wild
+with as many as twenty to thirty stems or heads springing from the same
+base, and even young plants show early a disposition to develop several
+heads. The largest stems are from 1½ ft. to 2½ ft. high, and have a
+somewhat forbidding appearance, owing to the size and strength of their
+numerous spines. For its cultivation, a warm-house temperature appears
+most suitable; it bears a close resemblance to E. texensis.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 42.--RIDGE, WITH SPINES, OF ECHINOCACTUS
+POLYCEPHALUS.]
+
+E. Pottsii (Potts').--The stem of this is shown in Fig. 43. Full-sized
+plants are 1½ ft. in diameter, and have about a dozen ridges with acute
+sinuses, the ridges being rounded and even. The spines are 1 in. long,
+bristle-like, and are arranged in clusters of seven or nine, with a
+cushion of white wool at the base of each cluster. Flowers short-tubed,
+about 2 in. across, and coloured yellow; they are produced on the top of
+the stem in summer, several expanding together. The plant is a native of
+California, and was introduced about 1840. Under cultivation this
+species proves to be a shy-flowering Cactus, although in a warm house it
+grows freely, and remains in good health. It is well adapted for
+grafting on to the stem of some kind of Cereus, and in this way may be
+made to look very singular, as was shown in Mr. Peacock's collection of
+succulents some years ago, when a fine specimen, over 1 ft. across, was
+successfully grafted on to three stems of C. tortuosus, and had much the
+appearance of a melon elevated on a short tripod.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 43.--ECHINOCACTUS POTTSII.]
+
+E. rhodophthalmus (red-eyed); Bot. Mag. 4486, 4634.--Stem cone-shaped,
+4 in. to 1 ft. high, deeply furrowed; ridges about nine, 1 in. high, the
+angles bearing closely-set clusters of radiating spines, with a
+projecting one in the middle of each cluster, which contains nine spines
+1 in. long, purple when young, becoming white when old. The flowers are
+produced from the summit of the stem, and have a thick, green, scaly
+calyx tube, upon which the spreading, rose-coloured petals are arranged
+in a regular series, and form a shallow bell nearly 3 in. across. The
+throat of the flower is coloured a deep crimson, against which the
+little sheaf of white stamens and the star-shaped yellow stigma form a
+pretty contrast. Three or more flowers are expanded together on a plant.
+It is a native of Mexico; introduced in 1845. It thrives in a house or
+frame where it is protected from frost, and during summer gets plenty of
+sunlight and air. It flowers in August. During the months of April and
+May, when it starts into growth, it should be kept close; but by the end
+of June, it should be exposed to the open air and allowed to ripen, so
+that its flowers may be produced in the autumn. The plant called E. v.
+ellipticus does not differ from the type, owing its name to the form of
+the stem of the first plant that flowered at Kew.
+
+E. scopa. (brush-like); Fig. 44.--The stem of this species, when seen
+covered with numerous tufts of bristly spines, has been compared to a
+brush, a comparison not, however, applicable to the form represented in
+the Figure. In height the stems sometimes reach l½ ft., with from thirty
+to forty ribs, bearing little discs of white wool at the bases of the
+clusters of spines. The flowers spring from the upper part of the stem
+(the nodules shown in the illustration represent the places where
+flowers have been developed at an earlier stage of growth), from four to
+six being borne in the same season; they are 1½ in. long and wide, the
+tube short and brown, bristly; the petals are arranged in several
+overlapping series, rather wide for their length, toothed at the ends;
+their colour is a bright sulphur-yellow, as also are the stamens, whilst
+the stigma, which is rayed, is bright crimson. Native of Brazil.
+Introduced about 1840; it is more like a Cereus, in the form of its
+stem, than an Echinocactus. It flowers in June, and requires stove
+treatment. The stems, when dried carefully and stuffed with wadding,
+form pretty ornaments.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 44.--ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA.]
+
+E. scopa cristata. (crested variety); Fig. 45.--This curious
+monstrosity owes its origin to fasciation similar to what occurs in the
+Celosias or Cockscombs, in some Echeverias, &c. These monster varieties
+of Cactuses do not flower, but they are nevertheless interesting, and
+worth growing on account of their curious shapes. The plant shown in
+Fig. 45 is grafted on the stem of a Cereus, and it is remarkable that a
+portion of the crest of the Echinocactus will, if grafted on to another
+plant, develop the abnormal form of its parent, proving that the
+variation, whatever its cause, has become fixed.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 45.--ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA CRISTATA.]
+
+E. Simpsoni (Simpson's).--One of the smallest plants in the genus, and
+one of the prettiest. It produces tufts of irregularly-formed stems
+about 4 in. high, and composed of numerous rounded tubercles over ½ in.
+wide, bearing on the top of each a tuft of about twelve spines ½ in.
+long. The flowers are borne from the apex of the young tubercles, and
+are 1 in. wide and long, cup-shaped; petals pale purple, the stamens
+yellow. Native of Mexico and Colorado, where it is found at elevations
+of 8000 ft. to 10,000 ft., in great abundance, forming large patches on
+gravelly morains, where the climate during the summer is dry, whilst in
+winter a thick covering of snow protects the plants from severe frosts.
+In England, this species is said to have withstood 32 degs. of frost
+without being injured. It has been grown out of doors in a garden at
+Northampton, where it passed several winters planted in a raised border
+at the foot of a south wall with a natural coping of ivy. In New York,
+where the frosts of winter are severer than in England, it is cultivated
+out of doors. In this country it is apt to be injured by excessive
+moisture and fogs; but by protecting it with a handlight from November
+to March or April, this is overcome. If grown in pots, it should be kept
+in a position where it can enjoy all the sunlight possible.
+
+E. sinuatus (undulated).--Stem about 8 in. wide and long; globose,
+bearing fourteen to sixteen ridges, the edges of which are wavy or
+undulated, the prominent points crowned with tufts of thin, flexuous,
+yellow spines, the longest 1½ in., and hooked, the shorter ¾ in., and
+straight. The stem of E. longihamatus is very similar to this. Flowers
+developed on the top of the stem; tube short, scaly, green; petals
+yellow, spreading, and forming a cup 3 in. across, which is greenish
+outside. A native of Mexico, where it flowers in April. A
+recently-introduced kind, not yet flowered in this country. It is
+described as being a distinct, large-flowered, handsome species.
+
+E. tenuispinus (thin-spined); Bot. Mag. 3963.--Stem globular,
+depressed, with ridges and spines similar to those of E. Ottonis;
+indeed, by some these two are considered forms of the same species. In
+the number and size of the flowers, their colour and form, and the time
+of flowering, there is no difference between them. Native of Mexico (and
+Brazil ?).
+
+E. texensis (Texan); Fig. 46.--A short-stemmed plant, with a thick,
+leathery skin and broad-based ridges of irregular form, crowned with
+tufts of stout horny spines, the central one much the longest, flattened
+at the base, and strong as steel. The flowers are produced near the
+centre of the top, from the tufts of whitish wool which accompany the
+spines on the young parts of the ridges. They are 2½ in. long and wide;
+the tube short and woolly; the petals spreading, beautifully fringed,
+and rose-coloured. Native of North-east Mexico, where it grows on stony
+hillsides in full exposure to sunshine, and where, during winter, it has
+to endure weather verging on to frost. It thrives in a greenhouse under
+cultivation. Like several of the stout-spined, robust-stemmed kinds,
+this may find favour as a garden plant because of the character of its
+stem, and the extraordinary strength of its large iron-like spines.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 46.--ECHINOCACTUS TEXENSIS.]
+
+E. turbiniformis (top-shaped).--A very distinct dwarf kind, with
+globular stems 2 in. high and about 3 in. wide, clothed with
+spirally-arranged rows or ridges of tubercles, similar to those shown in
+the figure of E. hexaedrophorus, except that, in the former, there are
+no spines on the mature tubercles, although, when young, they have each
+a little cluster of fine spines. The flowers expand in June, several
+together, from the top of the stem; they are round, 1 in. across, the
+petals being numerous, pale yellow in colour, tinged with red on the
+outside. Introduced from Mexico, 1840. This curious little plant
+requires stove treatment, and thrives when grafted on the stem of some
+other kind. It is sometimes known as Mamillaria turbinata.
+
+E. uncinatus (hooked); Fig. 47.--A small species, with oval stems when
+young, older plants becoming cylindrical, as shown in the accompanying
+Figure. The height of the largest plant does not exceed 6 in., so that,
+when wild, it is often hidden by the long grass in which it is
+frequently found on stony hillsides at high elevations, in Mexico. The
+ridges are broken up into large tubercles, upon each of which is a tuft
+of short straight spines, arranged in a circle, and a long hooked one
+springing from the centre, and often attaining a length of about 4 in. In
+old plants the spines are almost white, whilst in young ones they are
+purplish. The flowers are borne in a cluster on the apex of the stem,
+and are nearly 2 in. long, the tube being short and spiny, and the petals
+numerous, arranged in a cup, their colour dark purplish-red, the tips
+pointed; the stamens are yellow, with orange tips. The flowers expand
+only when the sun shines on them, closing up again in dull light, but
+opening again, and remaining fresh for about a week. Introduced in 1850.
+Flowers in March and April. This plant may be grown in a cool, sunny
+greenhouse, or window, requiring only protection from frost in winter,
+and in summer plenty of light, with a moderate amount of water. There
+are several varieties of it described, their differences being chiefly
+in the shape of the stem.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 47.--ECHINOCACTUS UNCINATUS.]
+
+E. viridescens (greenish).--Stem 1 ft. high and 9 in. across, young
+plants being broader than high; the sides split up into about twenty
+ridges, which are again divided into knotty tubercles or waves. The
+spines are remarkable for their size and strength, those on large plants
+being 4 in. long by ½ in. broad at the base, gradually narrowing to a
+stiff point; there are four central spines of this size, the others, of
+which there are about a dozen, being shorter and thinner, and arranged
+stellately. The flowers, which are rarely produced, are poor in
+comparison with the majority of the flowers of this genus. As the name
+denotes, their colour is yellowish-green; and they are about 1½ in. wide
+and high. There are often as many as a dozen flowers expanded together
+on a stem of this plant when wild, and they are arranged in a circle
+around the growing point. The interest in this species, however, centres
+in its spines rather than its flowers. It is a native of the dry hills
+of California, extending sometimes down to the sea-beach. There is a
+plant of it at Kew 6 in. high and about fifteen years old; it has not
+been known to flower there. Mr. Peacock also possesses a large plant of
+it.
+
+E. Visnaga. (visnaga means a toothpick among the Mexican settlers); Fig.
+48.--Of the most remarkable features of this truly wonderful Cactus we
+have already spoken earlier in this Chapter. In 1846, Sir W. J. Hooker
+described, in the Illustrated London News, a large plant of it, which
+had been successfully introduced alive to Kew, and which, a year or so
+later, flowered, and was figured in the Botantical Magazine (4559). Its
+height was 9 ft., and it measured 9½ ft. in circumference; its weight a
+ton. Afterwards, it exhibited symptoms of internal injury. The inside
+became a putrid mass, and the crust, or shell, fell in by its own
+weight. The shape of the stem is elliptical, with numerous ridges and
+stout brown spines arranged in tufts along their edges. The flowers are
+freely produced from the woolly apex; the tube is scaly and brown, and
+the petals are arranged like a saucer about the cluster of
+orange-coloured stamens. The colour of the petals is bright yellow, and
+the width of the flower is nearly 3 in. This plant is a native of Mexico,
+and is usually cultivated in a tropical temperature, but it would
+probably thrive in a warm greenhouse. It flowers in summer. As we have
+stated, large specimens do not live long in this country; and as the
+flowers are only borne by such, the plant, except only for its stems, is
+not to be recommended for ordinary collections.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 48.--ECHINOCACTUS VISNAGA.]
+
+E. Williamsii (Williams's); Bot. Mag. 4296.--A very distinct dwarf
+species, often called the "Dumpling Cactus," from the puffed-out, tumid
+appearance of its stems, which frequently branch at the base, so as to
+form a tuft of several heads; these are turbinate, 3 in. or 4 in. high,
+and 2 in. across the top, where the smooth, pale green flesh is divided
+into about half-a-dozen rounded tubercles, pressed closely together, and
+suggesting a number of small green potatoes joined by their bases. Each
+tubercle bears several tufts of short hairs. The flowers proceed from
+the young tubercles near the centre of the crown, their bases being
+enveloped in pale brown wool, the petals spreading out daisy-like to the
+width of 1 in., with a short disk of stamens in the middle; they are
+white, tinged with rose, and are developed in the summer months. Native
+of the rocky hills of Mexico, whence it was introduced in 1845. The
+stems of this plant are its most distinctive feature. It thrives on a
+shelf in a warm greenhouse, if kept perfectly dry in winter, and it
+should be potted in a compost consisting of broken brick two-thirds,
+loam one-third.
+
+E. Wislizeni (Wislizen's); Fig. 49.--A large-stemmed kind, second only
+in size to E. Visnaga. Young plants have depressed stems, those in older
+specimens being cylinder-shaped. A specimen at Kew is 8 in. high by 18 in.
+in diameter, with twenty-one ridges, which are regular and sharp-edged,
+and bear bunches of spines at regular intervals, the outer and shorter
+ones being spreading and white, whilst from the middle of each tuft
+arise four longer and stouter spines, three of them 2 in. long, and one
+3 in., with the point hooked, and as strong as if made of steel. The
+flowers, which are developed only on large plants, are greenish-yellow,
+about 2 in. long and wide, and expand during summer and autumn. The juice
+of the stems is said to serve as a substitute for water when the latter
+is scarce, and instances have been known among the white trappers where
+the lives of men have been saved by this plant. A novel use the stems
+are put to by the Indians is that of boilers, a purpose which they are
+said to answer well. The fleshy inside is scooped out, and the tough
+skin, with its iron-like spine protection, is then filled with
+vegetables and water and placed on the fire. As there is a plentiful
+supply of plants, the Indians do not trouble to carry this "boiler"
+about with them, but make a fresh one at every stage of their
+journeyings.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 49.--SPINES AND FLOWERS OF ECHINOCACTUS
+WISLIZENII.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE GENUS ECHINOPSIS.
+
+(From echinos, a hedgehog, and opsis, like.)
+
+
+No less than three sections of Cactuses, viz., the above, Echinocactus,
+and Echinocereus, owe their names to their hedgehog-like stems. From a
+horticultural point of view, there is perhaps no good reason for keeping
+the above three genera and Cereus separate; but we follow Kew in the
+arrangement adopted here. The genus Echinopsis, as now recognised by
+most English botanists and cultivators, comprises about thirty species,
+most of which have been, or are still, in cultivation. They are
+distinguished from Echinocactuses by the length of their flower tube,
+from Cereuses by the form and size of their stems, and from both in the
+position on the stem occupied by the flowers. They are remarkable for
+the great size, length of tube, and beauty of their flowers, which,
+borne upon generally small and dumpy stems, appear very much larger and
+handsomer than would be expected.
+
+The distribution of Echinopsis is similar to that of Echinocactus,
+species being found in Chili, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, &c. They
+grow only in situations where the soil is sandy or gravelly, or on the
+sides of hills in the crevices of rocks.
+
+Cultivation.--The growing and resting seasons for Echinopsis are the
+same as for Echinocactus, and we may therefore refer to what is said
+under that genus for general hints with regard to the cultivation of
+Echinopsis in this country. The following is from the notes of the late
+Curator of the Royal Gardens, Kew (Mr. J. Smith), as being worthy the
+attention of Cactus growers. Writing about Echinopsis cristata, which he
+grew and flowered exceptionally well, he says: "This showy plant is a
+native of Chili, and, like its Mexican allies, thrives if potted in
+light loam, with a little leaf mould and a few nodules of lime rubbish.
+The latter are for the purpose of keeping the soil open; it is also
+necessary that the soil should be well drained. In winter, water must be
+given very sparingly, and the atmosphere of the house should be dry; the
+temperature need not exceed 50 degs. during the night, and in very cold
+weather it may be allowed to fall 10 degs. lower, provided a higher
+temperature (55 degs.) be maintained during the day. As the season
+advances, the plants should receive the full influence of the increasing
+warmth of the sun; and during hot weather, they will be benefited by
+frequent syringing overhead, which should be done in the evening. It is,
+however, necessary to guard against the soil becoming saturated, for the
+soft fibrous roots suffer if they continue in a wet state for any length
+of time."
+
+None of the species require to be grafted to grow freely and remain
+healthy, as the stems are all robust enough and of sufficient size to
+take care of themselves. The only danger is in keeping the plants too
+moist in winter, for although a little water now and again keeps the
+stems fresh and green, it deprives them of that rest which is essential
+to the development of their large, beautiful flowers in summer.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+E. campylacantha. (curved-spined); Bot. Mag. 4567.--Stem 1 ft. or l½ ft.
+high, globe-shaped, with a somewhat pointed top, the sides divided into
+from fourteen to sixteen ridges, with tubercled edges, bearing clusters
+of about ten strong brown spines, which are stellately arranged, a
+central one projecting outwards, then suddenly curving upwards, and
+measuring 3 in. in length. The flowers are developed from the ridges on
+the side of the stem; they are 6 in. long, the tube shaped like a
+trumpet, brownish in colour, and clothed with tufts of short black
+hairs; petals arranged in three rows, spreading so as to form a limb
+2½ in. across, pale rose-coloured, with a large cluster of yellow-tipped
+stamens, forming a disk-like centre. This species is a native of Chili,
+and was introduced in 1831. It blossoms in spring and summer. The long
+curving central spine and remarkable length of the flower-tube
+distinguish it from the other kinds. It may be grown in a cool
+greenhouse, where it will thrive, if kept freely watered during summer
+and rested on a dry, sunny shelf in winter. It is rare in English
+collections, but frequently occurs in Continental gardens.
+
+E. cristata (crested); Bot. Mag. 4687.--Stem globe-shaped, 1 ft. high,
+slightly narrowed towards the top; ridges fifteen, 1 in. deep, sharply
+angular, the edges bearing tufts of spreading, yellowish spines, over
+1 in. long, slightly curved, and tipped with red. Flowers creamy-white,
+springing from the ridges on the top of the stem; tube 4 in. long,
+clothed with tufts of black hairs, and surmounted by a whorl of
+reddish-yellow sepals, above which are two rows of broad-spreading
+petals. The width of the flower is over 6 in., and the stamens are
+arranged in a corona-like whorl inside the petals. This very fine Cactus
+is a native of Bolivia, whence it was introduced in 1850. When in
+flower, the broad, long-tubed, pale-coloured blossoms equal in beauty
+those of the Night-flowering Cereus. It blossoms in July. It thrives if
+kept in a warm, sunny greenhouse, but must be liberally treated in
+summer, so as to induce vigorous growth, and then be subjected to
+complete rest in winter in full sunlight, or it will not flower.
+
+E. c. purpurea (purple ).--This variety differs from the type in having
+deep rose-coloured flowers and a slightly longer tube. It is impossible
+to find among all the species of the Cereus section a more beautiful
+plant than this; the size of the flowers, their rich colour, their
+developing three or four together in the month of July, being almost
+exceptional, even among Cactuses. A splendid example of it was flowered
+at Kew in 1846 for the first time. It thrives under the conditions
+recommended for E. cristata. This variety is often made very sickly by
+treating it as a tropical Cactus, and, like most of these plants, if
+once it gets into a bad condition, it remains so a long time, in spite
+of liberal and careful treatment. So many of the Cactuses found in cool
+regions are ruined by an excess of heat in winter, and a close
+atmosphere during their season of growth, that too much attention cannot
+be given to the question of temperature in relation to their cultivation
+in English gardens.
+
+E. Decaisneanus (Decaisne's).--As represented in Fig. 50, this plant
+appears to have a columnar stem, but this is owing to the specimen
+having been formed by cutting off the upper portion of an old plant and
+striking it. Naturally, the stem in this species is globular or slightly
+egg-shaped, and bears about fourteen ridges, upon which are tufts of
+short spines, springing from little cushions of whitish wool. The
+position of the flowers is shown in the figure. The tube is covered with
+tufts of hair-like spines, and the petals and sepals are broad,
+spreading, and white, tinged with yellow, as in E. cristata. The native
+country of this plant is not known; but it is a well-known garden
+Cactus, and thrives in a warm, airy greenhouse in summer, and on a dry,
+sunny shelf in winter. The swollen base of the tube is a good example of
+the nature of what is usually termed the flower-stalk in these plants.
+It is, as has been pointed out, the elongated calyx, and the swollen
+portion is the ovary or seed vessel. If, therefore, seeds are desired,
+the withering flowers should be allowed to remain, and, in time, the
+upper portion of the tube will fall away, leaving the base, which
+continues to grow till it attains the proportions of a hen's egg.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 50.--ECHINOPSIS DECAISNEANUS.]
+
+E. Eyriesii (Eyries').--Stem no larger than an orange, with about a
+dozen ridges, the edges sharp, and bearing little globular tufts of
+whitish wool and red, hair-like spines. Flower exceedingly large for the
+size of the stem, the tube being more than 6 in. long, funnel-shaped,
+pale green, with tufts of brown hairs, which look very much like
+insects, scattered over the surface. The petals are numerous,
+narrow-pointed, spreading, pure white, the stamens pale yellow, and the
+star-like stigma white. This species is a native of Mexico, and was
+introduced by the late Sir John Lubbock, about 1830. It blossoms at
+various seasons, generally in summer. "Independently of the large size
+of the flowers, which rival in dimensions those of the Cereuses, it is
+remarkable for the rich, delicate odour they exhale at night, at which
+time its glorious blossoms expand. When young, they resemble long,
+sooty-grey horns, covered over with a thick, shaggy hairiness, and would
+never be suspected to conceal a form of the utmost beauty and a clear
+and delicate complexion. When the hour of perfection has arrived, and
+the coarse veil of hair begins to be withdrawn by the expansion of the
+unfolding petals, one is amazed at the unexpected loveliness which
+stands revealed in the form of this vegetable star, whose rays are of
+the softest white" (Lindley). For its cultivation, this plant requires a
+warm house always; but care should be taken to give it plenty of fresh
+air and as much light as possible. The soil best suited for it is a rich
+loam with a little sand and charcoal. It likes liberal watering in
+summer.
+
+E. E. flore-pleno (double-flowered); Fig. 51.--A form with several rows
+of petals, which give the flowers a doubled appearance.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 51.--ECHINOPSIS EYRIESII FLORE-PLENO.]
+
+E. E. glauca (hoary-grey). This variety differs from the type in the
+absence of the dark brown hairs from the flower-tube, which is also
+shorter than in E. Eyriesii. Probably a native of Mexico.
+
+E. oxygonus (sharp-angled).--This is very similar to E. Eyriesii. Stem
+globular in shape, and divided into about fourteen acute-edged ridges,
+upon which are tufts of brown spines, varying from ½ in. to 1½ in. in
+length. Flower 8 in. long, the tube slightly curved, covered with little
+scales and hairs, and coloured green and red. The petals form an
+incurved cup, and are broad, with pointed tips; their colour a bright
+rose, with a lighter shade towards the centre of the flower. As in E.
+Eyriesii, the flowers of this kind are borne several together from the
+ridges near the growing centre of the stem. It is a native of Brazil,
+whence it was introduced nearly half a century ago. It thrives in an
+intermediate house, if treated as advised for E. Eyriesii, and its
+flowers will develop in summer. The extraordinary size and beauty of the
+blossoms are sufficient to compensate for their comparatively short
+duration after expanding; it is also interesting to watch the gradual
+development of the tiny, hairy cone, which is the first sign of the
+flower, and which increases in length and size at a surprising rate.
+
+E. Pentlandi (Pentland's); Fig. 52.--A pretty little species, with a
+globose stem 3 in. in diameter, divided into about a dozen rounded
+ridges, which are undulated or broken up into irregular tubercles, when
+the ridges do not run parallel with each other. Each tubercle is crowned
+with a tuft of brown, bristle-like spines, ½ in. or so long. The flowers
+are large in proportion to the size of the plant, the tube being 4 in.
+long, and trumpet-shaped; petals arranged in several overlapping rows
+and forming a cup 2 in. across, the lowest whorl turning downwards; in
+colour, they are a brilliant red, the stamens white, and the stigmas
+yellow. Three or four flowers are often expanded together on the same
+stem, springing from the side instead of the top of the plant. Native of
+Mexico (?); introduced about 1840. There are several distinct seedling
+or hybrid forms of this species, remarkable in having the colour of
+their flowers either red, yellow and white, or white, whilst some, such
+as the one known as flammea, have flowers only 2 in. long. These kinds
+may all be grown in a sunny greenhouse or window, as they only require
+protection from frost. They may be placed out of doors in summer, and be
+kept under glass only during winter, treatment which will result in
+better growth and more flowers than if the plants were kept permanently
+under glass.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 52.--ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI.]
+
+E. P. longispinus (long-spined); Fig. 53.--This is a long-spined form,
+and differs also in the shape of the stem, which is oblong, rather than
+globose.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 53.--ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI LONGISPINUS.]
+
+E. tubiflorus (tube-flowered).--This species has an orange-shaped stem,
+about 4 in. high, and divided into about twelve prominent, sharp-angled
+ridges, along which are tufts of blackish spines, ½ in. long, and set in
+little cushions of white wool. The flower springs from the side of the
+stems, where it replaces a tuft of spines, and, as in E. Eyriesii, the
+tube is remarkably long, whilst the size of the whole flower much
+exceeds that of the rest of the plant, the length of the tube being
+about 6 in., and the width of the flower over 4 in. The petals are pure
+white, recurved, displaying the crown of yellow stamens, arranged in a
+ring about the rather small, rayed stigma. The tube is uniformly green,
+except that the scale-like bracts are edged with long, blackish, silky
+hairs. A native of Mexico; introduced about fifty years ago, when it was
+figured in the Botanical Magazine and elsewhere as a species of
+Echinocactus. E. tubiflorus may be placed along with E. Eyriesii and E.
+oxygonus, as it requires similar treatment. The three kinds here
+mentioned may be recommended as a trio of very fine-flowered,
+small-stemmed Cacti, which may be grown successfully in any ordinary
+greenhouse.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE GENUS MELOCACTUS.
+
+(From melon, a melon, and Kaktos, a name applied by Theophrastus to a
+spiny plant; the species are melon-formed, and their angles are beset
+with tufts of spines.)
+
+
+This genus forms a group of well-marked and curious plants, with stems
+similar to those of the globose Echinocactuses and floral characters
+quite distinct from all other genera. They cannot be said to possess any
+particular beauty, as their stems are stiff and dumpy, their spines
+large and rigid, and their flowers small and unattractive. But what is
+wanting in beauty of form or colour is atoned for in the cap which
+crowns the stem, and forms the flower-head, growing taller and taller
+whilst the stem remains stationary, till, under favourable
+circumstances, a cylindrical mass of spines and hairs, not unlike a
+large bottle-brush, and 1 ft. or more in length, is developed before the
+whole plant succumbs to old age. This character belongs more
+particularly to M. communis, the commonest species, and the one best
+known in English gardens. Additional interest attaches to this species,
+from the fact of its having been the first Cactus introduced into
+Europe, for we are informed that in the year 1581 living plants of the
+Melon Cactus were known in London. Fifty years later, Gerard, the Adam
+of English gardening, wrote: "Who can but marvel at the care and
+singular workmanship shown in this Thistle, the Melocarduus echinatus,
+or Hedgehog Thistle? It groweth upon the cliffes and gravelly grounds
+neere unto the seaside in the islands of the West Indies, called St.
+Margaret's and St. John's Isle, neere unto Puerto Rico, and other places
+in these countries, by the relation of divers that have journied into
+these parts who have brought me the plant itself with his seed, the
+which would not grow ill my garden, by reason of the coldnesse of the
+clymate." After this, the plant appears to have been frequently
+cultivated in gardens in this country, and it has only been in recent
+years that this and similar curiosities have almost disappeared from all
+except botanical collections.
+
+The most prominent distinctive characters of Melocactus reside in the
+cap or cluster of spines, wool, and flowers on the summit of the stem.
+Thirty species are included in the genus, their stems ranging from 1 ft.
+to 3 ft. in height, the ridges straight, and, as a rule, large; whilst
+all have stiff stout spines in clusters about 1 in. apart. The small
+flowers are succeeded by bright red, cherry-like berries, containing
+numerous black, shining seeds. The distribution of the species is over
+the hottest parts of some of the West Indian Islands and a few places in
+Central and South America.
+
+Cultivation.--The cultivation of the several kinds known in gardens is
+as follows: A tropical temperature all the year round, with as much
+sunlight as possible, and a moist atmosphere for about three months
+during summer, when growth is most active. Very little soil is required,
+as the largest stems have comparatively few roots; indeed, imported
+stems have been known to live, and even make growth, nearly two years
+without pushing a single root; but, of course, this was abnormal, and
+was no other than the using-up of the nourishment stored up in the stem
+before it was removed from its native home. M. Louis de Smet, a
+well-known Ghent nurseryman, who grows a fine collection of Cactuses,
+stated that he had kept M. communis a long time in robust health and
+growth by feeding it with a very weak solution of salt. Tried at Kew,
+this treatment did not appear to make any perceptible difference; but,
+bearing in mind that the Turk's-Cap Cactus is found in great abundance
+within the reach of sea spray, in some of the West Indian Islands, there
+seems much reason in M. de Smet's treatment. The same gentleman informed
+us that he had a specimen of this Cactus bearing no less than thirteen
+heads. There is, at the time of writing, a specimen at Kew bearing four
+fine heads. Large imported plants are very rarely, established; and even
+when established, they do not thrive long, owing to the fact that, after
+the cap has commenced to form, no further stem-growth is made. Young
+plants grow very slowly, a plant 3 ft. across taking, according to Sir W.
+Hooker, from 200 to 300 years to reach that size. It has been stated
+that grafting is a good plan to adopt for the Melocactus, Mr. F. T.
+Palmer, in "Culture des Cactées", recommending the following treatment
+for M. communis: Take a Cereus peruvianus of about the same diameter as
+that of the base of the Melocactus, cut off the head of the former, but
+not so low as to come upon the hard, ligneous axis, and then pare off
+the hard epidermis and ribs for about 1 in. Then take off a slice from
+the base of the Melocactus, also paring off about 1 in. of the epidermis
+all round; place the two together, and bind on firmly with strong
+worsted. In warm weather, a union should take place in about two months,
+but it will be safest to allow the ligature to remain till growth
+commences. The precaution of paring off the hard skin and ribs is
+absolutely necessary, as the juicy centre contracts, and the rind, or
+epidermis, does not. There would, therefore, be a cavity formed
+sufficient to prevent all cohesion, be the graft tied on ever so
+tightly.
+
+Large imported stems should be kept perfectly dry for about a fortnight,
+and, if they show any signs of rottenness, they should be carefully
+examined and the bad portions cut away; exposure to the air for a few
+days will generally cause these pared places to callus over. At all
+times, even when the stems appear to be in good health, a sharp look-out
+should be kept for patches of rottenness in the stem, and especially
+about its base.
+
+Propagation.--This is effected by means of seeds, which usually follow
+quickly after the flowers produced on cultivated specimens.
+Multiplication is also possible by means of offsets, which are formed
+about the base of the stem if the top of a growing plant is cut out. The
+thirteen-headed plant mentioned above was the result of the removal of
+the top of a stem which had developed these lateral growths, and thus
+formed a family of red-capped stems; this had, however, taken place
+before the plant was removed from its native home. As the cap is the
+most remarkable part of M. communis, the purchase of large imported
+stems, in preference to young ones raised from seeds, is recommended;
+for, as the cap does not form till the stem attains a large size, there
+would be small hope of seedlings reaching the flowering stage during a
+lifetime.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+M. communis (common); Fig. 54.--Stem from 2 ft. to 3 ft. in diameter,
+globose, with from twelve to twenty ridges, and armed with numerous
+clusters of strong, short spines, the clusters placed closely together.
+On the summit of the stem is a cylindrical crown, about 4 in. broad, and
+varying in height from 5 in. to 12 in. This cylinder is composed of a
+thick pad of whitish, cotton-like substance, through and beyond which a
+great number of bristle-like red spines are developed, the whole being
+not unlike a bottle-brush. About the top of this brush-like growth the
+flowers are produced. These are small, red, fleshy, and tube-shaped, the
+calyx and corolla forming a regular flower, as in a Hyacinth. They are
+borne at various times in the year, as long as the cap is growing;
+afterwards the latter falls off; and the stem rots. We have a cap that
+was cast by an old plant, and which has stood as an ornament on a shelf
+in a room for about four years, and is still in perfect condition. In
+addition to the name of Turk's-Cap Cactus this plant is also known as
+"Englishman's Head" and "Pope's Head." It is a native of several of the
+islands of the West Indies, being very abundant in St. Kitt's Island,
+where it grows in very dry, barren places, often on bare porous rocks.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 54. MELOCACTUS COMMUNIS.]
+
+M. depressus (flattened); Bot. Mag. 3691.--Stem broader than high,
+deeply cut into about ten broad furrows, along the sharp angles of which
+are clusters of pale brown spines, from ½ in. to 1 in. long, arranged in a
+star, each cluster 1 in. apart. Instead of the cylinder-like cap of the
+Turk's-Cap species, this one has a short, broad tuft of white wool and
+red spines, like a skull-cap. The flowers are small, and soon wither,
+but remain attached to the oblong berries, which stand erect in a dense
+cluster in the centre of the cap, and are of a delicate rose-colour. The
+first introduced plant of this was sent home by Mr. Gardner, who
+introduced the Epiphyllums and other Cactuses. It flowered on the way to
+England, and matured its seeds soon after its arrival. It is a native of
+Pernambuco.
+
+M. Miquelii (Miquel's); Fig. 55.--This species appears to have been
+introduced in 1838, when two plants of it were sent from the West Indian
+Island, St. Croix, to the Hamburg Botanic Gardens. The stem is oval,
+dark green, with fourteen well-defined ribs, as regular as if they had
+been carved with a knife. The spine-tufts are small; spines short,
+black-brown, about nine in each tuft, one of which is central, the
+others radiating; they are less than ½ in. long. The "cap" is cylindrical,
+3 in. high by 4 in. in diameter, and composed of layers of snow-white
+threads, mixed with short reddish bristles.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 55. MELOCACTUS MIQUELII.]
+
+These three are the only species of Melocactus that have become known in
+English gardens, although various other kinds, named M. Lehmanni, M.
+Zuccarini, M. Ellemeetii, M. Schlumbergerianus, &c., occur in books.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE GENUS PILOCEREUS.
+
+(From pilos, wool, and Cereus, in allusion to the long hairs on the
+spine cushions, and the affinity of the genus.)
+
+
+One of the most striking plants in this order is the "Old Man Cactus,"
+botanically known as Pilocereus senilis, which is the only member of
+this  genus that has become at all known in English gardens. In
+Continental gardens, however, more than a dozen species are to be found
+in collections of succulent plants; and of these one of the most
+remarkable is that represented at Fig. 56. The limits of the genus
+Pilocereus are not definitely fixed, different botanists holding
+different views with respect to the generic characters. Recent writers,
+and among them the late Mr. Bentham, sunk the genus under Cereus; but
+there are sufficiently good characters to justify us in retaining, for
+garden purposes, the name Pilocereus for the several distinct plants
+mentioned here. The botanist who founded the genus gives the following
+general description of its members: Stems tall, erect, thick, simple or
+branched, fleshy, ridged; the ridges regular, slightly tubercled, and
+placed closely together. Tubercles generally hairy, with bunches of
+short spines; the hairs long and white, especially about the apex of the
+stem, where they form a dense mass. Flowers on the extreme top of the
+matured stems, and arranged in a cluster as in the Melon Cactus, small,
+tubular; the petals united at the base, and the stamens attached to the
+whole face of the tube thus formed, expanding only at night, and fading
+in a few hours. These flowers have a disagreeable odour, not unlike that
+of boiled cabbage. Fruit fleshy, round, persistent, usually red when
+ripe. The species are natives of tropical America, and are generally
+found in rocky gorges or the steep declivities of mountainous regions.
+
+Cultivation.--These plants require distinctly tropical treatment.
+During summer, they must have all the sunlight possible, and be supplied
+with plenty of water, both at the root and by means of the syringe. Air
+should be given on very hot days, but the plants should be encouraged to
+make all the growth possible before the approach of winter. In winter,
+they may be kept quite dry, and the temperature of the house where they
+stand should be maintained at about 60 degs., rising to 65 degs. or
+70 degs. in the day. In March, the plants should be repotted into as
+small pots as convenient, employing a good, loamy soil and ample
+drainage. Should the hairs become soiled or dusty, the stems may be laid
+on their sides and then syringed with a mixture of soft soap and warm
+water, to be followed by a few syringefuls of pure water; this should
+cleanse the hairs and give them the white appearance to which the plants
+owe their attractiveness.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+P. Houlletianus (Houllet's); Fig. 56.--Stem robust, glaucous-green;
+ridges about eight, broad, prominent, obscurely tubercled; spines in
+bundles of nine, radiating, straight, less than 1 in. long, and pale
+yellow. Upon the growing part of the stem, the spines are intermingled
+with long, white, cottony hairs, often matted together like an unkempt
+head; these hairs fall off as the stem matures. Flowers funnel-shaped,
+resembling Canterbury Bells, borne in a cluster on the summit of the
+plant; ovary short and scaly; petals joined at the base, and coloured a
+rosy-purple, dashed with yellow; the stamens fill the whole of the
+flower-tube and are white; style a little longer than the flower-tube,
+and bearing a ray of about a dozen stigmas. Fruit globose, as large as a
+plum, and coloured cherry-red. The pulp is bright, crimson, and contains
+a few brownish seeds. In the engraving the fruit is shown on the left,
+and a flower-bud on the right. This species is often known in
+Continental collections as P. Fosterii.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 56. PILOCEREUS HOULLETIANUS.]
+
+P. senilis (Old-Man).--Stem attaining a height of 25 ft., with a diameter
+of about 1 ft.; ridges from twenty-five to thirty on plants 4 ft. high;
+the furrows mere slits, whilst the tufts of thin, straight spines, 1 in.
+long, which crown each of the many tubercles into which the ridges are
+divided, give young stems a brushy appearance. About the upper portion
+of the stem, and especially upon the extreme top, are numerous white,
+wiry hairs, 6 in. or more long, and gathered sometimes into locks. To
+this character, the plant owes it name Old-Man Cactus; but, by a curious
+inversion of what obtains in the human kind, old plants are less
+conspicuous by their white hairs than the younger ones. Some years ago,
+there were three fine stems of this Cactus among the cultivated plants
+at Kew, the highest of which measured 18½ ft. There was also, however, a
+fine specimen in the Oxford Botanic Gardens, with a stem 16 ft. high; and
+it is stated that this plant has been in cultivation in England a
+hundred years at least. A plant twenty-five years old is very small,
+and, from its slowness of growth, as well as from the reports of the
+inhabitants of Mexico, where this species is found wild, there is reason
+to believe that a stem 20 ft. high would be several hundred years old.
+The flowers of P. senilis are not known in English collections, the
+plant being grown only for its shaggy hairiness.
+
+Other species are: P. chrysomallus, which has a branching habit, P.
+Brünnonii (Fig. 57), P. Celsianus, P. columna, P. tilophorus, known only
+in a young state, and several others, all very remarkable plants, but
+not known in English collections, unless, perhaps at Kew.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 57. PILOCEREUS BRÃœNNONII.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE GENUS MAMILLARIA.
+
+(From mamilla, a little teat; in allusion to the tubercles.)
+
+
+Something over 300 different kinds of Mamillaria are known, but only a
+small proportion of these may be considered as garden plants. They are
+characterised generally by short, symmetrically-formed stems, sometimes
+aggregated together and forming a dense tuft, but, as a rule, each plant
+has only one stem. The generic name is descriptive of the chief feature
+in these stems, namely, the closely-set, spirally-arranged tubercles or
+mamillae, which vary considerably in the different kinds, but are always
+present in some form or other. Some kinds have stems only 1 in. high by
+2/3 in. in diameter, and the tubercles hidden from view by the
+star-shaped cushions of reddish or white spines. In some, the spines are
+erect and hair-like, giving the plant the appearance of tiny
+sea-urchins; another group has the principal spines hooked at the tip,
+and the points in these so sharp that if the hand comes in contact with
+them they hook into it and stick like fish-hooks. The purpose of these
+hooked spines seems doubtful; certainly, they cannot serve as any
+protection to the plant itself, as they are so strong that the plant
+must be torn up by the roots before the hooks will give way.
+
+The spines in M. macromeris are straight, and measure 2 in. in length; in
+M. multiceps they are in two series, the one fine, white, and short, the
+other yellow and stout. The most marked section of this genus, however,
+is that represented by M. fissurata (Fig. 61), in which the tubercles
+are large, spreading horizontally, and angular, resembling most closely
+the foliage and habit of some of the Haworthias. No one who had not read
+up the botany of Mamillarias would suspect that this plant belonged to
+them, or even to the Cactus order at all. There is a good specimen of it
+in the Kew collection. When in flower the family resemblance is easily
+seen; but as this species does not flower freely, it will be known by
+its remarkable foliage-like tubercles, rather than as a flowering
+Cactus. And the same remark applies to many of the Mamillarias; their
+stems thickly beset with tubercles and spines, always regular in
+arrangement, and neat and attractive in appearance.
+
+The following remarks made by Dr. Lindley when describing M. tenuis,
+give a good idea of the singular, yet pretty, stems of some of these
+plants: "Gentle reader, hast thou never seen in a display of fireworks a
+crowd of wheels all in motion at once, crossing and intersecting each
+other in every direction; and canst thou fancy those wheels arrested in
+their motion by some magic power--their rays retained, but their fires
+extinguished and their brightness gone? Then mayst thou conceive the
+curious beauty of this little herb--a plant so unlike all others that
+we would fain believe it the reanimated spirit of a race that flourished
+in former ages, with those hideous monsters whose bones alone remain to
+tell the history of their existence." It is quite true that in the
+cultivated Mamillarias there is nothing unsightly, or rough, or
+unfinished. Without foliage, their stems globose, or short cylinders, or
+arranged in little cushion-like tufts, and enveloped in silky spines,
+like tiny red stars, always looking the same, except when in flower, and
+never looking in the least like ordinary plants. Characters such as
+these ought to find many admirers. In the Succulent House at Kew, there
+is a long shelf upon which a great many plants of this genus may be
+seen. But the flowers in some of the species of Mamillaria are quite as
+attractive as the stems. Those of M. macromeris are 3 in. long and wide,
+their colour a deep rose; M. Scheerii has equally large flowers, and
+coloured bright yellow, as also are the flowers of M. pectinata. This
+last is remarkable on account of the clock-like regularity with which
+its flowers expand. While fresh, they open every day between eleven and
+twelve o'clock, and close again about one, however strong the sunlight
+shining upon them may be. Some of the kinds (more especially the
+small-flowered ones) are often prettily studded over with bright red,
+coral-like berries, which are the little fruits, and contain, as a rule,
+matured seeds capable of reproducing the parent plant.
+
+The headquarters of the genus Mamillaria is Mexico, and the countries
+immediately to the north, a few being scattered over the West Indies,
+Bolivia, Brazil, and Chili. Many of them grow on mountains where the
+temperature is moderate, but where the sunlight is always intense.
+Others are found on limestone or gravelly hills, among short herbage, or
+on grassy prairies. A small silvery-spined kind has recently been found
+near the snow line in Chili. M. vivipara is quite hardy in New York, as
+also are several other kinds, whilst we learn that by planting them out
+in summer, and protecting them by means of a frame from heavy rain,
+dews, fogs, and sudden changes of weather, a good many species of both
+Mamillaria and Echinocactus are successfully managed in the
+neighbourhood of that town.
+
+Cultivation.--Particulars with respect to cultivation are given along
+with the descriptions of most of the species, but a few general
+principles may here be noted. With only a few exceptions, all the
+cultivated Mamillarias may be grown in a warm, sunny greenhouse, or they
+may be placed in a frame with a south aspect, during our summer,
+removing them into artificially heated quarters for the winter. They do
+not like a large body of soil about their roots, but always thrive best
+when in comparatively small pots. If a sweet, new, fibry loam, mixed
+with broken bricks or cinders, be used to pot these plants in, they may
+then be left undisturbed at the root for several years. Much harm is
+often done to the more delicate kinds of Cactuses by repotting them
+annually; the best-managed collection I have seen had not been repotted
+for four years. This would not be safe if a poor and exhausted soil were
+used in the first instance. The pots should be well drained with crocks,
+and these covered with a layer of fibre sifted from loam. In summer, the
+soil should be kept moist, but never saturated; and after a bright warm
+day, the stems may be moistened over by syringing them with tepid water.
+A point of much importance in connection with these, and indeed all
+tropical and extra-tropical plants, is, that the water used for watering
+or syringing them should be rain-water if possible, and never more than
+a degree or so colder than the plants themselves would be. Thus, a plant
+which had been standing in the full glare of a midsummer sun all day,
+would be much endangered by watering it with cold tap-water. Where
+proper arrangements for water are not made in a greenhouse or stove, it
+is a good plan to place the water wanted for the day's use in the sun
+along with the plants. A little bag filled with soot and tightly tied at
+the neck, and water, is a good method for rendering hard tap-water
+suitable for watering the roots of plants. In winter, Mamillarias may be
+kept quite dry at the roots, except in mild sunny weather, when a little
+water may be given.
+
+A collection of the most distinct kinds may be successfully managed in a
+glass case in a room window, providing the sun shines through it for a
+few hours in the day.
+
+Propagation.--This is usually effected by means of seeds, which may be
+procured from Continental seedsmen as well as from our own. The
+treatment required by the seeds is similar to what has been already
+advised for those of other Cactuses. The tufted kinds are easily
+multiplied by separating the stems, or even by cutting off the tops and
+planting them in small pots of sandy soil.
+
+SPECIES. The following kinds are selected from those known to be in
+cultivation; of course, it is out of the question here to enumerate all
+the species known.
+
+M. angularis (angular-tubercled).--A robust kind, with stems 4 in. to
+8 in. high, and branching somewhat freely; tubercles prism-shaped, rather
+thick at the base, and slightly angular, ¼ in. long, their tops tufted
+with short white spines; at the base of the tubercles are little tufts
+of white wool. Flowers are only rarely produced by cultivated plants;
+they are small, tubular, rosy-purple, the stamens yellow. Introduced
+from Mexico in 1835; flowers in summer. When happily situated, it forms
+a specimen 1 ft. in diameter, owing to its freely produced arm-like
+branches, which spread out and curve upwards. It requires a warm
+greenhouse temperature during winter, and exposure to bright sunshine at
+all times.
+
+M. applanata (flattened).--In this, the stem is broader than high, and
+has a squat appearance; tubercles ¾ in. long, cone-shaped, with stellate
+tufts of straight, hair-like spines, white when young, yellowish when
+aged. Flowers springing from the outside of the stem-top, white, tinged
+with red. It is a native of Mexico, and blossoms in summer. A specimen,
+6 in. through at the base, may be seen at Kew, where it has been for many
+years, without altering perceptibly in size. All the larger-stemmed
+Mamillarias are exceedingly slow growers after they have reached a
+certain size, although, in the seedling stage, they grow freely. The
+treatment for this kind should resemble that advised for the last.
+
+M. atrata (blackened).--Stem oval in shape, broad at the base, 4 in.
+high, unbranched; tubercles swollen, ½ in. long, deep green, cone-shaped,
+becoming flattened through pressure of growth. Spines set in a tuft of
+white hairs, falling off from the lowest mammae, as happens in many of
+the thick-stemmed kinds. Flowers numerous, and developed all round the
+outside of the stem, stalkless, nestling closely between the tubercles,
+and when expanded looking like starry buttons of a rosy-pink colour.
+Native of Chili, flowering in autumn. This species is rare in England,
+but is worth attention because of the prettiness of its flowers, the
+attractive form of its stem, and its reputed hardiness. It will thrive
+in a cold frame, and requires protection from excessive wet only, rather
+than from cold. Grown in a warm house, it becomes sickly, and is
+short-lived.
+
+M. bicolor (two-coloured).--One of the commonest of the Cactuses grown
+in English gardens, and one of the most distinct, owing to its short,
+silvery hair-like spines, thickly crowded on the ends of the small
+tubercles, completely hiding the stem from view. The latter is from 6 in.
+to 1 ft. high, 3 in. in diameter, cylindrical, often branching into
+several thick arms, when it has a quaint appearance. If kept free from
+dust, which may be done by covering the plant with a bell glass, there
+is much beauty in the stem; indeed, it is owing to this, rather than as
+a flowering Cactus, that this species finds favour as a garden plant.
+The flowers are less than 1 in. in length and width, stellate, their
+colour deep purple; they are developed in June. Although a native of
+elevated regions in Mexico (4000-5000 ft.), this plant thrives best when
+grown in a warm house. There are several handsome and very old specimens
+of it in the tropical collection of succulents at Kew. It is one of the
+easiest to manage, and will thrive in a warm room-window if exposed to
+bright sunlight and kept dry in winter. M. nivea and M. nobilis are both
+varieties of this species.
+
+M. chlorantha (greenish-yellow).--A newly-introduced species with
+erect, cylinder-shaped stems, 6 in. high, clothed with numerous
+tubercles, which are tipped with clusters of long, silvery, interlacing,
+hair-like spines, and a few stouter blackish ones. The flowers are
+described as greenish-yellow, so that they are not likely to add much to
+the beauty of the plant, which is recommended because of the
+attractiveness of its stem and spines. It is a native of Mexico and
+Texas, whence it was introduced some two years ago. It requires
+cool-house treatment, and should be kept free from dust, which
+disfigures the white spines.
+
+M. cirrhifera (twisted).--Like M. bicolor, this species owes its
+frequent occurrence in gardens to the symmetry and neatly-chiselled form
+of its stems, and not to any attraction possessed by its flowers. It
+will thrive anywhere where the sun can shine upon it, if sheltered from
+severe cold and wet. In a cottage window it may be grown, and kept for
+many years, without losing health or, on the other hand, increasing much
+in size. Its usual height is about 5 in., by 4 in. in diameter. The
+tubercles are angular at the base, and bear tufts of yellowish spines on
+their pointed apices. The flowers are small, and bright rose-coloured,
+but only rarely produced on cultivated plants. Introduced from Mexico in
+1835.
+
+M. clava (club-shaped); Bot. Mag. 4358.--In the size of its stem, and
+the large, brightly-coloured flowers it bears, this species may be
+compared with some of the Echinocactuses. The stem is from 1 ft. to 1½ ft.
+high, 4 in. wide at the base, narrowing slightly upwards; the tubercles
+are 1 in. long, and nearly as much through at the base, their shape that
+of little pyramids, and their tips bear each from eight to eleven stout,
+straight spines, pale brown, with a little wool at the base. The flowers
+are borne on the top of the stem, two or three of them together; the
+sepals are green and red, and the spreading petals are straw-coloured
+and glossy, their edges near the top being toothed. In the centre of the
+shallow cup formed by the petals, and which measures nearly 4 in. across,
+the orange-coloured stamens are clustered, in a kind of disk, through
+the middle of which the yellow stigma projects. It is a native of
+Mexico, at an altitude of 5000 ft. Introduced in 1848, when it flowered
+at Kew, in June, at which time it flowers almost every year now. A warm
+greenhouse affords the most suitable conditions for it; but, unless it
+is kept in full sunshine both summer and winter, and perfectly dry
+during the latter season, it will not produce any flowers. As a
+flowering plant, it ranks amongst the very best of the Mamillarias. It
+is easily propagated from seeds ripened on cultivated plants.
+
+M. dasyacantha (thick-spined).--Stem 2 in. to 3 in. high, almost
+globular, and covered with spiral whorls of tiny tubercles, in the
+grooves of which is a little whitish wool, which falls away as the
+tubercles ripen. The spines upon the tubercles are arranged in little
+stars, with an erect central one. The flowers are small, and spring from
+the centre of the stem. This is one of the Thimble Cactuses, and is too
+small to have any great attractions, either in stem or flowers. It is,
+however, a pretty plant, especially when studded with its ruby-like
+flowers, which look like coloured Daisies growing upon a dense tuft of
+hairs. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on high mountains among
+short grass and other herbage.
+
+M. discolor (spines two-coloured).--Stem globose, about 4 in. in
+diameter; tubercles smooth, egg-shaped, their bases embedded in white
+wool, their tips crowned with stellate tufts of short, reddish spines.
+Flowers numerous, and borne from almost all parts of the stem, less than
+1 in. wide, and composed of a single whorl of narrow, reflexed,
+rose-purple petals, surrounding a large, disk-like cluster of yellow
+stamens. The flowers are so short that they are half hidden by the
+tubercles. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on rocks, in warm,
+sheltered places. Under cultivation it thrives when grown on a dry shelf
+in a warm house, and kept moist in summer, but perfectly dry in winter.
+
+M. dolichocentra (long-spurred); Fig. 58.--Apparently this is a
+variable species; at all events, plants of widely different habit are
+found under this name, one of them represented in the Figure here,
+another in the Garden, Vol. XVII., whilst others are figured or
+described in other books. What is known at Kew as the true plant is that
+here figured. This has a stout stem, about 8 in. high and 3 in. wide, and
+covered with smooth cone-shaped mammae, with woolly bases and stellate
+tufts of spines on their tips. The flowers are produced about 1 in. from
+the top of the stem, and are less than 1 in. wide; they are, however,
+often very numerous, sometimes a closely-set ring of them surrounding
+the stem, like a daisy chain, their colour being pale purple. Below the
+flowers there is often a whorl of club-shaped fruits, ¾ in. long, and
+rose-coloured. These contain numerous little black seeds, which, when
+ripe, may be sown in pots of very sandy loam. The plant is a native of
+Mexico, and flowers in summer. It thrives in a tropical temperature, and
+enjoys a daily syringing overhead on bright days in summer, but in
+winter requires little or no water.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 58. MAMILLARIA DOLICHOCENTRA.]
+
+M. echinata (hedgehog-like).--A charming little plant, with very small
+stems, clustered together in a cushion-like tuft, each stem less than
+1 in. wide; but a well-grown specimen is composed of dozens of these,
+packed almost one on top of the other. The tubercles are hidden by the
+star-like spine clusters which cap them, and look like a swarm of
+insects. Flowers very small, rose-coloured, and lasting only about a
+day. These are succeeded by numerous currant-like red berries, so
+numerous, in fact, that the plants look as if thickly studded all over
+with coral beads. The central stem is sometimes about 6 in. high, those
+surrounding it being shorter and shorter, till the outside ones rise
+only just above the soil. A well-grown plant of this is strikingly
+pretty, even when not in fruit. It is a native of Mexico, and requires
+the treatment of a warm house. A few pieces of broken brick should be
+placed upon the surface of the soil about the base of the plant, as the
+stems like to press against, or grow upon, anything in the nature of
+rocky ground.
+
+M. echinus (hedgehog-like); Fig. 59.--A distinct and pretty little
+plant, the largest specimen having a stem about the size and shape of a
+small hen's-egg, completely hidden under the densely interwoven radial
+spines, which crown the thirteen spiral rows of tubercles, and are
+almost white when mature. The tubercles are ½ in. long, and, in addition
+to these white radiating spines, they also bear each a stout spike-like
+spine, growing from the centre of the others. This spine gives the plant
+an appearance quite distinct from all other cultivated Mamillarias. The
+flowers are produced two or three together, on the top of the stem, and
+they are nearly 2 in. long, cup-shaped, and coloured yellow; they usually
+appear about June. As yet this species is rare in cultivated
+collections. It comes from Mexico, where it is found growing on
+limestone hills, in hot and arid localities. Under cultivation it
+requires a warm greenhouse temperature, exposure to bright sunshine all
+the year round, with a moderate supply of water in summer, and none at
+all during winter. A few large pieces of broken brick or sandstone
+placed in the soil, just under the base of the stem, afford the roots
+conditions suitable to their healthy growth.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 59. MAMILLARIA ECHINUS.]
+
+M. elegans (elegant).--A small species, grown only for the prettiness
+of its stem, flowers rarely, if ever, being borne by it under
+cultivation. The stem is 2 in. high and wide, globose, with small conical
+tubercles, which, when young, are woolly at the tips. Spines short and
+slender, about twenty, arranged in a star on each tubercle, with four
+central ones a little longer than those which surround them; the colour
+of the spines is whitish, with brown tips. Native country Mexico, on
+high exposed hills; in this country it requires greenhouse treatment.
+Introduced about 1850.
+
+M. elephantidens (elephant's-tooth); Fig. 60.--One of the largest and
+most remarkable of all garden Mamillarias. Stem globose, depressed, 6 in.
+to 8 in. in diameter, and bright shining green. Tubercles smooth, round,
+1½ in. long, furrowed across the top, which is at first filled with wool,
+but when old is naked. At the base of the tubercles there is a dense
+tuft of white wool, and springing from the furrows are eight radiating
+recurved spines, and three short central ones, all strong, stiff, and
+ivory-white, tipped with brown. The flowers are 3 in. wide, and are
+composed of a circle of violet-coloured sepals, with white margins, and
+a second circle of petals which are bright rose, pale purple at the
+base, a line of the same colour extending all down the middle. The
+stamens are numerous, with long purple filaments and yellow anthers, and
+the pistil is stout, erect, projecting above the stamens, with a
+radiating stigma. Flowers in autumn; native country, Paraguay. Under
+cultivation, it grows quicker than is usual with plants of this genus,
+and it is also exceptional in the regular and abundant production of its
+flowers. It has been a rarity in European collections for many years,
+and, although easily grown, it is often killed through wrong treatment.
+A cool greenhouse or sunny frame in summer, plenty of water whilst
+growth is active, and a light, well-drained soil, suit it best; whilst
+during winter it must be kept perfectly dry, and protected only from
+frost. In a tropical house, it is invariably sickly, and altogether
+unsatisfactory.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 60. MAMILLARIA ELIPHANTIDENS.]
+
+M. elongata (elongated).--A small, cushion-like kind, with the stems in
+tufts, owing to their producing offsets freely from the base, the
+tallest of them being about as high and as thick as a man's thumb. The
+tubercles are short, crowded, and hidden under the star-clusters of
+reddish-yellow spines. There are no central spines in this kind. The
+flowers are produced in the axils of the tubercles from all parts of the
+stem, a large tuft of stems being thickly studded with circles of tawny
+yellow petals, which are only about ½ in. long. The berries are bright
+coral-red, and about the size of a date stone. There are several
+varieties of this species, under the names of intertexta, rufescens,
+rutila, subcrocea, and supertexta. These differ only slightly either in
+the length or thickness of the stems or in the colour of the spines. All
+of them may be grown in a cold frame, or in a window where the sun can
+shine upon them; or they may be grown along with tropical kinds. For
+small cases in windows, these little Thimble Cactuses are amongst the
+most suitable. They are natives of high mountains in Mexico, and have
+been cultivated in Europe over forty years.
+
+M. fissurata (fissured); Fig. 61.--In appearance, this rare species
+mimics some of the Gasterias, and is so different from all the kinds
+hitherto described, that very few people unacquainted with it would
+suspect that it belonged to the same genus as M. elongata or M.
+dolichocentra. Indeed, some botanists have made a separate genus of this
+and several other plants of the same peculiar appearance, calling them
+Anhalonium. M. fissurata is like a whip-top in shape, the root being
+thick and woody, and the tubercles arranged in a thick layer, spreading
+from the centre, rosette-like. A living plant in the Kew collection is
+2 in. high by 4 in. wide, the tubercles being triangular in shape, ½ in.
+thick, wrinkled, with an irregular furrow on the upper surface. The
+flowers grow from the middle of the stem, and are 1½ in. wide, and
+rose-coloured. Native of Mexico, on hard gravel or limestone soils. We
+know of no plant in English collections, except that at Kew, which was
+introduced from Mexico in 1886. It flowers in September and October.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 61. MAMILLARIA FISSURATA.]
+
+M. floribunda (free-flowering).--A French writer on Cactuses, M.
+Labouret, calls this a species of Echinocactus, but it resembles so
+closely another species included by him in Mamillaria, viz., M. atrata,
+that we see no good reason for separating the two into different genera.
+M. floribunda has an irregular conical stem, about 5 in. high by 4 in.
+wide at the base, round nut-like tubercles the size of filberts, crowned
+with star-tufts of spines ¾ in. long, stiff, and brown, about ten spines
+being set with their bases in a small disc-like pad of dirty-white wool.
+The flowers are very numerous, covering the whole of the stem-top, from
+which they stand erect, so as to form a dense bouquet of rose-coloured
+petals. Each flower is 2 in. long. Native of Chili; introduced about
+1835. Flowers in summer. This handsome kind will thrive in a window,
+and, if well supplied with fresh air, sunshine, and sufficient water to
+keep the soil moist, it will flower almost every year. It must have no
+water in winter.
+
+M. gracilis (slender).--A small Thimble Cactus, remarkable for its
+proliferous stems, a single stem 2 in. high producing all round its upper
+half numerous, offshoots, which fall to the ground and grow. In this way
+a tuft of stems is soon developed round the first one. If these
+offshoots are removed as they appear, the stem will grow longer and
+stouter than it does when they are left. Tubercles small, green,
+crowded; spines in a stellate tuft, short, curved, pale yellow or white.
+Flowers as in M. elongata, to which this species is closely allied. In
+window cases, or on a shelf in a cool greenhouse, it will grow and
+multiply rapidly. Like the bulk of the caespitose, or Thimble Cactuses,
+it does not make much show when in flower; and it is only its stems,
+with their white stars of spines and clusters of little offsets hanging
+about them, that are attractive. Native of Mexico; introduced about
+1850. There is a variety known as pulchella, in which the spines are of
+a yellow hue.
+
+M. Grahami (Graham's).--A pretty little species, with globose stems,
+scarcely 3 in. high, and nearly the same in diameter, branching sometimes
+when old; tubercles ¼ in. long, egg-shaped, corky when old, and
+persistent. Spines in tufts of about twenty, all radiating except one in
+the centre, which is hooked; they are about ½ in. long. Flowers 1 in.
+long, usually produced in a circle round the stem. Fruit a small, oval
+berry, ½ in. long. This is a native of Colorado, in mountainous regions.
+It is very rare in cultivation. The flowers are developed in June and
+July.
+
+M. Haageana (Haage's); Fig. 62.--The habit of this is shown in the
+Figure, which is reduced to about one-fourth the natural size. As the
+stem gets older, it becomes more elongated. Tubercles small, four-sided
+at the base, pointed at the top, where the spines are arranged in a
+star, about twenty of them on each tubercle, with two central ones,
+which are longer, stiffer, and much darker in colour than those on the
+outside; flowers small, almost hidden beneath the spines, bright
+carmine-rose; they are produced on the sides of the upper portion of the
+stem in June. There is a close resemblance between this and M.
+cirrhifera, and the treatment for both should be the same. Mexico, 1835.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 62. MAMILLARIA HAAGEANA.]
+
+M. longimamma (long-tubercled); Fig. 63.--A well-marked species in the
+size of its mammae, or tubercles, which are at least 1 in. long by 1/3 in.
+in diameter, terete, slightly curved, and narrowed to a pointed apex,
+the texture being very soft and watery. Each tubercle bears a radiating
+tuft of about twelve spines, one central and projecting outwards; they
+are pale brown when old, and white when young; their length is about
+½ in. A tuft of short, white wool is developed at the base of the spines
+on the young mammae. The stem is seldom more than 4 in. in height, and it
+branches at the base when old. Flowers large and handsome,
+citron-yellow; the tube short, and hidden in the mammae; the petals
+1½ in. long, narrow, pointed, and all directed upwards; stamens numerous,
+short. Flowering season, early summer. Native country, Mexico. It
+requires greenhouse treatment, or it may be placed in a sunny frame out
+of doors during summer. It is not easily multiplied from seeds, but is
+free in the production of offsets from the base of the stem.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 63. MAMILLARIA LONGIMAMMA.]
+
+M. macromeris (large-flowered); Fig. 64.--Stem about 4 in. high, naked
+at the base, woody and wrinkled when old. Tubercles as in M. longimamma,
+but with curving radial spines, like needles, often 2 in. in length,
+white or rose-tinted when young, almost black when old. Flowers from the
+centre of the stem, 3 in. long, and about the same in width; the petals
+regular and spreading, as in the Ox-eye daisy; stamens numerous, short,
+forming a disk; colour carmine, almost purple just before fading.
+Flowering season, August. Native of Mexico, where it is found in loose,
+sand on hillocks, generally about the roots of Acacias. It is one of the
+most beautiful of all Mamillarias; but it is, as yet, rare in
+collections. It requires the same treatment as M. longimamma, except
+that, owing to the woody nature of its rootstock, and its long, tap-like
+roots, it should be planted in pans instead of pots, using a compost of
+rough loam, mixed with lumps of broken brick or limestone.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 64. MAMILLARIA MACROMERIS.]
+
+M. macrothele (large-nippled); Bot. Mag. 3634, as M. Lehmanni.--This
+belongs to the same group as M. cirrhifera, but is distinguished by its
+large mammae, which are four-angled at the base, ¾ in. long, narrowed to
+a point, upon which is a tuft of wool and a cluster of about eight
+spines, ½ in. long, spreading, reddish-brown in colour, the central one
+being almost black, 1 in. long, and pointing downwards. In the axils of
+the mammae are tufts of white wool. Flowers on the top of the stern,
+erect, spreading, about 1½ in. across when expanded; the petals
+overlapping, and pale yellow; the stamens red at the base, arranged in a
+dense cluster, and the rays of the stigma spreading over them. Flowering
+time, early summer. Native country, Mexico, on prairie lands, at high
+elevations. This species is almost hardy in the warmer parts of this
+country, suffering from damp rather than frost in winter. The stem is
+not particularly handsome, but the flowers are large and bright, and
+they are produced annually by plants which are grown in a cool,
+well-aired greenhouse or frame, with the sun shining on them all day.
+
+M. micromeris (small-flowered); Fig. 65.--A small, cushion-like plant,
+with a stem never more than 1½ in. across by about 1 in. in height, so
+that it has the appearance of a small, flattened ball, with a raised,
+disk-like portion on the top. The mammae are very small, and they are
+completely hidden by the numerous fine, white, silky spines and wool
+which spring in tufts from the apex of each mamma, and interlace so as
+to form a spider-web-like net all over the stem. The flowers are small,
+and they spring from the centre of the disk-like top of the stern; they
+are composed of from three to five sepals, and five petals, which are
+whitish or pink, and measure about ¼ in. across when open. Native
+country, Mexico, where it is found only in naked places on mountain tops
+or sides where limestone is plentiful. It requires much care under
+cultivation, water in excess being fatal to it, and a soil of the wrong
+sort soon killing all its roots. It is cultivated at Kew in a small pot,
+in a mixture of loam and lime rubbish, and grown in a warm greenhouse.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 65. MAMILLARIA MICROMERIS.]
+
+M. multiceps (many-branched).--Stem short, with numerous branches,
+which again push forth other branches, so that a dense tuft of dumpy,
+globose stems is formed. The mammae are small, and arranged closely
+together, and they each bear a tuft of whitish wool, with a radiating
+cluster of spines, which are soft, almost hair-like in texture, the
+inner ones being stiffer, and coloured dull yellow. The flowers are
+small, and almost hidden by the spines and tubercles; they are pale
+yellow, with a line of red down the middle of each petal. Native
+country, Mexico. This plant should be grown on a shelf in a cool
+greenhouse--anything like a stove temperature being fatal to it. As a
+flowering plant it is of no value, but the compact tuft formed by its
+numerous stems, with their attractive spines, renders it worthy of
+cultivation.
+
+M. Neumanniana (Neumann's).--This is a member of the group with angular
+tubercles and comparatively small flowers. It has a stem about 6 in.
+high, cylindrical, the tubercles arranged spirally, their bases
+compressed, four or five-angled, and with a tuft of white wool in their
+axils. The areoles or tufts on the tops of the mammae are large, and the
+spines are about seven in number, ½ in. long, and of a tawny-yellow
+colour. The flowers are produced near the top of the stem; they are
+about ½ in. long, and rose-red in colour. Native country, Mexico. It
+requires the same treatment as M. cirrhifera.
+
+M. Ottonis (Ottoni's); Fig. 66.--A very distinct and pretty plant is
+cultivated under the name at Kew; but there are, apparently, two
+different species under the same name--the one being spiny and large in
+the stem; the other, which is here shown, having a small, compressed
+stem, 3 in. across, numerous compressed tubercles, and short, hair-like
+spines. The flowers, which are large for the size of the plant, are
+white, and are developed in May and June. Native country, Mexico;
+introduced in 1834. It requires similar treatment to M. micromeris.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 66. MAMILLARIA OTTONIS.]
+
+M. pectinata (comb-like); Fig. 67.--Stems globose, from 2 in. to 3 in. in
+diameter; the rootstock woody; the tubercles arranged in about thirteen
+spiral rows, swollen at the base, and bearing each a star-like tuft of
+about twenty-four stiff, brown, radial spines, without a central one;
+the length varies from ½ in. to 1 in., and they are comb-like in their
+regular arrangement. When not in flower, this species bears a close
+resemblance to small plants of Cereus pectinatus. Flowers terminal,
+solitary, large, their width quite 3 in. when fully expanded; sepals
+reddish-green; petals rich sulphur-yellow; filaments reddish, very
+numerous; the flowers open at noon, and close after about two hours,
+even although the sun be shining full upon them. Flowering season, June
+to August. Native country, Mexico, on slopes of limestone hills.
+Although long since known to botanists, this pretty species has only
+lately found its way into English gardens. It is attractive even when
+not in flower. It requires warm greenhouse treatment, with exposure to
+full sunshine; during late autumn it should have plenty of air to ripen
+the new growth made whilst flowering. In winter it should have a dry
+position near the glass.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 67. MAMILLARIA PECTINATA.]
+
+M. phellosperma (corky-seeded).--A pretty plant, resembling M. Grahami
+in all points except the seed, which, as is denoted by the name, is half
+enveloped in a corky covering, suggesting acorns. Stems simple,
+sometimes proliferous at the base, globose when young, afterwards almost
+cylinder or pear-shaped, 5 in. high, 2 in. in diameter; tubercles ½ in.
+long, arranged in twelve spiral rows, slightly woolly in axils. Spines
+radiating, in two rows, about fifty on each tubercle, the three or four
+central ones being hooked at the tips or sometimes straight; length,
+½ in. to 1½ in. Flowers (only seen in the dried state) 1 in. long and wide.
+Native of the dry gravelly hills and sand ridges in California and
+Colorado, and, therefore, requiring greenhouse treatment. This plant is
+cultivated in the Kew collection, but it has not been known to flower
+there. It is one of the most ornamental of the very spinous species, the
+radial spines being almost white, whilst the central ones are black, and
+look like tiny fish-hooks. A large proportion of these Mamillarias are
+far more interesting in the form and arrangement of their tubercles and
+spines than in any floral character, and it is on this account that so
+many which are insignificant as flowering plants are included here.
+
+M. pulchra (handsome).--Stem globose when young and cylindrical when
+old, flattened at the top; height from 4 in. to 6 in.; tubercles large,
+egg-shaped, arranged in from eleven to thirteen spiral rows; spines in
+compact tufts, their bases set in whitish wool, irregular in length, and
+almost covering the whole of the stem. Flowers medium in size, developed
+near the top of the stem from the woolly axils of the tubercles; colour
+bright rose. Native of Mexico. Flowering season, June. Introduced in
+1826. A rare kind nowadays, though one of the prettiest. It should
+always be grown in a warm house. It has been also called M. pulcherrima.
+
+M. pusilla (small).--A tiny tufted plant, belonging to the group known
+as Thimble Cactuses. It has stems 2 in. high; short, dark green
+tubercles, with tufts of whitish wool in the axils; spines thin and
+bristle-like, twisted, nearly 1 in. long, almost hiding the stem; they
+are whitish, with black tips. The flowers are yellowish-white, with
+streaks of red. Common in Mexico. Flowering season, May. It should be
+grown in a frame in summer, and wintered on a shelf in a warm
+greenhouse. It would, no doubt, thrive in a window if kept in a sunny
+position and placed under a glass shade. A variety known as texana
+differs in being more densely clothed with spines. We have seen it grown
+into large clumps, covering a space 1 ft. in diameter, with dozens of
+erect little pyramids of whitish spines.
+
+M. pycnacantha (densely spined); Bot. Mag. 3972.--The name for this
+kind is rather misleading, the spines being both fewer and less
+conspicuous than in many other species of Mamillaria. Stem about 6 in.
+high, nearly globose; tubercles--rather large, swollen, with tufts of
+short white wool in their axils, and stellate clusters of spines
+springing from disks of white wool on the top. The spines are ½ in. long,
+slightly recurved, flattened, and pale brown. Flowers large, clustered
+on the top of the stem, about half a dozen opening together; width 2 in.;
+petals numerous, narrow, toothed at the tips, spreading; colour a deep
+sulphur-yellow, anthers orange. Native of Oaxaca, Mexico. Flowering
+season, July. Introduced 1840. This is a beautiful flowering plant, more
+like an Echinocactus than a Mamillaria. It should be grown in a warm
+greenhouse all the year round. Old stems develop offsets from the base,
+by which the species may be multiplied.
+
+M. sanguinea (bloody); Fig. 68.--This is closely related to M. bicolor,
+but differs in having an unbranched stem and numerous richly-coloured
+flowers. The stem is stout, 6 in. high, and 4 in. through; tubercles
+crowded, short, bearing stellate tufts of shortish spines, and
+projecting longer ones, all being bristly and pale yellow, except those
+on the youngest tubercles, which are golden. The flowers are borne in a
+crowded circle on the top of the stem, just outside the cluster of young
+yellow spines, a strong plant having about forty flowers open together.
+Each flower is about ½ in. long and wide, and coloured bright crimson,
+with yellow anthers. Native of Mexico. Flowers in June. It should be
+grown along with M. bicolor. The plant figured is a young one, showing
+the spines much longer than is usual on mature specimens.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 68. MAMILLARIA SANGUINEA.]
+
+M. Scheerii (Scheer's).--Stem 7 in. high, and 5 in. in diameter at the
+base; tubercles large, swollen, somewhat flattened, pale green, watery,
+woolly in the axils, the tops crowned with about a dozen brown spines,
+1 in. long, one central, the others radial. Flowers terminal, erect, with
+several whorls of spreading, recurved petals, the lower ones tinged with
+crimson, the upper pale yellow, and forming a shallow cup, 2 in. across;
+anthers forming a compact sheaf in the centre. Flowers in summer. This
+distinct and very pretty species was introduced many years ago from
+Mexico, where it was discovered in 1845 by a Mr. Potts, to whose love
+for these plants we are indebted for a great many choice kinds collected
+and sent to England by him. It grows naturally in a red, sandy loam, and
+under cultivation requires warm-house treatment, except during the
+autumn, when it may be placed in a frame and exposed to full sunshine
+and plenty of air.
+
+M. Schelhasii (Schelhas').--A pretty little tufted kind, its habit and
+size being shown in Fig. 69. The stem produces offsets freely at the
+base, which grow into full-sized stems, and develop young ones, till a
+compact cushion is formed. Tubercles closely arranged, cylindrical,
+shining green, with fifteen to twenty radial, white, hair-like spines,
+½ in. long, and three inner ones, which are thicker, purplish in colour,
+usually only one being hooked. Flowers white, with a line of rose down
+the middle of each petal, ¾ in. across. Flowering season, beginning of
+summer. Native of Mexico. It may be grown out of doors in a sunny
+position in summer, and wintered on a shelf in a greenhouse.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 69. MAMILLARIA SCHELHASII.]
+
+M. Schiedeana (Schiede's).--Stem globose, 3 in. to 5 in. high, thickly
+clothed with long, narrow, pointed tubercles, the bases of which are set
+in white wool, whilst the apices are crowned with tiny stars of white
+silky spines; more like the pappus of a Composite than the spines
+usually found on Cactuses. A healthy plant has a very pretty and silky
+appearance which cannot well be described. The flowers are small and
+unattractive; they are succeeded by the red fruits, which remain on the
+plant a long time, and add to its beauty. Native country, Mexico.
+Introduced 1838. Should be grown in a greenhouse where frost is
+excluded, and where there is plenty of sunlight at all times. It is
+easily increased, either from seeds or by means of the offsets developed
+at the base of old stems.
+
+M. semperviva (ever-living); Fig. 70.--Stem pear-shaped, 3 in. wide, the
+top slightly depressed. Tubercles conical, ¼ in. long, their bases set in
+a cushion of white wool, their tips bearing tiny tufts of wool, and four
+small spines, which fall away on the tubercles becoming ripe, leaving
+two short, diverging, central spines. Flowers small, not ornamental, and
+scantily developed near the outside of the top. Native of Mexico; in
+meadows and thickets near Zimapan, at 5000 ft. elevation. It thrives with
+us when grown in a frame in summer, and wintered in a cool greenhouse or
+frame.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 70. MAMILLARIA SEMPERVIVA.]
+
+M. senilis (hoary).--Stem about 3 in. high, spherical, unbranched,
+except when very old, when it becomes proliferous at the base; tubercles
+crowded, small, arranged spirally, and crowned with clusters of long,
+radiating spines, which are almost white, hair-like, and become thickly
+interwoven, as in the Old Man Cactus (Pilocereus senilis). The central
+spine is black, and hooked at the tip. Flowers on the top of the stem,
+near the centre; the petals toothed, spreading, and forming a deep cup,
+with a cluster of tall stamens standing erect in the middle; colour
+bright scarlet. The flowers, which appear in summer, remain open about
+eight hours. Native country unknown; cultivated in France in 1845. This
+plant is difficult to preserve in health, the best method being that of
+grafting it on to a short Cereus, or a robust kind of Mamillaria, such
+as M. cirrhifera. It is a pretty plant at all times, even when dead, for
+we have seen plants of it preserve the appearance of live specimens long
+after they have rotted and dried up in the centre, nothing remaining but
+the shell formed by the skin and silvery spines. There is a close
+resemblance between this species and M. Grahami.
+
+M. stella-aurata (golden star).--This little plant obtains its name
+from the rich golden-yellow of its stellate clusters of spines, which
+are arranged thickly on the tips of the small, pointed tubercles. It
+belongs to the group called Thimble Cactuses, of which it is one of the
+prettiest. The stems are tufted, branching freely at the base, and
+rising to a height of about 2 in. Flowers small, whitish, and much less
+ornamental than the berry-like fruits which succeed them, and which are
+egg-shaped, ½ in. long, and a deep rose-colour. M. tenuis is a variety of
+this, with almost white spines. Native of Mexico. Introduced 1835. May
+be cultivated under a bell-glass in a room window, the only danger being
+damp during winter, which must be carefully avoided.
+
+M. sub-polyhedra (usually many-sided); Fig. 71.--Stem simple till it
+becomes old, when it develops offsets at the base, broadly cylindrical,
+8 in. high, 5 in. in diameter. Tubercles four-sided at base, prism-shaped,
+bearing pads of white wool in the corners at the base, and crowned with
+tufts of from four to seven spines, usually all radial, sometimes one
+central. The flowers, which usually appear in May, are arranged in a
+zone on the top of the old stems; sepals greenish-yellow, petals bright
+red. Fruit 1 in. long, pear-shaped, scarlet. Native of South Mexico, at
+high elevations. It may be grown outside in summer, and wintered in a
+heated greenhouse or frame. This is a singular-looking plant, the
+tubercles having an appearance suggestive of carving. It is a slow
+grower, and requires careful attention in winter, when sometimes the
+roots all perish and the base of the stem rots.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 71. MAMILLARIA SUB-POLYHEDRA.]
+
+M. sulcolanata (woolly-grooved); Fig. 72.--Stem simple when young,
+proliferous at the sides when old, the young plants developing from the
+apices of the tubercles, and not in the axils, as is usual. The
+tubercles are nut-shaped, large, the bases surrounded by white wool, the
+points bearing eight to ten rigid, brown spines, all radiating from a
+little pad of wool. Flowers large, nearly 2 in. across, bright yellow,
+poppy-scented, the spread of the petals suggesting Paris Daisies; they
+are freely developed on the apex of the stem in June, and on till
+August. Fruit egg-shaped, glaucous-green. Native country, South Mexico;
+introduced 1836. This charming little plant should be grown in a frame
+exposed to full sunshine all summer, and removed to a shelf in a warm
+greenhouse in winter. With such treatment it grows and flowers freely.
+Grafted on to a Cereus or Opuntia it is healthier than when on its own
+roots.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 72. MAMILLARIA SULCOLANATA.]
+
+M. tetracantha (four-spined); Bot. Mag. 4060.--Stem the size and shape
+of an ostrich's egg, thickly studded with small, conical tubercles,
+woolly at the base, the apices bearing each four spreading spines, ¾ in.
+long, rather stout, straight, brown when young, becoming almost white
+with age. Flowers numerous, small, arranged as in M. sanguinea, to which
+and M. cirrhifera this species is closely related. They are bright rose
+in colour, with orange-yellow anthers, and are developed in July. Native
+of Mexico. Requires the same treatment as M. cirrhifera.
+
+M. tuberculosa (tubercled).--This is a very pretty and distinct plant,
+of recent introduction, and easily cultivated. It has a central stem,
+6 in. high by 2 in. in diameter, conical in shape, and surrounded at the
+base by globose branches or offsets. The tubercles are closely set in
+numerous spiral rows, and are ½ in. long, rather narrow, pointed, with a
+crown of radial spines, very slender, hair-like, white, and ½ in. long;
+central spines three or four, ½ in. long. At the base of each tubercle is
+a pea-like tuft of white wool. In this kind the spines fall from the old
+tubercles, which are persistent, gradually hardening to a cork-like
+substance. The flowers are produced in the apex of the stem, and are
+1 in. long and wide, daisy-like, pale purple in colour; they are
+succeeded by red, oval berries, which are as pretty as the flowers.
+About five flowers are developed on each stem annually--May and June.
+Native of Mexico, in the mountains. It thrives when grown in an ordinary
+greenhouse, on a shelf, in full sunshine.
+
+M. turbinata (top-shaped); Bot. Mag. 3984.--Stem globose, depressed at
+top, about 3 in. in diameter, pale glaucous-green; tubercles
+quadrangular, flattened at the apex, and bearing, when young, from three
+to five erect, slender, hair-like spines, which fall off soon after the
+tubercles ripen, exposing little depressions or umbilica, and giving the
+stem a bald, pudding-like appearance, quite distinct from any other
+kind. Flowers from the centre of the stem, short, about 1 in. across,
+pale yellow, with a reddish tint outside; anthers yellow. Two or three
+flowers are usually expanded together in the month of June. Native
+country, Mexico.
+
+M. uncinata (hooked).--Stem globose, simple, about 4 in. in diameter;
+tubercles closely pressed against each other at the base, where they are
+four-angled; in length they are ¼ in., and they are blue-green in colour.
+Apex bearing four short spines, arranged crosswise, and ¼ in. long;
+central spine slightly longer, yellow, and hooked. The flowers are 1 in.
+long and wide, erect, the tube hidden by the young mammae, amongst
+which they appear in May and June; they are purple in colour, a line of
+deeper tint running down the middle of each petal. Like all the kinds
+with short, angular tubercles, this species is easily managed, flowers
+freely and profusely, and always ripens seeds. Native of Mexico. It may
+be grown in a frame, or even out of doors, all through the summer,
+removing it to a greenhouse for the winter.
+
+M. vetula (old).--One of the small Thimble Cactuses, its stems seldom
+exceeding 3 in. in height by 1½ in. in diameter. Tubercles ¼ in. long,
+conical, with a radial crown of fine, hair-like yellow spines, ¼ in.
+long, and a solitary central spine, ½ in. in length, and coloured red.
+Flowers terminal, just peeping above the tubercles; sepals and petals
+acute, yellow, ¾ in. long; anthers yellow; stigma white. An old garden
+plant, introduced from Mexico. It flowers in May and June. For its
+cultivation it may be treated as recommended for M. pusilla.
+
+M. villifera (hair-bearing).--Stem similar to the last, but usually
+proliferous at the base; tubercles angular, short, woolly in the axils,
+and bearing four rigid, short, reddish-brown spines on the apex. Flowers
+pale rose, with a line of purple down the middle of each petal; they are
+developed near the top of the stem, in May. Native country, Mexico. This
+plant thrives if treated as recommended for M. pusilla. There are
+several varieties known, distinguished by their paler or darker flowers,
+or by a difference in the length and arrangement of the spines.
+
+M. viridis (green).--Stem 4 in. high by 3 in. in diameter, proliferous at
+the base; tubercles short, four-angled, crowded in spiral rows, woolly
+at the base, bearing each five or six radiating hair-like spines on the
+apex, and one central erect one, none more than ¼ in. long. Flowers
+erect, on top of stem, with recurved, pale yellow petals, 1  in., long;
+they are produced in May and June. Introduced from Mexico in 1850. It
+may be grown in a sunny frame out of doors during summer, and on a dry,
+warm greenhouse shelf in winter.
+
+M. vivipara (stem--sprouting).--A tufted, free-growing Thimble Cactus,
+producing its small stems in such profusion as to form a cluster as much
+as 3 ft. in diameter. The small tubercles are hidden by the numerous
+radial spines, which are in clusters of about twenty; they are white,
+hair-like, stiff and ½ in. long; the central spines, numbering from four
+to six, are a little longer. Flowers from apex of stem, 1½ in. long and
+wide, and composed of about thirty fimbriated sepals and twenty-five to
+forty narrow petals; colour bright purple. Fruit ½ in. long, pale green
+when ripe. The flowers, which appear in May and June, usually expand
+after mid-day. Native of Louisiana. In the North-West plains and Rocky
+Mountains of North America this plant is abundant, often forming wide
+cushion-like tufts, which, when covered with numerous purple, star-like
+flowers, have a pretty effect. In Utah and New York it is commonly
+cultivated as a hardy garden plant, bearing exposure to keen frosts and
+snow without suffering; but it would not thrive out of doors in winter
+with us, unless covered by a handlight during severe weather, and
+protected from heavy rains in winter. It likes a strong, clayey soil.
+
+M. v. radiosa (Fig. 73).--This variety is distinguished by its larger
+flowers and shorter spines.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 73. MAMILLARIA VIVIPARA RADIOSA.]
+
+M. Wildiana (Wild's).--An old garden Cactus, and one of the prettiest
+of the tufted, small-stemmed kinds. Its largest stems are 3 in. high by
+about 1½ in. in diameter, and bear spiral rows of clavate, dark green,
+crystallised tubercles, ½ in. long, with about ten radial white spines,
+½ in. long, the three upper spines, together with the solitary central
+hooked one, being yellow. Flowers small, numerous on the apices of the
+stems, rose-coloured, lined with purple; they are developed in summer.
+This also forms dense tufts of stems. A specimen at Kew, only a few
+years old, has already over thirty heads. It is a native of Mexico, at
+an altitude of 5000 ft., growing on lava and basalt, and even on the
+trunks of trees. For its cultivation, a shelf in a sunny greenhouse is a
+most suitable position, both in winter and summer. Introduced 1835.
+
+M. Wrightii (Wright's).--This is a charming little plant, of something
+the same character as M. dolichocentra. It has not long been cultivated
+in gardens, but being easy to manage, and exceptionally pretty, it is
+sure to become a favourite as it gets known. Stem rounded above,
+narrowed and peg-top-like at the base, the top flattened, about 3 in.
+across, height about the same. Tubercles conical, ½ in. long, shining
+green, and bearing a tuft of six or eight spines, which are straight,
+hair-like, white, and ½ in. long; there are two central spines, of same
+length, and hooked. Flowers in the top of the stem, 1 in. long and wide,
+bright purple; they are succeeded by egg-shaped, purple berries, 1 in.
+long, and prettily arranged among the tubercles. In England a warm house
+seems most suitable for this species. It likes plenty of moisture and
+sunlight during the summer, whilst making new growth; but in winter,
+when at rest, it ought to be kept on a shelf, and just moistened
+overhead in bright weather. There are healthy examples of it at Kew.
+Flowering season, May and June. Native country, Mexico. Introduced about
+1878.
+
+M. Zucchariniana (Zuccharini's).--Stem simple, globose, often attaining
+a height of 10 in. by about 7 in. in diameter. Tubercles dark green,
+conical, 1/3 in. long, ½ in. broad at base, naked at the point, but with
+four to six spines springing from the areole a little below the point;
+spines ash-coloured, stiff, black-tipped. Flowers in a ring about the
+top of the stem, length 1 in., the tube enveloped in long, black, twisted
+hairs; sepals brown-purple; petals narrow, sharp-pointed, purple-rose
+coloured; stamens white and yellow; stigma rose-coloured. Flowers in
+June and July. Native of Mexico. A large, handsome-stemmed kind, easily
+kept in health, and flowering freely if grown on a shelf in a cool
+greenhouse in winter, and placed in a warm, sunny position out of doors
+in summer. It produces seeds freely, and pretty plants, 3 in. or more in
+diameter, may be obtained in two years from seeds. By grafting it, when
+young, on the stem of a Cereus or cylindrical Opuntia, a healthy,
+drumstick-like plant is easily obtained.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE GENUS LEUCHTENBERGIA.
+
+(Named in honour of Prince Leuchtenberg.)
+
+
+Among the many instances of plant mimicry that occur in the Cactus
+order, the most remarkable is the plant here figured. Remove the flower
+from Leuchtenbergia, and very few people indeed would think of calling
+it a Cactus, but would probably consider it a short-leaved Yucca. In
+habit, in form, in leaf, and in texture, it more resembles a Yucca or an
+Agave than anything else, and when first introduced it was considered
+such by the Kew authorities until it flowered. The leaves, or rather
+tubercles, are sometimes longer and slenderer than in Fig. 74. The
+nearest approach to this plant is Mamillaria longimamma, in which the
+tubercles are 1 in. or more long, finger-shaped, and crowned with a few
+hair-like spines. But the Leuchtenbergia bears its flowers on the ends
+of the tubercles, and not from the axils, as in all others. This
+peculiarity leads one to infer that tubercles are modified branches, the
+spines representing the leaves. Some species of Mamillaria and
+Echinocactus develop young plants from the tops of their tubercles; and
+this also points to the probability that the latter are branches. In
+Leuchtenbergia, the tubercles fall away as the plant increases in
+height, leaving a bare, woody stem similar to that of a Yucca.
+
+Cultivation.--The Leuchtenbergia has always been difficult to keep in
+health. It thrives best when kept in a warm, sunny house during winter,
+and in an exposed, airy, warm position under a frame during summer. It
+may be watered regularly whilst growing--that is, from April to
+September--and kept quite dry all winter. The soil should be
+well-drained loam, and the roots should have plenty of room. A specimen
+may be seen in the Kew collection.
+
+Propagation.--This may be effected from seeds, or by removing the head
+from an old plant, putting the former in sand, and placing it under a
+bell-glass to root, watering it only about once a week till roots are
+formed. The old stem should be kept dry for about two months, and then
+watered and placed in a sunny, moist position, where it can be syringed
+once a day. A shelf in a stove is the best position for it. Here it will
+form young buds in the axils of the withered tubercles, and on the edges
+of the persistent parts of the tubercles themselves. They first appear
+in the form of tiny tufts of yellowish down, and gradually develop till
+the first leaf-like tubercle appears. When large enough, the buds may be
+removed and planted in small pots to root. If an old plant is dealt with
+in this way in April, a batch of young ones should be developed and
+rooted by October. Grafting does not appear to have ever been tried for
+this plant. When sick, the plant should be carefully washed, and all
+decayed parts cut away; it may then be planted in very sandy loam, and
+kept under a bell-glass till rooted.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 74. LEUCHTENBERGIA PRINCIPIS.]
+
+SPECIES.
+
+L. principis (noble); Fig. 74.--This, the only species known, was
+introduced from Mexico to Kew in 1847, and flowered the following year.
+The plant attains a height of 1 ft. or more, the stem being erect, stout,
+clothed with the persistent, scale-like bases of the old, fallen-away
+tubercles, the bases having dried up and tightened round the stem. The
+upper part is clothed with the curved, leaf-like tubercles, from 3 in. to
+6 in. long, grey-green in colour, succulent, with a tough skin,
+triangular, and gradually narrowed to a blunt point, upon which are half
+a dozen or more thin, flexuous, horny filaments, neither spines nor
+hairs in appearance, but almost hay-like; the central one is about 5 in.
+long, and the others about half that length. The flowers are borne on
+the ends of the young, partly-developed tubercles, near the centre of
+the head; they are erect, tubular, 3 in. to 4 in. long, scaly, gradually
+widening upwards; the sepals and petals are numerous, and form a
+beautiful flower of the ordinary Cactus type, quite 4 in. across, and of
+a rich, clear yellow colour. The anthers, which also are yellow, form a
+column in the centre, through which the nine-rayed stigma protrudes.
+Strong plants sometimes produce two flowers together.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE GENUS PELECYPHORA.
+
+(From pelekyphoros, hatchet-bearing; referring to the shape of the
+tubercles.)
+
+
+IKE Leuchtenbergia, this genus is monotypic, and it is also rare,
+difficult to cultivate, and exceptionally interesting in structure. It
+is closely related to the Mamillarias, as may be seen, by comparing the
+Figure here given with some of them; indeed, it was once known as M.
+asellifera, having been described under that name when first introduced,
+in 1843. From Mamillaria, however, it differs in the form of its
+tubercles, which are hatchet-shaped, and cleft at the apex, where each
+division is clothed with small, horny, overlapping scales, not unlike
+the back of a woodlouse--hence the specific name.
+
+Cultivation.--The Hatchet Cactus grows very slowly, specimens such as
+that represented in our Illustration being many years old. We have seen
+healthy plants, freshly imported, grow for a few months, and then
+suddenly die, the inside of the stem rotting whilst outside it looked
+perfectly healthy. It is always grown on its own roots, but probably it
+would thrive better if grafted on the stem of some dwarf Cereus or
+Echinocactus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 75. PELECYPHORA ASELLIFORMIS.]
+
+Propagation.--The propagation of Pelecyphora is easiest effected by
+means of seeds, which, however, are not always procurable. It is stated
+by Labouret, a French writer on Cactuses, that the first plants
+introduced arrived dead, but a few seeds were found in a withered fruit
+on one of the dead stems, and from these the first plants grown in
+Europe were raised. M. de Smet of Ghent, had a large stock of this
+Cactus a few years ago, and a German nurseryman, H. Hildmann, of
+Oranienberg, near Berlin, usually has many young plants of it for sale.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+P. aselliformis (woodlouse-like); Fig. 75.--The size, habit, and
+structure of this plant are so well represented in the Figure that
+little description is necessary. The stems are simple till they get
+about 3 in. high, when they develop offsets about the base, which may
+either be removed to form new plants, or allowed to remain and grow into
+a specimen like that in the Illustration. The flowers are large for the
+size of the plant, and they are developed freely in the apex of the
+stems in the early part of the summer. The tube is very short, naked,
+and completely hidden by the young mammae; sepals and petals in four
+series, the outer one pale purple, the inner of a deep purple colour;
+stamens very numerous, and the stigma has only four erect lobes. The
+plant was first described from examples cultivated in Berlin in 1843,
+but the flowers were not known till 1858. There are several varieties
+known, viz., P. a. concolor, which is distinguished by the whole of the
+flower being deep purple in colour; P. a. pectinata has larger scales
+(spine-tufts); and P. a. cristata is, as its name denotes a kind of
+cockscomb or crested form. They are all natives of Mexico.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE GENUS OPUNTIA.
+
+(The old Latin name used by Pliny, and said to have been derived from
+the city of Opus.)
+
+
+There are about 150 species of Opuntia known, all of them natives of the
+American continent and the West Indies, though a considerable number
+have become naturalised in many other parts of the world. They are, with
+very few exceptions, easily distinguished from all other Cactuses by the
+peculiar character of their stems and spines; they are also well marked
+in the structure of their flowers. They vary in size from small,
+trailing, many-branched plants, never exceeding 6 in. in height, to large
+shrubs 8 ft. to 30 ft. high. (Humboldt states that he saw "Opuntias and
+other Cactuses 30 ft. to 40 ft. high.") Generally the branches are nearly
+flat when young, and shaped like a racquet or battledore; but in some
+species the branches are round (i.e., in O. cylindrica, O. subulata, O.
+arborescens, &c.). All the kinds have fleshy stems, which ultimately
+become cylindrical and woody. At first they consist of fleshy joints,
+superposed upon one another, the joints varying considerably in size and
+shape. When young they bear small fleshy leaves along with the
+spine-tufts; but the former fall off at an early stage, whilst the
+spines are altered in length or number as the joints get old. In one or
+two kinds the spines fall away when the joints begin to harden, and in
+O. subulata the leaves are large and persistent.
+
+The nature of the spines of Opuntias is of a kind that is not likely to
+be forgotten by anyone coming into contact with them. Every spine, from
+the tiny bristles, hardly perceptible to the naked eye, to the stout,
+needle-like spears which are found on the branches of some kinds, is
+barbed, and they are so very sharp and penetrating that even a gentle
+touch is sufficient to make them pierce the skin. Once in they are very
+difficult to get out; the very fine ones can only be shaved level with
+the skin, and left to grow out, whilst the larger must be cut out if
+they have penetrated to any depth. This horrid character in Opuntias,
+whilst rendering them disagreeable to the gardener, has been turned to
+good account in many of our colonies, where they are commonly used as
+fences. A good hedge of such kinds as O. Tuna or O. horrida is
+absolutely impassable to both man and beast, and as the stems are too
+watery to be easily destroyed by fire, their usefulness in this way
+could not be surpassed. As all the Opuntias will grow in the very
+poorest of soils, and even on bare rocks, and as they grow very rapidly,
+they have been largely employed in Africa, Australia, and India for
+fences. It is reported that when an island in the West Indies was
+divided between the French and English, the boundary was marked by three
+rows of O. Tuna.
+
+The flowers of Opuntias are not, as a rule, particularly attractive. In
+many of the kinds they are large and well-formed, but the colours are
+tawny-yellow, greenish-white, or dull red. These plants cannot,
+therefore, be recommended for any floral beauty, although it is probable
+that the same flowers, on plants of less repulsive appearance than
+Opuntias are, as a rule, would be admired. There are a few exceptions to
+this in such species as O. Rafinesquii, O. missouriensis, and O.
+basilaris, which are compact and dwarf, and bear numerous large,
+brightly-coloured flowers. The fruits of Opuntias, or, at least, some of
+them, are edible, and to some palates they are very agreeable. We have
+tasted them, and consider they are mawkish and insipid--not much better
+than very poor gooseberries. Sir Joseph Hooker has compared them to
+Pumpkins. They are pear-shaped, with a thick, spine-covered rind,
+containing green, yellow, or red pulp, with small, hard seeds scattered
+through it.
+
+The fruit of Opuntia differs in character and structure from the
+ordinary kind of fruit, such as apples, pears, &c. It consists of a
+branch, or joint, modified in form, and bearing on its flattened apex a
+flower, with the ovary buried in a slight depression in the fleshy
+joint. After becoming fertilised, the ovary grows down into the joint,
+and, ultimately the whole joint is changed into a succulent, juicy,
+often coloured "fruit." That this is the case has been proved by
+planting the unripe "fruit" of Opuntias in pots of sandy soil, and
+treating them as cuttings, when they have developed buds at the apex and
+roots at the base, ultimately forming plants.
+
+The vitality in the branches of most of the species is very great, the
+smallest piece, as a rule, emitting roots and developing into a plant in
+a comparatively short time. The branches are soft, and easily broken, so
+that, in gathering the fruits, many pieces are broken off and cast
+aside; these soon grow into plants, and in a short time an extensive
+"colony" of Opuntias springs up where previously only one had been. The
+seeds, too, are a ready means of increase, being distributed by birds
+and other animals, which eat the fruits. In consequence of this free
+vegetative character, the Opuntias introduced into some of our colonies
+have become a pest almost as difficult to deal with as the rabbit
+scourge in Australia. In English gardens, however, there is no danger of
+Opuntias getting the upper hand. The adaptability of the majority of the
+kinds for cultivation under what may be termed adverse conditions for
+other plants, and the ease with which they may be propagated, render the
+management of a collection of these plants an easy matter. Amongst other
+Cactuses, Opuntias have a striking effect, and a selection of them
+should be grown in even the smallest collections. A few of them may be
+recommended specially as attractive plants for a sheltered, sunny
+rockery.
+
+Cultivation.--The cultural requirements of the Opuntias may more
+conveniently be referred to under the description of each kind.
+
+Propagation.--This entails no exceptional treatment; the numerous seeds
+contained in each fruit germinate freely if sown in sandy soil, and
+placed on a shelf in a warm house; and the smallest branches root
+quickly if planted in pots of open soil and kept in the Cactus-house.
+Large branches root just as freely as small ones. At Kew an enormous
+specimen, which had grown tall, and developed a thicket of branches too
+great for the house where it grew, was reduced most summarily by simply
+cutting off the head of branches and planting it in the ground where the
+original specimen had been. In a short time this "cutting" was well
+rooted, and made better growth than it had before the operation was
+performed.
+
+As stocks for grafting, many of the more robust kinds of Opuntia are
+well adapted, and very singular-looking specimens may be obtained by
+making the most of this fact. One of the crested or monstrous forms,
+when grafted on a flat-stemmed kind, presents the queerest of
+appearances, looking like a large green cockscomb growing out of the top
+of a bladdery kind of stem. Equally odd combinations may be made by
+grafting a flat-stemmed kind on one whose stem is cylindrical. As all
+the kinds unite with the greatest ease, a taste for oddities among
+plants may easily be gratified by making use of Opuntias in this way.
+The time most favourable for the operation is spring-say, the month of
+April. For full information on how to graft Cactuses, see Chapter IV.,
+on Propagation.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+O. arborescens (tree-like).--This species is known as the Walking-Stick
+or Elk-Horn Cactus, from its cylindrical, woody stems being made into
+very curious-looking walking-sticks (examples of which may be seen in
+the Museum at Kew), whilst the arrangement of the branches is suggestive
+of elk horns. Habit erect; joints cylindrical, branching freely, and
+forming trees from 8 ft. to 30 ft. high. Stems covered with oblong
+tubercles and tufts of long, needle-like spines, which give the plant a
+very ferocious aspect. Flowers on the ends of the young branches, 2 in.
+to 3 in. in diameter, bright purple in colour, developing in June. It is
+a native of Mexico, &c., and requires greenhouse or stove treatment. The
+skeletons of this species, as seen scattered over the desert places
+where it is wild, have a very singular and startling appearance. They
+stand in the form of trees, quite devoid of leaves, spines, or flesh,
+and, owing to the peculiar arrangement of the ligneous layers, nothing
+remains except a hollow cylinder, perforated with mesh-like holes,
+indicating the points where the tubercles and small branches had been.
+These skeletons are said to stand many years.
+
+O. arbuscula (small tree).--Another of the cylindrical kinds, with a
+solid, woody trunk, about 4 in. through, and clothed with smooth, green
+bark; it grows to a height of 7 ft. or 8 ft. Branches very numerous,
+slender, copiously jointed, the ultimate joints about 3 in. long and ½ in.
+thick; they are slightly tuberculated, and bear tufts of spines nearly
+1 in. long. Flowers 1½ in. in diameter, produced in June; petals few,
+greenish-yellow, tinged with red. It is a native of Mexico, and requires
+stove treatment. A pretty plant, or, rather, a very remarkable one, even
+when not in flower, the thin branches, with their hundreds of long,
+whitish spines, being singular. Unfortunately, it is not easily grown.
+
+O. arenaria (sand-loving).--Stems spreading, forming a tuft 3 ft.
+through and about 1 ft. high. Joints 1½ in. to 3 in. long, and a little
+less in width, terete, with very prominent tubercles and numerous tawny
+bristles; upper spines 1 in. to 1½ in. long, white, with a yellow point,
+shorter ones hair-like and curled. Flowers 2 in. in diameter, produced in
+May. Fruit 1 in. long, bearing a few short spines. Mexico. A
+strong-rooted plant, which should be grown in very loose, sandy soil. It
+would probably thrive best when planted out on a stage near the glass in
+a stove.
+
+O. Auberi (Auber's).--An erect-growing plant, 8 ft. or more high, not
+unlike O. Ficus-indica in the form of its joints, but with long spines
+springing from the cushions, whereas the latter has none. The joints are
+oblong-ovate, glaucous-green, the cushions few and scattered; spines
+white, flattened, of various lengths. Flowers tawny yellow, small for
+the size of the plant. A native of Cuba, and requiring stove treatment.
+Being very brittle, this plant should be supported with stakes.
+
+O. aurantiaca (orange).--A dwarf, cylindrical-stemmed kind, branching
+freely. Joints short, ¾ in. in diameter; cushions of reddish spines, one
+about 1 in. long, the others shorter; bases of spines enveloped in white
+wool. Flowers bright orange, 2 in. to 3 in. across. This species is a
+native of Chili, whence it was introduced in 1824. It should be grown in
+a warm greenhouse all winter, and placed in a sunny position outside
+during summer.
+
+O. basilaris (branching at the base); Fig. 76.--A dwarf, compact plant,
+of peculiar habit. Stem short, branching into a number of stout,
+obovate, often fan-shaped joints, which usually spring from a common
+base, and curve inwards, suggesting an open cabbage. Joints 5 in. to 8 in.
+long, about 1 in. thick, covered all over with dot-like cushions of very
+short, reddish spines, set in slight depressions or wrinkles. Flowers of
+a beautiful and rich purple colour, about 2½ in. in diameter, and
+produced in May. This distinct plant is a native of Mexico, and is of
+recent introduction. Plants of it may be seen in the Kew collection. It
+is apparently easily kept in health in an ordinary stove temperature
+along with other Cactuses. It varies in the form of its joints and in
+its manner of branching, but it seems never to develop the joints one on
+the top of the other, as do most Opuntias. This species is certain to
+become a favourite when it becomes better known.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 76. OPUNTIA BASILARIS.]
+
+O. Bigelovii (Bigelow's).--A cylinder-stemmed, tall-growing plant, with
+a stout, woody stem, bearing a dense head of branches. Joints 2 in. to
+6 in. long, 1 in. to 2 in. in diameter, light green, covered with small
+tubercles and little spine-cushions, with larger spines 1 in. long. When
+wild, the young joints are often shaken off by the wind, and cover the
+soil around, where they take root or stick to the clothes of the
+passers-by like burrs. Flowers not known. A native of Mexico, where it
+forms a tree 12 ft. high; it requires stove treatment. The skeleton of
+the trunk is a hollow cylinder, perforated with numerous holes, which
+occur in a regular spiral. The appearance of a full-grown specimen is
+very striking, the oval joints, thickly covered with long, needle-like
+spines, hanging in clusters, more suggestive of spiny fruit than
+branches.
+
+O. boliviana (Bolivian); Fig. 77.--Stems 1 ft. high, erect, branching,
+and composed of roundish, pale green joints, with small, round
+tubercles, and long, white, flexible spines, sometimes as much as 4 in.
+in length; cushions about 1 in. apart. Flowers 1½ in. across, yellowish.
+This is a fat, gouty-looking plant, from Bolivia, requiring stove
+treatment. It often assumes a yellow hue on the older joints, even when
+in good health.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 77. OPUNTIA BOLIVIANA.]
+
+O. brachyarthra (short-jointed); Fig. 78.--A dwarf-growing,
+singular-looking plant, with short, tumid joints from 1 in. to 2 in. long
+and wide, and nearly the same in thickness. The shortness of the joints,
+together with their growing on the top of each other, has been not
+inaptly compared to a jointed finger. Cushions very close together,
+composed of short, white and yellowish bristles, and stout, terete
+spines, 1 in. or more long, set on little tubercles. Flowers 1 in. in
+diameter, with about five sepals, eight or nine petals, and a five-rayed
+stigma; they are borne on the apices of the topmost joints. This species
+is worth growing on account of its peculiar stems and the length of its
+white spines. It is a native of New Mexico, and has been recently
+introduced to Kew, where it is cultivated among the hardy kinds, and
+also in the greenhouse.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 78. OPUNTIA BRACHYARTHRA.]
+
+O. braziliensis (Brazilian).--The peculiar habit and mode of growth at
+once distinguish this species. It rises with a perfectly straight,
+erect, slender, but firm and stiff, round stem, to a height of from
+10 ft. to 30 ft., tapering from the base upwards, and furnished all the
+way up with short, horizontal branches, spreading about 3 ft. all round,
+like an immense candelabrum. Spines long, subulate, very sharp,
+ash-coloured, in clusters. Joints broadly oblong, margins wavy; they
+resemble leaves, or the thin, leaf-like joints of a Phyllocactus, with
+the addition of long, whitish spines on both sides. Flowers 1½ in. in
+diameter, lemon-yellow, very freely produced on the younger joints
+during May and June. Fruit as large as a walnut, spiny, yellow when
+ripe. This species is a native of Brazil, whence it was introduced in
+1816. It may be recommended for large, airy houses, as it grows freely,
+and forms a striking object when arranged with foliage and flowering
+plants of the ordinary kind. Its fruits are edible.
+
+O. candelabriformis (candelabrum-shaped).--Stems erect, 5 ft. to 8 ft.
+high; joints flat, almost circular, about 6 in. in diameter,
+glaucous-green, densely clothed with numerous cushions of white,
+bristle-like spines, a few in each cushion being long and thread-like.
+Flowers not known on cultivated plants. This sturdy species is a native
+of Mexico, and succeeds well if planted on a little rockery or raised
+mound in a warm house, where, properly treated, it branches freely, and
+forms a dense mass of circular joints. It is one of the most useful of
+the larger Opuntias for cultivation in large houses.
+
+O. clavata (club-shaped).--Stem short; joints club-shaped, 2 in. long
+and 1 in. wide, narrowed almost to a point at both ends. Cushions ¼ in.
+apart, composed of numerous spines, varying from short and bristle-like
+to 1 in. in length, stout, flattened, and spear-like. Leaves ¼ in. long.
+Flowers yellow, 1½ in. across. Fruit 1½ in. long, lemon-yellow when ripe,
+and covered with stellate clusters of white, bristle-like spines. New
+Mexico, 1854. A stove species, remarkable for the strength and form of
+its central spines, which are spear or dagger-shaped.
+
+O. cochinellifera (cochineal-bearing); Bot. Mag. 2742.--An
+erect-growing plant, attaining a height of 9 ft. or more, and branching
+freely, the older parts of the stem and branches being woody and
+cylindrical; young joints flat, oblong-ovate, varying in length from
+4 in. to 1 ft., deep green, rather soft and watery, spineless, the
+cushions distant, and sometimes bearing a few very short bristles.
+Flowers at the extremities of the branches, 1½ in. long, composed of
+numerous imbricating, scale-like petals, curving inwards, and coloured
+crimson. Fruit flat-topped, 2 in. long, red; pulp reddish; seeds black.
+It is a native of tropical South America, whence it was introduced in
+1688. It requires stove treatment, and blossoms in August. This is one
+of the most useful of the genus, on account of its being the kind
+chiefly employed in the cultivation of cochineal. It is one of the
+easiest to manage, requiring only a rather dry atmosphere, plenty of
+light, and a temperature not lower than 50 degs. in winter. Syn. Nopalea
+cochinellifera.
+
+O. corrugata (wrinkled).--Stem not more than 2 ft. high; joints
+cylindrical, wrinkled all over, about 2 in. long, covered with cushions
+of white hair or bristle-like spines. Flowers 1½ in. across,
+reddish-yellow, produced in August. A native of Chili, whence it was
+introduced in 1824. It may be grown in an ordinary greenhouse, on a
+shelf near the glass, and exposed to full sunshine.
+
+O. curassavica (Curassoa); Pin-pillow.--Branches spreading; joints
+cylindrical or club-shaped, dark green, bearing numerous cushions of
+woolly bristles, and long, white, very sharp-pointed spines. Flowers
+3 in. across, greenish-yellow, borne on the young joints in June.
+Introduced from Curassoa in 1690. A free-growing plant under favourable
+conditions, and one requiring stove treatment. It has been cultivated in
+gardens almost as long as any species of Cactus. There are several
+varieties of it known, differing from the type in habit, length of
+spine, or shade of colour in the flower.
+
+O. cylindrica (cylindrical).--Stem and joints cylindrical, the latter
+covered with spindle-shaped tubercles, each one crowned with a tuft of
+fine, hair-like, whitish spines, one or two in each tuft being stiff,
+and sharp as needles. The leaves are fleshy, cylindrical, 1 in. or more
+long, and they remain on the joints longer than is usual in Opuntias.
+Flowers crowded on the ends of the branches, each 1 in. in diameter,
+scarlet; they are developed in June. This plant is said to grow to a
+height of 6 ft. or more in its native habitat, but under cultivation it
+is rarely seen more than 3 ft. high; it was introduced in 1799. It is
+handsome and distinct enough to be worth growing. It requires stove or
+greenhouse treatment, but rarely flowers under cultivation.
+
+O. c. cristata (crested).--A dwarf, cockscomb-like variety, with the
+leaves and white hairs growing all along the wrinkled top of the comb.
+It is a very singular example of a "monster" Cactus. It requires stove
+treatment.
+
+O. Davisii (Davis'); Bot. Mag. 6652.--Stems somewhat horizontal, not
+exceeding 1½ ft. in height; joints 4 in. to 6 in. in length, and about ½
+in. in thickness; wood dense, and hard when old; tubercles not prominent,
+bearing cushions of very slender bristles, forming a kind of brush, from
+amongst which the spines spring. The longest spines are 1½ in., and they
+are covered with a loose, glistening sheath. Flowers 2 in. in diameter,
+greenish-brown. The plant is a native of New Mexico, and was introduced
+in 1883. It forms a compact, shrubby little plant if grown in an
+intermediate house during winter, and placed in the open in full
+sunshine during summer. It was flowered for the first time in England in
+1883, and although not what we should call an attractive plant, in
+America it is described as being "a well-marked and pretty species." It
+is named after Jefferson Davis, the American statesman.
+
+O. decumana (great-oblong). This is the largest-growing species in
+cultivation. At Kew it is represented by a plant 12 ft. high (it would
+grow still taller if the house were higher). It has a hard, woody,
+brown-barked stem, bearing an enormous head of very large, elliptical,
+flat joints, 12 in. to 20 in. long, and about 1 ft. broad, smooth,
+grey-green, with a few scattered cushions of very tiny bristles, and
+sometimes, though rarely, a spine or two. Flowers large,
+orange-coloured, produced in summer. Fruit oval, 4 in. long, spiny,
+brownish-red, very watery when ripe; flesh red, sweet. A native of
+Brazil, and requiring stove treatment. This is said to be what is known
+in Malta as the Indian Fig. The plant is chiefly interesting here on
+account of the extraordinary size of the joints.
+
+O. diademata (diademed).--A small, remarkable, and extremely rare
+little species, with a short, erect stem, composed of globose,
+superposed joints, grey-green in colour, and very succulent. The topmost
+joint is pear-shaped, with a tuft of whitish hair and spines on the
+apex, out of which the new growth pushes. Cushions large, about 1 in.
+apart, furnished with a tuft of short, grey hairs and short spines, with
+a large one at the base. The character of this large spine is
+exceptional, being broad, flat, cartilaginous, whitish, and curving
+downwards. On healthy large examples these spines are 2 in. long, and
+nearly ¼ in. wide at the base. Flowers and fruit not known. Native of
+Mendoza (La Plata). This little plant requires to be cultivated in a
+warm greenhouse or stove, but it grows very slowly. It is certainly a
+most interesting Cactus; examples of it may be seen at Kew, where there
+is a plant which, although over ten years old, is only 4 in. high. Syns.
+O. platyacantha and Cereus syringacanthus.
+
+O. Dillenii (Dillenius'); Fig. 79.--An erect-growing, robust species,
+attaining a height of 15 ft., with flattened, ovate joints, about 5 in.
+long by 3 in. broad. Cushions composed of short, white, hair-like
+bristles, and numerous long, stout, yellow spines. Flowers yellow,
+tinged with red, 4 in. in diameter, freely produced on the ends of the
+youngest joints all summer. Fruits similar to those of O. Ficus-indica.
+A native of the West Indies, now naturalised in all warmer parts of the
+world. In India it is so plentiful and widespread that Roxburgh, an
+Indian botanist, said it was a native. In India, its fruits are eaten by
+the poor natives, and it is often planted as a hedge. It is also a great
+pest in the open lands of that country, and large sums are annually
+expended in cutting it down and burying it. This species, which requires
+warm greenhouse treatment, is also employed in the cultivation of
+cochineal.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 79. OPUNTIA DILLENII.]
+
+O. echinocarpa (spiny-fruited).--A low, straggling shrub, not exceeding
+1½ ft. in height. Joints cylindrical, from 1 in. to 3 in. long, less than
+1 in. thick. Cushions of rather coarse bristles and numerous spines, from
+½ in. to 1 in. in length. Flowers 2 in. in diameter, yellow, produced in
+summer. Fruit short, depressed, almost saucer-shaped, and bearing spines
+nearly 1 in. long. A native of Colorado, &c. It requires stove treatment.
+The variety major has stems 4 ft. high, joints 8 in. to 10 in. long, and
+long, sheathed spines. This species is closely related to O. Bigelovii
+and O. Davisii.
+
+O. Emoryi (Emory's).--A prostrate, spreading plant, less than 1½ ft.
+high. Joints cylindrical, curved, 4 in. long, 1½ in. thick. Tubercles very
+prominent, longitudinally attached to the stem, the apices crowned with
+pea-shaped cushions of short bristles, and numerous radiating spines,
+some of which are fully 2 in. long, very strong and needle-like. Flowers
+2½ in. in diameter, sulphur-yellow, tinged with purple, produced in
+August and September. Fruit 2½ in. long and 1 in. thick, covered with
+cushions of bristles and spines. A native of Mexico, on dry, sandy
+soils, where its prostrate stems, clothed with powerful spines, form a
+hiding-place for the small animals, snakes, &c. Stove or warm greenhouse
+treatment is best for this species.
+
+O. Engelmanni (Engelmann's).--A stout, coarse-looking plant, 6 ft. high,
+with woody stems and large, flat, green joints, 1 ft. long and 9 in. in
+diameter. Cushions 1½ in. apart, composed of coarse bristles, and one or
+two spines over 1 in. long, and pointing downwards. Flowers 3 in. in
+diameter, yellow, produced in May and June. Fruit nearly round, 2 in.
+long, purplish both in rind and pulp, the latter rather nauseous to the
+taste. Mexico. This is a greenhouse plant which grows freely and flowers
+annually under cultivation. It is very similar to O. monacantha, a much
+better known species. According to American botanists, it is probably
+the most widely spread of the whole Cactus tribe.
+
+O. Ficus-indica (Indian Fig); Fig. 80.--Branches erect, 8 ft. to 12 ft.
+high; joints flat, oval or obovate, about 1 ft. long by 3 in. in width,
+and 1 in. in thickness. Stems hard and woody with age. Cushions 1½ in.
+apart, composed of short, yellowish bristles, and very rarely one spine.
+Flowers 3 in. to 4 in. across, sulphur-yellow, produced all through the
+summer. Fruit 3 in. to 4 in. long, pear-shaped, covered with tufts of
+bristles, white, yellow, or red when ripe. It is a native of Central
+America, whence it was introduced about 300 years ago. It is now widely
+spread, in tropical and temperate regions all over the world. In many
+parts it is cultivated for the sake of its fruits, which in some of our
+colonies are used for dessert. In England it must be protected from damp
+and cold; it is, therefore, best cultivated in a sunny greenhouse during
+winter, and placed outside in a position exposed to full sunshine all
+summer. Tenore, an Italian botanist, named this species O. vulgaris, and
+this mistake has led others to consider the North American O. vulgaris
+(true) and O. Ficus-indica as one and the same species.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 80. FRUITING BRANCH OF OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA.]
+
+O. filipendula (hanging filaments); Fig. 81.--Stems prostrate, about
+1 ft. high, spreading; joints flat, round or oval, about 3 in. long, often
+less, milky-green in colour. Cushions ½ in. apart, composed of a little
+tuft of white woolly hair, a cluster of erect, rather long bristles,
+like a small shaving-brush, and all pointing upwards; spines usually
+only one in each cushion, and this is slender, deflexed, white, and from
+1 in. to 2 in. long. Sometimes the joints are wholly spineless. Flowers
+2½ in. in diameter, purplish, very handsome, produced in May and June.
+Fruit not known. The roots of this species bear tubers often 1 in. in
+thickness, and several inches in length, and these tubers will grow into
+plants if severed and planted. It requires stove treatment. Native
+country, Mexico.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 81. OPUNTIA FILIPENDULA.]
+
+O. frutescens (shrubby).--A thin-stemmed, copiously-branched species.
+Joints almost continuous, like ordinary branches, from 2 in. to 6 in.
+long, the thickest not exceeding ¼ in. Cushions on raised points or
+tubercles, each consisting of a small tuft of hair, inclosed in a row of
+bristles, and one long, central spine, often exceeding 2 in. in length.
+When young, the spines are inclosed in a thin, bony sheath. Flowers
+scattered along the younger branches, 1 in. across, greenish-yellow,
+borne in June. Fruit 1 in. long, pear-shaped, smooth, scarlet, with tufts
+of bristles all over it, and a depression in the apex. Mexico. This
+forms an interesting pot-plant when properly cultivated. It should be
+grown in a warm greenhouse.
+
+O. Grahami (Graham's).--This is one of several species of Opuntia which
+are remarkable in having thick, fleshy roots, not unlike those of the
+Dahlia. The joints are 2 in. long and 1 in. in diameter, cylindrical, with
+adpressed tubercles, ½ in. or more long, each tubercle bearing a tuft of
+long, straight, radiating spines. Flowers 2 in. across, yellow, borne on
+the ends of the ripened joints in June. Fruits 1½ in. long and ¾ in. wide,
+covered with stellate clusters of short, bristle-like spines. This plant
+is a native of Mexico, and is a recent introduction. From the nature of
+its roots, which are no doubt intended to serve as reservoirs for times
+of extreme drought, it should be grown in well-drained, sandy soil, and
+kept quite dry all winter. It requires stove treatment.
+
+O. horrida (horrid).--An erect, stout-stemmed plant, with flattened,
+green joints, about 5 in. long by 3 in. wide. Cushions 1 in. apart,
+composed of short, reddish bristles, and long, tawny red spines, about
+eight in each cushion, and of a peculiarly ferocious appearance--hence
+the specific name. The stoutest spines are 3 in. long, and are sharp and
+strong as needles. This species (which is probably a native of Mexico)
+is deserving of a place in collections of Cactuses because of the
+character of its spines. Probably it is only a variety of O. Tuna. It
+requires warm-house treatment.
+
+O. hystricina (porcupine-like).--This beautiful species was discovered
+in the San Francisco Mountains mixed with O. missouriensis, to which it
+is nearly allied. It is spreading in habit, the joints 3 in. to 4 in. long
+and broad; cushions ½ in. apart, rather large, with numerous spines,
+varying in length from ½ in. to 4 in., and short, yellowish bristles.
+Flowers large, yellow. Fruit 1 in., long, spiny. This plant is not known
+in English collections, but it is described by American botanists as
+being attractive and a free grower. As it is found along with O.
+missouriensis, it ought to prove hardy in England.
+
+O. leptocaulis (slender-stemmed).--This little Mexican species is
+chiefly remarkable for its fragile, numerous, twig-like joints, thickly
+dotted with tubercles and numerous spirally-arranged cushions of reddish
+bristles, with long, grey spines. It does not flower under cultivation.
+Requires stove treatment.
+
+O. leucotricha (white-haired).--An erect-stemmed kind, with flattened
+joints, ovate or oblong in shape, and bearing numerous cushions, ½ in.
+apart, of short bristles, with a large, central spine, and a few others
+rather shorter. When young these spines are rigid and needle-like; but
+as they get older they increase in length, and become soft, and curled
+like stiff, white hair. Young plants are noticeable for their small,
+subulate leaves of a bright red colour, whilst old examples are almost
+as interesting as the Old Man Cactus (Pilocereus senilis), the long,
+white, hair-like spines of the Opuntia hanging from the older joints in
+much the same manner as they do from the upper part of the stem of the
+Pilocereus. Flowers yellow, produced in June. This species is a native
+of Mexico, and requires stove treatment. Seeds of this, and, indeed, of
+a large proportion of the cultivated Opuntias, may be procured from
+seedsmen, and as they germinate quickly, and soon produce handsome
+little plants, a collection of Opuntias is thus very easily obtained.
+
+O. macrocentra (large-spurred).--A flat-jointed species, growing to a
+height of 3 ft.; the joints large, almost circular, thinly compressed,
+and usually purplish in colour. Cushions about 1 in. apart, with spines
+often 3 in. long, of a greyish colour, and generally pointing downwards.
+Flowers 3 in. across, bright yellow; they are developed in May and June,
+on the upper edges of the youngest joints. This plant is a native of
+Mexico; it is at present rare, but the unusual colour of the joints, its
+compact, freely-branched habit, the extraordinary length of its spines,
+and the size of its flowers, ought to win for it many admirers. It is
+easily grown if kept in an intermediate house. Plants of it may be seen
+in the Kew collection.
+
+O. macrorhiza (large-rooted); Figs. 82, 83.--In this Texan species we
+have a combination of the principal characters for which the genus
+Opuntia is remarkable: The thick, fleshy roots, which are a supposed
+source of food, and which look like potatoes; the cylinder-shaped older
+stems, and the flattened, battledore-like joints; the tufts of bristles
+on the stems, and deciduous, longer spines on the joints; the large,
+beautiful, yellow flowers; and the small leaves on the newly-formed
+joints. In habit and flowers this kind resembles O. Rafinesquii; and if
+not quite hardy in England, it is nevertheless sufficiently so to thrive
+in any sunny position where it would be protected from frost and
+excessive wet. The accompanying illustrations represent the characters
+of this species so well that further description is not needed. The
+flowers are developed in early summer.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 82. FLOWERING BRANCHES OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA.]
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 83. ROOTS OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA.]
+
+O. microdasys (small, thick).--This is a handsome little Mexican plant.
+Its flattened joints, which are nearly circular in outline, are thickly
+covered with little cushions of bright orange-yellow bristles, the
+cushions being so close together that the short bristles almost hide the
+green joints from view. The stems are semi-decumbent, and they branch
+somewhat freely. Flowers not seen. It thrives in a warm greenhouse
+temperature. The best examples of this pretty Opuntia are grafted on a
+robust-growing kind, the stock being about 1 ft. long, and the scion
+forming a compact head of pretty, healthy-looking joints. Treated in
+this way, this species is most interesting and attractive. It may also
+be grown on its own roots. There is a variety of it, named rufida, in
+which the bristles are reddish-brown.
+
+O. missouriensis (Missouri).--A stout, prostrate kind, forming large,
+spreading masses under favourable conditions. Joints broad, flattened,
+obovate, about 4 in. long by 2 in. wide, light green; spine-cushions less
+than 1 in. apart, and composed of numerous small, white spines, with from
+one to four longer ones; these latter fall away when the joints get old.
+Leaves very short, with a little wool about their bases. Flowers 3 in. in
+diameter, appearing from May onwards; petals yellow, dashed with rose,
+sometimes wholly rose-coloured or brick-red. Stamens deep red; pistil
+yellow, with a conical stigma. Fruit nearly round, spiny, about 2 in.
+long. A native of Wisconsin, and westward to the San Francisco
+Mountains; introduced in 1814. This species is as hardy as O.
+Rafinesquii, and thrives under similar treatment. It has stood 22 degs.
+of frost without suffering, requiring only protection from rain in
+winter. In North America it forms large, spreading masses on gravelly
+hillsides, and is much dreaded by travellers, and especially by horses;
+there it is usually covered with snow from Christmas to the following
+May.
+
+O. monacantha (one-spined).--A tall, robust plant, not unlike O.
+Dillenii in general habit. It has flat, large joints, oblong or ovate in
+outline, rather thinly compressed, and bearing grey cushions over 1 in.
+apart, with a solitary spine, 1½ in. long, springing from the centre of
+each cushion, and pointing downwards. Flowers sulphur-yellow, 2½ in.
+across, borne on the last-ripened joints in May, and abundant on
+well-grown plants. Fruits ovate, 2 in. long, green, with tufts of short,
+brown bristles; pulp edible. The species is a native of Brazil, but is
+now common in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. It is a
+free-growing kind, soon forming a large specimen if planted in a bed of
+old brick-rubble, or other light, well-drained soil, and kept in warm
+greenhouse temperature.
+
+O. nigricans (blackish); Bot. Mag. 1557.--Stem stout, erect, becoming
+hard and woody when old. Joints flat, oval in outline, 5 in. to 8 in. long.
+Cushions 1½ in. apart, composed of short reddish-brown bristles and two
+or three long stout spines, which are yellow when young, but almost
+black when ripe. Flowers produced on the young, ripened joints,
+orange-red, about 3 in. across and developed in August and September.
+Fruit pear-shaped, rich crimson when ripe. Introduced from Brazil in
+1795. This well-marked species thrives in a warm greenhouse. It branches
+freely, and has a healthy aspect at all times. It is represented at Kew
+by very large specimens; one of them, which was recently cut down, had a
+stem 12 ft. high and an enormous head of dark, green joints. Its head was
+planted as a cutting.
+
+O. occidentalis (Western).--Stem stout, woody, with innumerable
+branches, wide-spreading, often bent to the ground. Joints 9 in. to 12 in.
+long by about 6 in. broad, flattened, as many as 100 on one plant.
+Cushions nearly 2 in. apart, with small, closely-set bristles and
+straight spines from ½ in. to l½ in. long. Flowers produced in June on the
+ripened joints, nearly 4 in. in diameter, orange-yellow. Fruit 2 in. long,
+"very juicy, but of a sour and disagreeable taste." This is an
+exceptionally fine plant when allowed sufficient space to develop its
+enormous branches and joints; it is a native of the Western slopes of
+the Californian mountains. It should be planted in a bed of rough, stony
+soil, in a dry greenhouse. Possibly it is hardy, but it does not appear
+to have been grown out of doors in England.
+
+O. Parmentieri (Parmentier's).--Stem erect. Joints cylindrical, "like
+little cucumbers." Cushions about 1 in. apart, arranged in spiral rows,
+and composed of short, reddish bristles, with two or three
+straw-coloured spines, 1 in. long. Flowers reddish, small. The plant is a
+native of Paraguay, and is rarely heard of in cultivation. It requires
+stove treatment.
+
+O. Parryi (Parry's).--Stem short. Joints club-shaped, 4 in. to 6 in.
+long, very spiny, the cushions elevated on ridge-like tubercles.
+Bristles few, coarse, and long. Spines very numerous, varying in length
+from ¼ in. to 1½ in.; central one in each cushion much the broadest, and
+flattened like a knife-blade, the others being more or less triangular.
+Flowers yellowish-green, on the terminal joints, which are clothed with
+star-shaped clusters of bristle-like spines, the flowers springing from
+the apex of the joint, and measuring 1½ in. across. A native of Mexico,
+where it grows on gravelly plains. This distinct plant is in cultivation
+at Kew, in a warm greenhouse, but it has not yet flowered.
+
+O. Rafinesquii (Rafinesque's); Fig. 84.--A low, prostrate, spreading
+plant, seldom exceeding 1 ft. in height, the main branches keeping along
+the ground, the younger ones being erect. The latter are composed of
+flat, obovate joints, 4 in. to 5 in. long by 3 in. in width, fresh green in
+colour; spines very few, mostly only on the upper edge of the last-made
+joints, single, or sometimes two or three from each spine-cushion, 1 in.
+long, straight, whitish, soon falling off; cushion composed of very fine
+reddish bristles and whitish wool; leaves very small, falling early. The
+branches become cylindrical and woody with age. Flowers 2 in. to 4 in. in
+diameter, bright sulphur-yellow, with a reddish tint in the centre; in
+form they are like a shallow cup, the numerous stamens occupying the
+middle. They are produced in great abundance on the margins of the
+youngest joints, as many as fifty open flowers having been counted on a
+single specimen at one time. Fruit pear-shaped, 1½ in. to 2 in. long,
+naked, edible, somewhat acid and sweetish. The flowering season is from
+July to September; the native country, Wisconsin to Kentucky, and
+westward to Arkansas and Missouri. This species, introduced about twenty
+years ago, has only recently been brought prominently before English
+gardeners. It is a very ornamental and interesting plant for outdoor
+cultivation, and when once established gives no trouble. For the first
+year or two after planting it requires watching, as, until the basal
+joints harden and become woody, they are liable to rot in wet weather. A
+large-flowered form, known as grandiflora, is cultivated in American
+gardens.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 84. OPUNTIA RAFINESQUII.]
+
+O. rosea (rose-coloured); Fig. 85.--Stem erect, branching freely.
+Joints varying in length from 2 in. to 6 in., not flattened, with
+ridge-like tubercles, bearing on their points small cushions of very
+fine bristles and tufts of pale yellowish spines about ½ in. long, and
+all pointing upwards. Flowers on the ends of the ripened growths of the
+year, usually clustered, 2 in. across, bright rose-coloured; they are
+developed in June. A rare species from Brazil, and one which, as the
+illustration shows, is both distinct and handsome enough to be classed
+amongst the most select. It requires a stove temperature.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 85. OPUNTIA ROSEA.]
+
+O. Salmiana (Prince Salm-Dyck's).--Stem erect, branching freely, the
+branches at right angles to the stem. Joints from 1 in. to 6 in. long,
+cylindrical, smooth, ½ in. in diameter, clothed with small cushions of
+soft, short bristles, and one or two longish spines. Flowers produced in
+September, 2 in. across, yellow, streaked with red, of short duration.
+Fruit egg-shaped, 1 in. long, crimson. This species is a native of
+Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1850. It requires to be grown in an
+intermediate house. It is a charming little Cactus, and quite
+exceptional among Opuntias in the colour and abundance of its flowers,
+and in the rich colour of its numerous fruits, which usually remain on
+the plant several months. The plant, too, has the merit of keeping dwarf
+and compact. The small joints separate very easily from the branches,
+and every one of them will root and grow into a plant. There is
+something very remarkable in the development of the fruits of this kind.
+A small branch, or joint, grows to its full length, and a flower-bud
+appears in the apex. If examined at this stage, it will be seen that the
+ovary occupies only a very shallow cavity in the top of the branch.
+After flowering, this ovary grows into the branch, and ultimately the
+whole branch is transformed into a pulpy fruit, with the seeds scattered
+all through the pulp. This peculiarity is well shown in O. salmiana, and
+the development of the fruit can be very easily watched. Many of the
+small branches do not flower, although they change to a red colour like
+the fruits.
+
+O. spinosissima (very spiny).--Stem erect, woody. Joints very flat and
+thin, deep green, ovate or rotund, from 6 in. to 1 ft. long. Cushions 1 in.
+apart. Bristles very short. Spines in clusters of about five, the
+longest 2 in. in length, brownish-yellow. Flowers reddish-orange, small,
+usually only 2 in. across, produced in June. A native of South America;
+naturalised in many parts of the Old World. The stem becomes cylindrical
+with age, and sometimes is devoid of branches for about 5 ft. from the
+ground. The plant requires stove treatment. Probably this kind is only a
+form of O. Tuna.
+
+O. subulata (awl-shaped).--Stem erect, cylindrical, even below,
+channelled and tubercled above, about 2 in. in diameter. Joints long and
+branch-like, with tufts of short, white hair on the apices of the
+tubercles, and one or two white, needle-like spines from ½ in. to 1 in.
+long. At the base of each tuft, from the apex to 1 ft. or more down the
+younger branches, there is a fleshy, green, awl-shaped leaf, from 2 in.
+to 5 in. long. Ultimately the leaves and spines fall away, the tubercles
+are levelled down, and the mature stem is regular and cylindrical, with
+tufts of white setae scattered over it. Flowers small, produced in
+spring; sepals 2 in. long, green, deciduous; petals small, dull purple,
+usually about eight in each flower. Fruit pear-shaped, 4 in. long; seeds
+very large, nearly ½ in. long and wide. This handsome South American
+species was the subject of an interesting communication to the
+Gardeners' Chronicle, in 1884, from Dr. Engelmann. It had previously
+been known as a Pereskia from the fact of its leaves being persistent
+and very large. In its leaves, flowers, and seeds, O. subulata is one of
+the most interesting of the genus. It is easily grown in a warm
+greenhouse, and deserves a place in all collections of Cactuses.
+
+O. Tuna (native name); Fig. 86.--An erect-stemmed, flat-jointed,
+robust-growing species. Joints ovate, 4 in. to 9 in. long, with cushions
+1 in. apart, composed of short, fulvous bristles, and several long,
+needle-shaped, unequal, yellowish spines. Flowers borne on the upper
+edges of the last-ripened joints, 3 in. across, reddish-orange, produced
+in July. Fruit rich carmine, about 3 in. long, pear-shaped. The plant is
+a native of the West Indies, &c., and was introduced in 1731. It has
+already been stated, under O. spinosissima, that there is a close
+similarity between that species and O. Tuna. We suspect, also, that O.
+nigricans is another near relation of these two. They are much alike in
+all characters, and they require the same treatment. O. Tuna has been
+seen as much as 20 ft. in height.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 86. OPUNTIA TUNA.]
+
+O. tunicata (coated-spined).--Stem sub-erect, cylindrical. Joints
+club-shaped, variable in length, about 2 in. in diameter. When young the
+surface is broken up into numerous oblong tubercles, each bearing a
+small cushion of whitish, short hairs, and about half a dozen white
+spines, unequal in length, the longest stout, and inclosed in a hard
+sheath, which becomes broken and ragged when old. Flowers not known. A
+native of Mexico, and introduced in 1840. It requires stove treatment.
+
+O. vulgaris (common); Bot. Mag. 2393.--A low, prostrate, spreading
+plant. Joints short, oval, flattened, thicker than in O. missouriensis,
+3 in. long by about 2 in. broad. Spine-cushions ¾ in. apart; tufts very
+small, with, occasionally, a long spine. Leaves fleshy, very small.
+Flowers 2 in. across, pale sulphur-yellow. Fruits nearly smooth, 1½ in.
+long, brown when ripe, with a strong disagreeable odour. The flowers are
+produced freely in June. The plant grows wild in Mexico, and extends up
+to New York, usually near the coast. It is now common in many parts of
+Europe, where it has become naturalised. In Madeira it has taken
+possession of all waste land, and is perfectly at home there. In England
+it was cultivated by Gerard nearly 300 years ago. It grows rapidly if
+planted in stony soil, in a position exposed to full sunshine, where it
+will creep along the ground, and root all along its stems, which rarely
+get elevated more than 6 in. from the ground. This species and O.
+Ficus-indica are confused by some authors, owing, no doubt, to the name
+O. vulgaris having been given by a botanist to the latter, which is a
+much larger and very different-looking plant. O. vulgaris is capable of
+withstanding our winters out of doors.
+
+O. Whipplei (Captain Whipple's).--Stem usually prostrate, with slender,
+elongated branches, which are cylindrical when old, broken up into short
+joints when young. Joints varying in length from 2 in. to 1 ft., less than
+1 in. in diameter. Cushions small, round. Spines white, variable in
+number, and arranged in tufts on the ends of the tubercles, one being
+1 in. long, the others shorter. Flowers nearly 2 in. in diameter, red,
+borne in a cluster on the ends of the last-ripened joints in June. Fruit
+1 in. long, with a cavity in the top. A compact, Mexican species, with
+crowded branches, and very free-flowering. It requires stove treatment.
+O. Whipplei is related to O. arborescens, from which, however, it is
+easily distinguished by the latter having a stout central spine and
+numerous radiating ones.
+
+Of the 150 species of Opuntia known, about one-third have been selected
+for description here, and amongst these will be found all the
+best-marked kinds in the genus, and most of those of which we have any
+knowledge. Botanists find good specific characters in the size and
+structure of the seeds, in the character of the fruits, &c.; but for
+horticultural purposes these are of little or no value.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE GENUS PERESKIA.
+
+(Named in honour of Nicholas F. Peresk, a botanist of Provence.)
+
+
+The thirteen species included in the genus Pereskia differ so markedly
+from all other kinds of Cactus, that at first sight one can scarcely
+believe they are true Cactuses, closely related to Cereus and
+Epiphyllum. They have erect or trailing stems and branches, and usually
+form dense, large bushes; the branches are woody and thin, and bear
+large, laurel-like leaves, which remain on the plants several years--so
+that they may be termed evergreen. They have, however, the
+spine-cushions, the tufts of woolly hair and stout spines, and the
+floral characters which distinguish Cactuses from other plants; they are
+also succulent, the leaves and young branches being soft and fleshy.
+They appear to have the same peculiar provision for enabling them to
+bear long periods of drought without suffering that characterises the
+more familiar forms of Cactuses. The development of the spines in this
+genus is different from what takes place in all other spiny plants of
+this order. In the latter the spines are stoutest and most numerous on
+the younger parts of the plant, the older or woody parts being either
+spineless, through having cast them, or much less spiny than when they
+were younger. Thus, in Opuntia we find few or no spines on the old parts
+of the stems of even such species as O. horrida, O. nigricans, &c. In
+Echinocactus, too, the spines about the base of old plants are much
+fewer, if not entirely cast off, than on the upper part. In Pereskia the
+contrary is the case. Taking P. aculeata as an example, this is best
+known in gardens as having branches about as thick as a goose-quill,
+with ovate leaves, at the base of which there is a pair of curved
+spines, ¼ in. long, and shaped like cats' claws. But this plant when it
+gets old has a stem 3 in. in diameter, and clothed down to the ground
+with cushions of spines fixed firmly in the bark, each cushion composed
+of from twenty to fifty spines, and each spine 1 in. or more in length.
+From two to six new spines are developed in the centre of each healthy
+cushion annually. It would be absolutely impossible for any animal to
+climb an old stem of a Pereskia. In P. Bleo the spines are 2 in. long,
+and the cushions are much larger.
+
+The flowers of Pereskias are borne singly or in panicles, at the ends of
+the young, ripened branches. In shape, each flower may be compared to a
+single Rose, the petals being flat and spreading, and the numerous
+stamens forming a compact cluster in the centre. The stigma is erect,
+and divided at the top into four or more rays. The fruit is a berry
+shaped like a Gooseberry, and covered with minute clusters of short
+bristles.
+
+All the species are found in tropical America and the West Indies.
+
+Cultivation.--Although several of the kinds of Pereskia are
+sufficiently ornamental to be deserving of a place in gardens as
+flowering plants, yet they are rarely cultivated--in England, at least
+--for any other purpose than that of forming stocks upon which
+Epiphyllums and other Cacti are grafted. Only two species are used,
+viz., P. aculeata and P. Bleo, the former being much the more popular of
+the two; whilst P. Bleo, on account of the stoutness of its stems, is
+employed for only the most robust kinds of grafts.
+
+Propagation.--Both the above-named species may be propagated to any
+extent, as every bit of branch with a leaf and eye attached is capable
+of rooting and soon forming a stock. The practice among those who use
+Pereskias as stocks for Epiphyllums is as follows: Cuttings of P.
+aculeata are planted in sandy soil, in boxes, and placed on a shelf in a
+stove till rooted. In about a month they are ready to be planted singly
+in 3 in. pots, any light soil being used; and each plant is fastened to a
+stake 1 ft. long. They are kept in a warm, moist house, all lateral
+shoots being cut away, and the leader encouraged to grow as tall as
+possible in the year. From December the plants are kept dry to induce
+the wood to ripen, preparatory to their being used for grafting in
+February. Stocks 9 in. or 1 ft. high are thus formed. If taller stocks are
+required, the plants must be grown on till of the required length and
+firmness. Large plants may be trained against a wall or along the
+rafters in a warm house; and when of the required size, the branches may
+be spurred back, and Epiphyllums, slender Cereuses, and similar plants,
+grafted upon them. In this way very fine masses of the latter may be
+obtained in much less time than if they were grown from small plants.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+P. aculeata (prickly); West Indian or Barbados Gooseberry.--Stem woody,
+more or less erect, branching freely, and forming a dense bush about
+6 ft. high. Young branches leafy; old ones brown, leafless, clothed with
+large cushions of long, stout, brown spines, sometimes 2 in. in length.
+Leaves alternate, with very short petioles, at the base of which is a
+pair of short spines, and a small tuft of wool in the axil; blade 3 in.
+long by 2 in. broad, soft, fleshy, shining green. Flowers
+semi-transparent, white, in terminal panicles; sepals and petals ¾ in.
+long by ¼ in. wide; stamens in a large, spreading cluster, white, with
+yellow anthers. Ovary covered with small cushions of short bristles,
+with sometimes a solitary spine in the centre of each cushion. Fruit
+1 in. long, egg-shaped, red, edible. There is a large plant of this in
+the Succulent House at Kew which flowers almost annually, but it has
+never ripened fruits. In the West Indies it is a very common shrub,
+whilst at the Cape of Good Hope it is used for fences--and a capital
+one it makes.
+
+P. a. rubescens (reddish).--This variety has narrower, longer leaves,
+which are glaucous-green above and tinged with red below; the spines on
+the old stems are shorter and more numerous in each cushion. This
+requires the same treatment as the type.
+
+P. Bleo (native name); Fig. 87.--A stout, branching shrub, having an
+erect stem, 3 in. or more in diameter, with green bark and very large
+cushions of spines; cushion a round, hard mass of short, woolly hair,
+from which the spines--about fifty in each cushion--radiate in all
+directions; longest spines 2 in. or more in length; one or two new ones
+are developed annually, and these are bright red when young, almost
+black when ripe; young branches ¼ in. to ½ in. in diameter. Leaves ½ in.
+apart, 3 in. to 6 in. long by 1 in. to 2 in. wide, oblong, pointed, with
+short petioles, and a small tuft of short, brown hair, with three or
+more reddish spines, in the axil of each. Flowers on the ends of the
+young, ripened branches, clustered in the upper leaf-axils, each flower
+2 in. across, and composed of a regular circle of rosy-red petals, with a
+cluster of whitish stamens in the centre. They remain on the plant
+several weeks. Native of New Grenada. Probably P. grandiflora is the
+same as this, or a slightly different form of it. A large specimen may
+be obtained in a year or two by planting it in a well-drained bed of
+loam, in a warm, sunny house. It blossoms almost all summer if allowed
+to make strong growth. Pretty little flowering plants may be had by
+taking ripened growths from an old plant, and treating them as cuttings
+till rooted. In the following spring they are almost certain to produce
+flowers. Plants 1 ft. high, bearing a cluster of flowers, are thus
+annually obtained at Kew. Fig. 87 represents a short, stunted branch,
+probably from a specimen grown in a pot. When planted out, the leaves
+and spine-cushions are farther apart.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 87. PERESKIA BLEO.]
+
+P. zinniaeflora (Zinnia-flowered); Fig. 88.--Stem erect, woody,
+branching freely, the branches bearing oval, acuminate, fleshy,
+wavy-edged, green leaves, with short petioles, and a pair of spines in
+the axil of each. Spine-cushions on old stems crowded with stout, brown
+spines. Flowers rosy-red, terminal on the ripened young shoots, and
+composed of a whorl of broad, overlapping petals, with a cluster of
+stamens in the centre, the whole measuring nearly 2 in. across. This
+species is a native of Mexico; it grows and flowers freely if kept in a
+warm house.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 88. PERESKIA ZINNIAEFLORA.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE GENUS RHIPSALIS.
+
+(From rhips, a willow-branch; referring to the flexible, wand-like
+branches of some of the kinds.)
+
+
+About thirty species of Rhipsalis are known, most of them more peculiar
+than ornamental, although everyone is in some way interesting. They are
+remarkable for the great variety in form and habit presented by the
+different kinds, some of them much less resembling Cactuses than other
+plants. Thus, in R. Cassytha, the long, fleshy, whip-like branches and
+white berries are very similar to Mistletoe; R. salicornoides, with its
+leafless, knotty branches, resembles a Salicornia, or Marsh Samphire;
+another is like a Mesembryanthemum; and so on. The flowers are usually
+small, and composed of numerous linear sepals and petals, arranged more
+or less like a star, with a cluster of thin stamens in the centre, and
+an erect, rayed stigma. In the flat-jointed kinds, the flowers are
+developed singly, in notches along the margins of the young, ripened
+joints; in the knotted, Samphire-like kinds, they are borne on the ends
+of the branches; and in those with short, fleshy, leaf-like joints, they
+are usually placed on what appear to be flower-joints. Although the
+branches of these plants are usually altogether unlike the rest of the
+Order, yet occasionally they develop joints which are furrowed, and bear
+clusters of spines exactly as in the commoner forms of Cactuses.
+
+The geographical distribution of Rhipsalis is exceptional. It is the
+only genus of Cactuses that has representatives in the Old World,
+excluding, of course, those which have been introduced by man. The bulk
+of the kinds of Rhipsalis occur in Central and South America, and the
+West Indies; but one--viz., R. Cassytha--is also found in Africa,
+Mauritius, Madagascar, and Ceylon, as well as in tropical America.
+Several other species are found in Madagascar, some of them only recent
+discoveries. The occurrence of similar or even identical plants in
+tropical America and Madagascar has its analogy in the Animal Kingdom as
+represented in the two countries.
+
+Cultivation.--All the species appear to grow well and flower freely
+under cultivation, the slowest grower being, perhaps, R. sarmentacea. In
+their natural homes they are invariably found either on trees or rocks,
+seldom or never on the ground; but in greenhouses they may be grown in
+pots, a few being happiest when suspended near the glass. They do not
+like bright sunshine, nor should they be kept in a very shaded, moist
+position. There is a good collection of kinds in the Succulent-house at
+Kew.
+
+Propagation.--Seeds of Rhipsalis ripen freely, and these, if sown on
+sandy soil, and placed on a shelf in a warm house, germinate in a few
+days. The development of the seedlings is exceptionally interesting, as
+the vegetative organs of all the kinds are very similar, and
+Cactus-like; the gradual transition from this character to the diverse
+forms which many of the species assume when mature is quite phenomenal.
+Cuttings will strike at almost any time, if planted in sandy soil and
+kept in a close, warm house till rooted. Some of the kinds thrive best
+when grafted on to a thin-stemmed Cereus. Treated in this way, R.
+sarmentacea makes 6 in. of growth in a season; whereas, on its own roots
+it would take about five years to grow as much.
+
+The following is a selection of the species cultivated in gardens. The
+genus Lepismium is now included in Rhipsalis.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+R. Cassytha (derivation not known).--A pendent shrub, 4 ft. or more
+high, growing on rocks and the mossy trunks of trees. Branches numerous,
+flexuous, with small branchlets or joints springing from the ends in
+clusters, smooth, round, the thickness of whipcord, leafless, with
+numerous brown, dot-like marks scattered over the surface; under a lens
+these dots are seen to be tufts of very fine hairs. Flowers on the sides
+of the young branches, small, greenish-white, short-lived; they are
+developed in September, and are succeeded by white berries, exactly like
+those of the Mistletoe, whence the name Mistletoe Cactus, by which this
+species is known. An interesting and easily-grown warm greenhouse plant,
+native of tropical America, Africa, &c. It was introduced in 1758.
+
+R. commune (common); Bot. Mag. 3763.--Stem straggling, branching
+freely, growing to a length of several feet. Branches jointed; joints
+varying in length, triangular, the angles compressed, and notched along
+the margins; notches regular, and bearing tufts of whitish hair. Strong
+plants produce joints over 1 in. in width. Flowers white, tinged with
+purple, springing singly from the notches, and composed of eight to
+twelve sepals and petals. Stamens and stigma erect, white, the latter
+four-rayed. This species is a native of Brazil, and was introduced in
+1830; Flowering-season, October to December. It may be grown in a warm
+greenhouse, and treated as a basket-plant or as a small pot-shrub. Syn.
+Lepismium commune.
+
+R. crispata (curled).--Stem branching freely. Branches jointed and
+flat, like Epiphyllum. Margins of joints notched, and slightly curled.
+Flowers small, white, produced singly, in November and December, in the
+notches on the younger joints. Fruits white, pea-like, rather rarely
+ripened. A free-growing, compact stove shrub, with a bright green,
+healthy appearance. The similarity of its branches to Epiphyllum led to
+its being included in that genus by Haworth.
+
+R. c. purpurea (purple).--This variety has larger, broader joints,
+which are bronzy-purple in colour.
+
+R. fasciculata (cluster-branched); Bot. Mag. 3079.--Stems terete, as
+thick as a goose-quill. Branches usually in clusters, and sometimes
+jointed, green, with small red dots and little tufts of fine, hair-like
+bristles. Flowers white, produced in March, springing irregularly from
+the older branches, small, star-like. Fruit a white berry. From its
+habit of growing on trees, and the character of its stems and fruit,
+this plant has been called parasitical. It is, however, only indebted to
+the tree on which is grows for moisture, for it thrives if planted in a
+pot or basket in ordinary soil, and kept in a stove temperature. It is a
+native of Brazil, and was introduced in 1831.
+
+R. floccosa (woolly).--Stems as in R. Cassytha, but thicker, longer,
+and with the branchlets in compact clusters on the ends of the long,
+arching branches. The dots marking the position of the microscopic
+hair-tufts are in small depressions. Flowers and fruit as in R.
+Cassytha, of which this might reasonably be called a variety. This
+species requires warm-house temperature.
+
+R. funalis (cord-like); Fig. 89.--Stem straggling, branched. Branches
+numerous, composed of long, terete joints, rather thicker than a
+goose-quill, glaucous-green, slightly roughened on the surface, with
+depressions for the dot-like cushions. Branchlets usually fascicled and
+spreading. Flowers white, produced in spring, on the sides of the young
+joints, 1 in. across, large for the genus. Introduced from Central
+America about 1830. An easily-grown plant, sturdy, rather straggling,
+but very free-flowering. In old specimens the branches become
+semi-pendulous. It grows best when kept in a warm house. Syn. R.
+grandiflora.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 89. RHIPSALIS FUNALIS.]
+
+R. Houlletii (Houllet's); Bot. Mag. 6089.--Stems long, graceful,
+branching freely, round and twig-like, or with broad wings, as in
+Phyllocactus. Winged or flattened portions notched, and bearing a flower
+in each notch. Flowers stalkless, with pointed, straw-coloured petals,
+forming a shallow cup about ¾ in. across the top. Stamens and pistil
+white, with a tinge of red at the base. Flowering-season, November.
+Under cultivation, this Brazilian species forms a small, straggling
+shrub, about 3 ft. high, but in its native woods its stems are many feet
+long, and pendulous from the branches of trees. It may be grown in a
+warm house, in a pot, and its branches supported by a stake; or its
+lower stems may be fastened against a piece of soft fern-stem, into
+which its numerous stem-roots penetrate freely. In the winter it should
+be kept almost dry. The flowers remain fresh for several days, and are
+fragrant. A well-grown plant, when in flower, is an interesting and
+pretty object. It is the most ornamental kind.
+
+R. Knightii (Knight's).--Stems and joints as in R. commune. Wings of
+joints usually broad, with red margins, and the hair in the notches in a
+dense tuft, nearly 1 in. long, pure white, and silk-like. Flowers small,
+white. This species, which thrives best under warm-house treatment, is a
+native of Brazil, and is usually grown only for its curious, Cereus-like
+stems. It forms a straggling plant about 1 ft. high. Syn. Lepismium
+Knightii, Cereus Knightii.
+
+R. mesembryanthemoides (Mesembryanthemum-like); Bot. Mag. 3O78.--A
+small, compact plant, with woody stems, densely covered with little
+fleshy, conical joints, resembling very closely the leaves of some of
+the Mesembryanthemums. They are green, with a few red dots, each bearing
+a very small tuft of the finest hair-like spines. The flowers are
+developed in March, from the sides of the small joints; they are ½ in.
+across, and yellowish-white. Fruit a small, white, round berry. Native
+of South America, whence it was introduced in 1831. When grown in a warm
+house, in a small, round, wire basket, filled with peat and sphagnum,
+this little Cactus forms a pretty tuft, which in the spring produces
+large numbers of white, star-like flowers.
+
+R. myosurus (mouse-tailed); Bot. Mag. 3755.--Stems dependent, several
+feet long, branching freely, jointed, with three or four angles or
+wings; the angles flattened, reddish, notched in the margin, and bearing
+a tuft of white, silky hairs in each notch. Flowers small, yellow,
+tinged with red, springing from the notches; produced in July. Fruit not
+seen. A native of Brazil; introduced in 1839. This species resembles
+some of the angular-stemmed kinds of Cereus. It grows freely and flowers
+annually, if planted in a basket of fibrous soil, and suspended near the
+glass in a warm greenhouse or stove. It is attractive even when not in
+flower, owing to the form of its stems and the tufts of long, silky,
+white hair which spring from the notches. Syn. Lepismium myosurus.
+
+R. pachyptera (thick-winged); Bot. Mag. 2820.--Stem woody; branches
+jointed, flattened as in Phyllocactus, with deep notches; width of
+joints, 2 in. or more. Flowers small, yellowish-white, borne singly in
+the notches in November. Fruit a small, white berry, rarely ripened. A
+sturdy, comparatively uninteresting stove plant, introduced from Brazil
+in 1830. Syn. Cactus alatus.
+
+R. paradoxa (paradoxical).--Stems trailing, with numerous long branches
+of most extraordinary form. Imagine a three-angled, fleshy branch, often
+several feet in length, the angles winged, about ½ in. deep, green, with
+smooth, reddish margins. At intervals of about 2 in. the branch has the
+appearance of having been twisted half round. There is no other plant
+with branches anything like these. Flowers produced in November, in the
+apex of the interrupted angles, small, white. Fruit seldom ripened. A
+native of Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1837. There is a fine
+example of this trained along a rafter in the Succulent-house at Kew.
+The numerous branches hang down several feet from the rafter, and have a
+most extraordinary appearance. This species requires stove treatment.
+
+R. penduliflora (pendulous-flowered).--A small, thin-stemmed plant,
+with smooth, green branches, no thicker than whipcord, and numerous
+fascicled or clustered, small joints, ½ in. long, green, with red dots,
+angular when young. Flowers on the tips of the terminal joints, pale
+yellow, ½ in. across, developing in August. Fruit white, Mistletoe-like.
+This species was introduced from tropical America in 1877, and requires
+stove treatment.
+
+R. p. laxa (loose).--This variety has the branches curving, and more
+pendulous; in other respects it resembles the type, and requires the
+same treatment.
+
+R. pentaptera (five-winged).--Stems erect; branches stiff,
+long-jointed, with five wing-like angles, slightly spiral, the angles
+notched at intervals of 1 in. Flowers in the notches, ½ in. across, white,
+produced in August. Fruit a white, Mistletoe-like berry. A curious plant
+from Brazil, and introduced in 1836. In stove temperature it forms a
+compact pot-shrub, 2 ft. high, and is worth growing on account of its
+singular stems.
+
+R. rhombea (diamond-branched).--Stems and branches as in R. crispata,
+but without the wavy margins, and with more elongated joints. Flowers
+small, white, produced in the notches of the joints in November. Fruit a
+shining, milk-white berry. A compact plant from Brazil, worth growing
+for its bright green, leaf-like stems. It should be grown in pots, in
+stove temperature, and encouraged to form a globose bush.
+
+R. Saglionis (Saglio's); Bot. Mag. 4039.--A tiny plant, similar in
+habit to R. penduliflora, but with brown branches, the small joints
+angled, and bearing silky hairs. The branches and joints are set at
+zigzag angles. Flowers pale yellow, produced in autumn on the younger
+joints. Fruits white, Mistletoe-like. A small, delicate plant from
+Buenos Ayres, not more than 6 in. high. This species requires stove
+treatment.
+
+R. salicornoides (Glasswort-like); Bot. Mag. 2461.--Stem woody when
+old, brown, jointed like hens' toes, not quite as thick as a
+goose-quill. Branches in clusters; joints ½ in. to 1 in. long, the lower
+half much thinner than the upper, so that the joints look like a number
+of superposed, miniature clubs. Flowers pretty, on the ends of the
+terminal joints, yellow, becoming red with age. An erect plant, 3 ft. or
+more high, introduced from Brazil in 1830. The joints are clustered on
+the upper part of the stem. When in flower in spring this is an
+attractive and very remarkable-looking plant. It thrives best in stove
+temperature.
+
+R. s. stricta (straight).--This variety has the joints all pointing
+upwards, and is much more compact than the type.
+
+R. sarmentacea (runner-stemmed); Fig. 90.--A creeping, prostrate plant,
+with round stems as thick as a goose-quill, and attaching themselves to
+tree-trunks or other bodies by means of numerous adventitious roots,
+which spring from the under side of the stems. Surface of stem furrowed,
+and covered with numerous small clusters of short, hair-like, whitish
+spines. Flowers 1 in. across, springing from the sides of the stems, with
+pointed, creamy-white petals; stamens spreading; stigma erect,
+four-lobed. Fruit small, currant-like. This is a pretty little species,
+introduced from Brazil in 1858; it is, however, a very slow grower,
+plants ten years old being only a few inches in diameter. It should be
+grown in stove temperature, in a basket of peat fibre, or, better still,
+on a piece of soft fern-stem. It is always found on the branches or
+trunks of trees when growing wild.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 90. RHIPSALIS SARMENTACEA.]
+
+R. Swartziana (Swartz's).--Older stems three-angled, young ones
+flattened, jointed; joints 2 in. broad, stiff with deep notches. Flowers
+in the notches, small, white, produced in June. This species is a native
+of Jamaica, and was introduced in 1810. A stiff, ungraceful plant, about
+2 ft. high, very similar in its branches to a Phyllocactus. This species
+requires the temperature of a stove.
+
+R. trigona (triangular).--Habit straggling; branches usually in forks,
+¼ in. in diameter, three-angled; angles wavy or slightly notched,
+grey-green. Flowers small, produced in spring in the notches of the
+angles, white. Fruit a white berry. A thin, Brazilian plant, not unlike
+a Lepismium, but without the silky hairs in the notches of the angles.
+This species also requires to be grown in stove temperature.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+TEMPERATURES.
+
+
+To enable growers to make a selection of species according to the
+accommodation that can be afforded for Cactuses, all that are described
+in this book are here classified in three groups: (1) Species which
+thrive in a cool-house or frame; (2) Species which can only be
+successfully grown in a warm house or stove; and (3) Species which are
+hardy in the more favoured portions of the United Kingdom.
+
+COOL-HOUSE OR FRAME.
+
+Temperature: Summer, that of the open air.
+Temperature: Winter--day, 50 deg. to 60 deg.; night, 40 deg. to 45 deg.
+
+Cereus Berlandieri.
+    "    Blankii.
+    "    caespitosus.
+    "    cirrhiferus.
+    "    ctenoides.
+    "    enneacanthus.
+    "    flagelliformis.
+    "    Leeanus.
+    "    leptacanthus.
+    "    multiplex.
+    "    paucispinus.
+    "    pentalophus.
+    "    polyacanthus.
+    "    procumbens.
+    "    reductus.
+Cereus   speciosissimus
+Echinocactus brevihamatus
+    "    centeterius.
+    "    cinnabarinus.
+    "    Cummingii.
+    "    echidne.
+    "    Emoryi.
+    "    gibbosus.
+    "    hexaedrophorus.
+    "    Leeanus.
+    "    Mackieanus.
+    "    mamillarioides.
+    "    rhodophthalmus.
+    "    texensis.
+    "    uncinatus.
+Echinocactus viridescens.
+Echinopsis, all the kinds.
+Mamillaria atrata.
+    "    chlorantha.
+    "    dasyacantha.
+    "    elegans.
+    "    elephantidens.
+    "    elongata.
+    "    fissurata.
+    "    floribunda.
+    "    gracilis.
+    "    longimamma.
+    "    macromeris.
+    "    macrothele.
+    "    multiceps.
+    "    phellosperma.
+    "    Schelhasii.
+    "    Schiedeana.
+Mamillaria semperviva.
+    "    stella-aurata.
+    "    tuberculosa.
+    "    uncinata.
+    "    viridis.
+    "    Wildiana.
+    "    Zucchariniana.
+Opuntia arborescens.
+    "    aurantiaca.
+    "    corrugata.
+    "    cylindrica.
+    "    Davisii.
+    "    Engelmanni.
+    "    Ficus-indica.
+    "    hystricina.
+    "    macrorhiza
+    "    occidentalis.
+
+
+WARM-HOUSE OR STOVE.
+
+It is possible that some of those included in this division will
+eventually prove hardier than is at present supposed. Many of the
+species now classed as cool-house plants, and even some of those which
+are hardy, were formerly grown in the stove.
+
+Temperature: Summer-day, 70 deg. to 90 deg.; night, 65 deg. to 75 deg.
+Temperature: Winter-day, 60 deg. to 70 deg.; night, 55 deg. to 60 deg.
+
+Cereus caerulescens.
+    "    extensus.
+    "    fulgidus.
+    "    giganteus.
+    "    grandiflorus.
+    "    Lemairii.
+    "    Macdonaldiae.
+    "    Mallisoni.
+    "    Napoleonis.
+    "    nycticalus.
+    "    peruvianus.
+    "    pleiogonus.
+    "    repandus.
+    "    serpentinus.
+    "    Royeni.
+    "    triangularis.
+    "    variabilis.
+Echinocactus concinnus.
+    "    coptonogonus.
+Echinocactus cornigerus.
+    "    corynodes.
+    "    cylindraceus.
+    "    Haynii.
+    "    horizonthalonis.
+    "    Le Contei.
+    "    longihamatus.
+    "    mamillosus.
+    "    multiflorus.
+    "    myriostigma.
+    "    obvallatus.
+    "    Ottonis.
+    "    pectiniferus.
+    "    polycephalus.
+    "    Pottsii.
+    "    scopa.
+    "    sinuatus.
+    "    tenuispinus.
+    "    turbiniformis.
+Echinocactus Visnaga.
+    "    Williamsii.
+    "    Wislizeni.
+Epiphyllum, all the kinds.
+Leuchtenbergia.
+Mamillaria, all not mentioned under "Cool-house Or Frame."
+Melocactus, all the kinds.
+Opuntia, all not included under "Cool-house or Frame."
+Pelecyphora.
+Pereskia, all the kinds.
+Phyllocactus,       "
+Pilocereus,         "
+Rhipsalis,          "
+
+OUTDOOR.
+
+The following may be grown out of doors in the more favoured parts of
+England. For directions as to culture, see the chapter on Cultivation :--
+
+Cereus Fendleri.
+Echinocactus Simpsoni.
+Mamillaria vivipara.
+Opuntia brachyarthra.
+Opuntia missouriensis.
+    "    Rafinesquii.
+    "    R. arkansana.
+    "    vulgaris.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+DEALERS IN CACTUSES.
+
+
+The difficulty experienced by amateurs in procuring plants of many kinds
+of Cactus has suggested to us that a list of some of the principal
+dealers in these plants would prove of service to English growers. So
+far as we know, there is no nurseryman in England who makes a specialty
+of Cactuses. Plants of such well-known genera as Epiphyllum,
+Phyllocactus, and Cereus in part, may be obtained in England, but for a
+collection of representative kinds we must perforce apply to Continental
+nurserymen. The most reliable of these for Cactuses are:
+
+GERMANY.
+
+Messrs. HAAGE & SCHMIDT, Erfurt.
+
+Herr F. A. HAAGE, Junior, Erfurt.
+
+Messrs. MÃœLLER & SAUBER, Kassel, Hanover.
+
+Herr H. HILDMANN, Oranienburg, Brandenburg.
+
+Herr ERNST BERGE, Leipsic.
+
+FRANCE.
+
+M. EBERLE, Avenue de St. Ouen, 146, Paris.
+
+M. JAMIN, Rue Lafontaine, 42, à St. Ouen, Paris.
+
+BELGIUM.
+
+M. LOUIS DE SMET, Ledeberg, Ghent.
+
+M. BETTES, Borgerhont, Antwerp.
+
+M. F. VERMUELEN, Rue Van Peet, Antwerp.
+
+AMERICA.
+
+Mr. C. RUNGE, San Antonio, Texas.
+
+Messrs. REASONER BROTHERS, Florida.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIES INDEX
+
+
+Species are listed alphabetically according to Watson's nomenclature.
+The name(s) that is more likely to be recognised by modern readers is
+listed in brackets. I have used Anderson's book--The Cactus Family
+(Timber Press, 2001)--as my main guide. Monographs by Craig and by
+Pilbeam were invaluable in identifying 'Mamillarias'.
+
+* Plants illustrated in the text.
+
+     Cereus Berlandieri  (Echinocereus berlandieri) *
+     Cereus Blankii  (Echinocereus berlandieri) *
+     Cereus caerulescens  (Cereus aethiops)
+     Cereus caespitosus  (Echinocereus reichenbachii ssp. caespitosus) *
+     Cereus cirrhiferus  (Echinocereus cinerascens)
+     Cereus ctenoides  (Echinocereus dasyacanthus) *
+     Cereus enneacanthus  (Echinocereus enneacanthus)*
+     Cereus extensus  (Selenicereus sp.?)
+     Cereus Fendleri  (Echinocereus fendleri)
+     Cereus flagelliformis  (Aporocactus (Disocactus) flagelliformis)
+     Cereus fulgidus  (Gymnocalycium gibbosum)
+     Cereus giganteus  (Carnegiea gigantea) *
+     Cereus grandiflorus  (Selenicereus grandiflorus)
+     Cereus Leeanus  (Echinocereus polyacanthus)
+     Cereus Lemairii  (Hylocereus lemairei)
+     Cereus leptacanthus  (Echinocereus pentalophus)*
+     Cereus Macdonaldiae  (Selenicereus macdonaldiae)
+     Cereus Mallisoni   (X Helioporus smithii)
+     Cereus multiplex  (Echinopsis oxygona) *
+     Cereus multiplex cristatus  (Echinopsis oxygona fa. cristata) *
+     Cereus Napoleonis  (Hylocereus trigonus)
+     Cereus nycticalus  (Selenicereus pteranthus) *
+     Cereus paucispinus  (Echinocereus coccineus ssp. paucispinus)
+     Cereus pentalophus  (Echinocereus pentalophus)
+     Cereus peruvianus  (Cereus repandus)
+     Cereus pleiogonus  (Echinocereus sp.--no longer identifiable)*
+     Cereus polyacanthus  (Echinocereus polyacanthus)
+     Cereus procumbens  (Echinocereus pentalophus ssp. procumbens) *
+     Cereus reductus  (Hybrid with Selenicereus sp. as one probable parent)
+     Cereus repandus  (Cereus repandus) *
+     Cereus Royeni  (Pilosocereus royenii)
+     Cereus serpentinus  (Peniocereus (Nyctocereus) serpentinus) *
+     Cereus speciosissimus  (Disocactus speciosus)
+     Cereus triangularis  (Hylocereus triangularis)
+     Cereus variabilis  (Acanthocereus tetragonus)
+
+     Echinocactus brevihamatus  (Parodia (Notocactus) alacriportana ssp.
+       brevihamata)
+     Echinocactus centeterius  (Eriosyce (Neoporteria)
+       curvispina--possibly?)
+     Echinocactus cinnabarinus  (Echinopsis (Lobivia) cinnabarina)
+     Echinocactus concinnus  (Parodia (Notocactus) concinna) *
+     Echinocactus coptonogonus  (Stenocactus (Echinofossulocactus)
+       coptonogonus) *
+     Echinocactus cornigerus  (Ferocactus latispinus) *
+     Echinocactus corynodes  (Parodia (Notocactus) sellowii) *
+     Echinocactus crispatus  (Stenocactus (Echinofossulocactus)
+       crispatus) *
+     Echinocactus Cummingii  (Rebutia (Weingartia) neocummingii)
+     Echinocactus cylindraceus  (Ferocactus cyclindraceus (acanthodes))
+     Echinocactus echidne  (Ferocactus echidne)
+     Echinocactus Emoryi  (Ferocactus emoryi) *
+     Echinocactus gibbosus  (Gymnocalycium gibbosus)
+     Echinocactus Haynii  (Matucana haynei) *
+     Echinocactus hexaedrophorus  (Thelocactus hexaedrophorus) *
+     Echinocactus horizonthalonis  (Echinocactus horizonthalonius) *
+     Echinocactus Le Contei  (Ferocactus cyclindraceus (acanthodes)
+       ssp. lecontei) *
+     Echinocactus Leeanus  (Gymnocalycium leeanum)
+     Echinocactus longihamatus  (Ferocactus hamatacanthus) *
+     Echinocactus Mackieanus  (Gymnocalycium mackieanum)
+     Echinocactus mamillarioides  (Eriosyce (Neoporteria)
+       curvispina--possibly?)
+     Echinocactus mamillosus  (Echinopsis mamillosa)
+     Echinocactus multiflorus (Gymnocalycium monvillei)
+     Echinocactus myriostigma  (Astrophytum myriostigma) *
+     Echinocactus obvallatus  (Stenocactus (Echinofossulocactus)
+       obvallatus) *
+     Echinocactus Ottonis  (Parodia (Notocactus) ottonis)
+     Echinocactus pectiniferus  (probably Echinocereus pectinatus)
+     Echinocactus polycephalus  (Echinocactus polycephalus)*
+     Echinocactus Pottsii  (Ferocactus pottsii)
+     Echinocactus rhodophthalmus  (Thelocactus bicolor)
+     Echinocactus scopa  (Parodia (Notocactus) scopa) *
+     Echinocactus scopa cristata  (Parodia (Notocactus)
+       scopa fa. cristata) *
+     Echinocactus Simpsonii  (Pediocactus simpsonii)
+     Echinocactus sinuatus  (Ferocactus hamatacanthus ssp. sinuatus)
+     Echinocactus tenuispinus  (Parodia (Notocactus) ottonis)
+     Echinocactus texensis  (Echinocactus texensis) *
+     Echinocactus turbiniformis  (Strombocactus disciformis)
+     Echinocactus uncinatus  (Sclerocactus uncinatus) *
+     Echinocactus viridescens  (Ferocactus viridescens)
+     Echinocactus visnaga  (Echinocactus platyacanthus) *
+     Echinocactus Williamsii  (Lophophora williamsii)
+     Echinocactus Wislizenii  (Ferocactus wislizenii) *
+
+     Echinopsis campylacantha  (Echinopsis leucantha)
+     Echinopsis cristata  (Echinopsis obrepanda)
+     Echinopsis cristata purpurea  (Echinopsis obrepanda v. purprea)
+     Echinopsis Decaisneanus  (identification now uncertain) *
+     Echinopsis Eyriesii  (Echinopsis eyriesii)
+     Echinopsis Eyriesii flore-pleno  (Echinopsis eyriesii) *
+     Echinopsis Eyriesii glauca  (Echinopsis eyriesii)
+     Echinopsis oxygonus (Echinopsis oxygona)
+     Echinopsis Pentlandi  (Echinopsis (Lobivia) pentlandii) *
+     Echinopsis Pentlandi longispinus  (Echinopsis (Lobivia) pentlandii) *
+     Echinopsis tubiflorus  (Echinopsis tubiflora)
+
+     Epiphyllum Russellianum  (Schlumbergera russelliana) *
+     Epiphyllum truncatum  (Schlumbergera truncata)
+
+     Leuchtenbergia principis  (Leuchtenbergia principis) *
+
+     Mamillaria angularis  (Mammillaria compressa)
+     Mamillaria applanata  (Mammillaria heyderi ssp. hemisphaerica)
+     Mamillaria atrata  (Eriosyce (Neoporteria) subgibbosa)
+     Mamillaria bicolor  (Mammillaria geminispina)
+     Mamillaria chlorantha  (Escobaria deserti)
+     Mamillaria cirrhifera  (Mammillaria compressa)
+     Mamillaria clava  (Coryphantha clava)
+     Mamillaria dasyacantha  (Escobaria dasyacantha)
+     Mamillaria discolor  (Mammillaria discolor)
+     Mamillaria dolichocentra  (Mammillaria polythele) *
+     Mamillaria echinata  (Mammillaria elongata ssp. echinaria)
+     Mamillaria echinus  (Coryphantha echinus) *
+     Mamillaria elegans  (Mammillaria haageana (elegans))
+     Mamillaria elephantidens  (Coryphantha elephantidens) *
+     Mamillaria elongata  (Mammillaria elongata)
+     Mamillaria fissurata  (Ariocarpus fissuratus) *
+     Mamillaria floribunda  (Eriosyce (Neoporteria) subgibbosa)
+     Mamillaria gracilis  (Mammillaria vetula ssp. gracilis)
+     Mamillaria Grahami  (Mammillaria grahamii)
+     Mamillaria Haageana  (Mammillaria haageana) *
+     Mamillaria longimamma  (Mammillaria longimamma) *
+     Mamillaria macromeris  (Coryphantha macromeris) *
+     Mamillaria macrothele  (Coryphantha octacantha)
+     Mamillaria micromeris  (Epithelantha micromeris) *
+     Mamillaria multiceps  (Mammillaria prolifera ssp. texana)
+     Mamillaria Neumanniana  (Mammillaria magnimamma)
+     Mamillaria Ottonis  (Coryphantha ottonis)
+     Mamillaria pectinata  (Mammillaria pectinifera) *
+     Mamillaria phellosperma  (Mammillaria tetrancistra)
+     Mamillaria pulchra  (Mammillaria rhodantha)
+     Mamillaria pusilla  (Mammillaria prolifera)
+     Mamillaria pycnacantha  (Coryphantha pycnacantha)
+     Mamillaria sanguinea  (Mammillaria spinosissima) *
+     Mamillaria Scheerii  (Coryphantha poselgeriana)
+     Mamillaria Schelhasii  (Mammillaria crinita) *
+     Mamillaria Schiedeana  (Mammillaria schiedeana)
+     Mamillaria semperviva  (Mammillaria sempervivi) *
+     Mamillaria senilis  (Mammillaria senilis)
+     Mamillaria stella-aurata  (Mammillaria elongata)
+     Mamillaria sub-polyhedra  (Mammillaria polyedra) *
+     Mamillaria sulcolanata  (Coryphantha sulcolanata)
+     Mamillaria tetracantha  (Mammillaria polythele)
+     Mamillaria tuberculosa  (Escobaria tuberculosa)
+     Mamillaria turbinata  (Strombocactus disciformis ?)
+     Mamillaria uncinata  (Mammillaria uncinata)
+     Mamillaria vetula  (Mammillaria vetula)
+     Mamillaria villifera  (Mammillaria polyedra)
+     Mamillaria viridis  (Mammillaria karwinskiana)
+     Mamillaria vivipara  (Escobaria vivipara)
+     Mamillaria vivipara v. radiosa  (Escobaria vivipara) *
+     Mamillaria Wildiana  (Mammillaria crinita ssp. wildii)
+     Mamillaria Wrightii  (Mammillaria wrightii)
+     Mamillaria Zucchariniana  (Mammillaria magnimamma)
+
+     Melocactus communis  (Melocactus intortus) *
+     Melocactus depressus  (Melocactus violaceus)
+     Melocactus Miquelii  (Melocactus intortus) *
+
+     Opuntia arborescens  (Cylindropuntia imbricata)
+     Opuntia arbuscula  (Cylindropuntia arbuscula)
+     Opuntia arenaria  (Opuntia polyacantha v. arenaria)
+     Opuntia Auberi  (Opuntia auberi)
+     Opuntia aurantiaca  (Opuntia aurantiaca)
+     Opuntia basilaris  (Opuntia basilaris) *
+     Opuntia Bigelovii  (Cylindropuntia bigelovii)
+     Opuntia boliviana  (Cumulopuntia boliviana) *
+     Opuntia brachyarthra  (Opuntia fragilis) *
+     Opuntia braziliensis  (Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis)
+     Opuntia candelabriformis  (Opuntia spinulifera)
+     Opuntia clavata  (Grusonia clavata)
+     Opuntia cochinellifera  (Opuntia cochenillifera)
+     Opuntia corrugata  (Tunilla corrugata)
+     Opuntia curassavica  (Opuntia curassavica)
+     Opuntia cylindrica  (Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica)
+     Opuntia cylindrica cristata  (Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica
+       fa. cristata)
+     Opuntia Davisii  (Cylindropuntia davisii)
+     Opuntia decumana  (Opuntia ficus-indica)
+     Opuntia diademata  (Tephrocactus articulatus)
+     Opuntia Dillenii  (Opuntia dillenii) *
+     Opuntia echinocarpa  (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa)
+     Opuntia Emoryi  (Grusonia emoryi)
+     Opuntia Engelmanni  (Opuntia engelmannii)
+     Opuntia Ficus-indica  (Opuntia ficus-indica) *
+     Opuntia filipendula  (Opuntia macrorhiza v. pottsii) *
+     Opuntia frutescens  (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis)
+     Opuntia Grahami  (Grusonia grahamii)
+     Opuntia horrida  (Opuntia tuna)
+     Opuntia hystricina  (Opuntia polyacantha v. hystricina)
+     Opuntia leptocaulis  (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis)
+     Opuntia leucotricha  (Opuntia leucotricha)
+     Opuntia macrocentra  (Opuntia macrocentra)
+     Opuntia macrorhiza  (Opuntia macrorhiza) *
+     Opuntia microdasys  (Opuntia microdasys)
+     Opuntia missouriensis  (Opuntia polyacantha)
+     Opuntia monacantha  (Opuntia monacantha)
+     Opuntia nigricans  (Opuntia elatior)
+     Opuntia occidentalis  (Opuntia X occidentalis)
+     Opuntia Parmentieri  (Opuntia longispina var. brevispina?)
+     Opuntia Parryi  (Cylindropuntia californica)
+     Opuntia Rafinesquii  (Opuntia humifusa) *
+     Opuntia rosea  (Cylindropuntia rosea) *
+     Opuntia Salmiana  (Opuntia salmiana)
+     Opuntia spinosissima  (Consolea spinosissima)
+     Opuntia subulata  (Austrocylindropuntia subulata)
+     Opuntia Tuna  (Opuntia tuna) *
+     Opuntia tunicata  (Cylindropuntia tunicata)
+     Opuntia vulgaris  (Opuntia ficus-indica)
+     Opuntia Whipplei  (Cylindropuntia whipplei)
+
+     Pelecyphora aselliformis  (Pelecyphora aselliformis) *
+
+     Pereskia aculeata  (Pereskia aculeata)
+     Pereskia aculeata rubescens  (Pereskia aculeata)
+     Pereskia Bleo  (Pereskia bleo) *
+     Pereskia zinniaeflora  (Pereskia zinniiflora) *
+
+     Phyllocactus Ackermannii  (Disocactus ackermannii or hybrid) *
+     Phyllocactus anguliger  (Epiphyllum anguliger) *
+     Phyllocactus biformis  (Disocactus biformis) *
+     Phyllocactus crenatus  (Epiphyllum crenatum)
+     Phyllocactus grandis  (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
+     Phyllocactus Hookeri  (Epiphyllum hookeri)
+     Phyllocactus latifrons  (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
+     Phyllocactus phyllanthus  (Epiphyllum phyllanthus)
+     Phyllocactus phyllanthoides  (Disocactus phyllanthoides)
+
+     Pilocereus Brünnonii  (Oreocereus celsianus) *
+     Pilocereus Houlletianus  (Pilosocereus leucocephalus) *
+     Pilocereus senilis  (Cephalocereus senilis)
+
+     Rhipsalis Cassytha  (Rhipsalis baccifera)
+     Rhipsalis commune  (Lepismium cruciforme)
+     Rhipsalis crispata  (Rhipsalis crispata)
+     Rhipsalis crispata purpurea  (Rhipsalis crispata)
+     Rhipsalis fasciculata  (Rhipsalis baccifera)
+     Rhipsalis floccosa  (Rhipsalis floccosa)
+     Rhipsalis funalis  (Rhipsalis grandiflora) *
+     Rhipsalis Houlletii  (Lepismium houlletianum)
+     Rhipsalis Knightii  (Lepismium cruciforme)
+     Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides  (Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides)
+     Rhipsalis myosurus  (Lepismium cruciforme)
+     Rhipsalis pachyptera  (Rhipsalis pachyptera)
+     Rhipsalis paradoxa  (Rhipsalis paradoxa)
+     Rhipsalis penduliflora  (Rhipsalis cereuscula)
+     Rhipsalis penduliflora laxa  (Rhipsalis cereuscula)
+     Rhipsalis pentaptera  (Rhipsalis pentaptera)
+     Rhipsalis rhombea  (identification now uncertain)
+     Rhipsalis Saglionis  (Rhipsalis cereuscula)
+     Rhipsalis salicornoides  (Hatiora salicornioides)
+     Rhipsalis salicornoides stricta  (Hatiora salicornioides)
+     Rhipsalis sarmentacea  (Lepismium lumbricoides) *
+     Rhipsalis Swartziana  (Pseudorhipsalis alata)
+     Rhipsalis trigona  (Rhipsalis trigona)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Cactus Culture For Amateurs, by W. Watson
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13357 ***
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+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13357 ***</div>
+
+  <h1>CACTUS CULTURE</h1>
+
+  <h2>FOR AMATEURS:</h2>
+
+  <h5>BEING</h5>
+
+  <h3>DESCRIPTIONS OF THE VARIOUS CACTUSES<br />
+  GROWN IN THIS COUNTRY.</h3>
+
+  <h5>with</h5>
+
+  <h3>FULL AND PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR<br />
+  THEIR SUCCESSFUL CULTIVATION</h3>.
+
+  <h3>By W. WATSON,</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Assistant Curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.</i></h4>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h5>PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED.</h5>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h4>LONDON:<br />
+  L. UPCOTT GILL, 170, STRAND, W.C.</h4>
+
+  <h5>1889.</h5>
+  <hr />
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/front.jpg" width="400" height="437" alt=
+    "Collection of cactuses" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 1.&mdash;A <b>COLLECTION OF CACTUSES.</b>
+    <i>Frontispiece</i></p>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2>PREFACE</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>HE idea that Cactuses were seldom seen in English gardens, because
+  so little was known about their cultivation and management, suggested
+  to the Publisher of this book that a series of chapters on the best
+  kinds, and how to grow them successfully, would be useful. These
+  chapters were written for and published in <i>The Bazaar,</i> in 1885
+  and following years. Some alterations and additions have been made,
+  and the whole is now offered as a thoroughly practical and
+  descriptive work on the subject.</p>
+
+  <p>The descriptions are as simple and complete as they could be made;
+  the names here used are those adopted at Kew; and the cultural
+  directions are as full and detailed as is necessary. No species or
+  variety is omitted which is known to be in cultivation, or of
+  sufficient interest to be introduced. The many excellent figures of
+  Cactuses in the <i>Botanical Magazine</i> (Bot. Mag.) are referred to
+  under each species described, except in those cases where a complete
+  figure is given in this book. My claims to be heard as a teacher in
+  this department are based on an experience of ten years in the care
+  and cultivation of the large collection of Cactuses at Kew.</p>
+
+  <p>Whatever the shortcomings of my share of the work may be, I feel
+  certain that the numerous and excellent illustrations which the
+  Publisher has obtained for this book cannot fail to render it
+  attractive, and, let us also hope, contribute something towards
+  bringing Cactuses into favour with horticulturists, professional as
+  well as amateur.</p>
+
+  <div class="right">
+    W. WATSON.
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2><a name="contents" id="contents">CONTENTS.</a></h2>
+
+  <div class="toc">
+    <p><a href="#intro">INTRODUCTION</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#botany">BOTANICAL CHARACTERS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#cult">CULTIVATION</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#propag">PROPAGATION</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#epiph">THE GENUS EPIPHYLLUM</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#phyllo">THE GENUS PHYLLOCACTUS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#cereus">THE GENUS CEREUS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#echino">THE GENUS ECHINOCACTUS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#echinop">THE GENUS ECHINOPSIS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#melo">THE GENUS MELOCACTUS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#pilo">THE GENUS PILOCEREUS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#mamil">THE GENUS MAMILLARIA</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#leuch">THE GENUS LEUCHTENBERGIA</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#pelec">THE GENUS PELECYPHORA</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#opuntia">THE GENUS OPUNTIA</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#peres">THE GENUS PERESKIA</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#rhips">THE GENUS RHIPSALIS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#temp">TEMPERATURES</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#dealers">DEALERS IN CACTUSES</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#specind">INDEX OF SPECIES</a></p>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2>CACTUS CULTURE</h2>
+
+  <h3>FOR AMATEURS</h3>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="intro" id="intro"></a>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>INTRODUCTION.</h3>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>HE Cactus family is not popular among English horticulturists in
+  these days, scarcely half a dozen species out of about a thousand
+  known being considered good enough to be included among favourite
+  garden plants. Probably five hundred kinds have been, or are, in
+  cultivation in the gardens of the few specialists who take an
+  interest in Cactuses; but these are practically unknown in English
+  horticulture. It is not, however, very many years ago that there was
+  something like a Cactus mania, when rich amateurs vied with each
+  other in procuring and growing large collections of the rarest and
+  newest kinds.</p>
+
+  <p>"About the year 1830, Cacti began to be specially patronised by
+  several rich plant amateurs, of whom may be mentioned the Duke of
+  Bedford, who formed a fine collection at Woburn Abbey, the Duke of
+  Devonshire, and Mr. Harris, of Kingsbury. Mr. Palmer, of Shakelwell,
+  had become possessed of Mr. Haworth's collection, to which he greatly
+  added by purchases; he, however, found his rival in the Rev. H.
+  Williams, of Hendon, who formed a fine and select collection, and, on
+  account of the eagerness of growers to obtain the new and rare
+  plants, high prices were given for them, ten, twelve, and even twenty
+  and thirty guineas often being given for single plants of the
+  Echinocactus. Thus private collectors were induced to forward from
+  their native countries&mdash;chiefly from Mexico and
+  Chili&mdash;extensive collections of Cacti." (quoting J. Smith.
+  A.L.S., ex-Curator of the Royal Gardens. Kew).</p>
+
+  <p>This reads like what might be written of the position held now in
+  England by the Orchid family, and what has been written of Tulips and
+  other plants whose popularity has been great at some time or other.
+  Why have Cactuses gone out of favour? It is impossible to give any
+  satisfactory answer to this question. No doubt they belong to that
+  class of objects which is only popular whilst it pleases the eye or
+  tickles the fancy; and the eye and the fancy having tired of it, look
+  to something different.</p>
+
+  <p>The general belief with respect to Cactuses is that they are all
+  wanting in beauty, that they are remarkable only in that they are
+  exceedingly curious in form, and as a rule very ugly. It is true that
+  none of them possess any claims to gracefulness of habit or elegance
+  of foliage, such as are usual in popular plants, and, when not in
+  flower, very few of the Cactuses would answer to our present ideas of
+  beauty with respect to the plants we cultivate. Nevertheless, the
+  stems of many of them (see <a href="images/front.jpg">Frontispiece,
+  Fig. 1</a>) are peculiarly attractive on account of their strange,
+  even fantastic, forms, their spiny clothing, the absence of leaves,
+  except in very few cases, and their singular manner of growth. To the
+  few who care for Cactuses there is a great deal of beauty, even in
+  these characters, although perhaps the eye has to be educated up to
+  it.</p>
+
+  <p>If the stems are more curious than beautiful, the flowers of the
+  majority of the species of Cactuses are unsurpassed, as regards size
+  and form, and brilliancy and variety in colour, by any other family
+  of plants, not even excluding Orchids. In size some of the flowers
+  equal those of the Queen of Water Lilies <i>(Victoria regia),</i>
+  whilst the colours vary from the purest white to brilliant crimson
+  and deep yellow. Some of them are also deliciously fragrant. Those
+  kinds which expand their huge blossoms only at night are particularly
+  interesting; and in the early days of Cactus culture the flowering of
+  one of these was a great event in English gardens.</p>
+
+  <p>Of the many collections of Cactuses formed many years ago in
+  England, that at Kew is the only one that still exists. This
+  collection has always been rich in the number of species it
+  contained; at the present time the number of kinds cultivated there
+  is about 500. Mr. Peacock, of Hammersmith, also has a large
+  collection of Cactuses, many of which he has at various times
+  exhibited in public places, such as the Crystal Palace, and the large
+  conservatory attached to the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at
+  South Kensington. Other smaller collections are cultivated in the
+  Botanic Gardens at Oxford, Cambridge, Glasnevin, and Edinburgh.</p>
+
+  <p>A great point in favour of the plants of the Cactus family for
+  gardens of small size, and even for window gardening&mdash;a modest
+  phase of plant culture which has made much progress in recent
+  years&mdash;is the simpleness of their requirements under
+  cultivation. No plants give so much pleasure in return for so small
+  an amount of attention as do these. Their peculiarly tough-skinned
+  succulent stems enable them to go for an extraordinary length of time
+  without water; indeed, it may be said that the treatment most
+  suitable for many of them during the greater portion of the year is
+  such as would be fatal to most other plants. Cactuses are children of
+  the dry barren plains and mountain sides, living where scarcely any
+  other form of vegetation could find nourishment, and thriving with
+  the scorching heat of the sun over their heads, and their roots
+  buried in the dry, hungry soil, or rocks which afford them anchorage
+  and food.</p>
+
+  <p>In beauty and variety of flowers, in the remarkable forms of their
+  stems, in the simple nature of their requirements, and in the other
+  points of special interest which characterise this family, and which
+  supply the cultivator and student with an unfailing source of
+  pleasure and instruction, the Cactus family is peculiarly rich.</p>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2><a name="botany" id="botany">CHAPTER II.</a></h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>BOTANICAL CHARACTERS.</h3>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_A.gif" width="54" height="113" alt="A" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>LTHOUGH strictly botanical information may be considered as
+  falling outside the limits of a treatise intended only for the
+  cultivator, yet a short account of the principal characters by which
+  Cactuses are grouped and classified may not be without interest.</p>
+
+  <p>From the singular form and succulent nature of the whole of the
+  Cactus family, it might be inferred that, in these characters alone,
+  we have reliable marks of relationship, and that it would be safe to
+  call all those plants Cactuses in which such characters are manifest.
+  A glance at some members of other families will, however, soon show
+  how easily one might thus be mistaken. In the Euphorbias we find a
+  number of kinds, especially amongst those which inhabit the dry,
+  sandy plains of South Africa, which bear a striking resemblance to
+  many of the Cactuses, particularly the columnar ones and the
+  Rhipsalis. (The Euphorbias all have milk-like sap, which, on pricking
+  their stems or leaves, at once exudes and thus reveals their true
+  character. The sap of the Cactuses is watery). Amongst Stapelias,
+  too, we meet with plants which mimic the stem characters of some of
+  the smaller kinds of Cactus. Again, in the Cactuses themselves we
+  have curious cases of plant mimicry; as, for instance, the Rhipsalis,
+  which looks like a bunch of Mistletoe, and the Pereskia, the leaves
+  and habit of which are more like what belong to, say, the Gooseberry
+  family than to a form of Cactus. From this it will be seen that
+  although these plants are almost all succulent, and curiously formed,
+  they are by no means singular in this respect.</p>
+
+  <p>The characters of the order are thus defined by botanists:
+  Cactuses are either herbs, shrubs, or trees, with soft flesh and
+  copious watery juice. Root woody, branching, with soft bark. Stem
+  branching or simple, round, angular, channelled, winged, flattened,
+  or cylindrical; sometimes clothed with numerous tufts of spines which
+  vary in texture, size, and form very considerably; or, when
+  spineless, the stems bear numerous dot-like scars, termed areoles.
+  Leaves very minute, or entirely absent, falling off very early,
+  except in the Pereskia and several of the Opuntias, in which they are
+  large, fleshy, and persistent. Flowers solitary, except in the
+  Pereskia, and borne on the top or side of the stem; they are composed
+  of numerous parts or segments; the sepals and petals are not easily
+  distinguished from each other; the calyx tube is joined to, or
+  combined, with the ovary, and is often covered with scale-like sepals
+  and hairs or spines; the calyx is sometimes partly united so as to
+  form a tube, and the petals are spread in regular whorls, except in
+  the Epiphyllum. Stamens many, springing from the side of the tube or
+  throat of the calyx, sometimes joined to the petals, generally equal
+  in length; anthers small and oblong. Ovary smooth, or covered with
+  scales and spines, or woolly, one-celled; style simple, filiform or
+  cylindrical, with a stigma of two or more spreading rays, upon which
+  are small papillae. Fruit pulpy, smooth, scaly, or spiny, the pulp
+  soft and juicy, sweet or acid, and full of numerous small, usually
+  black, seeds.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Tribe I</b>.&mdash;<i>Calyx tube produced beyond the Ovary.
+  Stem covered with Tubercles, or Ribs, bearing Spines.</i></p>
+
+  <p>1. MELOCACTUS. Stem globose; flowers in a dense cap-like head,
+  composed of layers of bristly wool and slender spines, amongst which
+  the small flowers are developed. The cap is persistent, and increases
+  annually with the stem.</p>
+
+  <p>2. MAMILLARIA. Stems short, usually globose, and covered with
+  tubercles or mammae, rarely ridged, the apex bearing spiny cushions;
+  flowers mostly in rings round the stem.</p>
+
+  <p>3. PELECYPHORA. Stem small, club-shaped; tubercles in spiral rows,
+  and flattened on the top, where are two rows of short scale-like
+  spines.</p>
+
+  <p>4. LEUCHTENBERGIA. Stem naked at the base; tubercles on the upper
+  part large, fleshy, elongated, three-angled, bearing at the apex a
+  tuft of long, thin, gristle-like spines.</p>
+
+  <p>5. ECHINOCACTUS. Stem short, ridged, spiny; calyx tube of the
+  flower large, bell-shaped; ovary and fruit scaly.</p>
+
+  <p>6. DISCOCACTUS. Stem short; calyx tube thin, the throat filled by
+  the stamens; ovary and fruit smooth.</p>
+
+  <p>7. CEREUS. Stem often long and erect, sometimes scandent,
+  branching, ridged or angular; flowers from the sides of the stem;
+  calyx tube elongated and regular; stamens free.</p>
+
+  <p>8. PHYLLOCACTUS. Stem flattened, jointed, and notched; flowers
+  from the sides, large, having long, thin tubes and a regular
+  arrangement of the petals.</p>
+
+  <p>9. EPIPHYLLUM. Stem flattened, jointed; joints short; flowers from
+  the apices of the joints; calyx tube short; petals irregular, almost
+  bilabiate.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Tribe II.</b>&mdash;<i>Calyx-tube not produced beyond the
+  Ovary. Stem branching, jointed.</i></p>
+
+  <p>10. RHIPSALIS. Stem thin and rounded, angular, or flattened,
+  bearing tufts of hair when young; flowers small; petals spreading;
+  ovary smooth; fruit a small pea-like berry.</p>
+
+  <p>11. OPUNTIA. Stem jointed, joints broad and fleshy, or rounded;
+  spines barbed; flowers large; fruit spinous, large, pear-like.</p>
+
+  <p>12. PERESKIA. Stem woody, spiny, branching freely; leaves fleshy,
+  large, persistent; flowers medium in size, in panicles on the ends of
+  the branches.</p>
+
+  <p>The above is a key to the genera on the plan of the most recent
+  botanical arrangement, but for horticultural purposes it is necessary
+  that the two genera Echinopsis and Pilocereus should be kept up. They
+  come next to Cereus, and are distinguished as follows:</p>
+
+  <p>ECHINOPSIS. Stem as in Echinocactus, but the flowers are produced
+  low down from the side of the stem, and the flower tube is long and
+  curved.</p>
+
+  <p>PILOCEREUS. Stem tall, columnar, bearing long silky hairs as well
+  as spines; flowers in a head on the top of the stem, rarely
+  produced.</p>
+
+  <p>With the aid of this key anyone ought to be able to make out to
+  what genus a particular Cactus belongs, and by referring to the
+  descriptions of the species, he may succeed in making out what the
+  plant is.</p>
+
+  <p>For the classification of Cactuses, botanists rely mainly on their
+  floral organs and fruit. We may, therefore, take a plant of
+  Phyllocactus, with which most of us are familiar, and, by observing
+  the structure of its flowers, obtain some idea of the botanical
+  characters of the whole order.</p>
+
+  <p>Phyllocactus has thin woody stems and branches composed of
+  numerous long leaf-like joints, growing out of one another, and
+  resembling thick leaves joined by their ends. Along the sides of
+  these joints there are numerous notches, springing from which are the
+  large handsome flowers. On looking carefully, we perceive that the
+  long stalk-like expansion is not a stalk, because it is above the
+  seed vessel, which is, of course, a portion of the flower itself. It
+  is a hollow tube, and contains the long style or connection between
+  the seed vessel and the stigma, <i>a</i> (Fig. 2). This tube, then,
+  must be the calyx, and the small scattered scale-like bodies,
+  <i>b</i> (Fig. 2), which clothe the outside, are really calyx
+  lobes.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig2.jpg" width="300" height="318" alt=
+    "FLOWER OF PHYLLOCACTUS, CUT LENGTHWISE" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 2.&mdash;FLOWER OF PHYLLOCACTUS, CUT LENGTHWISE</p>
+
+    <p><i>a,</i> Calyx Tube. <i>b,</i> Calyx Lobes. <i>c,</i> Ditto,
+    assuming the form of Petals. <i>d,</i> Stamens. <i>e,</i> Style.
+    <i>f,</i> Ovary or Seed Vessel.</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>Nearer the top of the flower, these calyx lobes are better
+  developed, until, surrounding the corolla, we find them assuming the
+  form and appearance of petals, <i>c</i> (Fig. 2). The corolla is
+  composed of a large number of long strap-shaped pointed petals, very
+  thin and delicate, often beautifully coloured, and generally
+  spreading outwards. Springing from the bases of these petals, we find
+  the stamens, <i>d</i> (Fig. 2), a great number of them, forming a
+  bunch of threads unequal in length, and bearing on their tips the
+  hay-seed-like anthers, which are attached to the threads by one of
+  their points. The style is a long cylindrical body, <i>e</i> (Fig.
+  2), which stretches from the ovary to the top of the flower, where it
+  splits into a head of spreading linear rays, &frac12; in. length.
+  When the flower withers, the seed vessel, <i>f</i> (Fig. 2), remains
+  on the plant and expands into a large succulent fruit, inside which
+  is a mass of pulpy matter, inclosing the numerous, small, black, bony
+  seeds.</p>
+
+  <p>It must not be supposed that all the genera into which Cactuses
+  are divided are characterised by large flowers such as would render
+  their study as easy as the genus taken as an illustration. In some,
+  such for instance as the Rhipsalis, the flowers are small, and
+  therefore less easy to dissect than those of Phyllocactus.</p>
+
+  <p>The stems of Cactuses show a very wide range of variation in size,
+  in form, and in structure. In size, we have the colossal <i>Cereus
+  giganteus,</i> whose straight stems when old are as firm as iron, and
+  rise with many ascending arms or rear their tall leafless trunks like
+  ships' masts to a height of 60 ft. or 70 ft. From this we descend
+  through a multitude of various shapes and sizes to the tiny tufted
+  Mamillarias, no larger than a lady's thimble, or the creeping
+  Rhipsalis, which lies along the hard ground on which it grows, and
+  looks like hairy caterpillars. In form, the variety is very
+  remarkable. We have the Mistletoe Cactus, with the appearance of a
+  bunch of Mistletoe, berries and all; the Thimble Cactus; the Dumpling
+  Cactus; the Melon Cactus; the Turk's cap Cactus; the Rat's-tail
+  Cactus; the Hedgehog Cactus; all having a resemblance to the things
+  whose names they bear. Then there is the Indian Fig, with branches
+  like battledores, joined by their ends; the Epiphyllum and
+  Phyllocactus, with flattened leaf-like stems; the columnar spiny
+  Cereus, with deeply channelled stems and the appearance of immense
+  candelabra. Totally devoid of leaves, and often skeleton-like in
+  appearance, these plants have a strange look about them, which is
+  suggestive of some fossilised forms of vegetation belonging to the
+  past ages of the mastodon, the elk, and the dodo, rather than to the
+  living things of to-day.</p>
+
+  <p>By far the greater part of the species of Cactuses belong to the
+  group with tall or elongated stems. "It is worthy of remark that as
+  the stems advance in age the angles fill up, or the articulations
+  disappear, in consequence of the slow growth of the woody axis and
+  the gradual development of the cellular substance; so that, at the
+  end of a number of years, all the branches of Cactuses, however
+  angular or compressed they originally may have been, become trunks
+  that are either perfectly cylindrical, or which have scarcely any
+  visible angles."</p>
+
+  <p>A second large group is that of which the Melon and Hedgehog
+  Cactuses are good representatives, which have sphere-shaped stems,
+  covered with stout spines. We have hitherto spoken of the Cactuses as
+  being without leaves, but this is only true of them when in an old or
+  fully-developed state. On many of the stems we find upon their
+  surface, or angles, small tubercles, which, when young, bear tiny
+  scale-like leaves. These, however, soon wither and fall off, so that,
+  to all appearance, leaves are never present on these plants. There is
+  one exception, however, in the Barbadoes Gooseberry (Pereskia), which
+  bears true and persistent leaves; but these may be considered
+  anomalous in the order.</p>
+
+  <p>The term "succulent" is applied to Cactuses because of the large
+  proportion of cellular tissue, <i>i.e.,</i> flesh, of their stems, as
+  compared with the woody portion. In some of them, when young, the
+  woody system appears to be altogether absent, and they have the
+  appearance of a mass of fleshy matter, like a vegetable marrow. This
+  succulent mass is protected by a tough skin, often of leather-like
+  firmness, and almost without the little perforations called breathing
+  and evaporating pores, which in other plants are very numerous. This
+  enables the Cactuses to sustain without suffering the full ardour of
+  the burning sun and parched-up nature of the soil peculiar to the
+  countries where they are native. Nature has endowed Cactuses with a
+  skin similar to what she clothes many succulent fruits with, such as
+  the Apple, Plum, Peach, &amp;c., to which the sun's powerful rays are
+  necessary for their growth and ripening.</p>
+
+  <p>The spiny coat of the majority of Cactuses is no doubt intended to
+  serve as a protection from the wild animals inhabiting with them the
+  sterile plains of America, and to whom the cool watery flesh of the
+  Cactus would otherwise fall a prey. Indeed, these spines are not
+  sufficient to prevent some animals from obtaining the watery insides
+  of these plants, for we read that mules and wild horses kick them
+  open and greedily devour their succulent flesh. It has also been
+  suggested that the spines are intended to serve the plants as a sort
+  of shade from the powerful sunshine, as they often spread over and
+  interlace about the stems.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="cult" id="cult"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>CULTIVATION.</h3>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_B.gif" width="55" height="118" alt="B" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>Y noting the conditions in which plants are found growing in a
+  natural state, we obtain some clue to their successful management,
+  when placed under conditions more or less artificial; and, in the
+  case of Cactuses, knowledge of this kind is of more than ordinary
+  importance. In the knowledge that, with only one or two exceptions,
+  they will not exist in any but sunny lands, where, during the greater
+  part of the year, dry weather prevails, we perceive what conditions
+  are likely to suit them when under cultivation in our
+  plant-houses.</p>
+
+  <p>Cactuses are all American (using this term for the whole of the
+  New World) with only one or two exceptions (several species of
+  Rhipsalis have been found wild in Africa, Madagascar, and Ceylon),
+  and, broadly speaking, they are mostly tropical plants,
+  not-withstanding the fact of their extending to the snow-line on some
+  of the Andean Mountains of Chili, where several species of the
+  Hedgehog Cactus were found by Humboldt on the summit of rocks whose
+  bases were planted in snow. In California, in Mexico and Texas, in
+  the provinces of Central and South America, as far south as Chili,
+  and in many of the islands contiguous to the mainland, the Cactus
+  family has become established wherever warmth and drought, such as
+  its members delight in, allowed them to get established. In many of
+  the coast lands, they occur in very large numbers, forming forests of
+  strange aspect, and giving to the landscape a weird, picturesque
+  appearance. Humboldt, in his "Views of Nature," says: "There is
+  hardly any physiognomical character of exotic vegetation that
+  produces a more singular and ineffaceable impression on the mind of
+  the traveller than an arid plain, densely covered with columnar or
+  candelabra-like stems of Cactuses, similar to those near Cumana, New
+  Barcelona, Cora. and in the province of Jaen de Bracamoros." This
+  applies also to some of the small islands of the West Indies, the
+  hills or mountains of which are crowned with these curious-looking
+  plants, whose singular shapes are alone sufficient to remind the
+  traveller that he has reached an American coast; for these Cactuses
+  are as peculiar a feature of the New World as the Heaths are in the
+  Old, or as Eucalypti are in Australia.</p>
+
+  <p>Although the Cactus order is, in its distribution by Nature,
+  limited to the regions of America, yet it is now represented in
+  various parts of the Old World by plants which are apparently as wild
+  and as much at home as when in their native countries.</p>
+
+  <p>The Indian Figs are, perhaps, the most widely distributed of
+  Cactuses in the Old World&mdash;a circumstance due to their having
+  been introduced for the sake of their edible fruits, and more
+  especially for the cultivation of the cochineal insect. In various
+  places along the shores of the Mediterranean, and in South Africa,
+  and even in Australia, the Opuntias have become naturalised, and
+  appear like aboriginal inhabitants. It is, however, only in warm
+  sunny regions that the naturalisation of these plants is
+  possible.</p>
+
+  <p>From these facts, we are able to form some general idea of the
+  conditions suitable for Cactuses when cultivated in our greenhouses;
+  for, although we seldom have, or care to have, any but diminutive
+  specimens of many of these plants as compared with their appearance
+  when wild, yet we know that the same conditions as regards heat,
+  light, and moisture are necessary for small Cactuses as for
+  full-grown ones.</p>
+
+  <p>Although the places in which Cactuses naturally abound are, for
+  the greater portion of the year, very dry and warm, heavy rains are
+  more or less frequent during certain periods, and these, often
+  accompanied by extreme warmth and bright sunshine, have an
+  invigorating and almost forcing effect on the growth of Cactuses. It
+  is during this rainy period that the whole of the growth is made, and
+  new life is, as it were, given to the plant, its reservoir-like
+  structure enabling it to store up a large amount of food and
+  moisture, so that on the return of dry weather the safety of the
+  plant is insured.</p>
+
+  <p>It is to the management of Cactuses in a small state, such as is
+  most convenient for our plant-houses, and not to the cultivation of
+  those colossal species referred to above, that the instructions given
+  here will be for the most part devoted; but, as in the case of almost
+  every one of our cultivated plants, it is important to the cultivator
+  to know something of the conditions which Nature has provided for
+  Cactuses in those lands where they are native.</p>
+
+  <p>There is nothing in the nature or the requirements of Cactuses
+  that should render their successful management beyond the means of
+  anyone who possesses a small, heated greenhouse, or even a window
+  recess to which sunlight can be admitted during some portion of the
+  day. In large establishments, such as Kew, it is possible to provide
+  a spacious house specially for the cultivation of an extensive
+  collection, where many of them may attain a good size before becoming
+  too big. And it will be evident that where a house such as that at
+  Kew can be afforded, much more satisfactory results may generally be
+  obtained, than if plants have to be provided for in a house
+  containing various other plants, or in the window of a dwelling-room.
+  Apart altogether from size, it is, however, possible to grow a
+  collection of Cactuses, and to grow them well, in a house of small
+  dimensions&mdash;given the amount of sunlight and heat which are
+  required by these plants. We sometimes see Cactuses&mdash;specimens,
+  too, of choice and rare kinds&mdash;which have been reared in a
+  cottager's window or in a small greenhouse, and which in health and
+  beauty have at least equalled what has been accomplished in the most
+  elaborately prepared houses. It may be said that these successes,
+  under conditions of the most limited kind, are accidental rather than
+  the result of properly understood treatment; but however they have
+  been brought about, these instances of good cultivation are
+  sufficient to show that success is possible, even where the means are
+  of the simplest or most restricted kind. Whether it be in a large
+  house, fitted with the best arrangements, or in the window of the
+  cottager, the conditions essential to the successful cultivation of
+  Cactuses are practically the same.</p>
+
+  <p><b>In Wardian Cases.</b>&mdash;Many of our readers will be
+  acquainted with the neat little glass cases, like greenhouses in
+  shape, and fitted up in much the same way, which are sometimes to be
+  seen in our markets, filled with a collection of miniature Cactuses.
+  To the professional gardener, these cases are playthings, and are
+  looked upon by him as bearing about the same relation to gardening as
+  a child's doll's house does to housekeeping. Not-withstanding this,
+  they are the source of much interest, and even of instruction, to
+  many of the millions to whom a greenhouse or serious gardening is an
+  impossibility. In these little cases&mdash;for which we are indebted
+  to Mr. Boller, a dealer in Cactaceous plants&mdash;it is possible to
+  grow a collection of tiny Cactuses for years, if only the operations
+  of watering, potting, ventilating, and other matters connected with
+  ordinary plant growing, are properly attended to.</p>
+
+  <p><b>In Window Recesses.</b>&mdash;In the window recess larger
+  specimens may be grown, and here it is possible to grow and flower
+  successfully many of the plants of the Cactus family. In a window
+  with a south aspect, and which lights a room where fires are kept, at
+  least during cold weather, specimens of Phyllocactus, <i>Cereus
+  flagelliformis,</i> Epiphyllum, and, in fact, of almost every kind of
+  Cactus, are sometimes to be met with even in England; whilst in
+  Germany they are as popular among the poorer classes as the Fuchsia,
+  the Pelargonium, and the Musk are with us. One of the commonest of
+  Cactuses in the latter country is the Rat's-tail Cactus <i>(Cereus
+  flagelliformis),</i> and it is no unusual thing to see a large window
+  of a cottager's dwelling thickly draped on the inside with the long,
+  tail-like growths and handsome rose-coloured flowers of this plant.
+  This is only one among dozens of species, all equally useful for
+  window gardening, and all as interesting and beautiful as those above
+  described.</p>
+
+  <p><b>In Greenhouses.</b>&mdash;For the greenhouse proper, Cactuses
+  are well adapted, either as the sole occupants or as suitable for
+  such positions as are afforded by shelves or baskets placed near the
+  roof glass. If the greenhouse is not fitted with heating
+  arrangements, then, by selecting only those species of Cactus that
+  are known to thrive in a position where, during winter, they are kept
+  safe out of the reach of frost (of which a large number are known) a
+  good collection of these plants may be grown. In heated structures
+  the selection of kinds may be made according to the space available,
+  and to the conditions under which they will be expected to grow. Fig.
+  3 represents a section of a house for Cactuses, which will afford a
+  good idea of the kind of structure best suited for them. The aspect
+  is due south.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig3.jpg" width="320" height="275" alt=
+    "SECTION OF HOUSE FOR CACTUSES" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 3.&mdash;SECTION OF HOUSE FOR CACTUSES&mdash;A,A, Hot-water
+    Pipes; B,B, Ventilators</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>When grown on their own roots, the Epiphyllums, as well as the
+  pendent-growing kinds of Rhipsalis, and several species of Cereus,
+  may be placed in baskets and suspended from the roof. The baskets
+  should be lined with thin slices of fibrous peat, and the whole of
+  the middle filled with the compost recommended for these plants under
+  "Soil". When well managed, some very pretty objects are formed by the
+  Epiphyllums grown as basket plants. The climbing Cactuses are usually
+  planted in a little mound composed of loam and brick rubble, and
+  their stems either trained along rafters or allowed to run up the
+  back wall of a greenhouse, against which they root freely, and are
+  generally capable of taking care of themselves with very little
+  attention from the gardener.</p>
+
+  <p><b>In Frames.</b>&mdash;For cultivation in frames, the conditions
+  are the same as for greenhouses. Even when grown in the latter, it
+  will be found conducive to the health and flowering of the plants if,
+  during the summer months, they can be placed in a frame with a south
+  aspect, removing them back to the house again on the decline of
+  summer weather. Wherever the place selected for Cactuses may be,
+  whether in a large plant-house, or a frame, or a window, it is of
+  vital importance to the plants that the position should be exposed to
+  bright sunshine during most of the day. Without sunlight, they can no
+  more thrive than a Pelargonium could without water. In Germany, many
+  growers of almost all the kinds of Cactuses place their young plants
+  in frames, which are prepared as follows: In April or May a hot-bed
+  of manure and leaves is prepared, and a frame placed upon it, looking
+  south. Six inches of soil is put on the top of the bed, and in this,
+  as soon as the temperature of the bed has fallen to about 70 deg.,
+  the young plants are placed in rows. The frames are kept close even
+  in bright weather, except when there is too much moisture inside, and
+  the plants are syringed twice daily in dry, hot weather. The growth
+  they make under this treatment is astonishing. By the autumn the
+  plants are ready to be ripened by exposure to sun and air, and in
+  September they are lifted, planted in pots, and sent to market for
+  sale. This method may be adopted in England, and if carefully
+  managed, the growth the plants would make would far exceed anything
+  ever accomplished when they are kept permanently in pots.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Out-of-doors.</b>&mdash;There are some kinds which may be grown
+  out of doors altogether, if planted on a sunny, sheltered position,
+  on a rockery. The most successful plan is that followed at Kew, where
+  a collection of the hardier species is planted in a rockery composed
+  of brick rubble and stones. During summer the plants are exposed; but
+  when cold weather and rains come, lights are placed permanently over
+  the rockery, and in this way it is kept comparatively dry. No
+  fire-heat or protection of any other kind is used, and the vigorous
+  growth, robust health, and floriferousness of the several species are
+  proofs of the fitness of the treatment for this class of plants.</p>
+
+  <p>In any garden where a few square yards in a sunny, well-drained
+  position can be afforded for a raised rockery, the hardy Cactuses may
+  be easily managed. To make a suitable rockery, proceed as follows:
+  Find a position against the south wall of a house, greenhouse, or
+  shed, and against this wall construct a raised rockery of brick
+  rubble, lime rubbish, stones (soft sandstone, if possible), and
+  fibrous loam. The rockery when finished should be, say, 4 ft. wide,
+  and reach along the wall as far as required; the back of the rockery
+  would extend about 2 ft. above the ground level, and fall towards the
+  front. Fix in the wall, 1 ft. or so above the rockery, a number of
+  hooks at intervals all along, to hold in position lights sufficiently
+  long to cover the rockery from the wall to the front, where they
+  could be supported by short posts driven in the ground. The lights
+  should be removed during summer to some shed, and brought out for use
+  on the approach of winter. Treated in this manner, the following
+  hardy species could not fail to be a success:</p><i>Opuntia
+  Rafinesquii</i> and var. <i>arkansana, O. vulgaris, O. brachyarthra,
+  O. Picolominiana, O. missouriensis, O. humilis, Cereus Fendleri, C.
+  Engelmanni, C. gonacanthus, C. phoeniceus, Echinocactus Simpsoni, E.
+  Pentlandii, Mamillaria vivipara.</i>
+
+  <p>Having briefly pointed out the various positions in which Cactuses
+  may be cultivated successfully, we will now proceed to treat in
+  detail the various operations which are considered as being of more
+  or less importance in their management. These are potting, watering,
+  and temperatures, after which propagation by means of seeds,
+  cuttings, and grafting, hybridisation, seed saving, &amp;c., and
+  diseases and noxious insects will be treated upon.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Soil.</b>&mdash;The conditions in which plants grow naturally,
+  are what we usually try to imitate for their cultivation
+  artificially. At all events, such is supposed to be theoretically
+  right, however difficult we may often find it to be in practice. Soil
+  in some form or other is necessary to the healthy existence of all
+  plants; and we know that the nature of the soil varies with that of
+  the plants growing in it, or, in other words, certain soils are
+  necessary to certain plants, whether in a state of nature or
+  cultivated in gardens. But, whilst admitting that Nature, when
+  intelligently followed, would not lead us far astray, we must be
+  careful not to follow her too strictly when dealing with the
+  management of plants in gardens. There are other circumstances
+  besides the nature of the soil by which plants are influenced. Soil
+  is only one of the conditions on which plants depend, and where the
+  other conditions are not exactly the same in our gardens as in
+  nature, it is often found necessary to employ a different soil from
+  that in which the plants grow when wild.</p>
+
+  <p>It has been stated that plants do not grow naturally in the soil
+  best suited for them, and that the reason why many plants are found
+  in peculiar places is not at all because they prefer them, but
+  because they alone are capable of existing there, or because they
+  take refuge there from the inroads of stouter neighbours who would
+  destroy them or crowd them out. There are, as every gardener knows,
+  numerous plants that succeed equally well in widely different soils,
+  and a soil which may be suitable for a plant in one place, may prove
+  totally unsuited in another. Hence it is why we find one gardener
+  recommending one kind of soil, and another a different one, for the
+  same plant, both answering equally well because of other conditions
+  fitting better with each soil. This helps us to understand how it is
+  that many garden subjects grow much better when planted in composts
+  often quite different from those the plants are found in when wild.
+  Few plants have a particular predilection for soil, and some have
+  what we may call the power to adapt themselves to conditions often
+  widely different.</p>
+
+  <p>In Cactuses we have a family of plants for which special
+  conditions are necessary; and, as regards soil, whether we are guided
+  by nature or by gardening experience, we are led to conclude that
+  almost all of them thrive only when planted in one kind, that soil
+  being principally loam. Plants which are limited in nature to sandy,
+  sun-scorched plains or the glaring sides of rocky hills and
+  mountains, where scarcely any other form of vegetation can exist, are
+  not likely to require much decayed vegetable humus, but must obtain
+  their food from inorganic substances, such as loam, sand, or lime. So
+  it is with them when grown in our houses. They are healthiest and
+  longest-lived when planted in a loamy soil; and although they may be
+  grown fairly well for a time when placed in a compost of loam and
+  leaf mould, or loam and peat, yet the growth they make is generally
+  too sappy and weak; it is simply fat without bone, which, when the
+  necessary resting period comes round, either rots or gradually dries
+  up. In preparing soil, therefore, for all Cactuses (except Epiphyllum
+  and Rhipsalis, which will be treated separately) a good, rather stiff
+  loam, with plenty of grass fibre in it, should form the principal
+  ingredient, sand and, if obtainable, small brick rubble being
+  added&mdash;one part of each of the latter to six parts of the
+  former. The brick rubble should be pounded up so that the largest
+  pieces are about the size of hazel nuts. Lime rubbish, <i>i.e.,</i>
+  old plaster from buildings, &amp;c., is sometimes recommended for
+  Cactuses, but it does not appear to be of any use except as drainage.
+  At Kew its use has been discontinued, and it is now generally
+  condemned by all good cultivators. Of course, the idea that lime was
+  beneficial to Cactuses sprang from the knowledge that it existed in
+  large quantities in the soil in which the plants grew naturally, and
+  it is often found in abundance, in the form of oxalate of lime, in
+  the old stems of the plants. But in good loam, lime, in the state of
+  chalk, is always present, and this, together with the lime contained
+  in the brick rubble, is sufficient to supply the plants with as much
+  as they require.</p>
+
+  <p>For Epiphyllums and Rhipsalis, both of which are epiphytal
+  naturally, but which are found to thrive best in pots in our houses,
+  a mixture of equal parts of peat and loam with sand and brick rubble
+  in the same proportion as before recommended, will be found most
+  suitable. Leaf mould is sometimes used for these plants; but unless
+  really good it is best left out of the soil. The finest Epiphyllums
+  have been grown in a soil which consists almost wholly of a light
+  fibry loam, with the addition of a little crushed bones.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Potting.</b>&mdash;Cactuses, when healthy, are injuriously
+  affected by frequent disturbance at the roots. On the arrival of the
+  potting season, which for these plants is in April and May,
+  established plants should be examined at the root, and if the roots
+  are found to be in a healthy condition, and the soil sweet, they
+  should be replaced in the same pots to continue in them another year.
+  If the roots are decayed, or the soil has become sour, it should be
+  shaken away from the roots, which must be examined, cutting away all
+  decayed portions, and shortening the longest roots to within a few
+  inches of the base of the plant. Cactuses are so tenacious of life,
+  and appear to rely so little on their roots, that it will be found
+  the wisest plan, when repotting them, to cut the roots
+  thoroughly.</p>
+
+  <p>The size of pots most suitable is what would be considered small
+  in comparison with other plants, Cactuses preferring to be somewhat
+  cramped in this respect. This, indeed, is how they are found when
+  wild, the roots generally fixing themselves in the crevices of the
+  rocks or stones about which the plants grow, so that a large specimen
+  is often found to have only a few inches of space in the cleft of a
+  rock for the whole of its roots. When thus limited, growth is firmer
+  and the flowers are produced in much greater profusion than when a
+  liberal amount of root space is afforded. The pots should be well
+  drained-about one-fifth of their depth filled with drainage when
+  intended for large, strong-growing kinds, and one-third for the
+  smaller ones, such as Mamillarias. A layer of rough fibry material
+  should be placed over the crocks to prevent the finer soil from
+  stopping the drainage. When filling in the soil, press it down
+  firmly, spreading the roots well amongst it, and keeping the base of
+  the plant only an inch or so below the surface.</p>
+
+  <p>For plants with weak stems, stakes will be necessary, and even
+  stout-stemmed kinds, when their roots are not sufficient to hold them
+  firmly, will do best if fastened to one or two strong stakes till
+  they have made new roots and got firm hold of the soil. Epiphyllums,
+  when grown as standards, should be tied to strong wire supports,
+  those with three short, prong-like legs being most desirable, as,
+  owing to the weight of the head of the plant, a single stake is not
+  sufficient to hold the whole firmly. After potting, no water should
+  be given for a few weeks. In fact, if the atmosphere in which the
+  plants are placed be kept a little moist, it will not be necessary to
+  water them till signs of fresh growth are perceived. For Epiphyllums
+  and Rhipsalis, water will be required earlier than this; but even
+  they are best left for a few days without water, after they have been
+  repotted. As soon as fresh growth is perceived, the plants may be
+  well watered, and from this time water may be supplied as often as
+  the soil approaches dryness. Newly-imported plants, which on arrival
+  are usually much shrivelled and rootless, should be potted in rather
+  dry soil and small pots, and treated as recommended above. Cactuses,
+  we must remember, contain an abundance of nourishment stored up in
+  their stems, and upon this they will continue to exist for a
+  considerable time without suffering; and, when their growing season
+  comes round, root action commences whether the soil is wet or dry,
+  the latter being the most favourable.</p>
+
+  <p>Plants altogether exposed to the air will push roots in due time.
+  A remarkable instance of this has been recorded by Mr. J. R. Jackson,
+  curator of the museums at Kew. A plant of <i>Pilocereus senilis,</i>
+  which had grown too tall for the house, was cut off at the base, and
+  placed in the museum as a specimen. Here it gradually dried up to
+  within 2 ft. of the top, where a fracture across the stem had been
+  made. Above this the stem remained fresh and healthy, and, on
+  examining it some months afterwards, it was found that not only had
+  the top of the stem remained green, but it had formed roots of its
+  own, which had grown down the dead lower portion of the stem, and
+  were in a perfectly healthy state. When it is remembered that all
+  this happened in the dry atmosphere of a museum, it will be apparent
+  how exceptional Cactuses are in their manner of growth, and in the
+  wonderful tenacity of life they exhibit under conditions which would
+  destroy the majority of plants in a very short time. We sometimes
+  find, when examining the bases of Cactus stems, that decay has
+  commenced; this is carefully cut out with a sharp knife, and the
+  wound exposed to the action of the air till it is perfectly dry, or,
+  as we term it, "callused."</p>
+
+  <p><b>Watering.</b>&mdash;It will have peen gathered from what has
+  been previously said in relation to the conditions under which the
+  majority of the plants of the Cactus family grow when wild, that
+  during their season of growth they require a good supply of moisture,
+  both at the root and overhead; and afterwards a somewhat lengthened
+  period of rest, that is, almost total dryness, accompanied by all the
+  sunlight possible, and generally a somewhat high temperature. The
+  growing season for all those kinds which require to be kept dry when
+  at rest is from the end of April to the middle of August, and during
+  this time they should be kept moderately moist, but not constantly
+  saturated, which, however, is not likely to occur if the water is not
+  carelessly supplied, and the drainage and soil are perfect. This
+  treatment corresponds with what happens to Cactuses in a wild state,
+  the frequent and heavy rains which occur in the earlier part of the
+  summer in the American plains supplying the amount of moisture
+  necessary to enable these plants to make fresh growth, and produce
+  their beautiful flowers and spine-clothed fruits. After August,
+  little or no rain falls, and the Cactuses assume a rather shrivelled
+  appearance, which gives them an unhealthy look, but which is really a
+  sign of ripeness, promising a plentiful crop of flowers when the
+  rainy season again returns.</p>
+
+  <p>As the sun in England is not nearly so powerful as in the hot
+  plains of Central America and the Southern States of North America,
+  where Cactuses are found in greatest abundance, it will be evident
+  that, if flowers are to be produced, we must see that our plants have
+  a sufficiency of water in early summer, and little or none during the
+  autumn and winter, whilst the whole year round they should be exposed
+  to all the sunlight possible, the temperature, of course, varying
+  with the requirements of the species, whether it is a native of
+  tropical or of temperate regions. It is important that the cultivator
+  should understand that if water is liberally supplied all through the
+  summer, the plants cannot obtain the rest which is necessary to their
+  ripening and producing flowers, as dryness at the root alone is not
+  sufficient to provide this, but must be accompanied by exposure to
+  bright sunlight, which is not possible in England during winter, so
+  that the ripening process must begin before the summer is over.</p>
+
+  <p>It is possible to preserve most Cactuses alive by keeping them
+  constantly growing; but, with very few exceptions, such treatment
+  prevents the plants from flowering. The following is what is
+  practised in the gardens where Cactuses are successfully cultivated.
+  For the genera Cereus, Echinopsis, Echinocactus, Mamillaria, Opuntia,
+  and Melocactus, a moist tropical house is provided, and in April the
+  plants are freely watered at the root, and syringed overhead both
+  morning and afternoon on all bright days. This treatment is continued
+  till the end of July, when syringing is suspended, and the water
+  supplied to the roots gradually reduced. By the end of August, the
+  plants are placed in a large light frame with a south aspect, except
+  the tall-growing kinds, which are too bulky to remove. In this frame
+  the plants are kept till the summer is over, and are watered only
+  about once a week should the sun be very powerful. The lights are
+  removed on all bright sunny days, but are kept on during wet or dull
+  weather, and at night. Under this treatment, many of the species
+  assume a reddish appearance, and the thick fleshy-stemmed kinds
+  generally shrivel somewhat. There is no occasion for alarm in the
+  coloured and shrivelled appearance of the plants: on the contrary, it
+  may be hailed as a good sign for flowers.</p>
+
+  <p>A common complaint in relation to Cacti as flowering plants is
+  that they grow all right but rarely or never flower. The explanation
+  of this is shown by the fact that the plants must be properly ripened
+  and rested before they can produce flowers. On the approach of cold
+  weather the plants which were removed to a frame to be ripened should
+  be brought back into the house for the winter, and kept quite dry at
+  the roots till the return of spring, when their flowers will be
+  developed either before or soon after the watering season again
+  commences.</p>
+
+  <p>Hitherto we have been dealing with those genera which have thick
+  fleshy stems; but there still remain the genera Rhipsalis,
+  Epiphyllum, and Phyllocactus, which are not capable of bearing the
+  long period of drought advised for the former. The last-mentioned
+  genus should, however, be kept almost dry at the root during winter,
+  and, if placed in a light, airy house till the turn of the year, the
+  branches will ripen, and set their flower buds much more readily than
+  when they are wintered in a moist, partially-shaded house. During
+  summer all the Phyllocactuses delight in plenty of water, and, when
+  growing freely, a weak solution of manure affords them good food.
+  Epiphyllums must be kept always more or less moist at the root,
+  though, of course, when growing freely, they require more water than
+  when growth has ceased for the year, which happens late in autumn.
+  The same rule applies to Rhipsalis, none of the species of which are
+  happy when kept long dry. For the several species of Opuntia and
+  Echinopsis, which are sufficiently hardy to be cultivated on a sunny
+  rockery out of doors, it will be found a wise precaution to place
+  either a pane of glass or a handlight over the plants in wet autumns
+  and during winter, not so much to serve as protection from cold as to
+  shield them from an excess of moisture at a time when it would prove
+  injurious.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Temperature.</b>&mdash;As the amount of heat required by the
+  different species of Cactus varies very considerably, and as the
+  difference between the summer and winter temperatures for them is
+  often as great as it is important, it will be as well if we mention
+  the temperature required by each when describing the species. It is
+  true that the majority of Cactuses may be kept alive in one house
+  where all would be subjected to the same temperature, but many of the
+  plants would merely exist, and could not possibly flower. It would be
+  easy to point to several instances of this unsatisfactory state of
+  things. At Kew, for example, owing to the arrangements necessary for
+  the public, it is found convenient to have the majority of the large
+  collection of Cactuses in one house, where the plants present an
+  imposing appearance, but where, as might be expected, a good number
+  of the species very rarely produce flowers. The Cactuses which
+  inhabit the plains of the Southern United States are subjected to a
+  very high summer temperature, and a winter of intense cold; whilst on
+  the other hand the species found in Central and South America do not
+  undergo nearly so wide an extreme, the difference between the summer
+  and winter temperatures of these countries being generally much less
+  marked. A word will be said under each species as to whether it is
+  tropical, temperate, or hardy, a tropical temperature for Cacti being
+  in summer 70 degs., rising to 90 degs. with sun heat, night
+  temperature 60 degs. to 70 degs., in winter 60 degs. to 65 degs.
+  Temperate: in summer 60 degs., rising to 75 degs. with sun heat,
+  night 60 degs. to 65 degs., in winter 50 degs. to 55 degs. The hardy
+  species will, of course, bear the ordinary temperatures of this
+  country; but, to enable them to withstand a very cold winter, they
+  must be kept as dry as possible. In the colder parts of England it is
+  not advisable to leave any of these plants outside during winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Insect Pests.</b>&mdash;Notwithstanding the thickness of skin
+  characteristic of almost every one of the Cactuses, they are
+  frequently attacked by various kinds of garden pests when under
+  cultivation, and more especially by mealy bug. There is, of course,
+  no difficulty in removing such insects from the species with few or
+  no spines upon their stems; but when the plants are thickly covered
+  with clusters of spines and hairs, the insects are not easily got rid
+  of. For Cactuses, as well as for other plants subject to this most
+  troublesome insect, various kinds of insecticide have been
+  recommended; but the best, cheapest, and most effectual with which we
+  are acquainted is paraffin, its only drawback being the injury it
+  does to the plants when applied carelessly, or when not sufficiently
+  diluted. A wineglassful of the oil, added to a gallon of soft water,
+  and about 2oz. of soft soap, the whole to be kept thoroughly mixed by
+  frequently stirring it, forms a solution strong enough to destroy
+  mealy bug. In applying this mixture, a syringe should be used, or, if
+  the plants are to be dipped overhead, care must be taken to have the
+  oil thoroughly diffused through the water, or the plant, when lifted
+  out, will be covered with pure paraffin, which does not mix properly
+  with water, but swims upon the surface if allowed to stand for a few
+  moments. The plants should be laid on their sides to be syringed with
+  the mixture, and after they have been thoroughly wetted, they may be
+  allowed to stand for a few minutes before being syringed with pure
+  water. Plants that are badly infested with mealy bug should be
+  syringed with the paraffin mixture once a day, for about a week. It
+  is easy to do serious harm to these plants by using a stronger
+  solution than is here recommended, and also by not properly mixing
+  the oil with the soap and water; and the amateur cannot, therefore,
+  be too careful in his use of this excellent insecticide. It would be
+  easy to recommend other insecticides, so called, for Cactuses; but
+  whilst they are less dangerous to the plants, they are often as
+  harmless as pure water to the insects.</p>
+
+  <p>For scale, which sometimes infests these plants, and which is
+  sometimes found upon them when wild, the paraffin may be used with
+  good effect.</p>
+
+  <p>Thrips attack Phyllocactus, Rhipsalis, and Epiphyllum, especially
+  when the plants are grown in less shade, or in a higher temperature,
+  than is good for them. Fumigation with tobacco, dipping in a strong
+  solution of tobacco, or sponging with a mixture of soap and water,
+  are either of them effectual when applied to plants infested with
+  thrips. The same may be said of green-fly, which sometimes attacks
+  the Epiphyllums.</p>
+
+  <p>A blight, something similar to mealy bug, now and again appears on
+  the roots of some of the varieties of Echinocactus and Cereus. This
+  may be destroyed by dipping the whole of the roots in the mixture
+  recommended for the stems when infested by mealy bug, and afterwards
+  allowing them to stand for a few minutes immersed in pure water. They
+  may then be placed where they will dry quickly, and finally, in a day
+  or two, repotted into new compost, first removing every particle of
+  the old soil from the roots.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Diseases.</b>&mdash;When wild and favourably situated as
+  regards heat and moisture, the larger kinds of Cactus are said to
+  live to a great age, some of the tree kinds, according to Humboldt,
+  bearing about them signs of having existed several hundred years. The
+  same remarkable longevity, most likely, is found in the smaller kinds
+  when wild. Under artificial cultivation there are, however, many
+  conditions more or less unfavourable to the health of plants, and, in
+  the case of Cactuses, very large specimens, when imported from their
+  native haunts to be placed in our glass houses, soon perish. At Kew,
+  there have been, at various times, very fine specimens of some of the
+  largest-growing ones, but they have never lived longer than a year or
+  so, always gradually shrinking in size till, finally, owing to the
+  absence of proper nourishment, and to other untoward conditions, they
+  have broken down and rotted. This rotting of the tissue, or flesh, of
+  these plants is the great enemy to their cultivation in England. When
+  it appears, it should be carefully cut out with a sharp knife, and
+  exposed to the influence of a perfectly dry atmosphere for a few days
+  till the wound has dried, when the plant should be potted in a sandy
+  compost and treated as for cuttings. Sometimes the decay begins in
+  the side of the stem of the plant, in which case it should be cut
+  away, and the wound exposed to a dry air. The cause of this decay at
+  the base or in the side of the stems of Cactuses is no doubt
+  debility, which is the result of the absence of some necessary
+  condition when the plants are cultivated in houses or windows in this
+  country.</p>
+
+  <p>Grafted plants, especially Epiphyllums, when worked on to Pereskia
+  stocks, are apt to grow weak and flabby through the stem wearing out,
+  or through the presence of mealy bug or insects in the crevices of
+  the part where the stock and scion join, in which case it is best to
+  prepare fresh stocks of Pereskia, and graft on to them the best of
+  the pieces of Epiphyllum from the old, debilitated plant. It is no
+  use trying to get such plants to recover, as, when once this disease
+  or weakness begins, it cannot easily be stopped.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="propag" id="propag"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>PROPAGATION.</h3>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_C.jpg" width="56" height="123" alt="C" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>ACTUSES may be multiplied from cuttings of the stems, from seeds,
+  and also by means of grafting; this last method being adopted for
+  those species which, under cultivation, are not easily kept in health
+  when growing upon their own roots, or, as in the case of Epiphyllums,
+  when it offers a means of speedily forming large and shapely
+  specimens. From seeds the plants are generally freer in growth than
+  when cuttings are used, although the seedlings are longer in growing
+  into flowering specimens than large cuttings would be. To the
+  amateur, the process of germination and development from the seedling
+  to the mature stage, is full of interest and attraction, the changes
+  from one form to another as the plant develops being very marked in
+  most of the genera.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Seeds.</b>&mdash;Good fresh seeds of Cactaceous plants
+  germinate in from two to four weeks after sowing, if placed in a warm
+  house or on a hotbed with a temperature of 80 degs. If sown in a
+  lower temperature, the time they take to vegetate is longer; but,
+  unless in a very low degree of heat, the seeds, if good, and if
+  properly managed as regards soil and water, rarely fail to germinate.
+  For all the kinds, pots or pans containing drainage to within 2 in.
+  of the top, and then filled up with finely sifted loam and sand,
+  three parts of the former to one of the latter, and pressed down
+  moderately firm, will be found to answer. If the soil be moist at the
+  time of sowing the seeds, it will not be necessary to water it for a
+  day or two. The seeds should be scattered thinly over the surface of
+  the soil, and then covered with about 1/8 in. of soil. Over this, a
+  pane of glass may be placed, and should remain till the seedlings
+  appear above the soil. Should the position where the seeds are to be
+  raised be in a room window, this pane of glass will be found very
+  useful in preventing the dry air of the room from absorbing all the
+  moisture from the soil about the seeds. For the germination of
+  Cactus, and indeed of all seeds, a certain amount of moisture must be
+  constantly present in the soil; and after a seed has commenced to
+  grow, to allow it to get dry is to run the risk of killing it.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig4.jpg" width="267" height="237" alt=
+    "SEEDLINGS OF CEREUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 4.&mdash;SEEDLINGS OF CEREUS.</p>
+  </div><i>a,</i> One month after germination. <i>b,</i> Two months
+  after germination. <i>c,</i> Three months after germination.
+  (Magnified six times).
+
+  <p>The seeds of Cactuses may be sown at anytime in the year; but it
+  is best to sow in spring, as, after germinating, the young plants
+  have the summer before them in which to attain sufficient strength to
+  enable them to pass through the winter without suffering; whereas
+  plants raised from autumn-sown seeds have often a poor chance of
+  surviving through the winter, unless treated with great care. The
+  seeds of all Cactuses are small, and therefore the seedlings are at
+  first tiny globular masses of watery flesh, very different from what
+  we find in the seedlings of ordinary garden plants. The form of the
+  seedling of a species of Cereus is shown at Fig. 4, and its
+  transition from a small globule-like mass of flesh to the
+  spine-clothed stem, which characterises this genus, is also
+  represented. At <i>a</i> we see the young plant after it has emerged
+  from the seed, the outer shell of which was attached to one of the
+  sides of the aperture at the top till about a week before the drawing
+  was made. At <i>b,</i> the further swelling and opening out, as it
+  were, of what, in botanical language, is known as the cotyledon stage
+  of development, will be seen; a month afterwards, this will have
+  assumed the shape of a very small Cereus. It is interesting to note
+  how the soft fleshy mass which first grows out of the seed is nothing
+  more than a little bag of food with a tiny growing point fixed in its
+  top, and that, as the growing point increases, the food bag
+  decreases, till finally the whole of the latter becomes absorbed into
+  the young stem, which is now capable of obtaining nourishment by
+  means of its newly-formed roots.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig5.jpg" width="219" height="240" alt=
+    "seedlings of opuntia, showing mode of germination" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 5.&mdash;SEEDLINGS OF OPUNTIA, SHOWING MODE OF
+    GERMINATION.</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>In the genus Opuntia, the cotyledon stage (see Fig. 5) of the
+  plant is different from that of the Cereus, and is more like that of
+  a cucumber. Still, though the form is different, the purpose of the
+  two cotyledons and the juicy stem in the seedling Opuntia is the same
+  as in the Cereus; and, as the growing point develops, the cotyledons
+  shrivel up and fall off, the plant food they contained having passed
+  into that part of the young seedling which was to be permanent. The
+  seedlings of these two genera serve as an illustration of the process
+  of germination from seed of all the Cactuses; and it must be evident
+  that there is much that is singular and full of interest in raising
+  these plants from seeds. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to
+  be handled, they may be planted separately in small pots, using a
+  compost similar to, but slightly coarser than, that in which the
+  seeds were sown. The soil should be kept moist till the summer is
+  over; and after that, till the return of warm sunny weather, it will
+  be found safest to keep the seedlings on the dry side, a little water
+  only to be given at intervals of a week, and only when the sun is
+  shining upon the plants.</p>
+
+  <p>To obtain seeds from cultivated plants, it is necessary, in order
+  to insure fertilisation that the top of the stigma (see Fig. 2)
+  should be dusted over with the dust-like pollen from the anthers.
+  This may be done by means of a small camel-hair brush, which should
+  be moistened in the mouth and then pushed among the anthers till
+  covered with pollen, which may then be gently rubbed on to the
+  stigma. A warm, sunny morning is the most suitable time for this
+  operation, as fertilisation takes place much more readily under the
+  influence of bright sunshine than at any other time. Some of the
+  kinds have their floral organs so arranged as to be capable of
+  self-fertilisation; still, it is always as well to give them some
+  assistance. The night-flowering species must, of course, be
+  fertilised either at night or very early in the morning. By using the
+  pollen from one kind for dusting on to the stigma of another, hybrids
+  may be obtained, and it is owing to the readiness with which the
+  plants of this family cross with each other, that so many hybrids and
+  forms of the genera Epiphyllum and Phyllocactus have been raised. It
+  would be useless to attempt such a cross as Epiphyllum with <i>Cereus
+  giganteus,</i> because of their widely different natures; but such
+  crosses as Epiphyllum with Phyllocactus, and <i>Cereus
+  flagelliformis</i> with <i>C. speciosissimus,</i> have been brought
+  about. To an enthusiast, the whole order offers a very good field for
+  operations with a view to the production of new sorts, as the
+  different kinds cross freely with each other, and the beautiful
+  colours of the flowers would most likely combine so as to present
+  some new and distinct varieties.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cuttings.</b>&mdash;No plants are more readily increased from
+  stem-cuttings than Cactuses; for, be the cutting 20 ft. high, or only
+  as large as a thimble, it strikes root readily if placed in a warm
+  temperature and kept slightly moist. We have already seen how, even
+  in the dry atmosphere of a museum, a stem of Cereus, instead of
+  perishing, emitted roots and remained healthy for a considerable
+  time, and it would be easy to add to this numerous other instances of
+  the remarkable tenacity of life possessed by these plants. At Kew, it
+  is the common practice, when the large-growing specimens get too tall
+  for the house in which they are grown, to cut off the top of the stem
+  to a length of 6 ft. or 8 ft., and plant it in a pot of soil to form
+  a new plant. The old base is kept for stock, as it often happens that
+  just below the point where the stem was severed, lateral buds are
+  developed, and these, when grown into branches, are removed and used
+  as cuttings. Large Opuntias are treated in the same way, with the
+  almost invariable result that even the largest branches root freely,
+  and are in no way injured by what appears to be exceedingly rough
+  treatment. Large cuttings striking root so freely, it must follow
+  that small cuttings will likewise soon form roots, and, so far as our
+  experience&mdash;which consists of some years with a very large
+  collection of Cactuses&mdash;goes, there is not one species in
+  cultivation which may not be easily multiplied by means of cuttings.
+  The nature of a Cactus stem is so very different from the stems of
+  most other plants, that no comparison can be made between them in
+  respect of their root-developing power; the rooting of a Cactus
+  cutting being as certain as the rooting of a bulb. The very soft,
+  fleshy stems of some of the kinds such as the Echinocactus, should be
+  exposed to the air for a time, so that the cut at the base may dry
+  before it is buried in the soil. If the base of a plant decays, all
+  that is necessary is the removal of the decayed portion, exposure of
+  the wound to the air for two or three days, and then the planting of
+  the cutting in a dry, sandy soil, and placing it in a warm moist
+  house till rooted. All cuttings of Cactuses may be treated in this
+  way. If anything proves destructive to these cuttings, it is
+  excessive moisture in the soil, which must always be carefully
+  guarded against.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Grafting.</b>&mdash;The object of grafting is generally either
+  to effect certain changes in the nature of the scion, by uniting it
+  with a stock of a character different from its own, which usually
+  results in the better production of flowers, fruit, &amp;c., or to
+  multiply those plants which are not readily increased by the more
+  ordinary methods of cuttings or seeds. In the case of Cactuses,
+  however, we resort to grafting, not because of any difficulty in
+  obtaining the kinds thus treated from either cuttings or seeds, as we
+  have already seen that all the species of Cactuses grow freely from
+  seed, or are easily raised from cuttings of their stems, nor yet to
+  effect any change in the characters of the plants thus treated, but
+  because some of the more delicate kinds, and especially the smaller
+  ones, are apt to rot at the base during the damp, foggy weather of
+  our winters; and, to prevent this, it is found a good and safe plan
+  to graft them on to stocks formed of more robust kinds, or even on to
+  plants of other genera, such as Cereus or Echinocactus. By this
+  means, the delicate plants are raised above the soil whence the
+  injury in winter usually arises, and they are also kept well supplied
+  with food by the more robust and active nature of the roots of the
+  plant upon which they are grafted. Grafting is also adopted for some
+  of the Cactuses to add to the grotesqueness of their appearance; a
+  spherical Echinocactus or Mamillaria being united to the columnar
+  stem of another kind, so as to produce the appearance of a drum
+  stick; or a large round-growing species grafted on to three such
+  stems, which may then be likened to a globe supported upon three
+  columns. As the species and genera unite freely with each other, it
+  is possible to produce, by means of grafting, some very
+  extraordinary-looking plants, and to a lover of the incongruous and
+  "queer," these plants will afford much interest and amusement.
+  Besides the above, we graft Epiphyllums, and the long drooping
+  Cereuses, such as <i>C. flagelliformis</i>, because of their pendent
+  habit, and which, therefore, are seen to better advantage when
+  growing from the tall erect stem of some stouter kind, than if
+  allowed to grow on their own roots. By growing a Pereskia on into a
+  large plant, and then cutting it into any shape desired, we may, by
+  grafting upon its spurs or branches a number of pieces of Epiphyllum,
+  obtain large flowering specimens of various shapes in a comparatively
+  short time. For general purposes, it is usual to graft Epiphyllums on
+  to stems, about 1 ft. high, of <i>Pereskia aculeata;</i> pretty
+  little standard plants being in this way formed in about a year from
+  the time of grafting, As an instance of how easily some kinds may be
+  grafted, we may note what was done with a large head of the
+  Rat's-tail Cactus which had been grown for some years on the stem of
+  <i>Cereus rostratus,</i> but which last year rotted off just below
+  the point of union. On re-grafting this head on to the Cereus a
+  little lower down, it failed to unite, and, attributing the failure
+  to possible ill-health in the stock, we determined to transfer the
+  Rat's-tail Cactus to a large stem of <i>Pereskia aculeata,</i> the
+  result being a quick union and rapid, healthy growth since. Upon the
+  same stock some grafts of Epiphyllum had previously been worked, so
+  that it is probable these two aliens will form on their nurse-stem,
+  the Pereskia, an attractive combination. In Fig. 6 we have a fine
+  example of this kind of grafting. It represents a stem of <i>Pereskia
+  Bleo</i> upon which the Rat's-tail Cactus and an Epiphyllum have been
+  grafted.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig6.jpg" width="280" height="434" alt=
+    "pereskia bleo, with epiphyllum and cereus flagelliformis grafted upon it" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 6.&mdash;PERESKIA BLEO, WITH EPIPHYLLUM AND CEREUS
+    FLAGELLIFORMIS GRAFTED UPON IT</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>For most plants the operation of grafting must be carefully and
+  skilfully performed, but in the case of Cactuses very little skill is
+  necessary if one or two rules, which apply to all kinds of grafting,
+  are observed. The period of vigorous growth, and while the sap of
+  both the stock and the scion is in motion, is the most favourable
+  time for the operation. It is then only necessary, in order to bring
+  about a speedy union, that the parts grafted should be cut so as to
+  fit each other properly, and then bound or in some way fastened
+  together so that they will remain in close contact with each other
+  till a union is effected. A close atmosphere and, if possible, a
+  little shade should be afforded the worked plants till the grafts
+  have taken. The ligature used should not be bound round the graft too
+  tightly, or it will prevent the flow of the sap; if bound tightly
+  enough to hold the parts together and to prevent their slipping, that
+  will be found quite sufficient.</p>
+
+  <p>Epiphyllums are treated as follows: Cuttings of Pereskia are
+  rooted and grown on to the required size, and in the month of
+  September they are headed down, the tops being used as cuttings.
+  Grafts of Epiphyllum are then prepared by cutting them to the
+  required length, usually about 6 in., and removing a thin slice of
+  the fleshy stem on each side so as to form a flat wedge. The stem of
+  Pereskia is then split down about 1 in. with a sharp knife, and into
+  this the wedge of the graft is inserted, and fastened either by means
+  of a small pin passed through the stem and graft about half-way up
+  the slit, or by binding round them a little worsted or matting, the
+  former being preferred. The worked plants are then placed in a close
+  handlight or propagating frame, having a temperature of about 75
+  degs., where they are kept moist by sprinkling them daily with water;
+  they must be shaded from bright sunlight. As soon as a union has been
+  effected, which will be seen by the grafts beginning to grow, the
+  ligature and pin should be removed, and the plants gradually hardened
+  off by admitting air to the box, till finally they may be removed to
+  the house where it is intended to grow them. In a cottage window this
+  operation may be successfully performed if a box with a movable glass
+  top, or a large bell glass, be used to keep the grafts close till
+  they have taken.</p>
+
+  <p>For the spherical-stemmed kinds of Mamillaria, Cereus,
+  Echinocactus, &amp;c., a different method is found to answer. Instead
+  of cutting the base of the graft to a wedge shape, it is simply cut
+  across the base horizontally, or, in other words, a portion of the
+  bottom of the graft is sliced off, and a stock procured which, when
+  cut across the top, will about fit the wound at the base of the
+  scion; the two sliced parts are placed together, and secured either
+  by passing a piece of matting a few times over the top of the graft
+  and under the pot containing the stock, or by placing three stakes
+  around it in such a way that, when tied together at the top, they
+  will hold the graft firmly in position. Another method is that of
+  cutting the base of the scion in the form of a round wedge, and then
+  scooping a hole out in the centre of the stock large enough to fit
+  this wedge; the scion is pressed into this, and then secured in the
+  manner above mentioned. To graft one spherical-stemmed kind on to
+  three columnar-stemmed ones, the latter must first be established in
+  one pot and, when ready for grafting, cut at the top into rounded
+  wedges, three holes to correspond being cut into the scion. When
+  fixed, the top should be securely fastened by tying it to the pot, or
+  by means of stakes. For this last operation, a little patience and
+  care are necessary to make the stocks and scions fit properly; but if
+  the rules that apply to grafting are properly followed, there will be
+  little fear of the operation failing. In the accompanying
+  illustrations, we have a small Mamillaria stem grafted on to the apex
+  of the tall quadrangular-stemmed, night-flowering Cereus (Fig. 7),
+  and also a cylindrical-stemmed Opuntia worked on a branch of the
+  flat, battledore-like Indian Fig (Fig. 8.)</p>
+
+  <div align="center">
+    <table width="80%" summary="side by side display of two images">
+      <tr>
+        <td align="center"><img src="images/fig7.jpg" width="89"
+        height="194" alt=
+        "graft of mamillaria recurva on cereus nycticalus" /></td>
+
+        <td align="center"><img src="images/fig8.jpg" width="80"
+        height="194" alt=
+        "graft of opuntia decipiens on o. ficus-indica" /></td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="center">FIG. 7.&mdash;GRAFT OF MAMILLARIA RECURVA ON
+        CEREUS NYCTICALUS<br /></td>
+
+        <td align="center">FIG. 8.&mdash;GRAFT OF OPUNTIA DECIPIENS ON
+        O. FICUS-INDICA<br /></td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>In the hands of a skilful cultivator, the different Cactuses may
+  be made to unite with one another almost as easily as clay under the
+  moulder's hands; whilst even to the amateur, Cactuses afford the
+  easiest of subjects for observing the results of grafting.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="epiph" id="epiph"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS EPIPHYLLUM.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>epi</i> upon, and <i>phyllon,</i> a leaf).</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_I.jpg" width="55" height="122" alt="I" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>T is now about a century since some of the most beautiful of
+  Cactaceous plants came into cultivation in this country, and amongst
+  them was the plant now known as <i>E. truncatum,</i> but then called
+  <i>Cactus Epiphyllum;</i> the name Cactus being used in a generic
+  sense, and not, as now, merely as a general term for the Natural
+  Order. Introduced so early, and at once finding great favour as a
+  curious and beautiful flowering plant, <i>E. truncatum</i> has been,
+  and is still, extensively cultivated, and numerous varieties of it
+  have, as a consequence, originated in English gardens. We do not use
+  the seeds of these plants for their propagation, unless new varieties
+  are desired, when we must begin by fertilising the flowers, and thus
+  obtain seeds, which should be sown and grown on till the plants
+  flower.</p>
+
+  <p>Epiphyllums have already "broken" from their original or wild
+  characters, and are, therefore, likely to yield distinct varieties
+  from the first sowing. In the forests which clothe the slopes of the
+  Organ Mountains, in Brazil, the Epiphyllums are found in great
+  abundance, growing upon the trunks and branches of large trees, and
+  occasionally on the ground or upon rocks, up to an elevation of 6000
+  ft. It was here that Gardner, when travelling in South America, found
+  <i>E. truncatum</i> growing in great luxuriance, and along with it
+  the species known as <i>E. Russellianum,</i> which he sent to the
+  Duke of Bedford's garden, at Woburn, in 1839. These two species are
+  the only ones now recognised by botanists, all the other cultivated
+  kinds being either varieties of, or crosses raised from, them.</p>The
+  character by which Epiphyllums are distinguished from other Cactuses,
+  is their flattened, long, slender branches, which are formed of
+  succulent, green, leaf-like branchlets, growing out of the ends of
+  each other, to a length of from 3 ft. to 4 ft. As in the majority of
+  Cactuses, the stems of Epiphyllum become woody and almost cylindrical
+  with age, the axes of the branchlets swell out, and the edges either
+  disappear or remain attached, like a pair of wings.
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.&mdash;</b>Epiphyllums require the temperature of
+  an intermediate house in winter, whilst, in summer, any position
+  where they can be kept a little close and moist, and be shaded from
+  bright sunshine, will suit them. Remembering that their habit, when
+  wild, is to grow upon the trunks of trees, where they would be
+  afforded considerable shade by the overhanging branches, we cannot be
+  wrong in shading them from direct sunshine during summer. Some
+  growers recommend placing these plants in a hot, dry house; but we
+  have never seen good specimens cultivated under such conditions. All
+  through the summer months, the plants should be syringed both morning
+  and evening; but by the end of August they will have completed their
+  growth, and should, therefore, be gradually exposed to sunshine and
+  air.</p>
+
+  <p>It is advisable to discontinue the use of the syringe from
+  September till the return of spring, but the plants should always be
+  kept supplied with a little moisture at the root and in the air about
+  them during the winter months. In this respect, these plants and the
+  Rhipsalis are exceptions among Cactuses, as all the others are safest
+  when kept dry during the cold, dull weather between September and
+  April. The soil most suitable for them is a mixture of peat, loam,
+  and sand, unless a light and fibrous loam be obtainable, which is,
+  perhaps, the best of all soils for these plants, requiring only the
+  addition of a little rotted manure or leaf-mould, silver sand, and
+  some small brick rubble. The Pereskia stock is not a stout-rooted
+  plant, and does not, therefore, require much root-room, although, by
+  putting in plenty of broken crocks as drainage, the soil space in the
+  pots may be reduced to what is considered sufficient for the plant.
+  If small pots are used, the head of the plant is apt to overbalance
+  the whole. The stems should be secured to stout stakes, and, if
+  large, umbrella-like specimens are wanted, a frame should be made in
+  the form of an umbrella, and the stem and branches fastened to it.
+  Smaller plants may be kept in position by means of a single upright
+  stake, which should be long enough to stand an inch or two above the
+  head of the plant, so that the stoutest branches may be supported by
+  attaching a piece of matting to them, and fastening it to the top of
+  the stake. In the remarks upon grafting we mentioned the large
+  pyramidal specimens of Epiphyllum which are grown by some cultivators
+  for exhibition purposes; and, although these plants are much rarer at
+  exhibitions now than they were a few years ago, yet they do sometimes
+  appear, especially in the northern towns, such as Liverpool and
+  Manchester.</p>
+
+  <p>It would not be easy to find a more beautiful object during winter
+  than an Epiphyllum, 5 ft. or 6 ft. high, and nearly the same in width
+  at the base, forming a dense pyramid of drooping, strap-like branches
+  bearing several hundreds of their bright and delicate coloured
+  blossoms all at one time, and lasting in beauty for several weeks.
+  With a little skill and patience, plants of this size may be grown by
+  any amateur who possesses a warm greenhouse; and, although it is not
+  easy to manage such large plants in a room window, handsome little
+  specimens of the same form may be grown if the window is favourably
+  situated and the room kept warm in winter. Mr. J. Wallis, gardener to
+  G.Tomline, Esq., of Ipswich, has become famous for the size and
+  health of the specimens he has produced. Writing on the cultivation
+  of Epiphyllums, Mr. Wallis gives the following details, which are
+  especially valuable as coming from one of the most successful
+  cultivators of these beautiful plants:</p>
+
+  <p>"The Epiphyllums here are grown for flowering in the conservatory,
+  and are usually gay from the first week in November till February.
+  During the remainder of the year, they occupy a three-quarter
+  span-roof house, in which an intermediate temperature is maintained.
+  All our Epiphyllums are grafted on the <i>Pereskia aculeata.</i> We
+  graft a few at intervals of two or three years, so, if any of the
+  older plants become sickly or shabby, they are thrown away, and the
+  younger ones grown on. Some of the stocks are worked to form
+  pyramids, and some to form standards. The height of the pyramids is 6
+  ft., and, to form these, six or eight scions are inserted. The heads
+  of the standards are on stems ranging in height from 4&frac12; ft.
+  down to 1&frac12; ft. To form these heads, only one scion is put on
+  the stock. Some of our oldest pyramids are 4 ft. or 5 ft. through at
+  the base, and the heads of the standards quite as much. When in
+  flower, the heads of the latter droop almost to the pots. The
+  pyramids occupy No.2 and No.4 sized pots, the standards 8's and 12's.
+  Each plant is secured to a strong iron stake, with three prongs
+  fitting the inside of the pot, and the Epiphyllum is kept well
+  supported to the stake by ties of stout wire. After the plants are
+  well established, they are easily managed, and go many years without
+  repotting; but, of course, we top-dress them annually, previously
+  removing as much of the old soil as will come away easily. We grow
+  these plants with plenty of ventilation on all favourable occasions,
+  and they are seldom shaded. During active growth, water is given
+  freely, occasionally liquid manure; they are also syringed daily.
+  After the season's growth is completed, water is given more
+  sparingly, and syringing is dispensed with."</p>
+
+  <p>When grown on their own roots, Epiphyllums are useful for planting
+  in wire baskets intended to hang near the glass; large and very
+  handsome specimens form in a few years, if young rooted plants are
+  placed rather thickly round the sides of the baskets, and grown in a
+  warm house. Epiphyllums are employed with good effect for covering
+  walls, which are first covered with peaty soil by means of wire
+  netting, and then cuttings of the Epiphyllums are stuck in at
+  intervals of about 1 ft. The effect of a wall of the drooping
+  branches of these plants is attractive even when without their
+  beautiful flowers; but when seen in winter, clothed with hundreds of
+  sparkling blossoms, they present a most beautiful picture. Large
+  plants of Pereskia may be trained over pillars in conservatories and
+  afterwards grafted with Epiphyllums; in fact, there are many ways in
+  which these plants may be effectively employed in gardens.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="etrunc" id="etrunc">E. truncatum</a></b> (jagged);
+  Bot. Mag. 2562.&mdash;Branchlets from 1 in. to 3 in. long, and 1 in.
+  wide, with two or three distinct teeth along the edges, and a toothed
+  or jagged apex (hence the specific name). The flowers are 3 in. long,
+  curved above and below, not unlike the letter S; the petals and
+  sepals reflexed, and exposing the numerous yellow anthers, through
+  which the club-headed stigma protrudes; colour, a deep rose-red, the
+  base of the petals slightly paler. The varieties differ in having
+  colours which vary from almost pure white, with purplish tips, to a
+  uniform rich purple, whilst such colours as salmon, rose, orange, and
+  scarlet, are conspicuous among them.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig9.jpg" width="288" height="260" alt=
+    "EPIPHYLLUM RUSSELLIANUM" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 9.&mdash;EPIPHYLLUM RUSSELLIANUM</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eruss" id="eruss">E. Russellianum</a></b> (Russell's);
+  Fig. 9.&mdash;This has smaller branchlets than the type plant <i>(E.
+  truncatum),</i> and is thus easily distinguished; they do not exceed
+  1 in. in length and &frac12; in. in width, whilst the edges are
+  irregularly and faintly notched, not distinctly toothed, as in <i>E.
+  truncatum.</i> The flowers are a little larger than in the older
+  kind, and are not curved, whilst the petals are narrower; their
+  colour is bright rosy-red. This species flowers rather later in the
+  year than <i>E. truncatum,</i> and may be had in blossom so late as
+  the month of May or June. There are several varieties of it which
+  have either larger and darker, or smaller and variously tinted
+  flowers. Both the species will cross with each other, and probably
+  many of the varieties enumerated by nurserymen have been obtained in
+  this way.</p>
+
+  <h3>VARIETIES.</h3>
+
+  <p>The following is a selection of the best varieties, with a short
+  description of the flowers of each:</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. bicolor</b> (two-coloured).&mdash;Tube of flower white;
+  petals purple, becoming almost white towards the base.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. Bridgesii</b> (Bridges').&mdash;Tube violet; petals dark
+  purple.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. coccineum</b> (scarlet).&mdash;Bright scarlet, paler at the
+  base of the petals.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. cruentum</b> (bloody).&mdash;Tube purplish-scarlet; petals
+  bright scarlet.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. Gaertneri</b> (Gaertner's).&mdash;This is an interesting and
+  beautiful hybrid, raised from Epiphyllum and a Cereus of some kind.
+  The branchlets are exactly the same as those of <i>E. truncatum,</i>
+  but the flowers are not like Epiphyllum at all, resembling rather
+  those of Cereus or Phyllocactus. They are brilliant scarlet in
+  colour, shaded with violet.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. magnificum</b> (magnificent).&mdash;Tube rosy-violet; petals
+  dark red.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. salmoneum</b> (salmon-coloured).&mdash;Tube and base of
+  petals white, rest salmon-red, shaded with purple.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. spectabile</b> (remarkable).&mdash;Tube and base of petals
+  white; tips of petals carmine.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. tricolor</b> (three-coloured).&mdash;Tube salmon-red; petals
+  red, centre purplish.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. violaceum</b> (violet).&mdash;Tube white; petals carmine,
+  margined with violet-purple.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="phyllo" id="phyllo"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS PHYLLOCACTUS.</h3>
+
+  <h4>(From <i>phyllon,</i> a leaf, and <i>Cactus</i>).</h4>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_A.gif" width="54" height="113" alt="A" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>S in the case of the Epiphyllums, the principal character by which
+  the Phyllocactus is distinguished is well described by the name, the
+  difference between it and Epiphyllum being that in the former the
+  flowers are produced along the margins of the flattened branches,
+  whereas in the latter they are borne on the apices of the short,
+  truncate divisions. If we compare any of the Phyllocactuses with
+  <i>Cereus triangularis,</i> or with C. <i>speciosissimus,</i> we
+  shall find that the flowers are precisely similar both in form and
+  colour, and sometimes also in size.</p>
+
+  <p>In all the kinds the stem is compressed laterally, so as to look
+  as if it had been hammered out flat; or sometimes it is three-angled,
+  and the margins are deeply notched or serrated. These notches are
+  really the divisions between one leaf and another, for the flat,
+  fleshy portions or wings of the stems of these plants are simply
+  modified leaves&mdash;not properly separated from each other and from
+  the stem, but still to all intents and purposes leaves&mdash;which,
+  as the plant increases and matures, gradually wither away, leaving
+  the central or woody portion to assume the cylindrical stem which we
+  find in all old Phyllocactuses. It is from these notches that the
+  large, showy flowers are developed, just as in plants the flowers of
+  which are borne from the axils of the leaves.</p>
+
+  <p>Under the names "Spleenwort-leaved Indian Figs," and "Winged
+  Torch-thistles," as well as those here adopted, the most beautiful
+  perhaps of all Cactuses, and certainly the most useful in a garden
+  sense, have been cultivated in English gardens for more than 150
+  years; for it was in 1710 that the flowering of <i>E. Phyllanthus</i>
+  was first recorded in English horticulture. Philip Miller grew it
+  with many other Cactuses in the botanical garden at Chelsea which was
+  founded by Sir Hans Sloane, in 1673, to be maintained "for the
+  manifestation of the power, wisdom, and glory of God in the works of
+  creation," and which still exists as the botanical emporium of the
+  Apothecaries' Society. The majority of the gorgeous Phyllocactuses
+  which we now possess are of only recent introduction, or are the
+  result of cultivation and crossing.</p>
+
+  <p>The species are natives of various parts of tropical America,
+  chiefly Mexico and Central America, where they are found generally
+  growing, in company with Bromeliads and Orchids, upon the trunks of
+  gigantic forest-trees. Phyllocactuses are therefore epiphytes when in
+  a wild state, but under cultivation with us, they thrive best when
+  planted in pots or in baskets&mdash;the latter method being adapted
+  for one or two smaller kinds. It is easy to imagine the gorgeousness
+  of a group of these plants when seen enveloping a large tree-trunk,
+  clothing it, as it were, with balls of brilliant or pure white
+  flowers. We are told by travellers of the splendours of a Cactus
+  haunt during the flowering season, and those who have seen a
+  well-managed pot specimen of Phyllocactus when covered with large,
+  dazzling flowers, can form some idea of what wild plants are like
+  when seen by hundreds together, and surrounded by the green foliage
+  and festooning climbers which associate with them in the forests
+  where they abound.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;For the following cultural notes we are
+  indebted to a most successful grower of Cactuses in Germany, whose
+  collection of Phyllocactuses is exceptionally rich and well managed:
+  The growing season for these plants is from about the end of April,
+  or after the flowers are over, till the end of August. As soon as
+  growth commences, the plants should be repotted. A light, rich soil
+  should be used, a mixture of loam, peat, and leaf-mould, or rotten
+  manure with a little sand, being suitable. Small plants should have a
+  fair shift; larger ones only into a size of pot which just admits of
+  a thin layer of fresh soil. When pot-bound, the plants flower most
+  freely, and it is not necessary to repot large specimens more often
+  than about once every three years. When potted they should be placed
+  in a sunny position in a close house or frame, and be kept freely
+  watered. In bright weather they may be syringed overhead twice a day.
+  For the first few days after repotting it is advisable to shade the
+  plants from bright sunshine. A stove temperature is required until
+  growth is finished. After this they should be gradually ripened by
+  admitting more air and exposing to all the sunlight possible. During
+  winter very little water is needed, just sufficient to prevent
+  shrivelling being safest. Excess of moisture in winter is ruinous, as
+  it often kills the roots, and sometimes causes the plant to rot off
+  at the collar. The lowest temperature in winter should be 50 degs.,
+  lower than this being unsafe, whilst in mild weather it might be 5
+  degs. higher.</p>
+
+  <p>It is a bad plan to turn these plants round, in order, as some
+  think, to ripen the growths properly. As a matter of fact, it does no
+  good, but often does harm, by suddenly exposing the tender parts to
+  the full force of sunlight.</p>
+
+  <p>The stems may be trained either in the form of a fan or as a bush.
+  Old branches which have flowered and are shrivelling may be cut away
+  in the spring.</p>
+
+  <p>Some fine specimens have been grown in pockets on old walls inside
+  lean-to greenhouses, where the conditions have been favourable to the
+  healthy growth and flowering of most of the species. When grown in
+  this way, water must be supplied exactly as advised for plants grown
+  in pots; if the pockets are not within easy reach of the watering
+  pot, the plants can be watered by means of a heavy syringing.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;For the propagation of the Phyllocactus
+  either the whole plant may be divided at the base, or cuttings of the
+  branches may be used; the latter, after having dried by remaining
+  with their bases exposed to the air for a day or two, should be
+  planted in small pots filled with very sandy soil; they may be placed
+  on a dry, sunny shelf near the glass, and be slightly sprinkled
+  overhead daily till rooted. Seeds, which sometimes ripen on
+  cultivated plants, should be gathered as soon as the fleshy fruits
+  have turned to a purplish colour, dried for a day or so, then sown in
+  a light, porous soil, and placed in a warm frame or house to
+  germinate.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="paker" id="paker">P. Akermanni</a></b> (named after a
+  Mr. Akermann, who introduced it from Mexico in 1829); Fig.
+  10.&mdash;Stem becoming cylindrical at an early age, and clothed with
+  little clusters of spiny hairs; the branches are flattened out, and
+  form broad, rather thin, blade-like growths, with the margins
+  sinuately lobed (waved and notched). The flowers are large&mdash;over
+  6 in. in diameter&mdash;the petals, very acutely pointed and
+  undulated along the edges; flower tube 2 in. long, with a few small
+  scales scattered over its surface; stamens curved, clustered around
+  the stigma, and almost hiding it. Colour of whole flower a rich
+  scarlet, with a satin-like lustre. Flowers in June and July.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig10.jpg" width="273" height="263" alt=
+    "PHYLLOCACTUS AKERMANNI" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 10.&mdash;PHYLLOCACTUS AKERMANNI</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>This is one of the best-known kinds, having been extensively
+  cultivated as an ornamental greenhouse plant till within the last few
+  years. It was grown by several nurserymen for Covent Garden Market
+  about eight years ago; small plants, about 1 ft. high, and bearing
+  each from two to six flowers, finding much favour among the
+  costermongers, as the plants could be bought at a low price, and,
+  owing to their large, brilliant flowers, always sold well at a good
+  profit. This species has been employed by the hybridists for the
+  obtaining of new kinds, and some very handsome and distinct varieties
+  have consequently been raised. As well as crossing with other species
+  of Phyllocactus, <i>P. Akermanni</i> has been used in combination
+  with several species of Cereus, good hybrids having been the result.
+  As a compact-growing and free-flowering species, this may be
+  specially recommended.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pangu" id="pangu">P. anguliger</a></b>
+  (angle-stemmed); Fig. 11.&mdash;The branches of this kind are
+  distinguished by having the notches along their margins more like the
+  teeth of a saw than the others. The habit is rather stiff and erect.
+  The flowers are produced near the apex of the branches, and are
+  composed of a curved tube 6 in. long, spreading out at the top to a
+  width of 6 in., and surmounted by a whorl of pure white petals, in
+  the centre of which are the stamens, rather few in number, and the
+  large, ten-rayed stigma. The flowers are developed in December and
+  January, and have a powerful and delicious odour. Introduced, in
+  1837, from West Mexico, where it is said to grow in oak forests.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig11.jpg" width="285" height="362" alt=
+    "PHYLLOCACTUS ANGULIGER" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 11.&mdash;PHYLLOCACTUS ANGULIGER</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pbifo" id="pbifo">P. (Disocactus) biformis</a></b>
+  (two-formed); Fig. 12.&mdash;This is a small plant, and is
+  intermediate between this genus and the Epiphyllums. It possesses no
+  particular beauty or distinctive character such as would render it of
+  much value for garden purposes. The branches are short, rather narrow
+  and drooping, the margins notched and tinged with red. The flowers
+  are borne generally on the ends of the branches, and are drooping in
+  habit; in form they are more like the Epiphyllums than the ordinary
+  Phyllocactuses, as they have their petals arranged in a sort of tube
+  about 3 in. long. The fruit is a red berry as large as a gooseberry.
+  Honduras, 1839.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig12.jpg" width="248" height="359" alt="ORMIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 12.&mdash;PHYLLOCACTUS BIFORMIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pcren" id="pcren">P. crenatus</a></b> (toothed); Bot.
+  Reg. 3031.&mdash;A large-flowered and very beautiful species,
+  rivalling, in the size and fragrance of its blossoms, the gigantic
+  night-flowering <i>Cereus grandiflorus.</i> It grows to a height of
+  about 2 ft., with round-based branches, the upper portion flattened
+  out and the margins serrated. The flower tube is 4 in. long,
+  brownish-green, as also are the sepals; petals 4 in. long, in a
+  whorl, the points curving inwards; stamens and pistil erect, forming
+  along with the petals a large star of a pale cream-colour. The beauty
+  and fragrance of these flowers, which open in June, render them
+  specially valuable for cutting and placing in rooms, where,
+  notwithstanding their short duration, they never fail to win much
+  admiration. Introduced from Honduras, in 1839. This fine species is
+  one of the parents of the hybrids which have been raised both in this
+  country and in America, where Mr. Hovey succeeded in obtaining some
+  of the choicest as regards colour and size. Some of these latter were
+  exhibited in London two or three years ago, and were much
+  admired.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pgran" id="pgran">P. grandis</a></b>
+  (large-flowered).&mdash;The large, creamy-white flowers of this plant
+  are like those of the night-flowering Cereus; and, in addition to the
+  similarity in form and size between these two, there is a further one
+  in the time when the flowers expand, this species, along with one or
+  two others, opening its flowers after sunset; and although they
+  remain in good condition till late on in the day following, and
+  sometimes even longer, we may suppose that the proper flowering time
+  is at night. The delicious almond scent of the flowers of this fine
+  Cactus is so strong, that during the flowering period the atmosphere
+  of the large Cactus-house at Kew Gardens is permeated with it, the
+  large specimens there having usually a score or more flowers open
+  together, the effect of which is truly grand. Even this number of
+  flowers is, for this species, by no means extraordinary, specimens
+  having been grown elsewhere, in pots only 8 in. across, with as many
+  flowers open on each. From this it will be seen that <i>P.
+  grandis</i> is one of the most useful kinds, its large, sweet-scented
+  flowers, and its free-growing nature, rendering it of exceptional
+  value as a decorative plant. Its branches are broad and notched along
+  the margins, and the flowers are 1 ft. in length, including the tube,
+  whilst across the broad, spreading petals they measure almost as
+  much. Honduras. Introduced 1837 (?). Time of flowering, summer and
+  autumn.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="phook" id="phook">P. Hookeri</a></b> (Hooker's); Bot.
+  Mag. 2692, under <i>Cactus Phyllanthus.</i>&mdash;A robust-growing
+  kind, often attaining to the size of a good shrub. Its flowers expand
+  in the evening, and are sweet-scented. They are produced along the
+  margins of the broad, flat, deeply-notched branches, the serratures
+  being rounded instead of angled, as in some of the kinds. The tube of
+  the flower is long and slender, no thicker than a goose quill, and
+  covered with reddish scales; the petals are spreading, and form a cup
+  6 in. across; they are narrow, pointed, and pure white, the outer
+  whorl, as well as the sepals, being tinged on the under side with a
+  tawny colour. The stamens form a large cluster in the centre, and are
+  bright yellow, the style being red and yellow. It is probable that
+  this plant has been in cultivation for many years, as it was figured
+  in the work quoted above under the name of one of the first
+  introduced kinds of Phyllocactus, from which, however, it is
+  abundantly distinct, as will be seen by a comparison of the
+  descriptions of the two. There are, in the Kew collection, several
+  large plants of <i>P. Hookeri</i> that flower annually during the
+  summer and autumn. Brazil.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="plati" id="plati">P. latifrons</a></b>
+  (broad-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 3813.&mdash;This is another large-growing
+  species, as large at least as <i>P. Hookeri</i>, to which, indeed, it
+  bears a close resemblance, both in flowers and in habit. Like that
+  species, too, its date of introduction is not known, though it
+  appears to have been cultivated in England at an early period. It may
+  be grown so as to form a large shrub in a few years; or by cutting it
+  back annually, or growing on young plants from cuttings every two
+  years, nice little pot plants may be obtained; and as the plant
+  produces flowers freely when in a small state, it is available for
+  small greenhouses as well as for large ones. A fine specimen, such,
+  for instance, as that at Kew, which is over 8 ft. in height, and well
+  furnished with branches, is an attractive object when clothed with
+  numerous creamy-white flowers, here and there tinged with red. The
+  branches are from 4 in. to 5 in. broad, and deeply notched; the
+  flowers are about 8 in. in length, and the same across the spreading
+  petals. Mexico. Spring.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pphyl" id="pphyl">P. phyllanthus</a></b>
+  (leaf-flowering).&mdash;This species is now rarely seen in
+  cultivation. As the oldest of the garden kinds it is, however,
+  deserving of a little notice. Philip Miller grew it in his collection
+  in 1710. The branches are broad and flat, the edges waved, not
+  notched, and the flowers are composed of a thin tortuous tube, 9 in.
+  in length, bearing at the top a whorl of recurved greenish petals, 1
+  in. long, with a cluster of whitish stamens and a green, club-shaped
+  style and stigma. Brazil.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ppoid" id="ppoid">P. phyllanthoides</a></b>
+  (phyllanthus-like); Bot. Mag. 2092.&mdash;For the introduction of
+  this handsome-flowered kind we are indebted to the great travellers
+  and naturalists, Humboldt and Bonpland, who discovered it growing in
+  the woods upon the trunks of old trees around Cartagena in South
+  America. Plants of it were forwarded by them to France, where they
+  flowered for the first time in 1811. From that time till now this
+  species has been in favour as a garden plant, though it is, at the
+  present time, much less common in English gardens than it deserves to
+  be. The branches are broad, triangular when young, flat when old,
+  about 1 ft. long by 2 in. wide, with shallow incisions, the
+  serrations rather sharply angled. The height of the plant is from 2
+  ft. to 3 ft. The flowers are produced on the margins of the young
+  branches, and are composed of a short, thick tube, not more than 2
+  in. in length, and short, dark, recurved scales; the petals are
+  broad, pointed, and form a stellate cluster about 4 in. across; they
+  are of a bright rose-colour, streaked with white, and shaded here and
+  there with a darker colour of red. The stamens are numerous and pure
+  white. The flowers open in the day-time, and are scentless; they last
+  in perfection for two or three days, and may, therefore, be employed
+  as cut flowers for vases, &amp;c. Early summer.</p>
+
+  <h3>HYBRIDS AND VARIETIES.</h3>
+
+  <p>In addition to the cultivated species of Phyllocactus there are
+  numerous hybrids and varieties, many of which are beautiful and
+  distinct either in colour or in size of blossom.</p>
+
+  <p>The following is a selection of the best of them:</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. albus superbus</b> (superb white).&mdash;The most beautiful
+  of white-flowered kinds. Flowers fragrant, 6 in. across, resembling
+  those of the night-blossoming <i>Cereus grandiflorus</i>; sepals
+  greenish-white, petals pure white.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. aurantiacus superbus</b> (superb orange).&mdash;A compact
+  plant, with numerous large, brick-red flowers, 5 in. to 6 in. in
+  diameter.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Conway's Giant.</b>&mdash;Flowers full, deep scarlet, about
+  8 in. in diameter.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Cooperi</b> (Cooper's).&mdash;An English hybrid, remarkable
+  for its large, beautiful yellow flowers.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Franzi</b> (Franz's).&mdash;Flowers 3 in. to 4 in. across;
+  petals numerous, outer ones scarlet, inner violet.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. General Garibaldi.</b>&mdash;Flowers very large, scarlet,
+  tinged with orange on the reflex side.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. grandiflorus</b> (large-flowered).&mdash;Flowers
+  bell-shaped, 4 in. across; sepals narrow, scarlet; petals incurved
+  and of a fiery orange-scarlet colour.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Haagei</b> (Haage's); Fig. 13.&mdash;Flowers about 5 in.
+  across, flesh-coloured when first expanded, becoming carmine before
+  fading.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig13.jpg" width="290" height="339" alt=
+    "PHYLLOCACTUS HAAGEI" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 13.&mdash;PHYLLOCACTUS HAAGEI</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b>P. ignescens</b> (fiery).&mdash;Flowers 8 in. across, almost
+  flat when expanded; petals numerous, deep brilliant scarlet.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Jenkinsoni</b> (Jenkinson's).&mdash;Flowers medium in size,
+  colour cherry-red.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Johnstonei</b> (Johnstone's).&mdash;Flowers large, with
+  broad scarlet petals.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Kaufmanni</b> (Kaufmann's).&mdash;Flowers purplish-red, very
+  large.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. kermesina magnus</b> (large scarlet).&mdash;An
+  enormous-flowered kind, having produced blossoms which measured 10
+  in. across; petals vivid orange with a tip and central stripe of red;
+  sepals blood-red.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Pfersdorffii.</b> (Pfersdorff's).&mdash;Flowers as in
+  <i>Cereus grandiflorus</i>, 8 in. to 10 in. across, very fragrant;
+  petals white; sepals yellow, brownish outside.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Rempleri</b> (Rempler's).&mdash;Branches three-angled;
+  flowers with short, linear, incurved sepals; petals long, broad,
+  arranged like a tube, colour salmon-red.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. roseus grandiflorus</b> (large rose-flowered); Fig.
+  14.&mdash;Flowers 6 in. long and broad, nodding, white.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig14.jpg" width="296" height="390" alt=
+    "PHYLLOCACTUS ROSEUS GRANDIFLORUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 14.&mdash;PHYLLOCACTUS ROSEUS GRANDIFLORUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b>P. Schlimii</b> (Schlim's).&mdash;Branches three-angled;
+  flowers large, sepals bright purple; petals broad, purple, tinged
+  with scarlet.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. splendens</b> (splendid).&mdash;Flowers 8 in. across,
+  purple-pink.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Wrayi</b> (Wray's).&mdash;Flowers 5 in. long by 8 in. in
+  diameter; sepals brown on the outside, yellow inside; petals
+  yellowish-white, fragrant when first expanded.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="cereus" id="cereus"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS CEREUS.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>cereus,</i> pliant; in reference to the stems of some
+  species.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_O.jpg" width="53" height="113" alt="O" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>VER 200 distinct species of Cereus are, according to botanists,
+  distributed over the tropical and temperate regions of America and
+  the West Indies, extending to the Galapagos, or "Tortoise" Islands,
+  200 miles off the coast of Peru. It was in these islands that the
+  late Charles Darwin found several small kinds of Cereus, some of them
+  growing near the snow-line in exposed situations on the highest
+  mountains. In Mexico, <i>C. giganteus,</i> the most colossal of all
+  Cacti, is found rearing its tall, straight, columnar stems to a
+  height of 60 ft., and branching near the top, "like petrified giants
+  stretching out their arms in speechless pain, whilst others stand
+  like lonely sentinels keeping their dreary watch on the edge of
+  precipices." In the West Indies most of the night-flowering kinds are
+  common, their long, creeping stems clinging by means of aerial roots
+  to rocks, or to the exposed trunks of trees, where their enormous,
+  often fragrant, flowers are produced in great abundance, expanding
+  only after the sun has set. Between these three distinct groups we
+  find among the plants of this elegant genus great variety both in
+  size and form of the stem and in the flower characters of the
+  different species. A large proportion of the 200 kinds known are not
+  cultivated in European gardens, and perhaps for many of them it is
+  not possible for us to provide in our houses the peculiar conditions
+  they require for their healthy existence. But there are a good many
+  species of Cereus represented in gardens, even in this country, and
+  among them we shall have no difficulty in finding many useful and
+  beautiful kinds, such as may be cultivated with success in an
+  ordinary greenhouse or stove. Lemaire, a French writer on Cactuses,
+  groups a number of species under the generic name of Echinocereus;
+  but as this name is not adopted in England, it is omitted here, all
+  the kinds being included under Cereus.</p>
+
+  <h3>THE NIGHT-FLOWERING SPECIES.</h3>The most interesting group is
+  that of the climbing night-flowering kinds, on account of their
+  singular habit of expanding their flowers in the dark and of the very
+  large size and brilliant colours of their flowers. In habit the
+  plants of this set are trailers or climbers, their stems are either
+  round or angled, and grow to a length of many feet, branching freely
+  as they extend. By means of their roots, which are freely formed upon
+  the stems, and which have the power of attaching themselves to stones
+  or wood in the same way as ivy does, these kinds soon spread over and
+  cover a large space; they are, therefore, useful for training over
+  the back walls in lean-to houses, or for growing against rafters or
+  pillars&mdash;in fact, in any position exposed to bright sunlight and
+  where there is a good circulation of air. Soil does not appear to
+  play an important part with these plants, as they will grow anywhere
+  where there is a little brick rubble, gravel, or cinders for their
+  basal roots to nestle in. They have been grown in the greatest
+  luxuriance and have produced flowers in abundance with nothing more
+  than their roots buried in the crumbling foundations of an old wall,
+  upon which the stems were clinging. The chief consideration is
+  drainage, as, unless the roots are kept clear of anything like
+  stagnation, they soon perish through rot. During the summer, the
+  stems should be syringed morning and evening on all bright days,
+  whilst in winter little or no water will be required.
+
+  <p>Like all other Cactuses, these plants may be propagated by means
+  of large branches, which, if placed in a porous soil, will strike
+  root in a few weeks. We saw a very large specimen of <i>C.
+  triangularis,</i> which last autumn suddenly rotted at the base, from
+  some cause or other, and to save the specimen, a mound was built up
+  of brick rubble and soil, high enough to surround the base of the
+  plant above the rotted part. In a few weeks there was a good crop of
+  new roots formed, and the plant has since flowered most
+  satisfactorily. With almost any other plant, this course would have
+  proved futile; but Cactuses are singularly tenacious of life, the
+  largest and oldest stems being capable of forming roots as freely and
+  as quickly as the young ones.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cext" id="cext">C. extensus</a></b> (long-stemmed);
+  Bot. Mag. 4066.&mdash;This has long rope-like stems, bluntly
+  triangular, less than 1 in. thick, with very short spines, arranged
+  in pairs or threes, about 1 in. apart along the angles, and aerial
+  roots. The flowers are developed all along the stems, and are
+  composed of a thick, green, scale-clothed tube, about 3 in. long; the
+  larger scales yellow and green, tipped with red, and a spreading cup
+  formed of the long-pointed sepals and petals, the former yellow,
+  green, and red, the latter white, tinted with rose. The flower is
+  about 9 in. across. When in blossom, this plant equals in beauty the
+  finest of the climbing Cactuses, but, unfortunately, it does not
+  flower as freely as most of its kind. It is cultivated at Kew, where
+  it has flowered once during the last five years. A native of
+  Trinidad, whence it was introduced, and first flowered in August,
+  1843. Judging by the conditions under which it grows and blossoms in
+  its native haunts, no doubt its shy-flowering nature under
+  cultivation here is owing to the absence of a long continuance of
+  bright sunshine and moisture, followed by one of drought and
+  sunlight. If placed in a favourable condition as regards light, and
+  carefully treated in respect of water, it ought to flower.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cfulg" id="cfulg">C. fulgidus</a></b> (glittering);
+  Bot. Mag. 5856.&mdash;In the brilliant deep scarlet of its large
+  buds, and the bright orange-scarlet of the expanded flowers, this
+  species stands quite alone among the night-flowering,
+  scandent-stemmed Cereuses. Its one drawback is its shy-flowering
+  nature, as it is rarely seen in blossom even when liberally treated,
+  and along with the other kinds which flower so freely. The history of
+  this plant is not known; but it is supposed to be a hybrid between
+  <i>C. Pitajayi</i> or <i>variabilis</i> and one of the
+  scarlet-flowered Phyllocactuses, or, possibly, <i>C.
+  speciosissimus</i>. It first flowered at Kew, in July, 1870. Stems
+  bright green, slow-growing, three or four-angled, about 2 in. wide;
+  angles much compressed, so that a section of the stem shows a cross;
+  margins notched, with clusters of short, hair-like spines at each
+  notch. Flowers 6 in. long, and about the same across the top; tube
+  covered with soft hairs and short deep-red scales, which are enlarged
+  towards the top, where they spread out, and form, along with the
+  petals, a large rosette of several whorls, arranged as in a
+  semi-double rose, the centre being occupied by a brush-like cluster
+  of greenish stamens, with the radiating stigma standing erect in the
+  middle. It is to be regretted that the flowers are not more freely
+  produced by cultivated plants.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cgrand" id="cgrand">C. grandiflorus</a></b>
+  (large-flowered); Bot. Mag. 3381.&mdash;There is scarcely any plant
+  that makes a more magnificent appearance when in full blossom than
+  this. A strong plant will produce many flowers together, but they do
+  not remain long expanded, opening at seven or eight o'clock in the
+  evening, and fading at sunrise the next morning; nor do they ever
+  open again, even when cut and placed in warm water in a dark place.
+  The closing of the flowers may, however, be retarded for a whole day
+  by removing the bud before it is fully open and placing it in water.
+  The stems are almost cylindrical, with four to seven slight ridges,
+  or angles, which bear numerous tufts of wool and short stiff spines.
+  Roots are thrown out from all parts of the stem, even when not in
+  contact with anything. The flowers are developed on the sides of the
+  stems, principally the younger, shorter ones; the flower tube is
+  about 4 in. long by 1 in. in diameter, and is covered with short
+  brown scales and whitish hairs; the calyx is 1 ft. across, and is
+  composed of a large number of narrow sepals of a bright yellow colour
+  inside, brown on the outside; the petals are broad, pure white, and
+  arranged in a sort of cup inclosing the numerous yellow stamens and
+  the club-shaped stigma. The flower has a delicious vanilla-like
+  odour, which perfumes the air to a considerable distance. Flowers in
+  July. Native of the West Indies. Introduced 1700, at which time it is
+  said to have been cultivated in the Royal Gardens at Hampton
+  Court.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="clema" id="clema">C. Lemairii</a></b> (Lemaire's);
+  Bot. Mag. 4814.&mdash;In the size and fragrance of its blossoms, and
+  also in the brilliancy of its colours, this species rivals <i>C.
+  grandiflorus;</i> differing in the following particulars: the tube is
+  covered with large green, crimson-edged scales instead of small brown
+  scales and white hairs; the sepals do not spread out in a star-like
+  manner, as in <i>C. grandiflorus,</i> and they are tinged with
+  crimson; the stem of the plant shows a bluntly triangular section,
+  and the angles are marked with a row of distant spines instead of the
+  clusters of spines and wool in <i>C. grandiflorus.</i> In all other
+  particulars, these two species are almost identical, so that where
+  space is limited either the one or the other will be sufficient to
+  represent both. <i>C. Lemairii</i> was introduced into England
+  through Kew, whither a plant was sent in 1854 from the Royal
+  Botanical Garden of Hanover, under the name of <i>C. rostratus.</i>
+  It blossoms in the Kew collection every June, the flowers lasting for
+  several hours after sunrise. Seeds are freely ripened by this plant.
+  Native of Antigua (?)</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cmacd" id="cmacd">C. Macdonaldiae</a></b> (Mrs.
+  MacDonald's); Bot. Mag. 4707.&mdash;A magnificent Cactus, producing
+  flowers often 14 in. in diameter, with the same brilliant colours as
+  are described under <i>C. Lemairii.</i> The stems are slender,
+  cylindrical, not ridged or angled, bearing at irregular intervals
+  rather fleshy tubercles instead of spines, and branching freely. Its
+  flowers are produced on both young and old stems, several crops
+  appearing in the course of the summer when the treatment is
+  favourable. Roots are not so freely thrown out from the stems of this
+  kind, and as the latter are slender and very pliant, they may be
+  trained round a balloon trellis, so as to form handsome pot
+  specimens, which, when in flower, may be carried into the house,
+  where their large, beautiful flowers may be enjoyed. Writing of this
+  species over thirty years ago, Sir Wm. Hooker said: "Certainly, of
+  the many floral spectacles that have gratified lovers of horticulture
+  at the Royal Gardens, Kew, of late years, few have been more striking
+  than this to those who were privileged to see the blossoms in bud and
+  fully expanded. The plant was received from Honduras through the
+  favour of Mrs. MacDonald, and was planted at the back of the old
+  Cactus-house, and trained against a wall. It first showed symptoms of
+  blossoming in July, 1851. A casual observer might have passed the
+  plant as an unusually large form of the 'night-blooming Cereus'
+  <i>(C. grandiflorus),</i> but the slightest inspection of the stems
+  and flowers, the latter 14 in. in diameter by 14 in. long, shows this
+  to be a most distinct species."</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cnapol" id="cnapol">C. Napoleonis</a></b>
+  (Napoleon's); Bot. Mag. 3458.&mdash;This is very like <i>C.
+  grandiflorus</i>, and is slightly and not very agreeably perfumed.
+  The flowers sometimes open very early in the morning and fade in the
+  afternoon, so that they may be enjoyed during the day-time. The
+  flower tube is 6 in. long, curved upwards, and clothed with
+  rose-tinted scales, which become gradually larger towards the top,
+  where they widen out into a whorl of greenish-yellow sepals, above
+  which are the white petals forming a broad shallow cup, 8 in. across,
+  with a cluster of yellow stamens in the centre. The stems are
+  three-angled, light green, and bear clusters of short stiff spines
+  along the angles at intervals of 2 in. Flowers in autumn. Mexico (?),
+  1835.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cnyct" id="cnyct">C. nycticalus</a></b> (flowering at
+  night); Fig. 15.&mdash;Stems four to six-angled, 2 in. wide, dark
+  green, bearing little tufts of hair and thin white spines along the
+  angles, and a profusion of aerial roots. Flowers as large as those of
+  <i>C. grandiflorus</i>; tube covered with tufts of white hairs;
+  sepals or outer whorl of segments bright orange, the inner pure
+  white, and arranged like a cup. They open at about seven o'clock in
+  the evening, and fade at seven on the following morning. This plant
+  may still be met with in some old-fashioned gardens, but only rarely
+  as compared with its popularity a generation ago, when it was to be
+  found in almost every collection of stove plants. At that time, the
+  flowering of this Cactus was looked upon as an event, and it was
+  customary for the owner to invite his friends to meet and watch the
+  development of the flowers, and enjoy to the full their almost
+  over-powering but delicious fragrance. So bright are the colours of
+  the flowers, that a sort of luminosity seems to surround them when at
+  their best. Flowers in autumn. Mexico, 1834.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig15.jpg" width="305" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS NYCTICALUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 15.&mdash;CEREUS NYCTICALUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ctria" id="ctria">C. triangularis</a></b>
+  (three-angled); Bot. Mag. 1884.&mdash;This plant is easily recognised
+  because of its stout triangular stems, which increase at a rapid rate
+  and bear roots freely; by means of these roots they cling to almost
+  any substance with which they come in contact. There are large
+  examples of it in the Kew collection, where it bears numerous flowers
+  annually, which open in the evening and close at about eight o'clock
+  next morning. The flowers measure 1 ft. in length by about the same
+  in width of cup, and are composed of a whorl of long narrow green
+  sepals, with pale brown points, a cluster of pure white petals,
+  bright yellow stamens, and a large club-like stigma; they appear in
+  autumn. Mexico. This species was cultivated at Hampton Court in
+  1690.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cspec" id="cspec">C. speciosissimus</a></b> (most
+  beautiful).&mdash;Although not a night-flowering kind, nor yet a
+  climber, yet this species resembles in habit the above rather than
+  the columnar-stemmed ones. It is certainly the species best adapted
+  for cultivation in small greenhouses or in the windows of
+  dwelling-houses, as it grows quickly, remains healthy under ordinary
+  treatment, is dwarf in habit, and flowers freely&mdash;characters
+  which, along with the vivid colours and large size of the blossoms,
+  render it of exceptional value as a garden plant. Its stems are
+  slender, and it may be grown satisfactorily when treated as a wall
+  plant. For its cultivation, the treatment advised for Phyllocactuses
+  will be found suitable. When well grown and flowered it surpasses in
+  brilliancy of colours almost every other plant known. Specimens with
+  thirty stems each 6 ft. high, and bearing from sixty to eighty buds
+  and flowers upon them at one time, may be grown by anyone possessing
+  a warm greenhouse. The stems are three to five angled, spiny, the
+  tufts of spines set in little disks of whitish wool. The flowers are
+  as large as tea saucers, with tubes about 4 in. long, the colour
+  being an intense crimson or violet, so intense and bright as to
+  dazzle the eyes when looked at in bright sunlight. When cut and
+  placed in water they will last three or four days. April and May.
+  Mexico, 1820. "Numberless varieties have been raised from this
+  Cereus, as it seeds freely and crosses readily with other species.
+  Many years ago, Mr. D. Beaton raised scores of seedlings from crosses
+  between this and <i>C. flagelliformis,</i> and has stated that he
+  never found a barren seedling. Much attention was given to these
+  plants about fifty years ago, for Sir E. Antrobus is said to have
+  exhibited specimens with from 200 to 300 flowers each. I have been
+  informed that an extremely large plant of this Cereus, producing
+  hundreds of flowers every season, is grown on the back wall of a
+  vinery at the Grange, Barnet, the residence of Sir Charles Nicholson,
+  Bart." (L. Castle).</p>
+
+  <h3>THE SEMI-SCANDENT SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p>These are characterised by a thin, drooping or trailing stem, and,
+  though not strictly climbers, they may most fittingly be considered
+  in a group by themselves. Some botanists have made a separate genus
+  for them, viz., Cleistocactus, but for all practical purposes they
+  may be grouped under the above heading, whilst popularly they are
+  known as the Rat's-tail or Whipcord Cactuses. Two of them&mdash;viz.,
+  <i>C. flagelliformis</i> and <i>C. Mallisoni</i>&mdash;are generally
+  grafted on the stem of some erect, slender Cereus or Pereskia, or
+  they may be worked on to the stem of a climbing Cereus, such as <i>C.
+  triangularis</i>, in such a way as to hang from the roof of a house.
+  A large specimen of <i>C. flagelliformis</i>, growing from the
+  climbing stem of <i>C. rostratus</i>, was, for a long time,
+  conspicuous among the Cactuses at Kew, but owing to the decay of the
+  "stock" plant, this fine specimen no longer exists. A large Pereskia,
+  trained along the roof in the Cactus-house at Kew, has recently been
+  grafted with a number of pieces of <i>C. flagelliformis</i>, which in
+  a few years will, no doubt, form a handsome specimen. In the same
+  establishment a specimen of <i>C. Mallisoni</i> is grafted on the
+  stem of another kind, and is very attractive when in flower. <i>C.
+  serpentinus</i> thrives well upon its own roots. For the cultivation
+  of this little group, the instructions given for the climbing and
+  other kinds may be followed.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cflag" id="cflag">C. flagelliformis</a></b>
+  (whip-formed).&mdash;Stems prostrate, or, when grafted on a tall
+  stem, pendent, &frac12; in. in diameter, round, with numerous ridges
+  almost hidden by the many clusters of fine bristle-like hairs.
+  Flowers 2 in. long and 1 in. wide; colour bright rosy-red. In some
+  parts of Germany this plant is one of the commonest of window
+  ornaments, and it is so well grown by the peasants there, that the
+  whole window space is completely screened by the numerous long,
+  tail-like stems, 4 ft. or 6 ft. long, which hang from baskets. It is
+  sometimes cultivated by cottagers in England, and we have seen a very
+  fine specimen in a cottager's window in Gunnersbury. Without its
+  pretty bright-coloured flowers, this Cactus has the charm of novelty
+  in the form and habit of its stems, and as it is easily cultivated in
+  a window through which the sun shines during most of the day, it is
+  just the plant to grow for the double purpose of a screen and a
+  curiosity. If planted in baskets, it should be potted in a porous
+  loamy soil, and kept moist in the summer and perfectly dry in winter.
+  Summer. Peru. Introduced 1690.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cmall" id="cmall">C. Mallisoni</a></b> ( Mallison's);
+  Bot. Mag. 3822.&mdash;This is supposed to be of hybrid origin, a Mr.
+  Mallison having sent it to Dr. Lindley to be named, and stating that
+  he obtained it by fertilising flowers of <i>C. speciosissimus</i>
+  with pollen from <i>C. flagelliformis.</i> Whatever its origin, it is
+  a distinct kind, with stems similar to those of the last-named, but
+  thicker and slightly less spiny, and flowers 4 in. long by 4 in.
+  across the spreading petals, the whole being bright red with a
+  cluster of pale yellow stamens protruding 1 in. beyond the throat.
+  The flowers are produced from the sides of the stems, a few inches
+  from the apex, and as they are borne in abundance and last three or
+  four days each, a large specimen makes a very attractive display for
+  several weeks in the summer. The plant at Kew, a large one, is
+  grafted on the stem of <i>C. Macdonaldiae</i>, which is trained along
+  a rafter, so that the stems of <i>C. Mallisoni</i> hang conspicuously
+  from the roof.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cserp" id="cserp">C. serpentinus</a></b>
+  (serpent-like); Fig. 16.&mdash;When young, the stems of this plant
+  are erect and stout enough to support themselves; but as they
+  lengthen they fall over and grow along the ground, unless supported
+  by a stake or wire; they have numerous ridges, with clusters of
+  hair-like spines, which are usually purplish. Flowers large,
+  handsome, fragrant; tube 6in, long, green; petals and sepals
+  spreading and forming a star 3 in. in diameter, the petals purplish
+  on the outside, and pinkish-white inside; stamens arranged in a sort
+  of cup 1 in. deep. This plant rarely produces aerial roots. Small
+  specimens are ornamental even when not in flower, the bright green,
+  regularly ridged stem, with its numerous little clusters of fine
+  spines, at the base of which are short tufts of a white woolly
+  substance, being both curious and pretty. It flowers freely every
+  summer. South America, 1814.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig16.jpg" width="262" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS SERPENTINUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 16.&mdash;CEREUS SERPENTINUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <h3>THE GLOBOSE AND COLUMNAR STEMMED SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p>Many of these are unsuited for culture in ordinary plant-houses,
+  whilst others are so rare that, although cultivated in botanical
+  collections, they are not available for ordinary gardens, not being
+  known in the trade. There are, however, a good many species that may
+  be obtained from dealers in Cactuses, and to these we shall confine
+  ourselves here. At Kew, the collection of Cereuses is large and
+  diversified, some of the specimens being as tall as the house they
+  are in will allow them to be, and the appearance they present is, to
+  some eyes at least, a very attractive one. Such plants are: <i>C.
+  candicans</i>, which is a cluster-stemmed kind, very thick and
+  fleshy, and in shape like an Indian club; <i>C.
+  chilensis</i>;&mdash;with tall hedgehog-skinned stems, the numerous
+  ridges being thickly clothed with clusters of yellowish spines, which
+  become dark brown with age; <i>C. Dyckii</i>, 10 ft. high, the stems
+  thick and fleshy, with ridges 1&frac12; in. deep; <i>C. gemmatus</i>,
+  a hexagonal, almost naked-stemmed species 10 ft. high; <i>C.
+  strictus, C. peruvianus, C. geometrizans</i>, and <i>C. Jamacaru</i>,
+  which are tall, weird-looking plants, 10 ft. or more high, some of
+  them freely branched. The following is a selection of the
+  largest-flowered and handsomest kinds:</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cberl" id="cberl">C. Berlandieri</a></b>
+  (Berlandier's); Fig. 17.&mdash;A distinct and beautiful plant, of
+  dwarf, creeping habit, forming a tuft of short branchlets springing
+  from the main procumbent stems, none of which exceed 6 in. in length
+  by &frac34; in. in thickness. They are almost round when old, the
+  younger ones being slightly angled, and bearing, along the ridges,
+  little tubercles, crowned with short spines. Even old stems are very
+  soft and watery, and, on this account, it is necessary for the safety
+  of the plant, in winter, that it should be kept absolutely dry. The
+  flowers are produced on the young upright stems, and they are as much
+  as 4 in. across. They are composed of a regular ring of strap-shaped,
+  bright purple petals, springing from the erect bristly tube, and in
+  the centre a disk-like cluster of rose-coloured stamens, the stigma
+  standing well above them. In form the flowers are not unlike some of
+  the Sunflowers or <i>Mutisia decurrens</i>. They are developed in
+  summer, and on well-grown plants the display of blossom is
+  exceptionally fine. This species is sometimes known as <i>C.
+  repens</i> and <i>C. Deppii</i>. It is a native of South Texas and
+  Mexico, where it is found growing in sandy or gravelly soils, on dry,
+  sunny hill-sides. It should be grown in a cool greenhouse or frame,
+  in a position where it would get plenty of sunshine to ripen its
+  growth and induce it to flower. In winter it should be placed close
+  to the glass, where the sun can shine full on it, and where it will
+  be safe from frost. It will not thrive if wintered in a warm house.
+  In April, it should be examined, repotted if the soil is sour, and
+  kept watered as growth commences.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig17.jpg" width="338" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS BERLANDIERI" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 17.&mdash;CEREUS BERLANDIERI</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cblan" id="cblan">C. Blankii</a></b> (Blank's); Fig.
+  18.&mdash;This is very similar to the <i>C. Berlandieri</i> in habit
+  and stem characters, differing only in having longer, broader, less
+  spreading petals, a club-shaped stigma, and in the colour, which is a
+  deep rose, flushed in the throat with crimson. A comparison of the
+  figures here given will show the differences better than any
+  description. <i>C. Blankii</i> comes from Mexico at high elevations,
+  and thrives under cultivation with the same treatment as the
+  preceding. It is very common in Continental gardens, where it is
+  grown out-of-doors, being protected from cold in winter by a
+  handlight and straw. It flowers in summer.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig18.jpg" width="329" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS BLANKII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 18.&mdash;CEREUS BLANKII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ccaer" id="ccaer">C. caerulescens</a></b>
+  (blue-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 3922.&mdash;An erect-growing, tall Cactus,
+  rarely branching unless made to do so by cutting off the top of the
+  stem; furrows and ridges about eight, the ridges prominent, waved,
+  and bearing tufts of blackish wool, in which are set about a dozen
+  black spines, &frac12; in. long; the stem when young and in good
+  health is bluish in colour. Flowers springing from the ridges, about
+  8 in. long, the tube covered with reddish-grey scales, which pass
+  upwards into the sepals; petals spreading, white, the margins
+  toothed, and forming a spreading top, not unlike a large white single
+  Camellia; the stamens are arranged in a sort of cup, and are
+  yellow-anthered, with a large rayed yellow stigma in the middle. In
+  the <i>Botanical Magazine</i> it is stated that the flowers of this
+  species are equal and even superior to those of <i>C.
+  grandiflorus</i>; but we have not seen flowers such as would bear out
+  that statement. This species is too tall-stemmed to be recommended
+  for windows or small greenhouses; but where room can be afforded it,
+  the attractive colour of its stems, together with the size and beauty
+  of its flowers, should win it favour. It blossoms in summer,
+  generally about July, and is a native of Mexico. Introduced in
+  1841.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ccaes" id="ccaes">C. caespitosus</a></b> (tufted);
+  Fig. 19.&mdash;A dwarf species, the stem not more than 8 in. high by
+  about 4 in. in diameter, sometimes branched, or bearing about its
+  base a number of lateral growths, which ultimately form a cluster of
+  stems&mdash;hence the name. The bark or skin of the stem is
+  greyish-green, and the ribs, of which there are from a dozen to
+  eighteen, are thickly covered with clusters of whitish wool and
+  spines, the latter rose-tinted, and radiating in all directions. The
+  flowers are produced on the top of the stems, and are short-tubed,
+  the tube clothed with little bundles of spines; spread of the petals
+  (from thirty to forty in each flower), 4 in.; colour deep rose;
+  anthers and stigma forming an eye-like cluster, the former yellow,
+  and the latter bright green. Flowered at Kew for the first time in
+  1882, but, although new to cultivation, it is becoming plentiful.
+  Native of New Mexico and Texas. For windows or small greenhouses this
+  is a most suitable plant, as it flowers freely and keeps in good
+  health in an ordinary greenhouse temperature, always, however,
+  requiring plenty of sunlight and rest during winter. By placing it
+  upon a shelf near the glass from October to March, allowing it to
+  remain perfectly dry, and afterwards watering it freely, the flowers
+  should make their appearance early in summer. A plant with several
+  stems, each bearing a large bright rose blossom, sometimes two,
+  presents an attractive appearance.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig19.jpg" width="295" height="300" alt=
+    "CEREUS CAESPITOSUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 19.&mdash;CEREUS CAESPITOSUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ccirr" id="ccirr">C. cirrhiferus</a></b>
+  (tendril-bearing).&mdash;A prostrate, branching-stemmed,
+  small-growing kind, very proliferous, with roots along the main
+  stems; branchlets upright, five-angled, with slightly raised points,
+  or tubercles, upon which are ten short hair-like spines, arranged in
+  a star, and surrounding three or four central erect spines, all
+  whitish and transparent. Flowering branches erect, 4 in. high, by
+  about 1 in. in diameter, bearing, near the apex, the large bright red
+  flowers, nearly 4 in. in diameter, regular as a Sunflower, and
+  lasting about a week. This species was introduced from Mexico in
+  1847. It is one of the best-known and handsomest of this group. It
+  requires similar treatment to C. <i>Berlandieri</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ccten" id="ccten">C. ctenoides</a></b>
+  (comb-like);</p>
+
+  <p>Fig. 20.&mdash;Stem 3 in. to 5 in. high, and about 3 in. in
+  diameter, egg-shaped, unbranched, rarely producing offsets at the
+  base. Ribs fifteen or sixteen, spiral, with closely-set cushions of
+  stiff, whitish spines, which interlace and almost hide the stem;
+  there are from fourteen to twenty-two spines to each cushion, and
+  they are &frac14; in. long. Flowers produced on the ridges near the
+  top of the stem; tube short, spiny; petals spreading, like a
+  Convolvulus, 3 in. to 4 in. across, bright yellow; stamens yellow,
+  pistil white. The flowers expand at about 9 a.m., and close again
+  soon after noon. They are developed in June or July. This species is
+  a native of Texas, and is rare in cultivation. When not in flower it
+  might easily be mistaken for <i>Echinocactus pectinatus</i>. It
+  should be grown in a sunny position, in a warm house or pit, all
+  summer, and wintered on a shelf, near the glass, in a temperature of
+  from 45 degs. to 50 degs. during winter. Under cultivation it is apt
+  to rot suddenly at the base, more especially when old. Should this
+  happen, the rotten parts must be cut away, and the wound exposed to
+  the air in a dry house for a week or two.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig20.jpg" width="269" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS CTENOIDES" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 20.&mdash;CEREUS CTENOIDES</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cenne" id="cenne">C. enneacanthus</a></b>
+  (eight-spined); Fig. 21.&mdash;Stem seldom more than 6 in. high by
+  less than 2 in. in diameter, cylindrical in shape, bright green,
+  simple when young, tufted in old specimens. Ribs shallow, broad,
+  irregular on the top, with spine-cushions on the projecting parts;
+  spines straight, yellowish-white, semi-transparent, variable in
+  length, longest about 1 in. There are frequently as many as twelve
+  spines in a tuft, although the specific name implies eight spines
+  only. Flowers on the ridges near the top of the stem, with spiny
+  tubes, spreading petals of a deep purple colour, and yellow stamens
+  and pistil. They are developed freely in June and July. This is a
+  soft-fleshed species, from Texas; it is not easily kept in health,
+  and is therefore rarely seen. It should be treated as advised for
+  <i>C. ctenoides</i>. Neither of these plants will flower unless it is
+  grown in a sunny position as near to the roof-glass as is
+  possible.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig21.jpg" width="363" height="350" alt=
+    "CEREUS ENNEACANTHUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 21.&mdash;CEREUS ENNEACANTHUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cfend" id="cfend">C. Fendleri</a></b>
+  (Fendler's).&mdash;One of the best of the dwarf-stemmed kinds. It has
+  a pale green stem, about 6 in. high, rarely branching at the base,
+  but often found growing in clusters. Ridges nine to twelve, running
+  spirally round the stem, and bearing clusters of brown spines, some
+  of them nearly 2 in. in length. Flowers composed of a tube 1 in.
+  long, green, fleshy, and spiny, with a spreading cup-like arrangement
+  of petals and sepals, 3 in. in diameter, and of a bright purple
+  colour; stigma and anthers green. It produces its flowers in June. It
+  was introduced from the mountainous region of New Mexico about five
+  years ago, and has blossomed freely in several collections, notably
+  in that of Mr. Loder, of Northampton, who has cultivated this and
+  several other species from the same region in a sunny sheltered
+  position out of doors, where, for several years, they have withstood
+  winter's cold with no other protection than that afforded by an
+  over-hanging wall. Mr. Loder says of <i>C. Fendleri</i> that it is
+  the best of all Cactuses for cool treatment, as the flowers last more
+  than a week, closing at night, and opening only in sunshine, when its
+  rich purple colour is quite dazzling to the eye. It also blossoms
+  freely under glass; but the colour of the flowers is not so vivid as
+  when they are produced in full sunshine out of doors.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cgiga" id="cgiga">C. giganteus</a></b> (gigantic);
+  Fig. 22.&mdash;This is the most colossal of all Cactuses, in which
+  respect it is chiefly interesting. Its stem, when young, is very
+  similar to that of other dwarfer species, whilst, so far as is known,
+  its flowers have not been produced under cultivation. It grows very
+  slowly, a plant 6 in. high being eight or ten years old, so that, to
+  attain its full development, a very long time indeed is necessary.
+  When young, the stems are globose, afterwards becoming club-shaped or
+  cylindrical. It flowers at the height of 10 ft. or 12 ft., but grows
+  up to four or five times that height, when it develops lateral
+  branches, which curve upwards, and present the appearance of immense
+  candelabra. The flowers are 4 in. or 5 in. long, and about the same
+  in diameter. There is a small specimen, about 3 ft. high, in the
+  succulent collection at Kew. The appearance of a number of tall
+  specimens of this wonderful Cactus, when seen towering high above the
+  rocks and scrub with which it is associated, is described by
+  travellers as being both weird and grand. Judging by the slowness of
+  its growth, the prospect of seeing full-sized specimens of this
+  species in English gardens is a very remote one, unless full-grown
+  stems are imported, and this is hardly possible. Native of Mexico and
+  California.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig22.jpg" width="282" height="370" alt=
+    "FLOWER OF CEREUS GIGANTEUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 22.&mdash;FLOWER OF CEREUS GIGANTEUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cleea" id="cleea">C. Leeanus</a></b> (Lee's); Bot.
+  Mag. 4417.&mdash;A dwarf plant, the stems not more than 1 ft. in
+  height, and about 5 in. in diameter at the base, tapering gradually
+  towards the top, so that it forms a cone; the furrows number about a
+  dozen, and the ridges are &frac12; in. high, the angles sharp, and
+  clothed with clusters of pale brown spines, the central one 1 in.
+  long, the others much shorter. The flowers are produced on the top of
+  the stem, four or five together, and are large, handsome, brick-red
+  in colour, the tube 2 in. long, clothed with yellowish, green-tipped
+  scales, and little clusters of hair-like bristles. The arrangement of
+  the petals, and the cluster of yellow anthers in the centre, give the
+  flowers the appearance of Camellias, if looked at from above.
+  Introduced from Mexico by Mr. Lee, of Hammersmith, in 1848, and
+  flowered soon afterwards at Kew, in summer. Being a native of the
+  higher, more northerly regions of Mexico, this species needs only to
+  be protected from severe frosts; it has been known to bear a little
+  frost without injury. For windows and greenhouses it is a very
+  desirable plant.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="clept" id="clept">C. leptacanthus</a></b>
+  (slender-spined); Fig. 23.&mdash;One of the most beautiful of all
+  Cactuses, and one of the easiest to cultivate, the only drawback
+  being that it rarely flowers under cultivation. In habit it is
+  similar to C. <i>Berlandieri</i>. A plant 8 in. across bears about
+  twenty short branches, each of which, under careful cultivation will
+  produce several flowers in the months of May and June, and these,
+  when expanded, last about eight days before withering; they close
+  every afternoon, opening about ten o'clock in the morning. The petals
+  are arranged in a single series, spreading so as to form a shallow
+  cup, and are notched on the edges near the upper end. They are
+  coloured a deep purple-lilac on the upper half, the lower part being
+  white, like a large pied daisy. The stamens are pure white; the
+  anthers orange-coloured, as also is the star-shaped stigma. The plant
+  is a native of Mexico, and was introduced in 1860. It requires the
+  same treatment as the preceding kinds. The illustration is sufficient
+  to show the beauty of this little creeping Cactus, which, although so
+  long known, is not grown in English gardens, though it is common
+  enough in Continental collections.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig23.jpg" width="345" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS LEPTACANTHUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 23.&mdash;CEREUS LEPTACANTHUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cmult" id="cmult">C. multiplex</a></b> (proliferous);
+  Fig. 24.&mdash;A globose-stemmed species, becoming pear-shaped with
+  age; height 6 in., by 4 in. in diameter; ridges angled, clothed with
+  clusters of about a dozen spines, the central one longest. Flowers 6
+  in. to 8 in. long, and about the same across the spreading petals;
+  tube clothed with small, hairy scales; the sepals long and pointed;
+  petals 2 in. or more long, 1 in. wide, spreading out quite flat;
+  stamens arranged in a ring, with the whitish-rayed stigma in the
+  middle. This species flowers in autumn. It is a native of South
+  Brazil, and was introduced in 1840. It thrives best when kept in a
+  warm, sunny position in a window or heated greenhouse.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig24.jpg" width="352" height="330" alt=
+    "CEREUS MULTIPLEX" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 24.&mdash;CEREUS MULTIPLEX</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>At <a name="cmucr" id="cmucr">Fig. 25</a> is a curious variety of
+  the above, the stem being fasciated and divided into numerous
+  crumpled, flattened branches. It is remarkable as a monster form of
+  the type plant. So far as is known, neither this nor any other of the
+  monster Cactuses produces flowers.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig25.jpg" width="400" height="275" alt=
+    "CEREUS MULTIPLEX CRISTATUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 25.&mdash;CEREUS MULTIPLEX CRISTATUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cpauc" id="cpauc">C. paucispinus</a></b> (few-spined);
+  Bot. Mag. 6774.&mdash;A dwarf-stemmed species of recent introduction,
+  and one which, owing to the beauty of its flowers and the hardy
+  nature of the plant, is certain to find much favour among growers of
+  Cactuses. The stem is about 9 in. high, by 2 in. to 4 in. in
+  diameter, the base much wider than the apex, the ridges irregular,
+  very thick and rounded, giving the stem a gouty or tumid appearance.
+  Upon the prominent parts of these ridges are stellate tufts of long,
+  pale brown spines, some of them nearly 2 in. long, and each tuft
+  containing about eight spines. When young, the stems are more like
+  some of the Mamillarias than the Cereuses. The flowers are developed
+  near the top of the stem, two or three opening together; they are
+  composed of a tube 2 in. long, clothed with long spines and large,
+  green, scaly sepals below, the latter gradually enlarging till at the
+  top they become as large as the petals, which are 2 in. long, with a
+  spread of nearly 3 in., rounded at the tips, and coloured deep
+  blood-red, tinged with orange inside. The stamens are clustered
+  together sheaf-like, with the dark green stigmas protruding through
+  them. This is a native of New Mexico, whence it was introduced in
+  1883, and flowered in May. Mr. Loder, of Northampton, has
+  successfully cultivated it in a cool frame in the open air, and it
+  has also grown well in the Kew collection when treated in a similar
+  way. This suggests its hardiness and fitness for window cultivation.
+  Owing to the watery nature of the stems, it is necessary that they
+  should be kept quite dry during the winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cpent" id="cpent">C. pentalophus</a></b>
+  (five-winged); Bot. Mag. 3651.&mdash;As the name denotes, the stem of
+  this erect-growing, somewhat slender species has five very prominent
+  sharp-edged ridges, along which are little clusters of small spines
+  about &frac12; in. apart; the stem is 1 in. in diameter, and the
+  angles are wavy. The flowers are about 3 in. wide, spreading, the
+  petals, broad and overlapping, rose-coloured, except in the centre of
+  the flower, where they become almost pure white; the anthers are
+  yellow, whilst the colour of the rayed stigma is purplish-blue. A
+  native of Mexico, introduced and flowered in 1838. For its
+  cultivation, the temperature of a warm greenhouse is required, though
+  during summer it may be placed in a sunny position in a frame out of
+  doors. If grown in windows, it should be kept through the winter in a
+  room where there is a fire constantly.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cperu" id="cperu">C. peruvianus</a></b>
+  (Peruvian).&mdash;A tall-grower, the stems fleshy when young, and
+  very spiny. The ridges on the stem number from five to eight, with
+  stellate bundles, about 1 in. apart, of small, stiff black spines.
+  The flowers appear upon the upper portion of the stem, and are 5 in.
+  across, the petals pure white above, tinged with red below, and
+  forming a large saucer, in the middle of which the numerous stamens,
+  with yellow anthers, are arranged in a crown. There is something
+  incongruous in the tall, spine-clothed, pole-like stem, upon which
+  large, beautiful, water-lily-like flowers are developed, looking
+  quite out of place on such a plant. Flowers in spring and early
+  summer. It requires warm greenhouse or stove treatment. There are
+  some fine examples of this species at Kew. A variety of this species,
+  with a fasciated or monstrous habit, is sometimes cultivated.
+  Introduced in 1830.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cplei" id="cplei">C. pleiogonus</a></b>
+  (twisted-angled); Fig. 26.&mdash;An erect cylindrical-stemmed
+  species, from 6 in. to 1 ft. high by 4 in. in diameter, with from ten
+  to fourteen angles or ridges; these are somewhat tumid, and marked
+  with depressions, from which the star-like clusters of spines spring,
+  about a dozen spines in each cluster, the central one much the
+  largest. The flowers are about 8 in. long, the tube being rather
+  thick and cylinder-like, expanding at the top, so as to form a sort
+  of cup, in which the petals are arranged in several rows, with the
+  middle filled by the numerous stamens, surmounted by the club-like
+  pistil. The colour of the flowers is purple-red. This species appears
+  to have first found its way into cultivation through some Continental
+  garden, its native country being unknown. It thrives only in a warm
+  house, developing its flowers in summer.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig26.jpg" width="221" height="350" alt=
+    "CEREUS PLEIOGONUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 26.&mdash;CEREUS PLEIOGONUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cpoly" id="cpoly">C. polyacanthus</a></b>
+  (many-spined).&mdash;A newly-introduced species, from El Paso, in
+  Mexico, where it is common on the sand ridges and stony hills. Stem
+  10 in. high, 2 in. to 4 in. wide, pale green or glaucous, with about
+  eight ridges, the spines being placed along the angles in clusters of
+  half a dozen or so, and about &frac12; in. apart. The flowers are 2
+  in. to 3 in. long; the tube spiny; the petals semi-erect and concave,
+  rounded at the tip, and forming a shallow cup or wine-glass-like
+  flower; the colour of the petals is deep blood-red. This beautiful
+  Cactus is exceptional in the length of time its flowers remain
+  expanded and fresh, lasting a week or more; and as the plant is very
+  free flowering, there is usually a beautiful display of rich red
+  blossoms for about six weeks. It may be grown in a cool greenhouse or
+  window, requiring no artificial heat beyond what would be necessary
+  to insure its protection from frost. It flowers in spring.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cproc" id="cproc">C. procumbens</a></b> (trailing);
+  Fig. 27.&mdash;This is a very pretty little Cactus, with spreading
+  prostrate stems, from which upright branches grow to a height of 3
+  in. or 4 in.; they are &frac12; in. thick, generally only four-angled
+  or square, with small spines in tufts along the angles. The flowers
+  are developed on the ends of the branches, and are 3 in. long and
+  wide, the sepals spreading and recurved, as in a Paris daisy, their
+  colour being bright rose purple. The anthers form a corona-like ring,
+  inclosing the upright, rayed stigma. A native of Mexico; flowers in
+  May and June. In its native haunts we learn that this little Cactus
+  is very free-flowering, but under cultivation in this country it
+  flowers only rarely. It thrives best when grown in a dry, sunny
+  greenhouse, and kept perfectly dry during autumn and winter. If
+  allowed to get wet in that season, it is apt to rot, the stems being
+  soft and watery.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig27.jpg" width="320" height="370" alt=
+    "CEREUS PROCUMBENS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 27.&mdash;CEREUS PROCUMBENS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="credu" id="credu">C. reductus</a></b> (dingy); Bot.
+  Mag. 4443.&mdash;Stem erect, sometimes 3 ft. high, and about 4 in.
+  wide, deeply furrowed, the furrows usually numbering about fourteen;
+  the ridges tumid and irregular, and coloured a dingy glaucous-green.
+  Spines embedded in a tuft of grey wool, about a dozen spines in each
+  cluster, 1 in. long, a few of them only half that length. Flowers on
+  the top of the stem, three or four opening together, each being 3 in.
+  long and wide; the tube short and scaly, with overlapping sepals and
+  saw-edged petals, which are white, slightly tinged with rose. Stamens
+  filling the whole of the flower-cup, bright yellow. A native of
+  Mexico, introduced in 1796, flowering in summer. This species was
+  evidently a favourite many years ago, but it is rare with us now. It
+  thrives in a house where the winter temperature does not fall below
+  45 deg., requiring no water at that time, but a liberal supply in the
+  summer when growth is being made, and all the sunlight possible. When
+  without its star-shaped, handsome flowers, the stem is remarkably
+  ferocious-looking, the spines upon it being quite as thick and as
+  strong as on a hedgehog.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="crepa" id="crepa">C. repandus</a></b> (undulated);
+  Fig. 28.&mdash;Stem erect, 10 ft. or more high, unbranched, unless
+  compelled to do so by the removal of the top. Ribs eight or nine in
+  number, rounded, somewhat undulated, and bearing spine-tufts nearly 1
+  in. apart; each tuft contains about ten spines, which are almost
+  equal in length, fine, stiff, brown, and persistent; there is a
+  little cushion of white wool about the base of the spines. Flowers
+  produced on the side, within a few inches of the top of the stem;
+  they are composed of a scaly tube, 4 in. long, a circular row of
+  spreading, incurved, pale brown sepals, and two rows of broad,
+  overlapping, snow-white petals; stamens white, with yellow anthers;
+  stigma yellow. The flowers, developed in summer, are very beautiful,
+  but, unfortunately, each lasts only a few hours. A native of the West
+  Indies, and an old introduction to English gardens (1720), but rare
+  in cultivation now. It requires the treatment of a stove all the year
+  round.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig28.jpg" width="291" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS REPANDUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 28.&mdash;CEREUS REPANDUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="croye" id="croye">C. Royeni</a></b> (Royen's); Bot.
+  Mag. 3125.&mdash;This plant is not one of the handsomest as regards
+  flowers; but its stems are ornamental, and the form of the flowers is
+  such as would please those who admire the curious. The stem is erect,
+  several feet high, 2 in. in diameter, with about ten acute ridges,
+  along which are little tufts of white wool about the base of the
+  clustering spines, which are dark brown and 1 in. long. The
+  flower-tube is 2 in. long, thick, spineless, scaly, the scales
+  becoming large near the top of the flower, where they form a cup-like
+  whorl, enclosing the small rose-coloured petals, the stamens being
+  white. Introduced from New Grenada, in 1832. It flowers in spring and
+  summer. It should be grown in a stove.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cvari" id="cvari">C. variabilis</a></b> (variable);
+  Bot. Mag. 4084, under the name of <i>C. pitajaya.</i>&mdash;A
+  tall-growing plant, rather straggling in habit, branching freely, the
+  stems usually four-winged, but sometimes with three, five, or more,
+  constricted at intervals, as in Phyllocactus, the wings spiny along
+  the edges; spines 1 in. long. Flowers on the sides of the stems,
+  rather low down, long-tubed; large, showy; tube 6 in. long, smooth,
+  fleshy, with a few scales near the top, and a whorl of greenish,
+  strap-shaped, pointed sepals, the petals spreading, with toothed
+  margins and a long acute point, white or cream-coloured; anthers
+  yellow. A native of various parts of South America and the West
+  Indies, but always close to the sea. It flowers in July; the flowers,
+  which open generally in the evening, remain expanded all night, and
+  close before noon the day following. This species requires tropical
+  or warm house treatment. There are some old plants of it in the Kew
+  collection, where it flowers annually. Except for large houses, this
+  species is not recommended for general cultivation, as it blossoms
+  only after attaining a good size, and the stems, when old, are not at
+  all ornamental.</p><a name="echino" id="echino"></a>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS ECHINOCACTUS.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>echinos</i>, a hedgehog, and <i>Cactus</i>.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_M.jpg" width="50" height="113" alt="M" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>ANY of the plants included in the genus Echinocactus are very
+  similar in habit and stem-characters to the Cereus. Botanists find
+  characters in the seed vessel (ovary) and in the seeds by which the
+  two genera are supposed to be easily separable; but, so far as can be
+  made out by a comparison of their more conspicuous characters, there
+  is very little indeed to enable one to distinguish the two genera
+  from each other when not in flower. A comparison of the figures given
+  in these pages will show that such is the case.</p>
+
+  <p>The name Echinocactus was given to <i>E. tenuispinus</i>, which
+  was first introduced into English gardens in 1825. The spiny
+  character of this species is surpassed by that of many of the more
+  recently introduced kinds; still it is sufficient to justify its
+  being compared to a hedgehog. Some of the kinds have spines 4 in.
+  long, broad at the base, and hooked towards the point, the hooks
+  being wonderfully strong, whilst in others the spines are long and
+  needle-like, or short and fine as the prickles on a thistle. The
+  stems vary much in size and form, being globose, or compressed, or
+  ovate, a few only being cylindrical, and attaining a height of from 5
+  ft. to 10 ft. They are almost always simple&mdash;that is, without
+  branches, unless they are compelled to form such by cutting out or
+  injuring the top of the stem; the ridges vary in number from about
+  five to ten times that number, and they are in some species very firm
+  and prominent, in others reduced to mere undulations, whilst in a
+  few, they are separated into numerous little tubercles or mammae. The
+  species are nearly all possessed of spines, which are collected in
+  bundles along the ridges of the stem. Generally, the flowers are
+  about as long as wide, and the ovary is covered with scales or
+  modified sepals. The fruit is succulent, or sometimes dry, and, when
+  ripe, is covered with the persistent calyx scales, often surrounded
+  with wool, and usually bearing upon the top the remains of the
+  withered flower. The position of the flowers is on the young part of
+  the stem, usually being perched in the centre, never on the old part,
+  as in some of the Cereuses. The flowers open only under the influence
+  of bright sunlight, generally closing soon after it leaves them.</p>
+
+  <p>The geographical distribution of the species, of which over 200
+  have been described, extends from Texas and California to Peru and
+  Brazil; they are in greatest abundance in Mexico, whence most of the
+  garden kinds have been introduced. The conditions under which they
+  grow naturally vary considerably in regard to temperature and soil;
+  but they are all found in greatest numbers and most robust health
+  where the soil is gravelly or sandy, and even where there is no
+  proper soil at all, the roots finding nourishment in the clefts or
+  crevices of the rocks. As a rule, the temperature in the lands where
+  they are native is very high during summer, and falls to the other
+  extreme in winter, some of the species being found even where frost
+  and snow are frequent; the majority of them, however, require what we
+  would call stove treatment.</p>
+
+  <p>Turning now to a consideration of those kinds known as garden
+  plants, we find that comparatively few of the species known to
+  botanists are represented in English collections, though, perhaps, we
+  may safely say that not one of the kinds known would be considered
+  unworthy of cultivation except by those who despise Cactuses of
+  whatever kind. Their flowers are conspicuous both in size and
+  brilliancy of colour; and in the curious, grotesque, and even
+  beautifully symmetrical shapes of their stems, one finds attractions
+  of no ordinary kind. The stem of <i>E. Visnaga</i> shown at Fig. 48
+  may be taken as an instance of this&mdash;apart from the cluster of
+  star-like, bright yellow flowers seen nestling upon the top of their
+  spine-protected dwelling, the whole suggesting a nest of young birds.
+  This plant is indeed one of the most remarkable of the
+  Echinocactuses, owing to the size and number of its
+  spines&mdash;which are 3 in. long, almost as firm as steel, and are
+  used by the Mexicans as toothpicks&mdash;and to the gigantic size and
+  great weight of the stem. The following account of a large specimen
+  of this species introduced to Kew in 1845, is taken from an article
+  from the pen of the late Sir Wm. Hooker in the <i>Gardeners'
+  Chronicle</i> of that year. This gigantic plant was presented to the
+  nation, in other words to Kew, by F. Staines, Esq., of San Luis
+  Potosi. Such was its striking appearance, that it was stated that, if
+  exhibited in the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, some hundreds of pounds
+  might be realised by it. In a letter from Mr. Staines, here quoted,
+  our readers will perceive how difficult it often is to obtain living
+  specimens of these plants from their native habitats. He writes: "I
+  mean to have a large specimen of <i>E. Visnaga</i> deposited in a
+  strong box, sending the box first to the mountain where the monsters
+  grow, and placing it on the springs of a carriage which I shall
+  despatch for that purpose. My monstrous friend cannot travel any
+  other way, from his stupendous size and immense ponderosity, which
+  cannot be adequately calculated for here, where the largest machine
+  for conveying weights does not exceed sixteen arrobes, or 400lb. This
+  enormous plant will require twenty men at least to place it upon the
+  vehicle, with the aid of such levers as our Indians can invent. It
+  grows in the deep ravines of our loftiest mountains, amongst huge
+  stones; the finest plants are inaccessible to wheeled vehicles, and
+  even on horseback it is difficult to reach them. I shall pack him
+  carefully in mats before applying to his roots the crowbars destined
+  to wrench him from his resting place of unknown centuries. He will
+  have to travel 300 leagues before he reaches Vera Cruz." Being too
+  large to be packed in a box, it was first surrounded with a dense
+  clothing of the Old Man's Beard or Spanish moss (<i>Tillandsia
+  usneoides</i>)&mdash;and a better covering could not have been
+  devised&mdash;and well corded. Fifteen mats, each as large and as
+  thick as an ordinary doormat, formed the exterior envelope. When
+  unpacked on its arrival at Kew, this monster Cactus was seen as
+  perfect, as green, and as uninjured as if it had been that morning
+  removed from its native rocks, its long, rope-like roots arranged in
+  coils like the cable of a ship. When placed in scales it weighed
+  713lb., its circumference at 1 ft. from the ground was 4&frac12; ft.,
+  and its total height, 8 ft. 7 in.; the number of ridges was
+  forty-four, and on each ridge were fifty bundles of spines, four
+  spines to each bundle. Thus there were 8800 spines or toothpicks,
+  enough for the supply of an army. A still larger specimen was a year
+  or so later successfully brought to Kew, and which weighed 1 ton; but
+  this, as well as the smaller one, survived only a short time. There
+  have been numerous other large specimens of this Cactus in English
+  gardens lately, all of them, however, succumbing to the unfavourable
+  conditions of our climate. Mr. Peacock, of Hammersmith, recently
+  possessed two large plants of <i>E. Visnaga,</i> one of which weighed
+  nearly 5cwt., and measured 8 ft. 6 in. in circumference.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;The soil for Echinocactuses should be
+  similar to that recommended for the Cereuses, as also should be the
+  treatment as regards sunlight and rest. It cannot be too clearly
+  understood that during the period between October and March these
+  plants should be kept perfectly dry at the root, and in a dry house,
+  where the temperature would not fall below 50 deg. There is no
+  occasion for re-potting the Echinocactuses every year, it being by
+  far the safest plan to allow them to remain in the same pots several
+  years, should the soil be fresh and the drainage perfect.</p>
+
+  <p>All the larger-stemmed kinds may be kept in health when grown on
+  their own roots; but for some of the smaller species it is a good
+  plan to graft them upon the stem of some of the Cereuses, <i>C.
+  tortuosus</i> or <i>C. colubrinus</i> being recommended for the
+  smaller kinds, and for the larger <i>C. peruvianus</i>, <i>C.
+  gemmatus</i>, or any one the stem of which is robust, and of the
+  right dimensions to bear the species of Echinocactus intended to be
+  grafted. Some growers prefer to graft all the small Echinocactuses
+  upon other kinds, find certainly, when properly grafted, they are
+  safer thus treated than if grown on their own roots. In grafting, the
+  two stems (stock and scion) must be cut so that their edges meet, and
+  in securing them two or three stakes must be placed in such a way as
+  to afford support to the graft and hold it firmly in position.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;Besides grafting, cuttings of the stems
+  may be utilised for the multiplication of Echinocactuses, first
+  removing the upper portion of the stem and putting it into soil to
+  root, and afterwards, as lateral stems develop on the old stock, they
+  may be cut away with a sharp knife, and treated in a similar manner.
+  Should a plant become sickly, and look shrivelled and cankered at the
+  base, it is always best to cut away the healthy part of the stem, and
+  induce it to form fresh roots, thus giving it a new lease of life.
+  Seeds of these plants may be obtained from dealers, more especially
+  Continental nurserymen, and to watch the gradual development of the
+  plant from the seedling is both interesting and instructive. The
+  seeds should be sown in soil, and kept moist and warm; in about a
+  month after sowing, the little pea-like, green balls will be seen
+  pushing their way through the thin covering of soil, and gradually
+  but slowly increasing in size, their spines also increasing in number
+  and strength, the ridges forming according to the character of the
+  species, till, finally, they assume the mature characters of the
+  plant, both in stem and habit. The flowers, of course, appear
+  according to the length of time it takes for the species to grow to
+  flowering size.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><a name="ebrev" id="ebrev"><b>E. brevihamatus</b></a>
+  (short-hooked).&mdash;Several kinds of Echinocactus are distinguished
+  from the rest in having the ridges divided into tubercles, which are
+  often globular and arranged in a spiral round the stem, as in the
+  genus Mamillaria; to this section the present species belongs. The
+  stem is almost sphere-shaped, from 4 in. to 6 in. high, the
+  tuberculated ridges about &frac14; in. deep, and upon each tubercle
+  is a tuft of about a dozen brown, radiating spines, with a long
+  central one hooked at the point. The flowers are borne in clusters on
+  the top of the stem, three or four opening together; they are 1 in.
+  in length, and the same across the spreading petals, which are pink,
+  shaded with deep rose. A native of the mountainous regions of South
+  Brazil; introduced about 1850. Flowers in summer. This pretty little
+  plant will thrive if placed upon a shelf in a greenhouse where it
+  will have full sunshine during the greater part of the day. It grows
+  very slowly, especially when on its own roots, but succeeds better
+  when grafted on another kind.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecent" id="ecent">E. centeterius</a></b>
+  (many-spined); Bot. Mag. 3974.&mdash;This has a conical-shaped stem,
+  6 in. high by 4 in. wide, with about fourteen ridges, which are
+  notched, and bear star-shaped clusters of pale brown spines, &frac12;
+  in. long. The blossoms are borne rather thickly on the summit of the
+  stem, from six to nine flowers being sometimes open together; and as
+  they are each nearly 3 in. across, and of good substance, they
+  present an attractive appearance. The petals are of a deep
+  straw-colour, with a reddish streak down the centre, and 1&frac12;
+  in.long, with the apex notched or toothed. The stamens are spirally
+  coiled round the stigma, which is club-shaped and white. This species
+  is probably a native of Mexico, and was first flowered in England at
+  Kew, in 1841. A cool, dry greenhouse suits it best; or it may be
+  grown in a sunny room window where frost would not be allowed to
+  reach it in winter. Unless subjected to very dry treatment during the
+  winter months, and also kept in a position where all the sunlight
+  possible would reach it&mdash;even when at rest &mdash;there is not
+  much chance of this plant producing its large flowers. It may be kept
+  alive by giving it uniform treatment all the year round, but it would
+  never flower.</p>
+
+  <p><a name="ecinn" id="ecinn"><b>E. cinnabarinus</b></a>
+  (cinnabar-flowered); Bot. Mag. 4326.&mdash;This is another of the
+  Mamillaria-like kinds, and is remarkable for the depressed form of
+  its stem, which may be likened to a sea urchin, both in size and
+  shape. Old plants are from 6 in. to 8 in. in diameter, and about 4
+  in. high; the spiral formed by the tubercles rises very gradually,
+  and each of the latter is surmounted by a tuft of strong, brown,
+  radiating spines, imbedded in a little cushion of wool. The flowers
+  spring from the outside of the depressed top of the stem, two or
+  three opening together and forming a beautiful picture, both as to
+  size and colour. The tube is short and green, with a row of long
+  green sepals at the top, and above these the petals, which are 2 in.
+  long, overlapping, recurved, the edges toothed, and the colour a
+  brilliant cinnabar-red. The stamens are in two series, very numerous,
+  and the anthers are bright yellow. Looking at the flattened, spiny
+  stem, it seems impossible that such large, handsome flowers should be
+  produced by it. A native of Bolivia; introduced about 1846. It
+  blossoms in July, and may be grown on a shelf in a cool greenhouse,
+  as advised for the <i>E. centeterius.</i></p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="econc" id="econc">E. concinnus</a></b> (neat); Fig.
+  29.&mdash;A small species with a globose stem, 2 in. high and 3 in.
+  wide, and about twenty ridges, which are rounded, rather broad, each
+  bearing about half-a-dozen little bunches of spines arranged in a
+  star. The flowers are numerous, as large as, or larger than, the
+  stem, being 3 in. long and broad, the tube covered with brown
+  hair-like spines, and having a few reddish scales, whilst the petals
+  are in several rows, overlapping, with pointed tips, and are coloured
+  dark yellow with a red streak down the centre. Several flowers are
+  sometimes developed together on a little stem, when they have the
+  appearance of being much too large for so small a plant to support.
+  The pale green of the stem and its brown spines contrast prettily
+  with the handsome yellow flowers, which are brightened by the streaks
+  of red on the petals and the clear red colour of the stigma. It is a
+  native of Mexico, and was introduced about 1840, flowering early in
+  summer. It requires a warm greenhouse temperature all the year round,
+  with, of course, plenty of sunshine. It may be grafted on the stem of
+  an erect-growing Cereus, such as <i>C. serpentinus</i> or <i>C.
+  Napoleonis</i>, the stock to be not higher than 6 in., and about as
+  wide as the plant of <i>E. concinnus</i> is at the base.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig29.jpg" width="301" height="350" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS CONCINNUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 29.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS CONCINNUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecopt" id="ecopt">E. coptonogonus</a></b>
+  (wavy-ribbed); Fig. 30.&mdash;Stem globose, seldom more than 5 in. in
+  diameter, depressed on the top, with from ten to fourteen strong,
+  sharp-edged, wavy ribs, the furrows also being wavy. Spine tufts set
+  in little depressions along the margins of the ribs, five spines in
+  each tuft, the two upper 1 in. long and four-angled, the two lower
+  flattened and shorter, the fifth, which is the longest, being placed
+  in the top of the cushion. Flowers 2 in. across, daisy-like, produced
+  in April and May; tube very short; sepals and petals linear,
+  spreading, white, with a purple stripe down the centre; stamens red,
+  with yellow anthers; pistil purple, with an eight-rayed, yellow
+  stigma. A native of Mexico. (Syn. <i>E. interruptus</i>.)</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig30.jpg" width="311" height="330" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS COPTONOGONUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 30.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS COPTONOGONUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecorn" id="ecorn">E. cornigerus</a></b>
+  (horn-bearing).&mdash;This remarkable plant, of which a portion is
+  represented at Fig. 31, has the stoutest spines of all cultivated
+  Cactuses, and their arrangement on the ridges of the stem is such as
+  would withstand the attacks of all enemies. The broad tongue-like
+  spine is purple in colour, and as strong as iron; the three erect
+  horn-like spines yellow, and as firm as the horns of an antelope, to
+  which they bear a resemblance. The stem is sphere-shaped, grey-green
+  in colour, and is divided into from fourteen to twenty-one stout wavy
+  ribs, upon which the spine tufts occur at intervals of about 2 in.
+  The arrangement of the spines is shown in the illustration, as also
+  is the position of the flowers, which are small, with narrow purple
+  petals and brown-red sepals. The plant is a native of Mexico and
+  Guatemala, and would require stove treatment. We have seen only small
+  living examples, but according to descriptions and figures, the most
+  interesting character it possesses is its spiny armament. It has been
+  called <i>Melocactus latispinus</i> and <i>Echinocactus
+  latispinus</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig31.jpg" width="357" height="206" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS CORNIGERUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 31.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS CORNIGERUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecory" id="ecory">E. corynodes</a></b> (club-like);
+  Fig. 32.&mdash;The stem of this is about as large as a Keswick Codlin
+  apple, with the broad end uppermost, and the sides cut up into about
+  a dozen and a half rather prominent sharp ridges, with bunches of
+  <i>stout</i> yellow spines arranged, at intervals of about 1 in.,
+  along the edges. The flowers, which are produced in a cluster on the
+  top of the stem, form a crown of bright yellow petals, studded with
+  scarlet eye-like stigmas. Each flower is 2 in. in diameter when fully
+  spread out, cup-shaped, and composed of two or three rows of
+  over-lapping petals. In the middle of these nestle the short stamens,
+  and projecting well beyond them is the bright scarlet stigma, forming
+  a beautiful contrast to the petals. This plant is a native of Mexico,
+  and was introduced about the year 1837. It is also known in gardens
+  under the names of <i>E. rosaceus</i> and <i>E. Sellowianus</i>.
+  There was a pretty little specimen of this flowering in the Kew
+  collection last year, and the opening and closing of the flowers, as
+  the sunlight reached or receded from them, was almost as rapid as
+  that observed in the daisy. The whole plant is so small, and, when in
+  flower, so charming, that no one could fail to admire it. It requires
+  similar treatment to <i>E. concinnus</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig32.jpg" width="320" height="317" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS CORYNODES" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 32.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS CORYNODES</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecrisp" id="ecrisp">E. crispatus</a></b> (curled);
+  Fig. 33.&mdash;The flattened, wavy or curled ridges of this species
+  are characteristic of several other kinds of Echinocactus. Its long,
+  stout, ferocious-looking spines, directed upwards, have a very
+  forbidding aspect. The stem grows to a height of about 8 in., and is
+  said to produce its large, long-tubed, purple flowers in the summer
+  months. It has been introduced by a Continental nurseryman, but, so
+  far as is known, has not yet flowered in any English collection. It
+  is apparently closely allied to <i>E. longihamatus</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig33.jpg" width="300" height="253" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS CRISPATUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 33.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS CRISPATUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecumm" id="ecumm">E. Cummingii</a></b> (Cumming's);
+  Bot. Mag. 6097.&mdash;A pretty little species, with a globose stem
+  about 3 in. in diameter, the ridges divided into tubercles, and
+  running spirally round the stem. From each tubercle springs a
+  radiating cluster of yellowish, hair-like spines. The flowers are
+  numerous, 1 in. long and wide, the scales on the tube tipped with
+  red, whilst the petals stamens, and stigma are an uniform bright
+  ochre-yellow; so that, looked at from above, they suggest the flowers
+  of the common marigold. A well-managed plant produces as many as
+  half-a-dozen of these flowers together, which open out widely under
+  the influence of bright sunlight. It is one of the hardiest of the
+  genus, thriving well in a frost-proof house or frame. During winter,
+  the atmosphere surrounding it should be as dry as possible; but in
+  summer it likes plenty of moisture, and exposure to full sunshine. A
+  variety of <i>E. Cummingii</i> was raised from seeds a few years ago
+  by Mr. Daniel, of Epsom, the flowers of which were pale almost to
+  whiteness. The type is said to attain a height of 8 in. in its native
+  country, Bolivia, whence plants were introduced to Kew in 1847, and
+  flowered in July.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecyli" id="ecyli">E. cylindraceus</a></b>
+  (cylindrical).&mdash;A large-growing kind, attaining a height of
+  several feet, very broad, and, as the name denotes, cylindrical in
+  shape. When large, the stem often develops lateral branches about its
+  base. Cultivated plants of it are 6 in. high, the sides marked with
+  about a score of ridges, upon which, arranged in a dense cluster, are
+  the stout, strong spines, the longest of them 3 in. long, hooked, and
+  projecting outwards, the shorter spreading and interlacing so as to
+  form a sort of spiny network all round the stem. The flowers are
+  yellow, 2 in. long, and are composed of a short, thick tube bearing
+  from forty to fifty fringed sepals, and about half that number of
+  petals, which are also fringed. There are as many as a dozen flowers
+  opened together on stout, aged plants; it is, however, more because
+  of the densely spinous stems than the flowers that this species has
+  found its way into cultivation. It cannot be recommended for any
+  except large collections, and where it can be grown in a stove
+  temperature. It is a native of the hot deserts of Colorado, and was
+  introduced about ten years ago. There are several healthy young
+  specimens of it in the Kew collection.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eechi" id="eechi">E. echidne</a></b> (viper; probably
+  in allusion to the fang-like spines).&mdash;This species is
+  remarkable in having a stout cylindrical stem, 12 in. high by 8 in.
+  wide, with about a dozen deep ridges; these are disposed spirally,
+  and bear tufts of rigid, broad spines, 1 in. or more long, spreading,
+  so as to interlace and form a wire-like network all round the stem.
+  It may be mentioned here that an American naturalist has recently
+  suggested that the object of these iron-like spines on the stems of
+  many Cactuses, and more especially on the majority of the Hedgehog
+  kinds, is not so much to defend the fleshy stems from browsing
+  animals as to afford protection from the scorching rays of the sun,
+  which would otherwise cause the stems to blister and shrivel; and the
+  nature of the spiny covering of <i>E. echidne</i> seems to support
+  such a view. As in many others, the clusters of spines in this plant
+  have their bases embedded in a tuft of whitish wool. The flowers are
+  developed near the centre of the top of the stem, and are of medium
+  size, bright yellow, with whitish stamens; they are produced two or
+  three together, in summer. This species is a native of Mexico; it
+  thrives in a greenhouse where frost is excluded, but only rarely
+  flowers with us under cultivation.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eemor" id="eemor">E. Emoryi</a></b> (Emory's); Fig.
+  34.&mdash;This is a very large-stemmed kind, specimens having been
+  found nearly 3 ft. in height and about 2 ft. in diameter. Smaller
+  plants, such as are in English collections, have globose stems 1 ft.
+  through, with about thirteen ribs, the ribs tuberculated, the
+  tubercles large, and rounded; the spines are borne on the apex of the
+  tubercles in star-shaped bundles of eight or nine, and are angled,
+  often flat on the top side, articulated, with hooked points, whilst
+  in length they vary from 1 in. to 4 in. The flowers are 3 in. long,
+  the tube clothed with heart-shaped scales or sepals; the petals are
+  red, with yellowish margins, spreading so as to form a beautiful,
+  large, cup-like flower, with a cluster of deep yellow stamens in the
+  centre. The flowering period is in the autumn, and the plant is a
+  native of the Lower Colorado and California. Living plants of it have
+  only recently been introduced into English collections. At Kew, it is
+  cultivated in a warm greenhouse, where it is in good health. From
+  accounts of it in its native haunts, it will, however, probably
+  prefer a cool house in winter, and as much sun and warmth as possible
+  in spring and summer; for we are told that during winter it is often
+  subjected to severe frosts and heavy snowfalls, whilst in summer the
+  fierce heat of the sun is such as to burn up all vegetation, except
+  Cactuses and other similar plants.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig34.jpg" width="320" height="311" alt=
+    "FLOWER AND SPINES OF ECHINOCACTUS EMORYI" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 34.&mdash;FLOWER AND SPINES OF ECHINOCACTUS EMORYI</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="egibb" id="egibb">E. gibbosus</a></b>
+  (humped).&mdash;A small apple-like plant, not more than 4 in. high,
+  with a depressed top, the lower part being narrowed. It has sixteen
+  ribs or ridges, composed of rows of thick fleshy tubercles, upon
+  every other of which are six or eight horny spines, 1 in. long. The
+  flowers are pushed out from the edge of the depression on the top of
+  the stem, and are large; the tube 1&frac12; in. long. The petals
+  spread to a width of 3 in., and are arranged in several rows,
+  overlapping each other, becoming smaller towards the centre of the
+  flower, as in an aster; they are pure white, except for a tinge of
+  red on the tips of the outer ones, the stamens being bright yellow.
+  Two flowers are usually developed on a plant, generally in June. This
+  species was introduced from Jamaica about 1808, by a nurseryman in
+  Hammersmith; but as no Echinocactuses are wild in the West Indian
+  Islands, it must have been introduced into Jamaica from some of the
+  Central American States, or probably from Mexico. It may be grafted
+  on to another free-growing kind with advantage, as it does not always
+  keep healthy when on its own roots. It should be grown in a cool
+  greenhouse, or in the window of a dwelling-room, always, however, in
+  a position where it would get plenty of sunlight.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ehayn" id="ehayn">E. Haynii</a></b> (Hayne's); Fig.
+  35.&mdash;An upright cylindrical-stemmed species, very much like a
+  Mamillaria in the form and position of the tubercles and the numerous
+  greyish hair-like spines arranged in a radiating ring on the top of
+  each tubercle. The flowers are much longer than in any yet described,
+  the tube being 6 in. in length, clothed with large sepals on the
+  upper portion, and the petals are semi-erect with recurved points,
+  and coloured a brilliant purple-red. A native of Peru, where it is
+  found at high elevations, growing in crevices of rocks and exposed to
+  full sunlight. With us it thrives in a warm greenhouse, producing its
+  beautiful flowers in summer. Introduced about 1850.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig35.jpg" width="245" height="350" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS HAYNII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 35.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS HAYNII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ehexa" id="ehexa">E. hexaedrophorus</a></b> (tubercles
+  six-sided); Fig. 36.&mdash;This plant is distinguished by the
+  gouty-looking tubercles into which its broad, spiral ridges are
+  divided, and which look as if they would suddenly burst like a
+  blister if pricked with a pin. It grows about 4 in. in height, and is
+  similar in form to what is shown in the accompanying figure, except
+  that the top is usually flatter than here represented. The whole stem
+  has a glaucous hue, and the spines are reddish-brown. The flowers,
+  which are produced freely in June and July, are short-tubed,
+  spreading to a width of 2 in.; the petals toothed at the tips, and
+  arranged in several rows, overlapping each other, the colour being
+  white, tinted with rose, with a disk-like cluster of yellow stamens
+  in the centre, and a white-rayed stigma. A native of North Mexico,
+  introduced about 1830. It is very slow-growing, attaining full size
+  in not less than six years from seed; indeed, it is stated that in
+  twelve years a plant of it did not grow more than 2 in. Still, slow
+  as it is, it remains in good health when kept in a sunny position on
+  a shelf in a greenhouse or in a dwelling-room, so that it may be
+  recommended for places where space is very limited. Like <i>E.
+  gibbosus</i>, it does best when grafted on to another kind. We have
+  seen perfect "drum-sticks" formed by grafting a full-grown plant of
+  this on the stem of a Cereus.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig36.jpg" width="284" height="310" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS HEXAEDROPHORUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 36.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS HEXAEDROPHORUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ehori" id="ehori">E. horizonthalonis</a></b>
+  (spreading-spined); Fig. 37.&mdash;Stem globose, usually flattened on
+  the top, and divided into eight or nine large ribs or ridges,
+  grey-green in colour. Spines in crowded star-shaped clusters along
+  the apex of the ribs, seven spines in each cluster, all of them
+  strong, slightly curved, horn-like, and marked with numerous rings;
+  they are yellow, tipped with red when young, ash-coloured when old;
+  the longest are about 2 in. in length. Flowers terminal, springing
+  from the young spine tufts, each 4 in. across, with two rows of
+  petals arranged regularly in the form of a cup; colour deep rose,
+  paler on the inside of the cup; stamens very numerous, with white
+  filaments and yellow anthers. The flowers expand at sunrise and close
+  again in the evening, each one lasting about a week; they are very
+  agreeably scented. Flowering season, May and June. The plant is a
+  native of Mexico, and was introduced in 1838. (Syns. <i>E. equitans,
+  E. horizontalis</i>.)</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig37.jpg" width="269" height="330" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS HORIZONTHALONIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 37.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS HORIZONTHALONIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eleco" id="eleco">E. Le Contei</a></b> (Le Conte's);
+  Fig. 38.&mdash;Another of the large-stemmed kinds, which have only
+  recently found their way into English gardens, although long since
+  discovered and described by American travellers. The illustration
+  represents a young plant. When full-grown, this species has a stem 5
+  ft. high by 2 ft. wide, with broad deep channels and ridges, wrinkled
+  and covered with a thick network of stout spines, which are set in
+  clusters in a cushion of whitish wool, the longest being about 3 in.
+  in length, with curved or slightly hooked points, and distinctly
+  angular. The flowers are 2 in. long, bell-shaped; the petals shining
+  lemon-yellow, with a tinge of brown on the outside, whilst the sepals
+  are like a number of fish-scales, overlapping each other down the
+  outside of the campanulate tube. The stamens and pistil are almost
+  hidden inside the flower. Flowers are borne by quite young plants,
+  whilst upon full-grown specimens they are so numerous as to form a
+  large yellow cap to the immense, prickly, conical stems. They are
+  developed in August and September. A native of Mexico, where it is
+  found wild on the rocky or gravelly plains and ravines, and often in
+  crevices of perpendicular rocks. It requires warm greenhouse
+  treatment, and plenty of water during the summer, care being taken
+  that the soil it is planted in is perfectly drained.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig38.jpg" width="320" height="249" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS LE CONTEI" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 38.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS LE CONTEI</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eleea" id="eleea">E. Leeanus</a></b> (Lee's); Bot.
+  Mag. 4184.&mdash;This species has many characters in common with
+  <i>E. hexaedrophorus</i> and <i>E. gibbosus</i>, the stem being no
+  larger than a small orange, with plump globose tubercles, bearing
+  star-shaped clusters of short brown spines. The flowers are 1&frac12;
+  in. long and wide, and are composed of a green fleshy tube, with a
+  few whitish scales, which gradually enlarge till, with the white,
+  rose-tipped petals, they form a spreading cup, the large cluster of
+  pale yellow stamens occupying the whole of the centre. This pretty
+  little Cactus was raised from seeds by Messrs. Lee, of the
+  Hammersmith Nursery, in 1840. It is a native of the Argentine
+  Provinces, and flowers in May. The treatment recommended for <i>E.
+  gibbosus</i> will be found suitable for this. It is happiest when
+  grafted on to another kind. For the amateur whose plants are grown in
+  a room window or small plant-case, these tiny Hedgehog Cactuses are
+  much more suitable than larger kinds, as they keep in health under
+  ordinary treatment, and flower annually; whereas, the larger kinds,
+  unless grown in properly-constructed houses, rarely blossom.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="elong" id="elong">E. longihamatus</a></b>
+  (long-hooked); Fig. 39.&mdash;We heartily wish all species of
+  Cactaceous plants were as readily distinguished and as easily defined
+  in words as in the present remarkably fine and handsome one
+  &mdash;remarkable in the very prominent ridges, the large and
+  regularly-arranged spines, the central one very long, flattened, and
+  usually hooked at the end, and handsome in the size and colouring of
+  its flowers, both in the bud and when fully expanded. The stem is
+  globose, 8 in. or more high; it has about thirteen prominent rounded
+  ridges with waved tumid edges, from which, about 1&frac12; in. apart,
+  spring clusters of spines, about a dozen in each cluster, dark red
+  when young, becoming brown with age. In length, these spines vary
+  from 1 in. to 6 in., the latter being the length of the central,
+  hooked one, which is broad and flattened at the base. The flowers are
+  4 in. broad and long, the tube short, green, and bearing reddish
+  scales, which gradually pass into bright yellow petals blotched with
+  red on the outside, the inner ones spreading and forming a shallow
+  cup, in the centre of which are the short yellow stamens and large
+  pistil. Plants of this species have been grown with stems 20 in.
+  high; but it takes a great number of years for the development of
+  such specimens. The flowers are produced on the apex of the stem in
+  July. This species was introduced from Mexico about 1850; it thrives
+  only when grown in a warm greenhouse, where the temperature in summer
+  may be allowed to run up to 90 degs. with sun heat. For large
+  collections it is one of the most desirable.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig39.jpg" width="262" height="350" alt=
+    "PORTION OF PLANT OF ECHINOCACTUS LONGIHAMATUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 39.&mdash;PORTION OF PLANT OF ECHINOCACTUS LONGIHAMATUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="emack" id="emack">E. Mackieanus</a></b> (Mackie's);
+  Bot. Mag. 3561.&mdash;A small plant, not more than about 5 in. high,
+  and 2 in. broad at the base, widening slightly upwards. The ridges
+  are broken up into numerous fleshy, rounded, green tubercles, crowned
+  with a tuft of thin brown spines from &frac12; in. to 1 in. long,
+  their bases set in a small pad of yellow wool: As the stem gets
+  older, it loses its tubercles at the base, which are changed into
+  brown wrinkles. The flowers are developed on the top of the stem,
+  generally two or three together, egg-shaped and scaly when in bud,
+  2&frac12; in. across when expanded; the petals white, tipped with
+  brown; the stigma green, club-shaped. This curious little Cactus is
+  one of about a dozen species found in the Chilian Andes. It was
+  introduced in 1837 by the gentleman whose name it bears, and who, at
+  that time, possessed a famous collection of Cacti. Like the rest of
+  the Chilian kinds, it should be cultivated in a cool greenhouse in
+  full sunshine, where it will produce its flowers in summer.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="emami" id="emami">E. mamillarioides</a></b>
+  (Mamillaria-like); Bot. Mag. 3558.&mdash;This is another small,
+  tubercled species, which, like the preceding, is a native of Chili.
+  Its stem is very irregular in form, owing to the crowding of the
+  tubercles, which look as if they were filled with water. The spines
+  are small, in tufts of about half a dozen, set in a little cushion of
+  yellowish wool. In size, the whole plant is like <i>E.
+  Mackieanus</i>, but it blossoms more freely, as many as sixteen
+  flowers having been borne at one time by a plant at Kew. These were
+  short-tubed, the calyx clothed with green scales, and the petals 2
+  in. long, recurved at the apex, forming a beautiful cup-like flower
+  of a bright yellow colour, with a band of red down the centre of each
+  petal; the stamens and pistil yellow. The number of flowers developed
+  on the small stem formed by this plant is quite extraordinary. It
+  grows and flowers freely in an ordinary greenhouse, and would thrive
+  in a sunny window if kept dry during the winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="emamil" id="emamil">E. mamillosus</a></b>
+  (nipple-bearing).&mdash;A short, dumpy plant, with numerous tubercled
+  ridges, bearing bunches of dark brown hair-like spines, which form a
+  close network about the stem. The flowers are developed on the top of
+  the stem, and are about 4 in. in diameter, with a thick tube; the
+  petals are spreading, bright yellow in colour, and arranged in a
+  regular, bell-like whorl. Inside this bell is a circle of purple
+  filaments or stamens, forming a pretty contrast with the clear yellow
+  of the petals. This is a recent introduction, which flowered in the
+  Kew collection for the first time in June, 1886. It is one of the
+  most beautiful of the large-flowered kinds, and, as it thrives in a
+  warm greenhouse and is very free-flowering, it may be expected to
+  become a favourite with Cactus growers. Owing to the lack of
+  information respecting the conditions under which many of the
+  Cactuses are found wild, and to the fact that little in the way of
+  experimental culture has been done by growers of this family,
+  cultivators are sometimes in the dark as regards the lowest
+  temperature in which the rarer kinds can be safely grown. Many of the
+  species of the present genus, for instance, were grown in stoves
+  years ago but are now known to thrive in a cool greenhouse where
+  frost alone is excluded.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="emult" id="emult">E. multiflorus</a></b>
+  (many-flowered); Bot. Mag. 4181.&mdash;A well-named Cactus, as its
+  small stem (seldom more than 5 in. high, and the same in width) often
+  bears a large cap-like cluster of beautiful white flowers, except for
+  a slight tinge of brown on the tips of the petals. Each flower is
+  composed of a green, scaly tube, and several rows of reflexed petals,
+  which form a shallow cup 2&frac12; in. across. The stamens are tipped
+  with orange-coloured anthers, and the stigma is rayed and snow-white.
+  The stem is ridged with rows of fleshy mammae or tubercles, which are
+  curiously humped, and each bears a cluster of spreading, brown
+  spines, 1 in. long. The number of flowers this little plant annually
+  produces seems more than could be possible without proving fatal to
+  its health; but we have seen it blossom year after year, and in no
+  way has its health appeared impaired. It may be grown on a shelf in a
+  warm greenhouse, or in the window of a heated dwelling-room.
+  Introduced, probably from Mexico, in 1845. This, like all the small,
+  globular-stemmed kinds, may be grafted on the stem of a Cereus of
+  suitable thickness. Some cultivators believe that grafting causes the
+  plants to flower more freely, but we have not observed any difference
+  in this respect between grafted and ungrafted plants.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="emyri" id="emyri">E. myriostigma.</a></b>
+  (many-dotted); Fig. 40.&mdash;In the form of the stem of this species
+  we have a good illustration of how widely a plant may differ from
+  others of the same genus in certain of its characters, for the spines
+  are almost totally suppressed, and the ridges are regular, deep, and
+  smooth. There are usually five or six ridges, a transverse section of
+  the stem revealing a form exactly like the common star-fish
+  (Astrophyton), a resemblance to which the name Astrophytum, sometimes
+  applied to this plant, owed its origin. The form of the stem is well
+  represented in the Figure. The white dots shown on the bark, and
+  which look like scales, are composed of very fine interwoven hairs,
+  which, under a microscope, are very pretty objects. This species was
+  introduced from Mexico along with the large plant of <i>E.
+  Visnaga</i> described at the beginning of this chapter, and was first
+  flowered at Kew, in July, 1845. Stems 1 ft. in length were received,
+  along with shorter ones; but only the small ones were established.
+  The flowers are daisy-like, 1&frac12; in. across, and are
+  straw-coloured, the petals being tipped with black. It thrives under
+  warm greenhouse treatment. When without its flowers, it looks more
+  like a piece of chiselled stone than a living plant.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig40.jpg" width="261" height="340" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS MYRIOSTIGMA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 40.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS MYRIOSTIGMA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eobva" id="eobva">E. obvallatus</a></b> (fortified);
+  Fig. 41.&mdash;The form of stem in this species is shown in the
+  Figure. It grows very slowly plants 4 in. through taking about ten
+  years to reach that size from seeds. The spines are stout, all
+  deflexed, and arranged along the edges of the numerous ribs into
+  which the stem is divided. The flowers are developed from the centre
+  of the plant, and are surrounded by the erect spines, which crown
+  the, as yet, undeveloped tubercles. Two or three flowers are produced
+  at about the same time, each one being composed of a short, spiny
+  tube, and a whorl of erect petals, which are pointed,
+  purple-coloured, paler at the margin, the stamens being yellow.
+  Native of Mexico. It requires a stove temperature, and flowers in
+  summer.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig41.jpg" width="300" height="286" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS OBVALLATUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 41.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS OBVALLATUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eotto" id="eotto">E. Ottonis</a></b> (Otto's); Bot.
+  Mag. 3107.&mdash;A dwarf kind, with a balloon-shaped stem, rarely
+  exceeding 4 in. in height, and divided into a dozen wide ridges with
+  sharp, regular edges, along which are clusters of small, brown
+  spines, set in little tufts of wool, and looking like an array of
+  spiders. The flowers are borne on the tops of the ridges, and are
+  pale yellow in colour, with a band of red hair-like spines
+  surrounding the calyx just below the petals, which are narrow,
+  spreading, and look not unlike the flowers of the yellow Marguerite;
+  the stigma is bright red. The symmetrical form of the stem, with its
+  rows of spider-like spines, renders this plant attractive, even when
+  without its bright and pretty flowers. It thrives only in a warm
+  stove. Introduced from Brazil in 1831, flowering in the month of
+  July. As it produces young plants about its base, it may be easily
+  propagated by removing them and planting them in soil; or they may be
+  grafted as advised for other of the small, globose-stemmed kinds.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="epect" id="epect">E. pectiniferus</a></b>
+  (comb-bearing); Bot. Mag. 4190.&mdash;One of the most striking of the
+  plants of this genus, owing to the character of its stem, and the
+  large size and beauty of its flowers. The former resembles a pear
+  with the thin end downwards; its height is from 4 in. to 6 in., and
+  it has about twenty ridges, which are sharply defined and bear along
+  their angles little cushions of white wool &frac12; in. apart, with a
+  radiating cluster of brown spines springing from each. The
+  arrangement of the spines in rows is not unlike the teeth of a comb.
+  The flowers are borne near the top of the stem, and consist of a
+  green, fleshy tube, clothed with spines and little tufts of white
+  wool; the sepals form a row beneath the petals, and are yellowish,
+  tinged with purple; petals 2 in. long, broad, with the upper margins
+  toothed and the tip acute, their colour being bright rose, tinged
+  with greenish-white at the base; stamens yellow; stigma large, green.
+  The form of the flowers is that of a cup, nearly 3 in. across.
+  Introduced from Mexico in 1845. Flowering season, April and May. It
+  requires warm-house treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="epoly" id="epoly">E. polycephalus</a></b>
+  (many-headed); Fig. 42.&mdash;Stem globose when young, becoming
+  cylindrical with age; number of ribs varying from twelve to twenty,
+  sharply defined, and bearing, at intervals of 1 in., clusters of
+  stout, reddish spines, somewhat flattened on the upper side, and
+  marked with raised rings, or, as it is termed, annulated, the central
+  ones attaining a length of over 3 in. on old plants, and sometimes
+  curved. The flowers are enveloped at the base in a dense mass of
+  white wool, which hides the tube, its spines only showing through;
+  petals narrow, 1 in. long, spreading like a saucer, and coloured
+  bright yellow; stamens numerous, yellow, as also is the large rayed
+  stigma. California and Colorado, on stony and gravelly hills. Flowers
+  in spring; introduced to Kew in 1886. This new plant is remarkable in
+  that it is often found wild with as many as twenty to thirty stems or
+  heads springing from the same base, and even young plants show early
+  a disposition to develop several heads. The largest stems are from
+  1&frac12; ft. to 2&frac12; ft. high, and have a somewhat forbidding
+  appearance, owing to the size and strength of their numerous spines.
+  For its cultivation, a warm-house temperature appears most suitable;
+  it bears a close resemblance to <i>E. texensis</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig42.jpg" width="233" height="350" alt=
+    "RIDGE, WITH SPINES, OF ECHINOCACTUS POLYCEPHALUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 42.&mdash;RIDGE, WITH SPINES, OF ECHINOCACTUS
+    POLYCEPHALUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="epott" id="epott">E. Pottsii</a></b>
+  (Potts').&mdash;The stem of this is shown in Fig. 43. Full-sized
+  plants are 1&frac12; ft. in diameter, and have about a dozen ridges
+  with acute sinuses, the ridges being rounded and even. The spines are
+  1 in. long, bristle-like, and are arranged in clusters of seven or
+  nine, with a cushion of white wool at the base of each cluster.
+  Flowers short-tubed, about 2 in. across, and coloured yellow; they
+  are produced on the top of the stem in summer, several expanding
+  together. The plant is a native of California, and was introduced
+  about 1840. Under cultivation this species proves to be a
+  shy-flowering Cactus, although in a warm house it grows freely, and
+  remains in good health. It is well adapted for grafting on to the
+  stem of some kind of Cereus, and in this way may be made to look very
+  singular, as was shown in Mr. Peacock's collection of succulents some
+  years ago, when a fine specimen, over 1 ft. across, was successfully
+  grafted on to three stems of <i>C. tortuosus</i>, and had much the
+  appearance of a melon elevated on a short tripod.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig43.jpg" width="320" height="289" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS POTTSII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 43.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS POTTSII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="erhod" id="erhod">E. rhodophthalmus</a></b>
+  (red-eyed); Bot. Mag. 4486, 4634.&mdash;Stem cone-shaped, 4 in. to 1
+  ft. high, deeply furrowed; ridges about nine, 1 in. high, the angles
+  bearing closely-set clusters of radiating spines, with a projecting
+  one in the middle of each cluster, which contains nine spines 1 in.
+  long, purple when young, becoming white when old. The flowers are
+  produced from the summit of the stem, and have a thick, green, scaly
+  calyx tube, upon which the spreading, rose-coloured petals are
+  arranged in a regular series, and form a shallow bell nearly 3 in.
+  across. The throat of the flower is coloured a deep crimson, against
+  which the little sheaf of white stamens and the star-shaped yellow
+  stigma form a pretty contrast. Three or more flowers are expanded
+  together on a plant. It is a native of Mexico; introduced in 1845. It
+  thrives in a house or frame where it is protected from frost, and
+  during summer gets plenty of sunlight and air. It flowers in August.
+  During the months of April and May, when it starts into growth, it
+  should be kept close; but by the end of June, it should be exposed to
+  the open air and allowed to ripen, so that its flowers may be
+  produced in the autumn. The plant called <i>E. v. ellipticus</i> does
+  not differ from the type, owing its name to the form of the stem of
+  the first plant that flowered at Kew.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="escop" id="escop">E. scopa.</a></b> (brush-like); Fig.
+  44.&mdash;The stem of this species, when seen covered with numerous
+  tufts of bristly spines, has been compared to a brush, a comparison
+  not, however, applicable to the form represented in the Figure. In
+  height the stems sometimes reach l&frac12; ft., with from thirty to
+  forty ribs, bearing little discs of white wool at the bases of the
+  clusters of spines. The flowers spring from the upper part of the
+  stem (the nodules shown in the illustration represent the places
+  where flowers have been developed at an earlier stage of growth),
+  from four to six being borne in the same season; they are 1&frac12;
+  in. long and wide, the tube short and brown, bristly; the petals are
+  arranged in several overlapping series, rather wide for their length,
+  toothed at the ends; their colour is a bright sulphur-yellow, as also
+  are the stamens, whilst the stigma, which is rayed, is bright
+  crimson. Native of Brazil. Introduced about 1840; it is more like a
+  Cereus, in the form of its stem, than an Echinocactus. It flowers in
+  June, and requires stove treatment. The stems, when dried carefully
+  and stuffed with wadding, form pretty ornaments.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig44.jpg" width="236" height="320" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 44.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="escopc" id="escopc">E. scopa cristata</a></b>.
+  (crested variety); Fig. 45.&mdash;This curious monstrosity owes its
+  origin to fasciation similar to what occurs in the Celosias or
+  Cockscombs, in some Echeverias, &amp;c. These monster varieties of
+  Cactuses do not flower, but they are nevertheless interesting, and
+  worth growing on account of their curious shapes. The plant shown in
+  Fig. 45 is grafted on the stem of a Cereus, and it is remarkable that
+  a portion of the crest of the Echinocactus will, if grafted on to
+  another plant, develop the abnormal form of its parent, proving that
+  the variation, whatever its cause, has become fixed.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig45.jpg" width="221" height="330" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA CRISTATA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 45.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA CRISTATA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="esimp" id="esimp">E. Simpsoni</a></b>
+  (Simpson's).&mdash;One of the smallest plants in the genus, and one
+  of the prettiest. It produces tufts of irregularly-formed stems about
+  4 in. high, and composed of numerous rounded tubercles over &frac12;
+  in. wide, bearing on the top of each a tuft of about twelve spines
+  &frac12; in. long. The flowers are borne from the apex of the young
+  tubercles, and are 1 in. wide and long, cup-shaped; petals pale
+  purple, the stamens yellow. Native of Mexico and Colorado, where it
+  is found at elevations of 8000 ft. to 10,000 ft., in great abundance,
+  forming large patches on gravelly morains, where the climate during
+  the summer is dry, whilst in winter a thick covering of snow protects
+  the plants from severe frosts. In England, this species is said to
+  have withstood 32 degs. of frost without being injured. It has been
+  grown out of doors in a garden at Northampton, where it passed
+  several winters planted in a raised border at the foot of a south
+  wall with a natural coping of ivy. In New York, where the frosts of
+  winter are severer than in England, it is cultivated out of doors. In
+  this country it is apt to be injured by excessive moisture and fogs;
+  but by protecting it with a handlight from November to March or
+  April, this is overcome. If grown in pots, it should be kept in a
+  position where it can enjoy all the sunlight possible.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="esinu" id="esinu">E. sinuatus</a></b>
+  (undulated).&mdash;Stem about 8 in. wide and long; globose, bearing
+  fourteen to sixteen ridges, the edges of which are wavy or undulated,
+  the prominent points crowned with tufts of thin, flexuous, yellow
+  spines, the longest 1&frac12; in., and hooked, the shorter &frac34;
+  in., and straight. The stem of <i>E. longihamatus</i> is very similar
+  to this. Flowers developed on the top of the stem; tube short, scaly,
+  green; petals yellow, spreading, and forming a cup 3 in. across,
+  which is greenish outside. A native of Mexico, where it flowers in
+  April. A recently-introduced kind, not yet flowered in this country.
+  It is described as being a distinct, large-flowered, handsome
+  species.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="etenu" id="etenu">E. tenuispinus</a></b>
+  (thin-spined); Bot. Mag. 3963.&mdash;Stem globular, depressed, with
+  ridges and spines similar to those of <i>E. Ottonis</i>; indeed, by
+  some these two are considered forms of the same species. In the
+  number and size of the flowers, their colour and form, and the time
+  of flowering, there is no difference between them. Native of Mexico
+  (and Brazil ?).</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="etexe" id="etexe">E. texensis</a></b> (Texan); Fig.
+  46.&mdash;A short-stemmed plant, with a thick, leathery skin and
+  broad-based ridges of irregular form, crowned with tufts of stout
+  horny spines, the central one much the longest, flattened at the
+  base, and strong as steel. The flowers are produced near the centre
+  of the top, from the tufts of whitish wool which accompany the spines
+  on the young parts of the ridges. They are 2&frac12; in. long and
+  wide; the tube short and woolly; the petals spreading, beautifully
+  fringed, and rose-coloured. Native of North-east Mexico, where it
+  grows on stony hillsides in full exposure to sunshine, and where,
+  during winter, it has to endure weather verging on to frost. It
+  thrives in a greenhouse under cultivation. Like several of the
+  stout-spined, robust-stemmed kinds, this may find favour as a garden
+  plant because of the character of its stem, and the extraordinary
+  strength of its large iron-like spines.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig46.jpg" width="350" height="218" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS TEXENSIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 46.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS TEXENSIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eturb" id="eturb">E. turbiniformis</a></b>
+  (top-shaped).&mdash;A very distinct dwarf kind, with globular stems 2
+  in. high and about 3 in. wide, clothed with spirally-arranged rows or
+  ridges of tubercles, similar to those shown in the figure of <i>E.
+  hexaedrophorus</i>, except that, in the former, there are no spines
+  on the mature tubercles, although, when young, they have each a
+  little cluster of fine spines. The flowers expand in June, several
+  together, from the top of the stem; they are round, 1 in. across, the
+  petals being numerous, pale yellow in colour, tinged with red on the
+  outside. Introduced from Mexico, 1840. This curious little plant
+  requires stove treatment, and thrives when grafted on the stem of
+  some other kind. It is sometimes known as <i>Mamillaria
+  turbinata</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eunci" id="eunci">E. uncinatus</a></b> (hooked); Fig.
+  47.&mdash;A small species, with oval stems when young, older plants
+  becoming cylindrical, as shown in the accompanying Figure. The height
+  of the largest plant does not exceed 6 in., so that, when wild, it is
+  often hidden by the long grass in which it is frequently found on
+  stony hillsides at high elevations, in Mexico. The ridges are broken
+  up into large tubercles, upon each of which is a tuft of short
+  straight spines, arranged in a circle, and a long hooked one
+  springing from the centre, and often attaining a length of about 4
+  in. In old plants the spines are almost white, whilst in young ones
+  they are purplish. The flowers are borne in a cluster on the apex of
+  the stem, and are nearly 2 in. long, the tube being short and spiny,
+  and the petals numerous, arranged in a cup, their colour dark
+  purplish-red, the tips pointed; the stamens are yellow, with orange
+  tips. The flowers expand only when the sun shines on them, closing up
+  again in dull light, but opening again, and remaining fresh for about
+  a week. Introduced in 1850. Flowers in March and April. This plant
+  may be grown in a cool, sunny greenhouse, or window, requiring only
+  protection from frost in winter, and in summer plenty of light, with
+  a moderate amount of water. There are several varieties of it
+  described, their differences being chiefly in the shape of the
+  stem.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig47.jpg" width="226" height="330" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS UNCINATUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 47.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS UNCINATUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eviri" id="eviri">E. viridescens</a></b>
+  (greenish).&mdash;Stem 1 ft. high and 9 in. across, young plants
+  being broader than high; the sides split up into about twenty ridges,
+  which are again divided into knotty tubercles or waves. The spines
+  are remarkable for their size and strength, those on large plants
+  being 4 in. long by &frac12; in. broad at the base, gradually
+  narrowing to a stiff point; there are four central spines of this
+  size, the others, of which there are about a dozen, being shorter and
+  thinner, and arranged stellately. The flowers, which are rarely
+  produced, are poor in comparison with the majority of the flowers of
+  this genus. As the name denotes, their colour is yellowish-green; and
+  they are about 1&frac12; in. wide and high. There are often as many
+  as a dozen flowers expanded together on a stem of this plant when
+  wild, and they are arranged in a circle around the growing point. The
+  interest in this species, however, centres in its spines rather than
+  its flowers. It is a native of the dry hills of California, extending
+  sometimes down to the sea-beach. There is a plant of it at Kew 6 in.
+  high and about fifteen years old; it has not been known to flower
+  there. Mr. Peacock also possesses a large plant of it.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="evisn" id="evisn">E. Visnaga.</a></b> (visnaga means a
+  toothpick among the Mexican settlers); Fig. 48.&mdash;Of the most
+  remarkable features of this truly wonderful Cactus we have already
+  spoken earlier in this Chapter. In 1846, Sir W. J. Hooker described,
+  in the <i>Illustrated London News</i>, a large plant of it, which had
+  been successfully introduced alive to Kew, and which, a year or so
+  later, flowered, and was figured in the <i>Botantical Magazine</i>
+  (4559). Its height was 9 ft., and it measured 9&frac12; ft. in
+  circumference; its weight a ton. Afterwards, it exhibited symptoms of
+  internal injury. The inside became a putrid mass, and the crust, or
+  shell, fell in by its own weight. The shape of the stem is
+  elliptical, with numerous ridges and stout brown spines arranged in
+  tufts along their edges. The flowers are freely produced from the
+  woolly apex; the tube is scaly and brown, and the petals are arranged
+  like a saucer about the cluster of orange-coloured stamens. The
+  colour of the petals is bright yellow, and the width of the flower is
+  nearly 3 in. This plant is a native of Mexico, and is usually
+  cultivated in a tropical temperature, but it would probably thrive in
+  a warm greenhouse. It flowers in summer. As we have stated, large
+  specimens do not live long in this country; and as the flowers are
+  only borne by such, the plant, except only for its stems, is not to
+  be recommended for ordinary collections.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig48.jpg" width="223" height="330" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS VISNAGA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 48.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS VISNAGA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ewill" id="ewill">E. Williamsii</a></b> (Williams's);
+  Bot. Mag. 4296.&mdash;A very distinct dwarf species, often called the
+  "Dumpling Cactus," from the puffed-out, tumid appearance of its
+  stems, which frequently branch at the base, so as to form a tuft of
+  several heads; these are turbinate, 3 in. or 4 in. high, and 2 in.
+  across the top, where the smooth, pale green flesh is divided into
+  about half-a-dozen rounded tubercles, pressed closely together, and
+  suggesting a number of small green potatoes joined by their bases.
+  Each tubercle bears several tufts of short hairs. The flowers proceed
+  from the young tubercles near the centre of the crown, their bases
+  being enveloped in pale brown wool, the petals spreading out
+  daisy-like to the width of 1 in., with a short disk of stamens in the
+  middle; they are white, tinged with rose, and are developed in the
+  summer months. Native of the rocky hills of Mexico, whence it was
+  introduced in 1845. The stems of this plant are its most distinctive
+  feature. It thrives on a shelf in a warm greenhouse, if kept
+  perfectly dry in winter, and it should be potted in a compost
+  consisting of broken brick two-thirds, loam one-third.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ewisl" id="ewisl">E. Wislizeni</a></b> (Wislizen's);
+  Fig. 49.&mdash;A large-stemmed kind, second only in size to <i>E.
+  Visnaga.</i> Young plants have depressed stems, those in older
+  specimens being cylinder-shaped. A specimen at Kew is 8 in. high by
+  18 in. in diameter, with twenty-one ridges, which are regular and
+  sharp-edged, and bear bunches of spines at regular intervals, the
+  outer and shorter ones being spreading and white, whilst from the
+  middle of each tuft arise four longer and stouter spines, three of
+  them 2 in. long, and one 3 in., with the point hooked, and as strong
+  as if made of steel. The flowers, which are developed only on large
+  plants, are greenish-yellow, about 2 in. long and wide, and expand
+  during summer and autumn. The juice of the stems is said to serve as
+  a substitute for water when the latter is scarce, and instances have
+  been known among the white trappers where the lives of men have been
+  saved by this plant. A novel use the stems are put to by the Indians
+  is that of boilers, a purpose which they are said to answer well. The
+  fleshy inside is scooped out, and the tough skin, with its iron-like
+  spine protection, is then filled with vegetables and water and placed
+  on the fire. As there is a plentiful supply of plants, the Indians do
+  not trouble to carry this "boiler" about with them, but make a fresh
+  one at every stage of their journeyings.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig49.jpg" width="350" height="256" alt=
+    "SPINES AND FLOWERS OF ECHINOCACTUS WISLIZENII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 49.&mdash;SPINES AND FLOWERS OF ECHINOCACTUS WISLIZENII</p>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="echinop" id="echinop"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS ECHINOPSIS.</h3>
+
+  <h4>(From <i>echinos</i>, a hedgehog, and <i>opsis</i>, like.)</h4>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_N.jpg" width="55" height="113" alt="N" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>O less than three sections of Cactuses, viz., the above,
+  Echinocactus, and Echinocereus, owe their names to their
+  hedgehog-like stems. From a horticultural point of view, there is
+  perhaps no good reason for keeping the above three genera and Cereus
+  separate; but we follow Kew in the arrangement adopted here. The
+  genus Echinopsis, as now recognised by most English botanists and
+  cultivators, comprises about thirty species, most of which have been,
+  or are still, in cultivation. They are distinguished from
+  Echinocactuses by the length of their flower tube, from Cereuses by
+  the form and size of their stems, and from both in the position on
+  the stem occupied by the flowers. They are remarkable for the great
+  size, length of tube, and beauty of their flowers, which, borne upon
+  generally small and dumpy stems, appear very much larger and
+  handsomer than would be expected.</p>
+
+  <p>The distribution of Echinopsis is similar to that of Echinocactus,
+  species being found in Chili, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, &amp;c.
+  They grow only in situations where the soil is sandy or gravelly, or
+  on the sides of hills in the crevices of rocks.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;The growing and resting seasons for
+  Echinopsis are the same as for Echinocactus, and we may therefore
+  refer to what is said under that genus for general hints with regard
+  to the cultivation of Echinopsis in this country. The following is
+  from the notes of the late Curator of the Royal Gardens, Kew (Mr. J.
+  Smith), as being worthy the attention of Cactus growers. Writing
+  about <i>Echinopsis cristata</i>, which he grew and flowered
+  exceptionally well, he says: "This showy plant is a native of Chili,
+  and, like its Mexican allies, thrives if potted in light loam, with a
+  little leaf mould and a few nodules of lime rubbish. The latter are
+  for the purpose of keeping the soil open; it is also necessary that
+  the soil should be well drained. In winter, water must be given very
+  sparingly, and the atmosphere of the house should be dry; the
+  temperature need not exceed 50 degs. during the night, and in very
+  cold weather it may be allowed to fall 10 degs. lower, provided a
+  higher temperature (55 degs.) be maintained during the day. As the
+  season advances, the plants should receive the full influence of the
+  increasing warmth of the sun; and during hot weather, they will be
+  benefited by frequent syringing overhead, which should be done in the
+  evening. It is, however, necessary to guard against the soil becoming
+  saturated, for the soft fibrous roots suffer if they continue in a
+  wet state for any length of time."</p>
+
+  <p>None of the species require to be grafted to grow freely and
+  remain healthy, as the stems are all robust enough and of sufficient
+  size to take care of themselves. The only danger is in keeping the
+  plants too moist in winter, for although a little water now and again
+  keeps the stems fresh and green, it deprives them of that rest which
+  is essential to the development of their large, beautiful flowers in
+  summer.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecamp" id="ecamp">E. campylacantha</a>.</b>
+  (curved-spined); Bot. Mag. 4567.&mdash;Stem 1 ft. or l&frac12; ft.
+  high, globe-shaped, with a somewhat pointed top, the sides divided
+  into from fourteen to sixteen ridges, with tubercled edges, bearing
+  clusters of about ten strong brown spines, which are stellately
+  arranged, a central one projecting outwards, then suddenly curving
+  upwards, and measuring 3 in. in length. The flowers are developed
+  from the ridges on the side of the stem; they are 6 in. long, the
+  tube shaped like a trumpet, brownish in colour, and clothed with
+  tufts of short black hairs; petals arranged in three rows, spreading
+  so as to form a limb 2&frac12; in. across, pale rose-coloured, with a
+  large cluster of yellow-tipped stamens, forming a disk-like centre.
+  This species is a native of Chili, and was introduced in 1831. It
+  blossoms in spring and summer. The long curving central spine and
+  remarkable length of the flower-tube distinguish it from the other
+  kinds. It may be grown in a cool greenhouse, where it will thrive, if
+  kept freely watered during summer and rested on a dry, sunny shelf in
+  winter. It is rare in English collections, but frequently occurs in
+  Continental gardens.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecrist" id="ecrist">E. cristata</a></b> (crested);
+  Bot. Mag. 4687.&mdash;Stem globe-shaped, 1 ft. high, slightly
+  narrowed towards the top; ridges fifteen, 1 in. deep, sharply
+  angular, the edges bearing tufts of spreading, yellowish spines, over
+  1 in. long, slightly curved, and tipped with red. Flowers
+  creamy-white, springing from the ridges on the top of the stem; tube
+  4 in. long, clothed with tufts of black hairs, and surmounted by a
+  whorl of reddish-yellow sepals, above which are two rows of
+  broad-spreading petals. The width of the flower is over 6 in., and
+  the stamens are arranged in a corona-like whorl inside the petals.
+  This very fine Cactus is a native of Bolivia, whence it was
+  introduced in 1850. When in flower, the broad, long-tubed,
+  pale-coloured blossoms equal in beauty those of the Night-flowering
+  Cereus. It blossoms in July. It thrives if kept in a warm, sunny
+  greenhouse, but must be liberally treated in summer, so as to induce
+  vigorous growth, and then be subjected to complete rest in winter in
+  full sunlight, or it will not flower.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecrispu" id="ecrispu">E. c. purpurea</a></b> (purple
+  ).&mdash;This variety differs from the type in having deep
+  rose-coloured flowers and a slightly longer tube. It is impossible to
+  find among all the species of the Cereus section a more beautiful
+  plant than this; the size of the flowers, their rich colour, their
+  developing three or four together in the month of July, being almost
+  exceptional, even among Cactuses. A splendid example of it was
+  flowered at Kew in 1846 for the first time. It thrives under the
+  conditions recommended for <i>E. cristata.</i> This variety is often
+  made very sickly by treating it as a tropical Cactus, and, like most
+  of these plants, if once it gets into a bad condition, it remains so
+  a long time, in spite of liberal and careful treatment. So many of
+  the Cactuses found in cool regions are ruined by an excess of heat in
+  winter, and a close atmosphere during their season of growth, that
+  too much attention cannot be given to the question of temperature in
+  relation to their cultivation in English gardens.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="edeca" id="edeca">E. Decaisneanus</a></b>
+  (Decaisne's).&mdash;As represented in Fig. 50, this plant appears to
+  have a columnar stem, but this is owing to the specimen having been
+  formed by cutting off the upper portion of an old plant and striking
+  it. Naturally, the stem in this species is globular or slightly
+  egg-shaped, and bears about fourteen ridges, upon which are tufts of
+  short spines, springing from little cushions of whitish wool. The
+  position of the flowers is shown in the figure. The tube is covered
+  with tufts of hair-like spines, and the petals and sepals are broad,
+  spreading, and white, tinged with yellow, as in <i>E. cristata.</i>
+  The native country of this plant is not known; but it is a well-known
+  garden Cactus, and thrives in a warm, airy greenhouse in summer, and
+  on a dry, sunny shelf in winter. The swollen base of the tube is a
+  good example of the nature of what is usually termed the flower-stalk
+  in these plants. It is, as has been pointed out, the elongated calyx,
+  and the swollen portion is the ovary or seed vessel. If, therefore,
+  seeds are desired, the withering flowers should be allowed to remain,
+  and, in time, the upper portion of the tube will fall away, leaving
+  the base, which continues to grow till it attains the proportions of
+  a hen's egg.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig50.jpg" width="320" height="323" alt=
+    "ECHINOPSIS DECAISNEANUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 50.&mdash;ECHINOPSIS DECAISNEANUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eeyri" id="eeyri">E. Eyriesii</a></b>
+  (Eyries').&mdash;Stem no larger than an orange, with about a dozen
+  ridges, the edges sharp, and bearing little globular tufts of whitish
+  wool and red, hair-like spines. Flower exceedingly large for the size
+  of the stem, the tube being more than 6 in. long, funnel-shaped, pale
+  green, with tufts of brown hairs, which look very much like insects,
+  scattered over the surface. The petals are numerous, narrow-pointed,
+  spreading, pure white, the stamens pale yellow, and the star-like
+  stigma white. This species is a native of Mexico, and was introduced
+  by the late Sir John Lubbock, about 1830. It blossoms at various
+  seasons, generally in summer. "Independently of the large size of the
+  flowers, which rival in dimensions those of the Cereuses, it is
+  remarkable for the rich, delicate odour they exhale at night, at
+  which time its glorious blossoms expand. When young, they resemble
+  long, sooty-grey horns, covered over with a thick, shaggy hairiness,
+  and would never be suspected to conceal a form of the utmost beauty
+  and a clear and delicate complexion. When the hour of perfection has
+  arrived, and the coarse veil of hair begins to be withdrawn by the
+  expansion of the unfolding petals, one is amazed at the unexpected
+  loveliness which stands revealed in the form of this vegetable star,
+  whose rays are of the softest white" (Lindley). For its cultivation,
+  this plant requires a warm house always; but care should be taken to
+  give it plenty of fresh air and as much light as possible. The soil
+  best suited for it is a rich loam with a little sand and charcoal. It
+  likes liberal watering in summer.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eeyrifp" id="eeyrifp">E. E. flore-pleno</a></b>
+  (double-flowered); Fig. 51.&mdash;A form with several rows of petals,
+  which give the flowers a doubled appearance.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig51.jpg" width="226" height="370" alt=
+    "ECHINOPSIS EYRIESII FLORE-PLENO" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 51.&mdash;ECHINOPSIS EYRIESII FLORE-PLENO</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eeyrig" id="eeyrig">E. E. glauca</a></b> (hoary-grey).
+  This variety differs from the type in the absence of the dark brown
+  hairs from the flower-tube, which is also shorter than in <i>E.
+  Eyriesii.</i> Probably a native of Mexico.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eoxyg" id="eoxyg">E. oxygonus</a></b>
+  (sharp-angled).&mdash;This is very similar to <i>E. Eyriesii</i>.
+  Stem globular in shape, and divided into about fourteen acute-edged
+  ridges, upon which are tufts of brown spines, varying from &frac12;
+  in. to 1&frac12; in. in length. Flower 8 in. long, the tube slightly
+  curved, covered with little scales and hairs, and coloured green and
+  red. The petals form an incurved cup, and are broad, with pointed
+  tips; their colour a bright rose, with a lighter shade towards the
+  centre of the flower. As in <i>E. Eyriesii</i>, the flowers of this
+  kind are borne several together from the ridges near the growing
+  centre of the stem. It is a native of Brazil, whence it was
+  introduced nearly half a century ago. It thrives in an intermediate
+  house, if treated as advised for <i>E. Eyriesii</i>, and its flowers
+  will develop in summer. The extraordinary size and beauty of the
+  blossoms are sufficient to compensate for their comparatively short
+  duration after expanding; it is also interesting to watch the gradual
+  development of the tiny, hairy cone, which is the first sign of the
+  flower, and which increases in length and size at a surprising
+  rate.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="epent" id="epent">E. Pentlandi</a></b> (Pentland's);
+  Fig. 52.&mdash;A pretty little species, with a globose stem 3 in. in
+  diameter, divided into about a dozen rounded ridges, which are
+  undulated or broken up into irregular tubercles, when the ridges do
+  not run parallel with each other. Each tubercle is crowned with a
+  tuft of brown, bristle-like spines, &frac12; in. or so long. The
+  flowers are large in proportion to the size of the plant, the tube
+  being 4 in. long, and trumpet-shaped; petals arranged in several
+  overlapping rows and forming a cup 2 in. across, the lowest whorl
+  turning downwards; in colour, they are a brilliant red, the stamens
+  white, and the stigmas yellow. Three or four flowers are often
+  expanded together on the same stem, springing from the side instead
+  of the top of the plant. Native of Mexico (?); introduced about 1840.
+  There are several distinct seedling or hybrid forms of this species,
+  remarkable in having the colour of their flowers either red, yellow
+  and white, or white, whilst some, such as the one known as
+  <i>flammea</i>, have flowers only 2 in. long. These kinds may all be
+  grown in a sunny greenhouse or window, as they only require
+  protection from frost. They may be placed out of doors in summer, and
+  be kept under glass only during winter, treatment which will result
+  in better growth and more flowers than if the plants were kept
+  permanently under glass.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig52.jpg" width="340" height="347" alt=
+    "ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 52.&mdash;ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="epentl" id="epentl">E. P. longispinus</a></b>
+  (long-spined); Fig. 53.&mdash;This is a long-spined form, and differs
+  also in the shape of the stem, which is oblong, rather than
+  globose.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig53.jpg" width="344" height="340" alt=
+    "ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI LONGISPINUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 53.&mdash;ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI LONGISPINUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="etubi" id="etubi">E. tubiflorus</a></b>
+  (tube-flowered).&mdash;This species has an orange-shaped stem, about
+  4 in. high, and divided into about twelve prominent, sharp-angled
+  ridges, along which are tufts of blackish spines, &frac12; in. long,
+  and set in little cushions of white wool. The flower springs from the
+  side of the stems, where it replaces a tuft of spines, and, as in
+  <i>E. Eyriesii</i>, the tube is remarkably long, whilst the size of
+  the whole flower much exceeds that of the rest of the plant, the
+  length of the tube being about 6 in., and the width of the flower
+  over 4 in. The petals are pure white, recurved, displaying the crown
+  of yellow stamens, arranged in a ring about the rather small, rayed
+  stigma. The tube is uniformly green, except that the scale-like
+  bracts are edged with long, blackish, silky hairs. A native of
+  Mexico; introduced about fifty years ago, when it was figured in the
+  <i>Botanical Magazine</i> and elsewhere as a species of Echinocactus.
+  <i>E. tubiflorus</i> may be placed along with <i>E. Eyriesii</i> and
+  <i>E. oxygonus</i>, as it requires similar treatment. The three kinds
+  here mentioned may be recommended as a trio of very fine-flowered,
+  small-stemmed Cacti, which may be grown successfully in any ordinary
+  greenhouse.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="melo" id="melo"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS MELOCACTUS.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>melon</i>, a melon, and <i>Kaktos</i>, a name applied by
+  Theophrastus to a spiny plant; the species are melon-formed, and
+  their angles are beset with tufts of spines.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>HIS genus forms a group of well-marked and curious plants, with
+  stems similar to those of the globose Echinocactuses and floral
+  characters quite distinct from all other genera. They cannot be said
+  to possess any particular beauty, as their stems are stiff and dumpy,
+  their spines large and rigid, and their flowers small and
+  unattractive. But what is wanting in beauty of form or colour is
+  atoned for in the cap which crowns the stem, and forms the
+  flower-head, growing taller and taller whilst the stem remains
+  stationary, till, under favourable circumstances, a cylindrical mass
+  of spines and hairs, not unlike a large bottle-brush, and 1 ft. or
+  more in length, is developed before the whole plant succumbs to old
+  age. This character belongs more particularly to <i>M. communis</i>,
+  the commonest species, and the one best known in English gardens.
+  Additional interest attaches to this species, from the fact of its
+  having been the first Cactus introduced into Europe, for we are
+  informed that in the year 1581 living plants of the Melon Cactus were
+  known in London. Fifty years later, Gerard, the Adam of English
+  gardening, wrote: "Who can but marvel at the care and singular
+  workmanship shown in this Thistle, the <i>Melocarduus echinatus</i>,
+  or Hedgehog Thistle? It groweth upon the cliffes and gravelly grounds
+  neere unto the seaside in the islands of the West Indies, called St.
+  Margaret's and St. John's Isle, neere unto Puerto Rico, and other
+  places in these countries, by the relation of divers that have
+  journied into these parts who have brought me the plant itself with
+  his seed, the which would not grow ill my garden, by reason of the
+  coldnesse of the clymate." After this, the plant appears to have been
+  frequently cultivated in gardens in this country, and it has only
+  been in recent years that this and similar curiosities have almost
+  disappeared from all except botanical collections.</p>
+
+  <p>The most prominent distinctive characters of Melocactus reside in
+  the cap or cluster of spines, wool, and flowers on the summit of the
+  stem. Thirty species are included in the genus, their stems ranging
+  from 1 ft. to 3 ft. in height, the ridges straight, and, as a rule,
+  large; whilst all have stiff stout spines in clusters about 1 in.
+  apart. The small flowers are succeeded by bright red, cherry- like
+  berries, containing numerous black, shining seeds. The distribution
+  of the species is over the hottest parts of some of the West Indian
+  Islands and a few places in Central and South America.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;The cultivation of the several kinds
+  known in gardens is as follows: A tropical temperature all the year
+  round, with as much sunlight as possible, and a moist atmosphere for
+  about three months during summer, when growth is most active. Very
+  little soil is required, as the largest stems have comparatively few
+  roots; indeed, imported stems have been known to live, and even make
+  growth, nearly two years without pushing a single root; but, of
+  course, this was abnormal, and was no other than the using-up of the
+  nourishment stored up in the stem before it was removed from its
+  native home. M. Louis de Smet, a well-known Ghent nurseryman, who
+  grows a fine collection of Cactuses, stated that he had kept <i>M.
+  communis</i> a long time in robust health and growth by feeding it
+  with a very weak solution of salt. Tried at Kew, this treatment did
+  not appear to make any perceptible difference; but, bearing in mind
+  that the Turk's-Cap Cactus is found in great abundance within the
+  reach of sea spray, in some of the West Indian Islands, there seems
+  much reason in M. de Smet's treatment. The same gentleman informed us
+  that he had a specimen of this Cactus bearing no less than thirteen
+  heads. There is, at the time of writing, a specimen at Kew bearing
+  four fine heads. Large imported plants are very rarely, established;
+  and even when established, they do not thrive long, owing to the fact
+  that, after the cap has commenced to form, no further stem-growth is
+  made. Young plants grow very slowly, a plant 3 ft. across taking,
+  according to Sir W. Hooker, from 200 to 300 years to reach that size.
+  It has been stated that grafting is a good plan to adopt for the
+  Melocactus, Mr. F. T. Palmer, in "Culture des Cact&eacute;es",
+  recommending the following treatment for <i>M. communis</i>: Take a
+  <i>Cereus peruvianus</i> of about the same diameter as that of the
+  base of the Melocactus, cut off the head of the former, but not so
+  low as to come upon the hard, ligneous axis, and then pare off the
+  hard epidermis and ribs for about 1 in. Then take off a slice from
+  the base of the Melocactus, also paring off about 1 in. of the
+  epidermis all round; place the two together, and bind on firmly with
+  strong worsted. In warm weather, a union should take place in about
+  two months, but it will be safest to allow the ligature to remain
+  till growth commences. The precaution of paring off the hard skin and
+  ribs is absolutely necessary, as the juicy centre contracts, and the
+  rind, or epidermis, does not. There would, therefore, be a cavity
+  formed sufficient to prevent all cohesion, be the graft tied on ever
+  so tightly.</p>
+
+  <p>Large imported stems should be kept perfectly dry for about a
+  fortnight, and, if they show any signs of rottenness, they should be
+  carefully examined and the bad portions cut away; exposure to the air
+  for a few days will generally cause these pared places to callus
+  over. At all times, even when the stems appear to be in good health,
+  a sharp look-out should be kept for patches of rottenness in the
+  stem, and especially about its base.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;This is effected by means of seeds,
+  which usually follow quickly after the flowers produced on cultivated
+  specimens. Multiplication is also possible by means of offsets, which
+  are formed about the base of the stem if the top of a growing plant
+  is cut out. The thirteen-headed plant mentioned above was the result
+  of the removal of the top of a stem which had developed these lateral
+  growths, and thus formed a family of red-capped stems; this had,
+  however, taken place before the plant was removed from its native
+  home. As the cap is the most remarkable part of <i>M. communis</i>,
+  the purchase of large imported stems, in preference to young ones
+  raised from seeds, is recommended; for, as the cap does not form till
+  the stem attains a large size, there would be small hope of seedlings
+  reaching the flowering stage during a lifetime.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mcomm" id="mcomm">M. communis</a></b> (common); Fig.
+  54.&mdash;Stem from 2 ft. to 3 ft. in diameter, globose, with from
+  twelve to twenty ridges, and armed with numerous clusters of strong,
+  short spines, the clusters placed closely together. On the summit of
+  the stem is a cylindrical crown, about 4 in. broad, and varying in
+  height from 5 in. to 12 in. This cylinder is composed of a thick pad
+  of whitish, cotton-like substance, through and beyond which a great
+  number of bristle-like red spines are developed, the whole being not
+  unlike a bottle-brush. About the top of this brush-like growth the
+  flowers are produced. These are small, red, fleshy, and tube-shaped,
+  the calyx and corolla forming a regular flower, as in a Hyacinth.
+  They are borne at various times in the year, as long as the cap is
+  growing; afterwards the latter falls off; and the stem rots. We have
+  a cap that was cast by an old plant, and which has stood as an
+  ornament on a shelf in a room for about four years, and is still in
+  perfect condition. In addition to the name of Turk's-Cap Cactus this
+  plant is also known as "Englishman's Head" and "Pope's Head." It is a
+  native of several of the islands of the West Indies, being very
+  abundant in St. Kitt's Island, where it grows in very dry, barren
+  places, often on bare porous rocks.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig54.jpg" width="300" height="311" alt=
+    "MELOCACTUS COMMUNIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 54.&mdash;MELOCACTUS COMMUNIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mdepr" id="mdepr">M. depressus</a></b> (flattened);
+  Bot. Mag. 3691.&mdash;Stem broader than high, deeply cut into about
+  ten broad furrows, along the sharp angles of which are clusters of
+  pale brown spines, from &frac12; in. to 1 in. long, arranged in a
+  star, each cluster 1 in. apart. Instead of the cylinder-like cap of
+  the Turk's-Cap species, this one has a short, broad tuft of white
+  wool and red spines, like a skull-cap. The flowers are small, and
+  soon wither, but remain attached to the oblong berries, which stand
+  erect in a dense cluster in the centre of the cap, and are of a
+  delicate rose-colour. The first introduced plant of this was sent
+  home by Mr. Gardner, who introduced the Epiphyllums and other
+  Cactuses. It flowered on the way to England, and matured its seeds
+  soon after its arrival. It is a native of Pernambuco.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mmiqu" id="mmiqu">M. Miquelii</a></b> (Miquel's); Fig.
+  55.&mdash;This species appears to have been introduced in 1838, when
+  two plants of it were sent from the West Indian Island, St. Croix, to
+  the Hamburg Botanic Gardens. The stem is oval, dark green, with
+  fourteen well-defined ribs, as regular as if they had been carved
+  with a knife. The spine-tufts are small; spines short, black-brown,
+  about nine in each tuft, one of which is central, the others
+  radiating; they are less than &frac12; in. long. The "cap" is
+  cylindrical, 3 in. high by 4 in. in diameter, and composed of layers
+  of snow-white threads, mixed with short reddish bristles.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig55.jpg" width="320" height="376" alt=
+    "MELOCACTUS MIQUELII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 55.&mdash;MELOCACTUS MIQUELII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>These three are the only species of Melocactus that have become
+  known in English gardens, although various other kinds, named <i>M.
+  Lehmanni, M. Zuccarini, M. Ellemeetii, M. Schlumbergerianus</i>,
+  &amp;c., occur in books.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="pilo" id="pilo"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS PILOCEREUS.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>pilos</i>, wool, and <i>Cereus</i>, in allusion to the
+  long hairs on the spine cushions, and the affinity of the
+  genus.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_O.jpg" width="53" height="113" alt="O" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>NE of the most striking plants in this order is the "Old Man
+  Cactus," botanically known as <i>Pilocereus senilis</i>, which is the
+  only member of this <i>&nbsp;</i>genus that has become at all known
+  in English gardens. In Continental gardens, however, more than a
+  dozen species are to be found in collections of succulent plants; and
+  of these one of the most remarkable is that represented at Fig. 56.
+  The limits of the genus Pilocereus are not definitely fixed,
+  different botanists holding different views with respect to the
+  generic characters. Recent writers, and among them the late Mr.
+  Bentham, sunk the genus under Cereus; but there are sufficiently good
+  characters to justify us in retaining, for garden purposes, the name
+  Pilocereus for the several distinct plants mentioned here. The
+  botanist who founded the genus gives the following general
+  description of its members: Stems tall, erect, thick, simple or
+  branched, fleshy, ridged; the ridges regular, slightly tubercled, and
+  placed closely together. Tubercles generally hairy, with bunches of
+  short spines; the hairs long and white, especially about the apex of
+  the stem, where they form a dense mass. Flowers on the extreme top of
+  the matured stems, and arranged in a cluster as in the Melon Cactus,
+  small, tubular; the petals united at the base, and the stamens
+  attached to the whole face of the tube thus formed, expanding only at
+  night, and fading in a few hours. These flowers have a disagreeable
+  odour, not unlike that of boiled cabbage. Fruit fleshy, round,
+  persistent, usually red when ripe. The species are natives of
+  tropical America, and are generally found in rocky gorges or the
+  steep declivities of mountainous regions.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;These plants require distinctly tropical
+  treatment. During summer, they must have all the sunlight possible,
+  and be supplied with plenty of water, both at the root and by means
+  of the syringe. Air should be given on very hot days, but the plants
+  should be encouraged to make all the growth possible before the
+  approach of winter. In winter, they may be kept quite dry, and the
+  temperature of the house where they stand should be maintained at
+  about 60 degs., rising to 65 degs. or 70 degs. in the day. In March,
+  the plants should be repotted into as small pots as convenient,
+  employing a good, loamy soil and ample drainage. Should the hairs
+  become soiled or dusty, the stems may be laid on their sides and then
+  syringed with a mixture of soft soap and warm water, to be followed
+  by a few syringefuls of pure water; this should cleanse the hairs and
+  give them the white appearance to which the plants owe their
+  attractiveness.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="phoul" id="phoul">P. Houlletianus</a></b> (Houllet's);
+  Fig. 56.&mdash;Stem robust, glaucous-green; ridges about eight,
+  broad, prominent, obscurely tubercled; spines in bundles of nine,
+  radiating, straight, less than 1 in. long, and pale yellow. Upon the
+  growing part of the stem, the spines are intermingled with long,
+  white, cottony hairs, often matted together like an unkempt head;
+  these hairs fall off as the stem matures. Flowers funnel-shaped,
+  resembling Canterbury Bells, borne in a cluster on the summit of the
+  plant; ovary short and scaly; petals joined at the base, and coloured
+  a rosy-purple, dashed with yellow; the stamens fill the whole of the
+  flower-tube and are white; style a little longer than the
+  flower-tube, and bearing a ray of about a dozen stigmas. Fruit
+  globose, as large as a plum, and coloured cherry-red. The pulp is
+  bright, crimson, and contains a few brownish seeds. In the engraving
+  the fruit is shown on the left, and a flower-bud on the right. This
+  species is often known in Continental collections as <i>P.
+  Fosterii</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig56.jpg" width="350" height="277" alt=
+    "PILOCEREUS HOULLETIANUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 56.&mdash;PILOCEREUS HOULLETIANUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pseni" id="pseni">P. senilis</a></b>
+  (Old-Man).&mdash;Stem attaining a height of 25 ft., with a diameter
+  of about 1 ft.; ridges from twenty-five to thirty on plants 4 ft.
+  high; the furrows mere slits, whilst the tufts of thin, straight
+  spines, 1 in. long, which crown each of the many tubercles into which
+  the ridges are divided, give young stems a brushy appearance. About
+  the upper portion of the stem, and especially upon the extreme top,
+  are numerous white, wiry hairs, 6 in. or more long, and gathered
+  sometimes into locks. To this character, the plant owes it name
+  Old-Man Cactus; but, by a curious inversion of what obtains in the
+  human kind, old plants are less conspicuous by their white hairs than
+  the younger ones. Some years ago, there were three fine stems of this
+  Cactus among the cultivated plants at Kew, the highest of which
+  measured 18&frac12; ft. There was also, however, a fine specimen in
+  the Oxford Botanic Gardens, with a stem 16 ft. high; and it is stated
+  that this plant has been in cultivation in England a hundred years at
+  least. A plant twenty-five years old is very small, and, from its
+  slowness of growth, as well as from the reports of the inhabitants of
+  Mexico, where this species is found wild, there is reason to believe
+  that a stem 20 ft. high would be several hundred years old. The
+  flowers of <i>P. senilis</i> are not known in English collections,
+  the plant being grown only for its shaggy hairiness.</p>
+
+  <p><a name="pbrun" id="pbrun">Other species</a> are: <i>P.
+  chrysomallus</i>, which has a branching habit, <i>P.
+  Br&uuml;nnonii</i> (Fig. 57), <i>P. Celsianus, P. columna, P.
+  tilophorus,</i> known only in a young state, and several others, all
+  very remarkable plants, but not known in English collections, unless,
+  perhaps at Kew.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig57.jpg" width="300" height="355" alt=
+    "PILOCEREUS BR&Uuml;NNONII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 57.&mdash;PILOCEREUS BR&Uuml;NNONII</p>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="mamil" id="mamil"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS MAMILLARIA.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>mamilla</i>, a little teat; in allusion to the
+  tubercles.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_S.jpg" width="56" height="118" alt="S" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>OMETHING over 300 different kinds of Mamillaria are known, but
+  only a small proportion of these may be considered as garden plants.
+  They are characterised generally by short, symmetrically-formed
+  stems, sometimes aggregated together and forming a dense tuft, but,
+  as a rule, each plant has only one stem. The generic name is
+  descriptive of the chief feature in these stems, namely, the
+  closely-set, spirally-arranged tubercles or mamillae, which vary
+  considerably in the different kinds, but are always present in some
+  form or other. Some kinds have stems only 1 in. high by 2/3 in. in
+  diameter, and the tubercles hidden from view by the star-shaped
+  cushions of reddish or white spines. In some, the spines are erect
+  and hair-like, giving the plant the appearance of tiny sea-urchins;
+  another group has the principal spines hooked at the tip, and the
+  points in these so sharp that if the hand comes in contact with them
+  they hook into it and stick like fish-hooks. The purpose of these
+  hooked spines seems doubtful; certainly, they cannot serve as any
+  protection to the plant itself, as they are so strong that the plant
+  must be torn up by the roots before the hooks will give way.</p>
+
+  <p>The spines in <i>M. macromeris</i> are straight, and measure 2 in.
+  in length; in <i>M. multiceps</i> they are in two series, the one
+  fine, white, and short, the other yellow and stout. The most marked
+  section of this genus, however, is that represented by <i>M.
+  fissurata</i> (Fig. 61), in which the tubercles are large, spreading
+  horizontally, and angular, resembling most closely the foliage and
+  habit of some of the Haworthias. No one who had not read up the
+  botany of Mamillarias would suspect that this plant belonged to them,
+  or even to the Cactus order at all. There is a good specimen of it in
+  the Kew collection. When in flower the family resemblance is easily
+  seen; but as this species does not flower freely, it will be known by
+  its remarkable foliage-like tubercles, rather than as a flowering
+  Cactus. And the same remark applies to many of the Mamillarias; their
+  stems thickly beset with tubercles and spines, always regular in
+  arrangement, and neat and attractive in appearance.</p>
+
+  <p>The following remarks made by Dr. Lindley when describing <i>M.
+  tenuis</i>, give a good idea of the singular, yet pretty, stems of
+  some of these plants: "Gentle reader, hast thou never seen in a
+  display of fireworks a crowd of wheels all in motion at once,
+  crossing and intersecting each other in every direction; and canst
+  thou fancy those wheels arrested in their motion by some magic
+  power&mdash;their rays retained, but their fires extinguished and
+  their brightness gone? Then mayst thou conceive the curious beauty of
+  this little herb&mdash;a plant so unlike all others that we would
+  fain believe it the reanimated spirit of a race that flourished in
+  former ages, with those hideous monsters whose bones alone remain to
+  tell the history of their existence." It is quite true that in the
+  cultivated Mamillarias there is nothing unsightly, or rough, or
+  unfinished. Without foliage, their stems globose, or short cylinders,
+  or arranged in little cushion-like tufts, and enveloped in silky
+  spines, like tiny red stars, always looking the same, except when in
+  flower, and never looking in the least like ordinary plants.
+  Characters such as these ought to find many admirers. In the
+  Succulent House at Kew, there is a long shelf upon which a great many
+  plants of this genus may be seen. But the flowers in some of the
+  species of Mamillaria are quite as attractive as the stems. Those of
+  <i>M. macromeris</i> are 3 in. long and wide, their colour a deep
+  rose; <i>M. Scheerii</i> has equally large flowers, and coloured
+  bright yellow, as also are the flowers of <i>M. pectinata</i>. This
+  last is remarkable on account of the clock-like regularity with which
+  its flowers expand. While fresh, they open every day between eleven
+  and twelve o'clock, and close again about one, however strong the
+  sunlight shining upon them may be. Some of the kinds (more especially
+  the small-flowered ones) are often prettily studded over with bright
+  red, coral-like berries, which are the little fruits, and contain, as
+  a rule, matured seeds capable of reproducing the parent plant.</p>
+
+  <p>The headquarters of the genus Mamillaria is Mexico, and the
+  countries immediately to the north, a few being scattered over the
+  West Indies, Bolivia, Brazil, and Chili. Many of them grow on
+  mountains where the temperature is moderate, but where the sunlight
+  is always intense. Others are found on limestone or gravelly hills,
+  among short herbage, or on grassy prairies. A small silvery-spined
+  kind has recently been found near the snow line in Chili. <i>M.
+  vivipara</i> is quite hardy in New York, as also are several other
+  kinds, whilst we learn that by planting them out in summer, and
+  protecting them by means of a frame from heavy rain, dews, fogs, and
+  sudden changes of weather, a good many species of both Mamillaria and
+  Echinocactus are successfully managed in the neighbourhood of that
+  town.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;Particulars with respect to cultivation
+  are given along with the descriptions of most of the species, but a
+  few general principles may here be noted. With only a few exceptions,
+  all the cultivated Mamillarias may be grown in a warm, sunny
+  greenhouse, or they may be placed in a frame with a south aspect,
+  during our summer, removing them into artificially heated quarters
+  for the winter. They do not like a large body of soil about their
+  roots, but always thrive best when in comparatively small pots. If a
+  sweet, new, fibry loam, mixed with broken bricks or cinders, be used
+  to pot these plants in, they may then be left undisturbed at the root
+  for several years. Much harm is often done to the more delicate kinds
+  of Cactuses by repotting them annually; the best-managed collection I
+  have seen had not been repotted for four years. This would not be
+  safe if a poor and exhausted soil were used in the first instance.
+  The pots should be well drained with crocks, and these covered with a
+  layer of fibre sifted from loam. In summer, the soil should be kept
+  moist, but never saturated; and after a bright warm day, the stems
+  may be moistened over by syringing them with tepid water. A point of
+  much importance in connection with these, and indeed all tropical and
+  extra-tropical plants, is, that the water used for watering or
+  syringing them should be rain-water if possible, and never more than
+  a degree or so colder than the plants themselves would be. Thus, a
+  plant which had been standing in the full glare of a midsummer sun
+  all day, would be much endangered by watering it with cold tap-water.
+  Where proper arrangements for water are not made in a greenhouse or
+  stove, it is a good plan to place the water wanted for the day's use
+  in the sun along with the plants. A little bag filled with soot and
+  tightly tied at the neck, and water, is a good method for rendering
+  hard tap-water suitable for watering the roots of plants. In winter,
+  Mamillarias may be kept quite dry at the roots, except in mild sunny
+  weather, when a little water may be given.</p>
+
+  <p>A collection of the most distinct kinds may be successfully
+  managed in a glass case in a room window, providing the sun shines
+  through it for a few hours in the day.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;This is usually effected by means of
+  seeds, which may be procured from Continental seedsmen as well as
+  from our own. The treatment required by the seeds is similar to what
+  has been already advised for those of other Cactuses. The tufted
+  kinds are easily multiplied by separating the stems, or even by
+  cutting off the tops and planting them in small pots of sandy
+  soil.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>The following kinds are selected from those known to
+  be in cultivation; of course, it is out of the question here to
+  enumerate all the species known.
+
+  <p><b><a name="mangu" id="mangu">M. angularis</a></b>
+  (angular-tubercled).&mdash;A robust kind, with stems 4 in. to 8 in.
+  high, and branching somewhat freely; tubercles prism-shaped, rather
+  thick at the base, and slightly angular, &frac14; in. long, their
+  tops tufted with short white spines; at the base of the tubercles are
+  little tufts of white wool. Flowers are only rarely produced by
+  cultivated plants; they are small, tubular, rosy-purple, the stamens
+  yellow. Introduced from Mexico in 1835; flowers in summer. When
+  happily situated, it forms a specimen 1 ft. in diameter, owing to its
+  freely produced arm-like branches, which spread out and curve
+  upwards. It requires a warm greenhouse temperature during winter, and
+  exposure to bright sunshine at all times.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mappl" id="mappl">M. applanata</a></b> (flattened).
+  &mdash;In this, the stem is broader than high, and has a squat
+  appearance; tubercles &frac34; in. long, cone-shaped, with stellate
+  tufts of straight, hair-like spines, white when young, yellowish when
+  aged. Flowers springing from the outside of the stem-top, white,
+  tinged with red. It is a native of Mexico, and blossoms in summer. A
+  specimen, 6 in. through at the base, may be seen at Kew, where it has
+  been for many years, without altering perceptibly in size. All the
+  larger-stemmed Mamillarias are exceedingly slow growers after they
+  have reached a certain size, although, in the seedling stage, they
+  grow freely. The treatment for this kind should resemble that advised
+  for the last.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="matra" id="matra">M. atrata</a></b>
+  (blackened).&mdash;Stem oval in shape, broad at the base, 4 in. high,
+  unbranched; tubercles swollen, &frac12; in. long, deep green,
+  cone-shaped, becoming flattened through pressure of growth. Spines
+  set in a tuft of white hairs, falling off from the lowest mammae, as
+  happens in many of the thick-stemmed kinds. Flowers numerous, and
+  developed all round the outside of the stem, stalkless, nestling
+  closely between the tubercles, and when expanded looking like starry
+  buttons of a rosy-pink colour. Native of Chili, flowering in autumn.
+  This species is rare in England, but is worth attention because of
+  the prettiness of its flowers, the attractive form of its stem, and
+  its reputed hardiness. It will thrive in a cold frame, and requires
+  protection from excessive wet only, rather than from cold. Grown in a
+  warm house, it becomes sickly, and is short-lived.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mbico" id="mbico">M. bicolor</a></b> (two-coloured).
+  &mdash;One of the commonest of the Cactuses grown in English gardens,
+  and one of the most distinct, owing to its short, silvery hair-like
+  spines, thickly crowded on the ends of the small tubercles,
+  completely hiding the stem from view. The latter is from 6 in. to 1
+  ft. high, 3 in. in diameter, cylindrical, often branching into
+  several thick arms, when it has a quaint appearance. If kept free
+  from dust, which may be done by covering the plant with a bell glass,
+  there is much beauty in the stem; indeed, it is owing to this, rather
+  than as a flowering Cactus, that this species finds favour as a
+  garden plant. The flowers are less than 1 in. in length and width,
+  stellate, their colour deep purple; they are developed in June.
+  Although a native of elevated regions in Mexico (4000-5000 ft.), this
+  plant thrives best when grown in a warm house. There are several
+  handsome and very old specimens of it in the tropical collection of
+  succulents at Kew. It is one of the easiest to manage, and will
+  thrive in a warm room-window if exposed to bright sunlight and kept
+  dry in winter. <i>M. nivea</i> and <i>M. nobilis</i> are both
+  varieties of this species.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mchlo" id="mchlo">M. chlorantha</a></b>
+  (greenish-yellow).&mdash;A newly-introduced species with erect,
+  cylinder-shaped stems, 6 in. high, clothed with numerous tubercles,
+  which are tipped with clusters of long, silvery, interlacing,
+  hair-like spines, and a few stouter blackish ones. The flowers are
+  described as greenish-yellow, so that they are not likely to add much
+  to the beauty of the plant, which is recommended because of the
+  attractiveness of its stem and spines. It is a native of Mexico and
+  Texas, whence it was introduced some two years ago. It requires
+  cool-house treatment, and should be kept free from dust, which
+  disfigures the white spines.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mcirr" id="mcirr">M. cirrhifera</a></b>
+  (twisted).&mdash;Like <i>M. bicolor</i>, this species owes its
+  frequent occurrence in gardens to the symmetry and neatly-chiselled
+  form of its stems, and not to any attraction possessed by its
+  flowers. It will thrive anywhere where the sun can shine upon it, if
+  sheltered from severe cold and wet. In a cottage window it may be
+  grown, and kept for many years, without losing health or, on the
+  other hand, increasing much in size. Its usual height is about 5 in.,
+  by 4 in. in diameter. The tubercles are angular at the base, and bear
+  tufts of yellowish spines on their pointed apices. The flowers are
+  small, and bright rose-coloured, but only rarely produced on
+  cultivated plants. Introduced from Mexico in 1835.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mclav" id="mclav">M. clava</a></b> (club-shaped); Bot.
+  Mag. 4358.&mdash;In the size of its stem, and the large,
+  brightly-coloured flowers it bears, this species may be compared with
+  some of the Echinocactuses. The stem is from 1 ft. to 1&frac12; ft.
+  high, 4 in. wide at the base, narrowing slightly upwards; the
+  tubercles are 1 in. long, and nearly as much through at the base,
+  their shape that of little pyramids, and their tips bear each from
+  eight to eleven stout, straight spines, pale brown, with a little
+  wool at the base. The flowers are borne on the top of the stem, two
+  or three of them together; the sepals are green and red, and the
+  spreading petals are straw-coloured and glossy, their edges near the
+  top being toothed. In the centre of the shallow cup formed by the
+  petals, and which measures nearly 4 in. across, the orange-coloured
+  stamens are clustered, in a kind of disk, through the middle of which
+  the yellow stigma projects. It is a native of Mexico, at an altitude
+  of 5000 ft. Introduced in 1848, when it flowered at Kew, in June, at
+  which time it flowers almost every year now. A warm greenhouse
+  affords the most suitable conditions for it; but, unless it is kept
+  in full sunshine both summer and winter, and perfectly dry during the
+  latter season, it will not produce any flowers. As a flowering plant,
+  it ranks amongst the very best of the Mamillarias. It is easily
+  propagated from seeds ripened on cultivated plants.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mdasy" id="mdasy">M. dasyacantha</a></b>
+  (thick-spined).&mdash;Stem 2 in. to 3 in. high, almost globular, and
+  covered with spiral whorls of tiny tubercles, in the grooves of which
+  is a little whitish wool, which falls away as the tubercles ripen.
+  The spines upon the tubercles are arranged in little stars, with an
+  erect central one. The flowers are small, and spring from the centre
+  of the stem. This is one of the Thimble Cactuses, and is too small to
+  have any great attractions, either in stem or flowers. It is,
+  however, a pretty plant, especially when studded with its ruby-like
+  flowers, which look like coloured Daisies growing upon a dense tuft
+  of hairs. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on high mountains
+  among short grass and other herbage.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mdisc" id="mdisc">M. discolor</a></b> (spines
+  two-coloured).&mdash;Stem globose, about 4 in. in diameter; tubercles
+  smooth, egg-shaped, their bases embedded in white wool, their tips
+  crowned with stellate tufts of short, reddish spines. Flowers
+  numerous, and borne from almost all parts of the stem, less than 1
+  in. wide, and composed of a single whorl of narrow, reflexed,
+  rose-purple petals, surrounding a large, disk-like cluster of yellow
+  stamens. The flowers are so short that they are half hidden by the
+  tubercles. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on rocks, in
+  warm, sheltered places. Under cultivation it thrives when grown on a
+  dry shelf in a warm house, and kept moist in summer, but perfectly
+  dry in winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mdoli" id="mdoli">M. dolichocentra</a></b>
+  (long-spurred); Fig. 58.&mdash;Apparently this is a variable species;
+  at all events, plants of widely different habit are found under this
+  name, one of them represented in the Figure here, another in the
+  <i>Garden,</i> Vol. XVII., whilst others are figured or described in
+  other books. What is known at Kew as the true plant is that here
+  figured. This has a stout stem, about 8 in. high and 3 in. wide, and
+  covered with smooth cone-shaped mammae, with woolly bases and
+  stellate tufts of spines on their tips. The flowers are produced
+  about 1 in. from the top of the stem, and are less than 1 in. wide;
+  they are, however, often very numerous, sometimes a closely-set ring
+  of them surrounding the stem, like a daisy chain, their colour being
+  pale purple. Below the flowers there is often a whorl of club-shaped
+  fruits, &frac34; in. long, and rose-coloured. These contain numerous
+  little black seeds, which, when ripe, may be sown in pots of very
+  sandy loam. The plant is a native of Mexico, and flowers in summer.
+  It thrives in a tropical temperature, and enjoys a daily syringing
+  overhead on bright days in summer, but in winter requires little or
+  no water.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig58.jpg" width="264" height="320" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA DOLICHOCENTRA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 58.&mdash;MAMILLARIA DOLICHOCENTRA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mechi" id="mechi">M. echinata</a></b>
+  (hedgehog-like).&mdash;A charming little plant, with very small
+  stems, clustered together in a cushion-like tuft, each stem less than
+  1 in. wide; but a well-grown specimen is composed of dozens of these,
+  packed almost one on top of the other. The tubercles are hidden by
+  the star-like spine clusters which cap them, and look like a swarm of
+  insects. Flowers very small, rose-coloured, and lasting only about a
+  day. These are succeeded by numerous currant-like red berries, so
+  numerous, in fact, that the plants look as if thickly studded all
+  over with coral beads. The central stem is sometimes about 6 in.
+  high, those surrounding it being shorter and shorter, till the
+  outside ones rise only just above the soil. A well-grown plant of
+  this is strikingly pretty, even when not in fruit. It is a native of
+  Mexico, and requires the treatment of a warm house. A few pieces of
+  broken brick should be placed upon the surface of the soil about the
+  base of the plant, as the stems like to press against, or grow upon,
+  anything in the nature of rocky ground.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mechin" id="mechin">M. echinus</a></b>
+  (hedgehog-like); Fig. 59.&mdash;A distinct and pretty little plant,
+  the largest specimen having a stem about the size and shape of a
+  small hen's-egg, completely hidden under the densely interwoven
+  radial spines, which crown the thirteen spiral rows of tubercles, and
+  are almost white when mature. The tubercles are &frac12; in. long,
+  and, in addition to these white radiating spines, they also bear each
+  a stout spike-like spine, growing from the centre of the others. This
+  spine gives the plant an appearance quite distinct from all other
+  cultivated Mamillarias. The flowers are produced two or three
+  together, on the top of the stem, and they are nearly 2 in. long,
+  cup-shaped, and coloured yellow; they usually appear about June. As
+  yet this species is rare in cultivated collections. It comes from
+  Mexico, where it is found growing on limestone hills, in hot and arid
+  localities. Under cultivation it requires a warm greenhouse
+  temperature, exposure to bright sunshine all the year round, with a
+  moderate supply of water in summer, and none at all during winter. A
+  few large pieces of broken brick or sandstone placed in the soil,
+  just under the base of the stem, afford the roots conditions suitable
+  to their healthy growth.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig59.jpg" width="223" height="350" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA ECHINUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 59.&mdash;MAMILLARIA ECHINUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="meleg" id="meleg">M. elegans</a></b>
+  (elegant).&mdash;A small species, grown only for the prettiness of
+  its stem, flowers rarely, if ever, being borne by it under
+  cultivation. The stem is 2 in. high and wide, globose, with small
+  conical tubercles, which, when young, are woolly at the tips. Spines
+  short and slender, about twenty, arranged in a star on each tubercle,
+  with four central ones a little longer than those which surround
+  them; the colour of the spines is whitish, with brown tips. Native
+  country Mexico, on high exposed hills; in this country it requires
+  greenhouse treatment. Introduced about 1850.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="melep" id="melep">M. elephantidens</a></b>
+  (elephant's-tooth); Fig. 60.&mdash;One of the largest and most
+  remarkable of all garden Mamillarias. Stem globose, depressed, 6 in.
+  to 8 in. in diameter, and bright shining green. Tubercles smooth,
+  round, 1&frac12; in. long, furrowed across the top, which is at first
+  filled with wool, but when old is naked. At the base of the tubercles
+  there is a dense tuft of white wool, and springing from the furrows
+  are eight radiating recurved spines, and three short central ones,
+  all strong, stiff, and ivory-white, tipped with brown. The flowers
+  are 3 in. wide, and are composed of a circle of violet-coloured
+  sepals, with white margins, and a second circle of petals which are
+  bright rose, pale purple at the base, a line of the same colour
+  extending all down the middle. The stamens are numerous, with long
+  purple filaments and yellow anthers, and the pistil is stout, erect,
+  projecting above the stamens, with a radiating stigma. Flowers in
+  autumn; native country, Paraguay. Under cultivation, it grows quicker
+  than is usual with plants of this genus, and it is also exceptional
+  in the regular and abundant production of its flowers. It has been a
+  rarity in European collections for many years, and, although easily
+  grown, it is often killed through wrong treatment. A cool greenhouse
+  or sunny frame in summer, plenty of water whilst growth is active,
+  and a light, well-drained soil, suit it best; whilst during winter it
+  must be kept perfectly dry, and protected only from frost. In a
+  tropical house, it is invariably sickly, and altogether
+  unsatisfactory.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig60.jpg" width="300" height="328" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA ELIPHANTIDENS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 60.&mdash;MAMILLARIA ELIPHANTIDENS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="melon" id="melon">M. elongata</a></b>
+  (elongated).&mdash;A small, cushion-like kind, with the stems in
+  tufts, owing to their producing offsets freely from the base, the
+  tallest of them being about as high and as thick as a man's thumb.
+  The tubercles are short, crowded, and hidden under the star-clusters
+  of reddish-yellow spines. There are no central spines in this kind.
+  The flowers are produced in the axils of the tubercles from all parts
+  of the stem, a large tuft of stems being thickly studded with circles
+  of tawny yellow petals, which are only about &frac12; in. long. The
+  berries are bright coral-red, and about the size of a date stone.
+  There are several varieties of this species, under the names of
+  <i>intertexta, rufescens, rutila, subcrocea</i>, and
+  <i>supertexta.</i> These differ only slightly either in the length or
+  thickness of the stems or in the colour of the spines. All of them
+  may be grown in a cold frame, or in a window where the sun can shine
+  upon them; or they may be grown along with tropical kinds. For small
+  cases in windows, these little Thimble Cactuses are amongst the most
+  suitable. They are natives of high mountains in Mexico, and have been
+  cultivated in Europe over forty years.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mfiss" id="mfiss">M. fissurata</a></b> (fissured);
+  Fig. 61.&mdash;In appearance, this rare species mimics some of the
+  Gasterias, and is so different from all the kinds hitherto described,
+  that very few people unacquainted with it would suspect that it
+  belonged to the same genus as <i>M. elongata</i> or <i>M.
+  dolichocentra</i>. Indeed, some botanists have made a separate genus
+  of this and several other plants of the same peculiar appearance,
+  calling them <i>Anhalonium. M. fissurata</i> is like a whip-top in
+  shape, the root being thick and woody, and the tubercles arranged in
+  a thick layer, spreading from the centre, rosette-like. A living
+  plant in the Kew collection is 2 in. high by 4 in. wide, the
+  tubercles being triangular in shape, &frac12; in. thick, wrinkled,
+  with an irregular furrow on the upper surface. The flowers grow from
+  the middle of the stem, and are 1&frac12; in. wide, and
+  rose-coloured. Native of Mexico, on hard gravel or limestone soils.
+  We know of no plant in English collections, except that at Kew, which
+  was introduced from Mexico in 1886. It flowers in September and
+  October.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig61.jpg" width="191" height="350" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA FISSURATA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 61.&mdash;MAMILLARIA FISSURATA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mflor" id="mflor">M. floribunda</a></b>
+  (free-flowering).&mdash;A French writer on Cactuses, M. Labouret,
+  calls this a species of Echinocactus, but it resembles so closely
+  another species included by him in Mamillaria, viz., <i>M.
+  atrata</i>, that we see no good reason for separating the two into
+  different genera. <i>M. floribunda</i> has an irregular conical stem,
+  about 5 in. high by 4 in. wide at the base, round nut-like tubercles
+  the size of filberts, crowned with star-tufts of spines &frac34; in.
+  long, stiff, and brown, about ten spines being set with their bases
+  in a small disc-like pad of dirty-white wool. The flowers are very
+  numerous, covering the whole of the stem-top, from which they stand
+  erect, so as to form a dense bouquet of rose-coloured petals. Each
+  flower is 2 in. long. Native of Chili; introduced about 1835. Flowers
+  in summer. This handsome kind will thrive in a window, and, if well
+  supplied with fresh air, sunshine, and sufficient water to keep the
+  soil moist, it will flower almost every year. It must have no water
+  in winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mgrac" id="mgrac">M. gracilis</a></b>
+  (slender).&mdash;A small Thimble Cactus, remarkable for its
+  proliferous stems, a single stem 2 in. high producing all round its
+  upper half numerous, offshoots, which fall to the ground and grow. In
+  this way a tuft of stems is soon developed round the first one. If
+  these offshoots are removed as they appear, the stem will grow longer
+  and stouter than it does when they are left. Tubercles small, green,
+  crowded; spines in a stellate tuft, short, curved, pale yellow or
+  white. Flowers as in <i>M. elongata</i>, to which this species is
+  closely allied. In window cases, or on a shelf in a cool greenhouse,
+  it will grow and multiply rapidly. Like the bulk of the caespitose,
+  or Thimble Cactuses, it does not make much show when in flower; and
+  it is only its stems, with their white stars of spines and clusters
+  of little offsets hanging about them, that are attractive. Native of
+  Mexico; introduced about 1850. There is a variety known as
+  <i>pulchella</i>, in which the spines are of a yellow hue.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mgrah" id="mgrah">M. Grahami</a></b>
+  (Graham's).&mdash;A pretty little species, with globose stems,
+  scarcely 3 in. high, and nearly the same in diameter, branching
+  sometimes when old; tubercles &frac14; in. long, egg-shaped, corky
+  when old, and persistent. Spines in tufts of about twenty, all
+  radiating except one in the centre, which is hooked; they are about
+  &frac12; in. long. Flowers 1 in. long, usually produced in a circle
+  round the stem. Fruit a small, oval berry, &frac12; in. long. This is
+  a native of Colorado, in mountainous regions. It is very rare in
+  cultivation. The flowers are developed in June and July.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mhaag" id="mhaag">M. Haageana</a></b> (Haage's); Fig.
+  62.&mdash;The habit of this is shown in the Figure, which is reduced
+  to about one-fourth the natural size. As the stem gets older, it
+  becomes more elongated. Tubercles small, four-sided at the base,
+  pointed at the top, where the spines are arranged in a star, about
+  twenty of them on each tubercle, with two central ones, which are
+  longer, stiffer, and much darker in colour than those on the outside;
+  flowers small, almost hidden beneath the spines, bright carmine-rose;
+  they are produced on the sides of the upper portion of the stem in
+  June. There is a close resemblance between this and <i>M.
+  cirrhifera</i>, and the treatment for both should be the same.
+  Mexico, 1835.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig62.jpg" width="300" height="280" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA HAAGEANA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 62.&mdash;MAMILLARIA HAAGEANA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mlong" id="mlong">M. longimamma</a></b>
+  (long-tubercled); Fig. 63.&mdash;A well-marked species in the size of
+  its mammae, or tubercles, which are at least 1 in. long by 1/3 in. in
+  diameter, terete, slightly curved, and narrowed to a pointed apex,
+  the texture being very soft and watery. Each tubercle bears a
+  radiating tuft of about twelve spines, one central and projecting
+  outwards; they are pale brown when old, and white when young; their
+  length is about &frac12; in. A tuft of short, white wool is developed
+  at the base of the spines on the young mammae. The stem is seldom
+  more than 4 in. in height, and it branches at the base when old.
+  Flowers large and handsome, citron-yellow; the tube short, and hidden
+  in the mammae; the petals 1&frac12; in. long, narrow, pointed, and
+  all directed upwards; stamens numerous, short. Flowering season,
+  early summer. Native country, Mexico. It requires greenhouse
+  treatment, or it may be placed in a sunny frame out of doors during
+  summer. It is not easily multiplied from seeds, but is free in the
+  production of offsets from the base of the stem.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig63.jpg" width="330" height="308" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA LONGIMAMMA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 63.&mdash;MAMILLARIA LONGIMAMMA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mmacr" id="mmacr">M. macromeris</a></b>
+  (large-flowered); Fig. 64.&mdash;Stem about 4 in. high, naked at the
+  base, woody and wrinkled when old. Tubercles as in <i>M.
+  longimamma</i>, but with curving radial spines, like needles, often 2
+  in. in length, white or rose-tinted when young, almost black when
+  old. Flowers from the centre of the stem, 3 in. long, and about the
+  same in width; the petals regular and spreading, as in the Ox-eye
+  daisy; stamens numerous, short, forming a disk; colour carmine,
+  almost purple just before fading. Flowering season, August. Native of
+  Mexico, where it is found in loose, sand on hillocks, generally about
+  the roots of Acacias. It is one of the most beautiful of all
+  Mamillarias; but it is, as yet, rare in collections. It requires the
+  same treatment as <i>M. longimamma</i>, except that, owing to the
+  woody nature of its rootstock, and its long, tap-like roots, it
+  should be planted in pans instead of pots, using a compost of rough
+  loam, mixed with lumps of broken brick or limestone.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig64.jpg" width="273" height="350" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA MACROMERIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 64.&mdash;MAMILLARIA MACROMERIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mmacrot" id="mmacrot">M. macrothele</a></b>
+  (large-nippled); Bot. Mag. 3634, as <i>M. Lehmanni</i>.&mdash;This
+  belongs to the same group as <i>M. cirrhifera</i>, but is
+  distinguished by its large mammae, which are four-angled at the base,
+  &frac34; in. long, narrowed to a point, upon which is a tuft of wool
+  and a cluster of about eight spines, &frac12; in. long, spreading,
+  reddish-brown in colour, the central one being almost black, 1 in.
+  long, and pointing downwards. In the axils of the mammae are tufts of
+  white wool. Flowers on the top of the stern, erect, spreading, about
+  1&frac12; in. across when expanded; the petals overlapping, and pale
+  yellow; the stamens red at the base, arranged in a dense cluster, and
+  the rays of the stigma spreading over them. Flowering time, early
+  summer. Native country, Mexico, on prairie lands, at high elevations.
+  This species is almost hardy in the warmer parts of this country,
+  suffering from damp rather than frost in winter. The stem is not
+  particularly handsome, but the flowers are large and bright, and they
+  are produced annually by plants which are grown in a cool, well-aired
+  greenhouse or frame, with the sun shining on them all day.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mmicr" id="mmicr">M. micromeris</a></b>
+  (small-flowered); Fig. 65.&mdash;A small, cushion-like plant, with a
+  stem never more than 1&frac12; in. across by about 1 in. in height,
+  so that it has the appearance of a small, flattened ball, with a
+  raised, disk-like portion on the top. The mammae are very small, and
+  they are completely hidden by the numerous fine, white, silky spines
+  and wool which spring in tufts from the apex of each mamma, and
+  interlace so as to form a spider-web-like net all over the stem. The
+  flowers are small, and they spring from the centre of the disk-like
+  top of the stern; they are composed of from three to five sepals, and
+  five petals, which are whitish or pink, and measure about &frac14;
+  in. across when open. Native country, Mexico, where it is found only
+  in naked places on mountain tops or sides where limestone is
+  plentiful. It requires much care under cultivation, water in excess
+  being fatal to it, and a soil of the wrong sort soon killing all its
+  roots. It is cultivated at Kew in a small pot, in a mixture of loam
+  and lime rubbish, and grown in a warm greenhouse.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig65.jpg" width="198" height="350" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA MICROMERIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 65.&mdash;MAMILLARIA MICROMERIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mmult" id="mmult">M. multiceps</a></b>
+  (many-branched).&mdash;Stem short, with numerous branches, which
+  again push forth other branches, so that a dense tuft of dumpy,
+  globose stems is formed. The mammae are small, and arranged closely
+  together, and they each bear a tuft of whitish wool, with a radiating
+  cluster of spines, which are soft, almost hair-like in texture, the
+  inner ones being stiffer, and coloured dull yellow. The flowers are
+  small, and almost hidden by the spines and tubercles; they are pale
+  yellow, with a line of red down the middle of each petal. Native
+  country, Mexico. This plant should be grown on a shelf in a cool
+  greenhouse&mdash;anything like a stove temperature being fatal to it.
+  As a flowering plant it is of no value, but the compact tuft formed
+  by its numerous stems, with their attractive spines, renders it
+  worthy of cultivation.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mneum" id="mneum">M. Neumanniana</a></b>
+  (Neumann's).&mdash;This is a member of the group with angular
+  tubercles and comparatively small flowers. It has a stem about 6 in.
+  high, cylindrical, the tubercles arranged spirally, their bases
+  compressed, four or five-angled, and with a tuft of white wool in
+  their axils. The areoles or tufts on the tops of the mammae are
+  large, and the spines are about seven in number, &frac12; in. long,
+  and of a tawny-yellow colour. The flowers are produced near the top
+  of the stem; they are about &frac12; in. long, and rose-red in
+  colour. Native country, Mexico. It requires the same treatment as
+  <i>M. cirrhifera.</i></p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="motto" id="motto">M. Ottonis</a></b> (Ottoni's); Fig.
+  66.&mdash;A very distinct and pretty plant is cultivated under the
+  name at Kew; but there are, apparently, two different species under
+  the same name&mdash;the one being spiny and large in the stem; the
+  other, which is here shown, having a small, compressed stem, 3 in.
+  across, numerous compressed tubercles, and short, hair-like spines.
+  The flowers, which are large for the size of the plant, are white,
+  and are developed in May and June. Native country, Mexico; introduced
+  in 1834. It requires similar treatment to <i>M. micromeris</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig66.jpg" width="368" height="280" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA OTTONIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 66.&mdash;MAMILLARIA OTTONIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mpect" id="mpect">M. pectinata</a></b> (comb-like);
+  Fig. 67.&mdash;Stems globose, from 2 in. to 3 in. in diameter; the
+  rootstock woody; the tubercles arranged in about thirteen spiral
+  rows, swollen at the base, and bearing each a star-like tuft of about
+  twenty-four stiff, brown, radial spines, without a central one; the
+  length varies from &frac12; in. to 1 in., and they are comb-like in
+  their regular arrangement. When not in flower, this species bears a
+  close resemblance to small plants of <i>Cereus pectinatus</i>.
+  Flowers terminal, solitary, large, their width quite 3 in. when fully
+  expanded; sepals reddish-green; petals rich sulphur-yellow; filaments
+  reddish, very numerous; the flowers open at noon, and close after
+  about two hours, even although the sun be shining full upon them.
+  Flowering season, June to August. Native country, Mexico, on slopes
+  of limestone hills. Although long since known to botanists, this
+  pretty species has only lately found its way into English gardens. It
+  is attractive even when not in flower. It requires warm greenhouse
+  treatment, with exposure to full sunshine; during late autumn it
+  should have plenty of air to ripen the new growth made whilst
+  flowering. In winter it should have a dry position near the
+  glass.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig67.jpg" width="205" height="330" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA PECTINATA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 67.&mdash;MAMILLARIA PECTINATA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mphel" id="mphel">M. phellosperma</a></b>
+  (corky-seeded).&mdash;A pretty plant, resembling <i>M. Grahami</i> in
+  all points except the seed, which, as is denoted by the name, is half
+  enveloped in a corky covering, suggesting acorns. Stems simple,
+  sometimes proliferous at the base, globose when young, afterwards
+  almost cylinder or pear-shaped, 5 in. high, 2 in. in diameter;
+  tubercles &frac12; in. long, arranged in twelve spiral rows, slightly
+  woolly in axils. Spines radiating, in two rows, about fifty on each
+  tubercle, the three or four central ones being hooked at the tips or
+  sometimes straight; length, &frac12; in. to 1&frac12; in. Flowers
+  (only seen in the dried state) 1 in. long and wide. Native of the dry
+  gravelly hills and sand ridges in California and Colorado, and,
+  therefore, requiring greenhouse treatment. This plant is cultivated
+  in the Kew collection, but it has not been known to flower there. It
+  is one of the most ornamental of the very spinous species, the radial
+  spines being almost white, whilst the central ones are black, and
+  look like tiny fish-hooks. A large proportion of these Mamillarias
+  are far more interesting in the form and arrangement of their
+  tubercles and spines than in any floral character, and it is on this
+  account that so many which are insignificant as flowering plants are
+  included here.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mpulc" id="mpulc">M. pulchra</a></b>
+  (handsome).&mdash;Stem globose when young and cylindrical when old,
+  flattened at the top; height from 4 in. to 6 in.; tubercles large,
+  egg-shaped, arranged in from eleven to thirteen spiral rows; spines
+  in compact tufts, their bases set in whitish wool, irregular in
+  length, and almost covering the whole of the stem. Flowers medium in
+  size, developed near the top of the stem from the woolly axils of the
+  tubercles; colour bright rose. Native of Mexico. Flowering season,
+  June. Introduced in 1826. A rare kind nowadays, though one of the
+  prettiest. It should always be grown in a warm house. It has been
+  also called <i>M. pulcherrima</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mpusi" id="mpusi">M. pusilla</a></b> (small).&mdash;A
+  tiny tufted plant, belonging to the group known as Thimble Cactuses.
+  It has stems 2 in. high; short, dark green tubercles, with tufts of
+  whitish wool in the axils; spines thin and bristle-like, twisted,
+  nearly 1 in. long, almost hiding the stem; they are whitish, with
+  black tips. The flowers are yellowish-white, with streaks of red.
+  Common in Mexico. Flowering season, May. It should be grown in a
+  frame in summer, and wintered on a shelf in a warm greenhouse. It
+  would, no doubt, thrive in a window if kept in a sunny position and
+  placed under a glass shade. A variety known as <i>texana</i> differs
+  in being more densely clothed with spines. We have seen it grown into
+  large clumps, covering a space 1 ft. in diameter, with dozens of
+  erect little pyramids of whitish spines.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mpycn" id="mpycn">M. pycnacantha</a></b> (densely
+  spined); Bot. Mag. 3972.&mdash;The name for this kind is rather
+  misleading, the spines being both fewer and less conspicuous than in
+  many other species of Mamillaria. Stem about 6 in. high, nearly
+  globose; tubercles&mdash;rather large, swollen, with tufts of short
+  white wool in their axils, and stellate clusters of spines springing
+  from disks of white wool on the top. The spines are &frac12; in.
+  long, slightly recurved, flattened, and pale brown. Flowers large,
+  clustered on the top of the stem, about half a dozen opening
+  together; width 2 in.; petals numerous, narrow, toothed at the tips,
+  spreading; colour a deep sulphur-yellow, anthers orange. Native of
+  Oaxaca, Mexico. Flowering season, July. Introduced 1840. This is a
+  beautiful flowering plant, more like an Echinocactus than a
+  Mamillaria. It should be grown in a warm greenhouse all the year
+  round. Old stems develop offsets from the base, by which the species
+  may be multiplied.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="msang" id="msang">M. sanguinea</a></b> (bloody); Fig.
+  68.&mdash;This is closely related to <i>M. bicolor,</i> but differs
+  in having an unbranched stem and numerous richly-coloured flowers.
+  The stem is stout, 6 in. high, and 4 in. through; tubercles crowded,
+  short, bearing stellate tufts of shortish spines, and projecting
+  longer ones, all being bristly and pale yellow, except those on the
+  youngest tubercles, which are golden. The flowers are borne in a
+  crowded circle on the top of the stem, just outside the cluster of
+  young yellow spines, a strong plant having about forty flowers open
+  together. Each flower is about &frac12; in. long and wide, and
+  coloured bright crimson, with yellow anthers. Native of Mexico.
+  Flowers in June. It should be grown along with <i>M. bicolor</i>. The
+  plant figured is a young one, showing the spines much longer than is
+  usual on mature specimens.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig68.jpg" width="330" height="300" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA SANGUINEA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 68.&mdash;MAMILLARIA SANGUINEA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="msche" id="msche">M. Scheerii</a></b>
+  (Scheer's).&mdash;Stem 7 in. high, and 5 in. in diameter at the base;
+  tubercles large, swollen, somewhat flattened, pale green, watery,
+  woolly in the axils, the tops crowned with about a dozen brown
+  spines, 1 in. long, one central, the others radial. Flowers terminal,
+  erect, with several whorls of spreading, recurved petals, the lower
+  ones tinged with crimson, the upper pale yellow, and forming a
+  shallow cup, 2 in. across; anthers forming a compact sheaf in the
+  centre. Flowers in summer. This distinct and very pretty species was
+  introduced many years ago from Mexico, where it was discovered in
+  1845 by a Mr. Potts, to whose love for these plants we are indebted
+  for a great many choice kinds collected and sent to England by him.
+  It grows naturally in a red, sandy loam, and under cultivation
+  requires warm-house treatment, except during the autumn, when it may
+  be placed in a frame and exposed to full sunshine and plenty of
+  air.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mschel" id="mschel">M. Schelhasii</a></b>
+  (Schelhas').&mdash;A pretty little tufted kind, its habit and size
+  being shown in Fig. 69. The stem produces offsets freely at the base,
+  which grow into full-sized stems, and develop young ones, till a
+  compact cushion is formed. Tubercles closely arranged, cylindrical,
+  shining green, with fifteen to twenty radial, white, hair-like
+  spines, &frac12; in. long, and three inner ones, which are thicker,
+  purplish in colour, usually only one being hooked. Flowers white,
+  with a line of rose down the middle of each petal, &frac34; in.
+  across. Flowering season, beginning of summer. Native of Mexico. It
+  may be grown out of doors in a sunny position in summer, and wintered
+  on a shelf in a greenhouse.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig69.jpg" width="314" height="330" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA SCHELHASII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 69.&mdash;MAMILLARIA SCHELHASII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mschi" id="mschi">M. Schiedeana</a></b> (Schiede's).
+  &mdash;Stem globose, 3 in. to 5 in. high, thickly clothed with long,
+  narrow, pointed tubercles, the bases of which are set in white wool,
+  whilst the apices are crowned with tiny stars of white silky spines;
+  more like the pappus of a Composite than the spines usually found on
+  Cactuses. A healthy plant has a very pretty and silky appearance
+  which cannot well be described. The flowers are small and
+  unattractive; they are succeeded by the red fruits, which remain on
+  the plant a long time, and add to its beauty. Native country, Mexico.
+  Introduced 1838. Should be grown in a greenhouse where frost is
+  excluded, and where there is plenty of sunlight at all times. It is
+  easily increased, either from seeds or by means of the offsets
+  developed at the base of old stems.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="msemp" id="msemp">M. semperviva</a></b> (ever-living);
+  Fig. 70.&mdash;Stem pear-shaped, 3 in. wide, the top slightly
+  depressed. Tubercles conical, &frac14; in. long, their bases set in a
+  cushion of white wool, their tips bearing tiny tufts of wool, and
+  four small spines, which fall away on the tubercles becoming ripe,
+  leaving two short, diverging, central spines. Flowers small, not
+  ornamental, and scantily developed near the outside of the top.
+  Native of Mexico; in meadows and thickets near Zimapan, at 5000 ft.
+  elevation. It thrives with us when grown in a frame in summer, and
+  wintered in a cool greenhouse or frame.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig70.jpg" width="320" height="336" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA SEMPERVIVA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 70.&mdash;MAMILLARIA SEMPERVIVA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mseni" id="mseni">M. senilis</a></b>
+  (hoary).&mdash;Stem about 3 in. high, spherical, unbranched, except
+  when very old, when it becomes proliferous at the base; tubercles
+  crowded, small, arranged spirally, and crowned with clusters of long,
+  radiating spines, which are almost white, hair-like, and become
+  thickly interwoven, as in the Old Man Cactus <i>(Pilocereus
+  senilis</i>). The central spine is black, and hooked at the tip.
+  Flowers on the top of the stem, near the centre; the petals toothed,
+  spreading, and forming a deep cup, with a cluster of tall stamens
+  standing erect in the middle; colour bright scarlet. The flowers,
+  which appear in summer, remain open about eight hours. Native country
+  unknown; cultivated in France in 1845. This plant is difficult to
+  preserve in health, the best method being that of grafting it on to a
+  short Cereus, or a robust kind of Mamillaria, such as <i>M.
+  cirrhifera</i>. It is a pretty plant at all times, even when dead,
+  for we have seen plants of it preserve the appearance of live
+  specimens long after they have rotted and dried up in the centre,
+  nothing remaining but the shell formed by the skin and silvery
+  spines. There is a close resemblance between this species and <i>M.
+  Grahami</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mstel" id="mstel">M. stella-aurata</a></b> (golden
+  star).&mdash;This little plant obtains its name from the rich
+  golden-yellow of its stellate clusters of spines, which are arranged
+  thickly on the tips of the small, pointed tubercles. It belongs to
+  the group called Thimble Cactuses, of which it is one of the
+  prettiest. The stems are tufted, branching freely at the base, and
+  rising to a height of about 2 in. Flowers small, whitish, and much
+  less ornamental than the berry-like fruits which succeed them, and
+  which are egg-shaped, &frac12; in. long, and a deep rose-colour.
+  <i>M. tenuis</i> is a variety of this, with almost white spines.
+  Native of Mexico. Introduced 1835. May be cultivated under a
+  bell-glass in a room window, the only danger being damp during
+  winter, which must be carefully avoided.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="msubp" id="msubp">M. sub-polyhedra</a></b> (usually
+  many-sided); Fig. 71.&mdash;Stem simple till it becomes old, when it
+  develops offsets at the base, broadly cylindrical, 8 in. high, 5 in.
+  in diameter. Tubercles four-sided at base, prism-shaped, bearing pads
+  of white wool in the corners at the base, and crowned with tufts of
+  from four to seven spines, usually all radial, sometimes one central.
+  The flowers, which usually appear in May, are arranged in a zone on
+  the top of the old stems; sepals greenish-yellow, petals bright red.
+  Fruit 1 in. long, pear-shaped, scarlet. Native of South Mexico, at
+  high elevations. It may be grown outside in summer, and wintered in a
+  heated greenhouse or frame. This is a singular-looking plant, the
+  tubercles having an appearance suggestive of carving. It is a slow
+  grower, and requires careful attention in winter, when sometimes the
+  roots all perish and the base of the stem rots.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig71.jpg" width="320" height="336" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA SUB-POLYHEDRA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 71.&mdash;MAMILLARIA SUB-POLYHEDRA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="msulc" id="msulc">M. sulcolanata</a></b>
+  (woolly-grooved); Fig. 72.&mdash;Stem simple when young, proliferous
+  at the sides when old, the young plants developing from the apices of
+  the tubercles, and not in the axils, as is usual. The tubercles are
+  nut-shaped, large, the bases surrounded by white wool, the points
+  bearing eight to ten rigid, brown spines, all radiating from a little
+  pad of wool. Flowers large, nearly 2 in. across, bright yellow,
+  poppy-scented, the spread of the petals suggesting Paris Daisies;
+  they are freely developed on the apex of the stem in June, and on
+  till August. Fruit egg-shaped, glaucous-green. Native country, South
+  Mexico; introduced 1836. This charming little plant should be grown
+  in a frame exposed to full sunshine all summer, and removed to a
+  shelf in a warm greenhouse in winter. With such treatment it grows
+  and flowers freely. Grafted on to a Cereus or Opuntia it is healthier
+  than when on its own roots.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig72.jpg" width="363" height="300" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA SULCOLANATA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 72.&mdash;MAMILLARIA SULCOLANATA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mtetr" id="mtetr">M. tetracantha</a></b>
+  (four-spined); Bot. Mag. 4060.&mdash;Stem the size and shape of an
+  ostrich's egg, thickly studded with small, conical tubercles, woolly
+  at the base, the apices bearing each four spreading spines, &frac34;
+  long, rather stout, straight, brown when young, becoming almost white
+  with age. Flowers numerous, small, arranged as in <i>M.
+  sanguinea</i>, to which and <i>M. cirrhifera</i> this species is
+  closely related. They are bright rose in colour, with orange-yellow
+  anthers, and are developed in July. Native of Mexico. Requires the
+  same treatment as <i>M. cirrhifera.</i></p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mtube" id="mtube">M. tuberculosa</a></b>
+  (tubercled).&mdash;This is a very pretty and distinct plant, of
+  recent introduction, and easily cultivated. It has a central stem, 6
+  in. high by 2 in. in diameter, conical in shape, and surrounded at
+  the base by globose branches or offsets. The tubercles are closely
+  set in numerous spiral rows, and are &frac12; in. long, rather
+  narrow, pointed, with a crown of radial spines, very slender,
+  hair-like, white, and &frac12; in. long; central spines three or
+  four, &frac12; in. long. At the base of each tubercle is a pea-like
+  tuft of white wool. In this kind the spines fall from the old
+  tubercles, which are persistent, gradually hardening to a cork-like
+  substance. The flowers are produced in the apex of the stem, and are
+  1 in. long and wide, daisy-like, pale purple in colour; they are
+  succeeded by red, oval berries, which are as pretty as the flowers.
+  About five flowers are developed on each stem annually&mdash;May and
+  June. Native of Mexico, in the mountains. It thrives when grown in an
+  ordinary greenhouse, on a shelf, in full sunshine.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mturb" id="mturb">M. turbinata</a></b> (top-shaped);
+  Bot. Mag. 3984 .&mdash;Stem globose, depressed at top, about 3 in. in
+  diameter, pale glaucous-green; tubercles quadrangular, flattened at
+  the apex, and bearing, when young, from three to five erect, slender,
+  hair-like spines, which fall off soon after the tubercles ripen,
+  exposing little depressions or umbilica, and giving the stem a bald,
+  pudding-like appearance, quite distinct from any other kind. Flowers
+  from the centre of the stem, short, about 1 in. across, pale yellow,
+  with a reddish tint outside; anthers yellow. Two or three flowers are
+  usually expanded together in the month of June. Native country,
+  Mexico.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="munci" id="munci">M. uncinata</a></b>
+  (hooked).&mdash;Stem globose, simple, about 4 in. in diameter;
+  tubercles closely pressed against each other at the base, where they
+  are four-angled; in length they are &frac14; in., and they are
+  blue-green in colour. Apex bearing four short spines, arranged
+  crosswise, and &frac14; in. long; central spine slightly longer,
+  yellow, and hooked. The flowers are 1 in. long and wide, erect, the
+  tube hidden by the young mammae, amongst which they appear in May and
+  June; they are purple in colour, a line of deeper tint running down
+  the middle of each petal. Like all the kinds with short, angular
+  tubercles, this species is easily managed, flowers freely and
+  profusely, and always ripens seeds. Native of Mexico. It may be grown
+  in a frame, or even out of doors, all through the summer, removing it
+  to a greenhouse for the winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mvetu" id="mvetu">M. vetula</a></b> (old).&mdash;One
+  of the small Thimble Cactuses, its stems seldom exceeding 3 in. in
+  height by 1&frac12; in. in diameter. Tubercles &frac14; in. long,
+  conical, with a radial crown of fine, hair-like yellow spines,
+  &frac14; in. long, and a solitary central spine, &frac12; in. in
+  length, and coloured red. Flowers terminal, just peeping above the
+  tubercles; sepals and petals acute, yellow, &frac34; in. long;
+  anthers yellow; stigma white. An old garden plant, introduced from
+  Mexico. It flowers in May and June. For its cultivation it may be
+  treated as recommended for <i>M. pusilla</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mvill" id="mvill">M. villifera</a></b>
+  (hair-bearing).&mdash;Stem similar to the last, but usually
+  proliferous at the base; tubercles angular, short, woolly in the
+  axils, and bearing four rigid, short, reddish-brown spines on the
+  apex. Flowers pale rose, with a line of purple down the middle of
+  each petal; they are developed near the top of the stem, in May.
+  Native country, Mexico. This plant thrives if treated as recommended
+  for <i>M. pusilla</i>. There are several varieties known,
+  distinguished by their paler or darker flowers, or by a difference in
+  the length and arrangement of the spines.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mviri" id="mviri">M. viridis</a></b>
+  (green).&mdash;Stem 4 in. high by 3 in. in diameter, proliferous at
+  the base; tubercles short, four-angled, crowded in spiral rows,
+  woolly at the base, bearing each five or six radiating hair-like
+  spines on the apex, and one central erect one, none more than
+  &frac14; in. long. Flowers erect, on top of stem, with recurved, pale
+  yellow petals, 1 in., long; they are produced in May and June.
+  Introduced from Mexico in 1850. It may be grown in a sunny frame out
+  of doors during summer, and on a dry, warm greenhouse shelf in
+  winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mvivi" id="mvivi">M. vivipara</a></b>
+  (stem&mdash;sprouting).&mdash;A tufted, free-growing Thimble Cactus,
+  producing its small stems in such profusion as to form a cluster as
+  much as 3 ft. in diameter. The small tubercles are hidden by the
+  numerous radial spines, which are in clusters of about twenty; they
+  are white, hair-like, stiff and &frac12; in. long; the central
+  spines, numbering from four to six, are a little longer. Flowers from
+  apex of stem, 1&frac12; in. long and wide, and composed of about
+  thirty fimbriated sepals and twenty-five to forty narrow petals;
+  colour bright purple. Fruit &frac12; in. long, pale green when ripe.
+  The flowers, which appear in May and June, usually expand after
+  mid-day. Native of Louisiana. In the North-West plains and Rocky
+  Mountains of North America this plant is abundant, often forming wide
+  cushion-like tufts, which, when covered with numerous purple,
+  star-like flowers, have a pretty effect. In Utah and New York it is
+  commonly cultivated as a hardy garden plant, bearing exposure to keen
+  frosts and snow without suffering; but it would not thrive out of
+  doors in winter with us, unless covered by a handlight during severe
+  weather, and protected from heavy rains in winter. It likes a strong,
+  clayey soil.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mvivir" id="mvivir">M. v. radiosa</a></b> (Fig. 73).
+  &mdash;This variety is distinguished by its larger flowers and
+  shorter spines.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig73.jpg" width="270" height="350" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA VIVIPARA RADIOSA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 73.&mdash;MAMILLARIA VIVIPARA RADIOSA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mwild" id="mwild">M. Wildiana</a></b>
+  (Wild's).&mdash;An old garden Cactus, and one of the prettiest of the
+  tufted, small-stemmed kinds. Its largest stems are 3 in. high by
+  about 1&frac12; in. in diameter, and bear spiral rows of clavate,
+  dark green, crystallised tubercles, &frac12; in. long, with about ten
+  radial white spines, &frac12; in. long, the three upper spines,
+  together with the solitary central hooked one, being yellow. Flowers
+  small, numerous on the apices of the stems, rose-coloured, lined with
+  purple; they are developed in summer. This also forms dense tufts of
+  stems. A specimen at Kew, only a few years old, has already over
+  thirty heads. It is a native of Mexico, at an altitude of 5000 ft.,
+  growing on lava and basalt, and even on the trunks of trees. For its
+  cultivation, a shelf in a sunny greenhouse is a most suitable
+  position, both in winter and summer. Introduced 1835.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mwrig" id="mwrig">M. Wrightii</a></b>
+  (Wright's).&mdash;This is a charming little plant, of something the
+  same character as <i>M. dolichocentra</i>. It has not long been
+  cultivated in gardens, but being easy to manage, and exceptionally
+  pretty, it is sure to become a favourite as it gets known. Stem
+  rounded above, narrowed and peg-top-like at the base, the top
+  flattened, about 3 in. across, height about the same. Tubercles
+  conical, &frac12; in. long, shining green, and bearing a tuft of six
+  or eight spines, which are straight, hair-like, white, and &frac12;
+  in. long; there are two central spines, of same length, and hooked.
+  Flowers in the top of the stem, 1 in. long and wide, bright purple;
+  they are succeeded by egg-shaped, purple berries, 1 in. long, and
+  prettily arranged among the tubercles. In England a warm house seems
+  most suitable for this species. It likes plenty of moisture and
+  sunlight during the summer, whilst making new growth; but in winter,
+  when at rest, it ought to be kept on a shelf, and just moistened
+  overhead in bright weather. There are healthy examples of it at Kew.
+  Flowering season, May and June. Native country, Mexico. Introduced
+  about 1878.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mzucc" id="mzucc">M. Zucchariniana</a></b>
+  (Zuccharini's).&mdash;Stem simple, globose, often attaining a height
+  of 10 in. by about 7 in. in diameter. Tubercles dark green, conical,
+  1/3 in. long, &frac12; in. broad at base, naked at the point, but
+  with four to six spines springing from the areole a little below the
+  point; spines ash-coloured, stiff, black-tipped. Flowers in a ring
+  about the top of the stem, length 1 in., the tube enveloped in long,
+  black, twisted hairs; sepals brown-purple; petals narrow,
+  sharp-pointed, purple-rose coloured; stamens white and yellow; stigma
+  rose-coloured. Flowers in June and July. Native of Mexico. A large,
+  handsome-stemmed kind, easily kept in health, and flowering freely if
+  grown on a shelf in a cool greenhouse in winter, and placed in a
+  warm, sunny position out of doors in summer. It produces seeds
+  freely, and pretty plants, 3 in. or more in diameter, may be obtained
+  in two years from seeds. By grafting it, when young, on the stem of a
+  Cereus or cylindrical Opuntia, a healthy, drumstick-like plant is
+  easily obtained.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="leuch" id="leuch"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS LEUCHTENBERGIA.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(Named in honour of Prince Leuchtenberg.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_A.gif" width="54" height="113" alt="A" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>MONG the many instances of plant mimicry that occur in the Cactus
+  order, the most remarkable is the plant here figured. Remove the
+  flower from Leuchtenbergia, and very few people indeed would think of
+  calling it a Cactus, but would probably consider it a short-leaved
+  Yucca. In habit, in form, in leaf, and in texture, it more resembles
+  a Yucca or an Agave than anything else, and when first introduced it
+  was considered such by the Kew authorities until it flowered. The
+  leaves, or rather tubercles, are sometimes longer and slenderer than
+  in Fig. 74. The nearest approach to this plant is <i>Mamillaria
+  longimamma</i>, in which the tubercles are 1 in. or more long,
+  finger-shaped, and crowned with a few hair-like spines. But the
+  Leuchtenbergia bears its flowers on the ends of the tubercles, and
+  not from the axils, as in all others. This peculiarity leads one to
+  infer that tubercles are modified branches, the spines representing
+  the leaves. Some species of Mamillaria and Echinocactus develop young
+  plants from the tops of their tubercles; and this also points to the
+  probability that the latter are branches. In Leuchtenbergia, the
+  tubercles fall away as the plant increases in height, leaving a bare,
+  woody stem similar to that of a Yucca.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;The Leuchtenbergia has always been
+  difficult to keep in health. It thrives best when kept in a warm,
+  sunny house during winter, and in an exposed, airy, warm position
+  under a frame during summer. It may be watered regularly whilst
+  growing&mdash;that is, from April to September&mdash;and kept quite
+  dry all winter. The soil should be well-drained loam, and the roots
+  should have plenty of room. A specimen may be seen in the Kew
+  collection.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;This may be effected from seeds, or by
+  removing the head from an old plant, putting the former in sand, and
+  placing it under a bell-glass to root, watering it only about once a
+  week till roots are formed. The old stem should be kept dry for about
+  two months, and then watered and placed in a sunny, moist position,
+  where it can be syringed once a day. A shelf in a stove is the best
+  position for it. Here it will form young buds in the axils of the
+  withered tubercles, and on the edges of the persistent parts of the
+  tubercles themselves. They first appear in the form of tiny tufts of
+  yellowish down, and gradually develop till the first leaf-like
+  tubercle appears. When large enough, the buds may be removed and
+  planted in small pots to root. If an old plant is dealt with in this
+  way in April, a batch of young ones should be developed and rooted by
+  October. Grafting does not appear to have ever been tried for this
+  plant. When sick, the plant should be carefully washed, and all
+  decayed parts cut away; it may then be planted in very sandy loam,
+  and kept under a bell-glass till rooted.</p><a name="leuchp" id=
+  "leuchp"></a>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig74.jpg" width="258" height="350" alt=
+    "LEUCHTENBERGIA PRINCIPIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 74.&mdash;LEUCHTENBERGIA PRINCIPIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b>L. principis</b> (noble); Fig. 74.&mdash;This, the only species
+  known, was introduced from Mexico to Kew in 1847, and flowered the
+  following year. The plant attains a height of 1 ft. or more, the stem
+  being erect, stout, clothed with the persistent, scale-like bases of
+  the old, fallen-away tubercles, the bases having dried up and
+  tightened round the stem. The upper part is clothed with the curved,
+  leaf-like tubercles, from 3 in. to 6 in. long, grey-green in colour,
+  succulent, with a tough skin, triangular, and gradually narrowed to a
+  blunt point, upon which are half a dozen or more thin, flexuous,
+  horny filaments, neither spines nor hairs in appearance, but almost
+  hay-like; the central one is about 5 in. long, and the others about
+  half that length. The flowers are borne on the ends of the young,
+  partly-developed tubercles, near the centre of the head; they are
+  erect, tubular, 3 in. to 4 in. long, scaly, gradually widening
+  upwards; the sepals and petals are numerous, and form a beautiful
+  flower of the ordinary Cactus type, quite 4 in. across, and of a
+  rich, clear yellow colour. The anthers, which also are yellow, form a
+  column in the centre, through which the nine-rayed stigma protrudes.
+  Strong plants sometimes produce two flowers together.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="pelec" id="pelec"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS PELECYPHORA.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>pelekyphoros</i>, hatchet-bearing; referring to the
+  shape of the tubercles.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_L.jpg" width="50" height="119" alt="L" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>IKE Leuchtenbergia, this genus is monotypic, and it is also rare,
+  difficult to cultivate, and exceptionally interesting in structure.
+  It is closely related to the Mamillarias, as may be seen, by
+  comparing the Figure here given with some of them; indeed, it was
+  once known as <i>M. asellifera</i>, having been described under that
+  name when first introduced, in 1843. From Mamillaria, however, it
+  differs in the form of its tubercles, which are hatchet-shaped, and
+  cleft at the apex, where each division is clothed with small, horny,
+  overlapping scales, not unlike the back of a woodlouse&mdash;hence
+  the specific name.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;The Hatchet Cactus grows very slowly,
+  specimens such as that represented in our Illustration being many
+  years old. We have seen healthy plants, freshly imported, grow for a
+  few months, and then suddenly die, the inside of the stem rotting
+  whilst outside it looked perfectly healthy. It is always grown on its
+  own roots, but probably it would thrive better if grafted on the stem
+  of some dwarf Cereus or Echinocactus.</p><a name="peleca" id=
+  "peleca"></a>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig75.jpg" width="269" height="320" alt=
+    "PELECYPHORA ASELLIFORMIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 75.&mdash;PELECYPHORA ASELLIFORMIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;The propagation of Pelecyphora is
+  easiest effected by means of seeds, which, however, are not always
+  procurable. It is stated by Labouret, a French writer on Cactuses,
+  that the first plants introduced arrived dead, but a few seeds were
+  found in a withered fruit on one of the dead stems, and from these
+  the first plants grown in Europe were raised. M. de Smet of Ghent,
+  had a large stock of this Cactus a few years ago, and a German
+  nurseryman, H. Hildmann, of Oranienberg, near Berlin, usually has
+  many young plants of it for sale.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b>P. aselliformis</b> (woodlouse-like); Fig. 75.&mdash;The size,
+  habit, and structure of this plant are so well represented in the
+  Figure that little description is necessary. The stems are simple
+  till they get about 3 in. high, when they develop offsets about the
+  base, which may either be removed to form new plants, or allowed to
+  remain and grow into a specimen like that in the Illustration. The
+  flowers are large for the size of the plant, and they are developed
+  freely in the apex of the stems in the early part of the summer. The
+  tube is very short, naked, and completely hidden by the young mammae;
+  sepals and petals in four series, the outer one pale purple, the
+  inner of a deep purple colour; stamens very numerous, and the stigma
+  has only four erect lobes. The plant was first described from
+  examples cultivated in Berlin in 1843, but the flowers were not known
+  till 1858. There are several varieties known, viz., <i>P. a.
+  concolor</i>, which is distinguished by the whole of the flower being
+  deep purple in colour; <i>P. a. pectinata</i> has larger scales
+  (spine-tufts); and <i>P. a. cristata</i> is, as its name denotes a
+  kind of cockscomb or crested form. They are all natives of
+  Mexico.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="opuntia" id="opuntia"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS OPUNTIA.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(The old Latin name used by Pliny, and said to have been derived
+  from the city of Opus.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>HERE are about 150 species of Opuntia known, all of them natives
+  of the American continent and the West Indies, though a considerable
+  number have become naturalised in many other parts of the world. They
+  are, with very few exceptions, easily distinguished from all other
+  Cactuses by the peculiar character of their stems and spines; they
+  are also well marked in the structure of their flowers. They vary in
+  size from small, trailing, many-branched plants, never exceeding 6
+  in. in height, to large shrubs 8 ft. to 30 ft. high. (Humboldt states
+  that he saw "Opuntias and other Cactuses 30 ft. to 40 ft. high.")
+  Generally the branches are nearly flat when young, and shaped like a
+  racquet or battledore; but in some species the branches are round
+  <i>(i.e.</i>, in <i>O. cylindrica</i>, <i>O. subulata</i>, <i>O.
+  arborescens</i>, &amp;c.). All the kinds have fleshy stems, which
+  ultimately become cylindrical and woody. At first they consist of
+  fleshy joints, superposed upon one another, the joints varying
+  considerably in size and shape. When young they bear small fleshy
+  leaves along with the spine-tufts; but the former fall off at an
+  early stage, whilst the spines are altered in length or number as the
+  joints get old. In one or two kinds the spines fall away when the
+  joints begin to harden, and in <i>O. subulata</i> the leaves are
+  large and persistent.</p>
+
+  <p>The nature of the spines of Opuntias is of a kind that is not
+  likely to be forgotten by anyone coming into contact with them. Every
+  spine, from the tiny bristles, hardly perceptible to the naked eye,
+  to the stout, needle-like spears which are found on the branches of
+  some kinds, is barbed, and they are so very sharp and penetrating
+  that even a gentle touch is sufficient to make them pierce the skin.
+  Once in they are very difficult to get out; the very fine ones can
+  only be shaved level with the skin, and left to grow out, whilst the
+  larger must be cut out if they have penetrated to any depth. This
+  horrid character in Opuntias, whilst rendering them disagreeable to
+  the gardener, has been turned to good account in many of our
+  colonies, where they are commonly used as fences. A good hedge of
+  such kinds as <i>O. Tuna</i> or <i>O. horrida</i> is absolutely
+  impassable to both man and beast, and as the stems are too watery to
+  be easily destroyed by fire, their usefulness in this way could not
+  be surpassed. As all the Opuntias will grow in the very poorest of
+  soils, and even on bare rocks, and as they grow very rapidly, they
+  have been largely employed in Africa, Australia, and India for
+  fences. It is reported that when an island in the West Indies was
+  divided between the French and English, the boundary was marked by
+  three rows of <i>O. Tuna</i>.</p>
+
+  <p>The flowers of Opuntias are not, as a rule, particularly
+  attractive. In many of the kinds they are large and well-formed, but
+  the colours are tawny-yellow, greenish-white, or dull red. These
+  plants cannot, therefore, be recommended for any floral beauty,
+  although it is probable that the same flowers, on plants of less
+  repulsive appearance than Opuntias are, as a rule, would be admired.
+  There are a few exceptions to this in such species as <i>O.
+  Rafinesquii, O. missouriensis</i>, and <i>O. basilaris</i>, which are
+  compact and dwarf, and bear numerous large, brightly-coloured
+  flowers. The fruits of Opuntias, or, at least, some of them, are
+  edible, and to some palates they are very agreeable. We have tasted
+  them, and consider they are mawkish and insipid&mdash;not much better
+  than very poor gooseberries. Sir Joseph Hooker has compared them to
+  Pumpkins. They are pear-shaped, with a thick, spine-covered rind,
+  containing green, yellow, or red pulp, with small, hard seeds
+  scattered through it.</p>
+
+  <p>The fruit of Opuntia differs in character and structure from the
+  ordinary kind of fruit, such as apples, pears, &amp;c. It consists of
+  a branch, or joint, modified in form, and bearing on its flattened
+  apex a flower, with the ovary buried in a slight depression in the
+  fleshy joint. After becoming fertilised, the ovary grows down into
+  the joint, and, ultimately the whole joint is changed into a
+  succulent, juicy, often coloured "fruit." That this is the case has
+  been proved by planting the unripe "fruit" of Opuntias in pots of
+  sandy soil, and treating them as cuttings, when they have developed
+  buds at the apex and roots at the base, ultimately forming
+  plants.</p>
+
+  <p>The vitality in the branches of most of the species is very great,
+  the smallest piece, as a rule, emitting roots and developing into a
+  plant in a comparatively short time. The branches are soft, and
+  easily broken, so that, in gathering the fruits, many pieces are
+  broken off and cast aside; these soon grow into plants, and in a
+  short time an extensive "colony" of Opuntias springs up where
+  previously only one had been. The seeds, too, are a ready means of
+  increase, being distributed by birds and other animals, which eat the
+  fruits. In consequence of this free vegetative character, the
+  Opuntias introduced into some of our colonies have become a pest
+  almost as difficult to deal with as the rabbit scourge in Australia.
+  In English gardens, however, there is no danger of Opuntias getting
+  the upper hand. The adaptability of the majority of the kinds for
+  cultivation under what may be termed adverse conditions for other
+  plants, and the ease with which they may be propagated, render the
+  management of a collection of these plants an easy matter. Amongst
+  other Cactuses, Opuntias have a striking effect, and a selection of
+  them should be grown in even the smallest collections. A few of them
+  may be recommended specially as attractive plants for a sheltered,
+  sunny rockery.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;The cultural requirements of the
+  Opuntias may more conveniently be referred to under the description
+  of each kind.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;This entails no exceptional treatment;
+  the numerous seeds contained in each fruit germinate freely if sown
+  in sandy soil, and placed on a shelf in a warm house; and the
+  smallest branches root quickly if planted in pots of open soil and
+  kept in the Cactus-house. Large branches root just as freely as small
+  ones. At Kew an enormous specimen, which had grown tall, and
+  developed a thicket of branches too great for the house where it
+  grew, was reduced most summarily by simply cutting off the head of
+  branches and planting it in the ground where the original specimen
+  had been. In a short time this "cutting" was well rooted, and made
+  better growth than it had before the operation was performed.</p>
+
+  <p>As stocks for grafting, many of the more robust kinds of Opuntia
+  are well adapted, and very singular-looking specimens may be obtained
+  by making the most of this fact. One of the crested or monstrous
+  forms, when grafted on a flat-stemmed kind, presents the queerest of
+  appearances, looking like a large green cockscomb growing out of the
+  top of a bladdery kind of stem. Equally odd combinations may be made
+  by grafting a flat-stemmed kind on one whose stem is cylindrical. As
+  all the kinds unite with the greatest ease, a taste for oddities
+  among plants may easily be gratified by making use of Opuntias in
+  this way. The time most favourable for the operation is
+  spring&mdash;say, the month of April. For full information on how to
+  graft Cactuses, see Chapter IV., on <a href=
+  "#propag">Propagation</a>.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p align="left"><b><a name="oarbo" id="oarbo">O. arborescens</a></b>
+  (tree-like).&mdash;This species is known as the Walking-Stick or
+  Elk-Horn Cactus, from its cylindrical, woody stems being made into
+  very curious-looking walking-sticks (examples of which may be seen in
+  the Museum at Kew), whilst the arrangement of the branches is
+  suggestive of elk horns. Habit erect; joints cylindrical, branching
+  freely, and forming trees from 8 ft. to 30 ft. high. Stems covered
+  with oblong tubercles and tufts of long, needle-like spines, which
+  give the plant a very ferocious aspect. Flowers on the ends of the
+  young branches, 2 in. to 3 in. in diameter, bright purple in colour,
+  developing in June. It is a native of Mexico, &amp;c., and requires
+  greenhouse or stove treatment. The skeletons of this species, as seen
+  scattered over the desert places where it is wild, have a very
+  singular and startling appearance. They stand in the form of trees,
+  quite devoid of leaves, spines, or flesh, and, owing to the peculiar
+  arrangement of the ligneous layers, nothing remains except a hollow
+  cylinder, perforated with mesh-like holes, indicating the points
+  where the tubercles and small branches had been. These skeletons are
+  said to stand many years.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oarbu" id="oarbu">O. arbuscula</a></b> (small tree).
+  &mdash;Another of the cylindrical kinds, with a solid, woody trunk,
+  about 4 in. through, and clothed with smooth, green bark; it grows to
+  a height of 7 ft. or 8 ft. Branches very numerous, slender, copiously
+  jointed, the ultimate joints about 3 in. long and &frac12; in. thick;
+  they are slightly tuberculated, and bear tufts of spines nearly 1 in.
+  long. Flowers 1&frac12; in. in diameter, produced in June; petals
+  few, greenish-yellow, tinged with red. It is a native of Mexico, and
+  requires stove treatment. A pretty plant, or, rather, a very
+  remarkable one, even when not in flower, the thin branches, with
+  their hundreds of long, whitish spines, being singular.
+  Unfortunately, it is not easily grown.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oaren" id="oaren">O. arenaria</a></b> (sand-loving).
+  &mdash;Stems spreading, forming a tuft 3 ft. through and about 1 ft.
+  high. Joints 1&frac12; in. to 3 in. long, and a little less in width,
+  terete, with very prominent tubercles and numerous tawny bristles;
+  upper spines 1 in. to 1&frac12; in. long, white, with a yellow point,
+  shorter ones hair-like and curled. Flowers 2 in. in diameter,
+  produced in May. Fruit 1 in. long, bearing a few short spines.
+  Mexico. A strong-rooted plant, which should be grown in very loose,
+  sandy soil. It would probably thrive best when planted out on a stage
+  near the glass in a stove.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oaube" id="oaube">O. Auberi</a></b>
+  (Auber's).&mdash;An erect-growing plant, 8 ft. or more high, not
+  unlike <i>O. Ficus-indica</i> in the form of its joints, but with
+  long spines springing from the cushions, whereas the latter has none.
+  The joints are oblong-ovate, glaucous-green, the cushions few and
+  scattered; spines white, flattened, of various lengths. Flowers tawny
+  yellow, small for the size of the plant. A native of Cuba, and
+  requiring stove treatment. Being very brittle, this plant should be
+  supported with stakes.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oaura" id="oaura">O. aurantiaca</a></b>
+  (orange).&mdash;A dwarf, cylindrical-stemmed kind, branching freely.
+  Joints short, &frac34; in. in diameter; cushions of reddish spines,
+  one about 1 in. long, the others shorter; bases of spines enveloped
+  in white wool. Flowers bright orange, 2 in. to 3 in. across. This
+  species is a native of Chili, whence it was introduced in 1824. It
+  should be grown in a warm greenhouse all winter, and placed in a
+  sunny position outside during summer.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="obasi" id="obasi">O. basilaris</a></b> (branching at
+  the base); Fig. 76.&mdash;A dwarf, compact plant, of peculiar habit.
+  Stem short, branching into a number of stout, obovate, often
+  fan-shaped joints, which usually spring from a common base, and curve
+  inwards, suggesting an open cabbage. Joints 5 in. to 8 in. long,
+  about 1 in. thick, covered all over with dot-like cushions of very
+  short, reddish spines, set in slight depressions or wrinkles. Flowers
+  of a beautiful and rich purple colour, about 2&frac12; in. in
+  diameter, and produced in May. This distinct plant is a native of
+  Mexico, and is of recent introduction. Plants of it may be seen in
+  the Kew collection. It is apparently easily kept in health in an
+  ordinary stove temperature along with other Cactuses. It varies in
+  the form of its joints and in its manner of branching, but it seems
+  never to develop the joints one on the top of the other, as do most
+  Opuntias. This species is certain to become a favourite when it
+  becomes better known.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig76.jpg" width="259" height="330" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA BASILARIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 76.&mdash;OPUNTIA BASILARIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="obige" id="obige">O. Bigelovii</a></b> (Bigelow's).
+  &mdash;A cylinder-stemmed, tall-growing plant, with a stout, woody
+  stem, bearing a dense head of branches. Joints 2 in. to 6 in. long, 1
+  in. to 2 in. in diameter, light green, covered with small tubercles
+  and little spine-cushions, with larger spines 1 in. long. When wild,
+  the young joints are often shaken off by the wind, and cover the soil
+  around, where they take root or stick to the clothes of the
+  passers-by like burrs. Flowers not known. A native of Mexico, where
+  it forms a tree 12 ft. high; it requires stove treatment. The
+  skeleton of the trunk is a hollow cylinder, perforated with numerous
+  holes, which occur in a regular spiral. The appearance of a
+  full-grown specimen is very striking, the oval joints, thickly
+  covered with long, needle-like spines, hanging in clusters, more
+  suggestive of spiny fruit than branches.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oboli" id="oboli">O. boliviana</a></b> (Bolivian);
+  Fig. 77.&mdash;Stems 1 ft. high, erect, branching, and composed of
+  roundish, pale green joints, with small, round tubercles, and long,
+  white, flexible spines, sometimes as much as 4 in. in length;
+  cushions about 1 in. apart. Flowers 1&frac12; in. across, yellowish.
+  This is a fat, gouty-looking plant, from Bolivia, requiring stove
+  treatment. It often assumes a yellow hue on the older joints, even
+  when in good health.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig77.jpg" width="280" height="300" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA BOLIVIANA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 77.&mdash;OPUNTIA BOLIVIANA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="obrac" id="obrac">O. brachyarthra</a></b>
+  (short-jointed); Fig. 78.&mdash;A dwarf-growing, singular-looking
+  plant, with short, tumid joints from 1 in. to 2 in. long and wide,
+  and nearly the same in thickness. The shortness of the joints,
+  together with their growing on the top of each other, has been not
+  inaptly compared to a jointed finger. Cushions very close together,
+  composed of short, white and yellowish bristles, and stout, terete
+  spines, 1 in. or more long, set on little tubercles. Flowers 1 in. in
+  diameter, with about five sepals, eight or nine petals, and a
+  five-rayed stigma; they are borne on the apices of the topmost
+  joints. This species is worth growing on account of its peculiar
+  stems and the length of its white spines. It is a native of New
+  Mexico, and has been recently introduced to Kew, where it is
+  cultivated among the hardy kinds, and also in the greenhouse.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig78.jpg" width="350" height="192" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA BRACHYARTHRA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 78.&mdash;OPUNTIA BRACHYARTHRA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="obraz" id="obraz">O. braziliensis</a></b>
+  (Brazilian).&mdash;The peculiar habit and mode of growth at once
+  distinguish this species. It rises with a perfectly straight, erect,
+  slender, but firm and stiff, round stem, to a height of from 10 ft.
+  to 30 ft., tapering from the base upwards, and furnished all the way
+  up with short, horizontal branches, spreading about 3 ft. all round,
+  like an immense candelabrum. Spines long, subulate, very sharp,
+  ash-coloured, in clusters. Joints broadly oblong, margins wavy; they
+  resemble leaves, or the thin, leaf-like joints of a Phyllocactus,
+  with the addition of long, whitish spines on both sides. Flowers
+  1&frac12; in. in diameter, lemon-yellow, very freely produced on the
+  younger joints during May and June. Fruit as large as a walnut,
+  spiny, yellow when ripe. This species is a native of Brazil, whence
+  it was introduced in 1816. It may be recommended for large, airy
+  houses, as it grows freely, and forms a striking object when arranged
+  with foliage and flowering plants of the ordinary kind. Its fruits
+  are edible.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ocand" id="ocand">O. candelabriformis</a></b>
+  (candelabrum-shaped).&mdash;Stems erect, 5 ft. to 8 ft. high; joints
+  flat, almost circular, about 6 in. in diameter, glaucous-green,
+  densely clothed with numerous cushions of white, bristle-like spines,
+  a few in each cushion being long and thread-like. Flowers not known
+  on cultivated plants. This sturdy species is a native of Mexico, and
+  succeeds well if planted on a little rockery or raised mound in a
+  warm house, where, properly treated, it branches freely, and forms a
+  dense mass of circular joints. It is one of the most useful of the
+  larger Opuntias for cultivation in large houses.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oclav" id="oclav">O. clavata</a></b> (club-shaped).
+  &mdash;Stem short; joints club-shaped, 2 in. long and 1 in. wide,
+  narrowed almost to a point at both ends. Cushions &frac14; in. apart,
+  composed of numerous spines, varying from short and bristle-like to 1
+  in. in length, stout, flattened, and spear-like. Leaves &frac14; in.
+  long. Flowers yellow, 1&frac12; in. across. Fruit 1&frac12; in. long,
+  lemon-yellow when ripe, and covered with stellate clusters of white,
+  bristle-like spines. New Mexico, 1854. A stove species, remarkable
+  for the strength and form of its central spines, which are spear or
+  dagger-shaped.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ococh" id="ococh">O. cochinellifera</a></b>
+  (cochineal-bearing); Bot. Mag. 2742.&mdash;An erect-growing plant,
+  attaining a height of 9 ft. or more, and branching freely, the older
+  parts of the stem and branches being woody and cylindrical; young
+  joints flat, oblong-ovate, varying in length from 4 in. to 1 ft.,
+  deep green, rather soft and watery, spineless, the cushions distant,
+  and sometimes bearing a few very short bristles. Flowers at the
+  extremities of the branches, 1&frac12; in. long, composed of numerous
+  imbricating, scale-like petals, curving inwards, and coloured
+  crimson. Fruit flat-topped, 2 in. long, red; pulp reddish; seeds
+  black. It is a native of tropical South America, whence it was
+  introduced in 1688. It requires stove treatment, and blossoms in
+  August. This is one of the most useful of the genus, on account of
+  its being the kind chiefly employed in the cultivation of cochineal.
+  It is one of the easiest to manage, requiring only a rather dry
+  atmosphere, plenty of light, and a temperature not lower than 50
+  degs. in winter. Syn. <i>Nopalea cochinellifera.</i></p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ocorr" id="ocorr">O. corrugata</a></b>
+  (wrinkled).&mdash;Stem not more than 2 ft. high; joints cylindrical,
+  wrinkled all over, about 2 in. long, covered with cushions of white
+  hair or bristle-like spines. Flowers 1&frac12; in. across,
+  reddish-yellow, produced in August. A native of Chili, whence it was
+  introduced in 1824. It may be grown in an ordinary greenhouse, on a
+  shelf near the glass, and exposed to full sunshine.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ocura" id="ocura">O. curassavica</a></b> (Curassoa);
+  Pin-pillow.&mdash;Branches spreading; joints cylindrical or
+  club-shaped, dark green, bearing numerous cushions of woolly
+  bristles, and long, white, very sharp-pointed spines. Flowers 3 in.
+  across, greenish-yellow, borne on the young joints in June.
+  Introduced from Curassoa in 1690. A free-growing plant under
+  favourable conditions, and one requiring stove treatment. It has been
+  cultivated in gardens almost as long as any species of Cactus. There
+  are several varieties of it known, differing from the type in habit,
+  length of spine, or shade of colour in the flower.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ocyli" id="ocyli">O. cylindrica</a></b>
+  (cylindrical).&mdash;Stem and joints cylindrical, the latter covered
+  with spindle-shaped tubercles, each one crowned with a tuft of fine,
+  hair-like, whitish spines, one or two in each tuft being stiff, and
+  sharp as needles. The leaves are fleshy, cylindrical, 1 in. or more
+  long, and they remain on the joints longer than is usual in Opuntias.
+  Flowers crowded on the ends of the branches, each 1 in. in diameter,
+  scarlet; they are developed in June. This plant is said to grow to a
+  height of 6 ft. or more in its native habitat, but under cultivation
+  it is rarely seen more than 3 ft. high; it was introduced in 1799. It
+  is handsome and distinct enough to be worth growing. It requires
+  stove or greenhouse treatment, but rarely flowers under
+  cultivation.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ocylic" id="ocylic">O. c. cristata</a></b>
+  (crested).&mdash;A dwarf, cockscomb-like variety, with the leaves and
+  white hairs growing all along the wrinkled top of the comb. It is a
+  very singular example of a "monster" Cactus. It requires stove
+  treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="odavi" id="odavi">O. Davisii</a></b> (Davis'); Bot.
+  Mag. 6652.&mdash;Stems somewhat horizontal, not exceeding 1&frac12;
+  ft. in height; joints 4 in. to 6 in. in length, and about &frac12;
+  in. in thickness; wood dense, and hard when old; tubercles not
+  prominent, bearing cushions of very slender bristles, forming a kind
+  of brush, from amongst which the spines spring. The longest spines
+  are 1&frac12; in., and they are covered with a loose, glistening
+  sheath. Flowers 2 in. in diameter, greenish-brown. The plant is a
+  native of New Mexico, and was introduced in 1883. It forms a compact,
+  shrubby little plant if grown in an intermediate house during winter,
+  and placed in the open in full sunshine during summer. It was
+  flowered for the first time in England in 1883, and although not what
+  we should call an attractive plant, in America it is described as
+  being "a well-marked and pretty species." It is named after Jefferson
+  Davis, the American statesman.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="odecu" id="odecu">O. decumana</a></b> (great-oblong).
+  This is the largest-growing species in cultivation. At Kew it is
+  represented by a plant 12 ft. high (it would grow still taller if the
+  house were higher). It has a hard, woody, brown-barked stem, bearing
+  an enormous head of very large, elliptical, flat joints, 12 in. to 20
+  in. long, and about 1 ft. broad, smooth, grey-green, with a few
+  scattered cushions of very tiny bristles, and sometimes, though
+  rarely, a spine or two. Flowers large, orange-coloured, produced in
+  summer. Fruit oval, 4 in. long, spiny, brownish-red, very watery when
+  ripe; flesh red, sweet. A native of Brazil, and requiring stove
+  treatment. This is said to be what is known in Malta as the Indian
+  Fig. The plant is chiefly interesting here on account of the
+  extraordinary size of the joints.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="odiad" id="odiad">O. diademata</a></b>
+  (diademed).&mdash;A small, remarkable, and extremely rare little
+  species, with a short, erect stem, composed of globose, superposed
+  joints, grey-green in colour, and very succulent. The topmost joint
+  is pear-shaped, with a tuft of whitish hair and spines on the apex,
+  out of which the new growth pushes. Cushions large, about 1 in.
+  apart, furnished with a tuft of short, grey hairs and short spines,
+  with a large one at the base. The character of this large spine is
+  exceptional, being broad, flat, cartilaginous, whitish, and curving
+  downwards. On healthy large examples these spines are 2 in. long, and
+  nearly &frac14; in. wide at the base. Flowers and fruit not known.
+  Native of Mendoza (La Plata). This little plant requires to be
+  cultivated in a warm greenhouse or stove, but it grows very slowly.
+  It is certainly a most interesting Cactus; examples of it may be seen
+  at Kew, where there is a plant which, although over ten years old, is
+  only 4 in. high. Syns. <i>O. platyacantha</i> and <i>Cereus
+  syringacanthus</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="odill" id="odill">O. Dillenii</a></b> (Dillenius');
+  Fig. 79.&mdash;An erect-growing, robust species, attaining a height
+  of 15 ft., with flattened, ovate joints, about 5 in. long by 3 in.
+  broad. Cushions composed of short, white, hair-like bristles, and
+  numerous long, stout, yellow spines. Flowers yellow, tinged with red,
+  4 in. in diameter, freely produced on the ends of the youngest joints
+  all summer. Fruits similar to those of <i>O. Ficus-indica</i>. A
+  native of the West Indies, now naturalised in all warmer parts of the
+  world. In India it is so plentiful and widespread that Roxburgh, an
+  Indian botanist, said it was a native. In India, its fruits are eaten
+  by the poor natives, and it is often planted as a hedge. It is also a
+  great pest in the open lands of that country, and large sums are
+  annually expended in cutting it down and burying it. This species,
+  which requires warm greenhouse treatment, is also employed in the
+  cultivation of cochineal.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig79.jpg" width="265" height="330" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA DILLENII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 79.&mdash;OPUNTIA DILLENII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oechi" id="oechi">O. echinocarpa</a></b>
+  (spiny-fruited).&mdash;A low, straggling shrub, not exceeding
+  1&frac12; ft. in height. Joints cylindrical, from 1 in. to 3 in.
+  long, less than 1 in. thick. Cushions of rather coarse bristles and
+  numerous spines, from &frac12; in. to 1 in. in length. Flowers 2 in.
+  in diameter, yellow, produced in summer. Fruit short, depressed,
+  almost saucer-shaped, and bearing spines nearly 1 in. long. A native
+  of Colorado, &amp;c. It requires stove treatment. The variety
+  <i>major</i> has stems 4 ft. high, joints 8 in. to 10 in. long, and
+  long, sheathed spines. This species is closely related to <i>O.
+  Bigelovii</i> and <i>O. Davisii</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oemor" id="oemor">O. Emoryi</a></b> (Emory's).&mdash;A
+  prostrate, spreading plant, less than 1&frac12; ft. high. Joints
+  cylindrical, curved, 4 in. long, 1&frac12; in. thick. Tubercles very
+  prominent, longitudinally attached to the stem, the apices crowned
+  with pea-shaped cushions of short bristles, and numerous radiating
+  spines, some of which are fully 2 in. long, very strong and
+  needle-like. Flowers 2&frac12; in. in diameter, sulphur-yellow,
+  tinged with purple, produced in August and September. Fruit 2&frac12;
+  in. long and 1 in. thick, covered with cushions of bristles and
+  spines. A native of Mexico, on dry, sandy soils, where its prostrate
+  stems, clothed with powerful spines, form a hiding-place for the
+  small animals, snakes, &amp;c. Stove or warm greenhouse treatment is
+  best for this species.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oenge" id="oenge">O. Engelmanni</a></b>
+  (Engelmann's).&mdash;A stout, coarse-looking plant, 6 ft. high, with
+  woody stems and large, flat, green joints, 1 ft. long and 9 in. in
+  diameter. Cushions 1&frac12; in. apart, composed of coarse bristles,
+  and one or two spines over 1 in. long, and pointing downwards.
+  Flowers 3 in. in diameter, yellow, produced in May and June. Fruit
+  nearly round, 2 in. long, purplish both in rind and pulp, the latter
+  rather nauseous to the taste. Mexico. This is a greenhouse plant
+  which grows freely and flowers annually under cultivation. It is very
+  similar to <i>O. monacantha</i>, a much better known species.
+  According to American botanists, it is probably the most widely
+  spread of the whole Cactus tribe.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oficu" id="oficu">O. Ficus-indica</a></b> (Indian
+  Fig); Fig. 80.&mdash;Branches erect, 8 ft. to 12 ft. high; joints
+  flat, oval or obovate, about 1 ft. long by 3 in. in width, and 1 in.
+  in thickness. Stems hard and woody with age. Cushions 1&frac12; in.
+  apart, composed of short, yellowish bristles, and very rarely one
+  spine. Flowers 3 in. to 4 in. across, sulphur-yellow, produced all
+  through the summer. Fruit 3 in. to 4 in. long, pear-shaped, covered
+  with tufts of bristles, white, yellow, or red when ripe. It is a
+  native of Central America, whence it was introduced about 300 years
+  ago. It is now widely spread, in tropical and temperate regions all
+  over the world. In many parts it is cultivated for the sake of its
+  fruits, which in some of our colonies are used for dessert. In
+  England it must be protected from damp and cold; it is, therefore,
+  best cultivated in a sunny greenhouse during winter, and placed
+  outside in a position exposed to full sunshine all summer. Tenore, an
+  Italian botanist, named this species <i>O. vulgaris</i>, and this
+  mistake has led others to consider the North American <i>O.
+  vulgaris</i> (true) and <i>O. Ficus-indica</i> as one and the same
+  species.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig80.jpg" width="311" height="320" alt=
+    "FRUITING BRANCH OF OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 80.&mdash;FRUITING BRANCH OF OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ofili" id="ofili">O. filipendula</a></b> (hanging
+  filaments); Fig. 81.&mdash;Stems prostrate, about 1 ft. high,
+  spreading; joints flat, round or oval, about 3 in. long, often less,
+  milky-green in colour. Cushions &frac12; in. apart, composed of a
+  little tuft of white woolly hair, a cluster of erect, rather long
+  bristles, like a small shaving-brush, and all pointing upwards;
+  spines usually only one in each cushion, and this is slender,
+  deflexed, white, and from 1 in. to 2 in. long. Sometimes the joints
+  are wholly spineless. Flowers 2&frac12; in. in diameter, purplish,
+  very handsome, produced in May and June. Fruit not known. The roots
+  of this species bear tubers often 1 in. in thickness, and several
+  inches in length, and these tubers will grow into plants if severed
+  and planted. It requires stove treatment. Native country, Mexico.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig81.jpg" width="340" height="283" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA FILIPENDULA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 81.&mdash;OPUNTIA FILIPENDULA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ofrut" id="ofrut">O. frutescens</a></b>
+  (shrubby).&mdash;A thin-stemmed, copiously-branched species. Joints
+  almost continuous, like ordinary branches, from 2 in. to 6 in. long,
+  the thickest not exceeding &frac14; in. Cushions on raised points or
+  tubercles, each consisting of a small tuft of hair, inclosed in a row
+  of bristles, and one long, central spine, often exceeding 2 in. in
+  length. When young, the spines are inclosed in a thin, bony sheath.
+  Flowers scattered along the younger branches, 1 in. across,
+  greenish-yellow, borne in June. Fruit 1 in. long, pear-shaped,
+  smooth, scarlet, with tufts of bristles all over it, and a depression
+  in the apex. Mexico. This forms an interesting pot-plant when
+  properly cultivated. It should be grown in a warm greenhouse.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ograh" id="ograh">O. Grahami</a></b>
+  (Graham's).&mdash;This is one of several species of Opuntia which are
+  remarkable in having thick, fleshy roots, not unlike those of the
+  Dahlia. The joints are 2 in. long and 1 in. in diameter, cylindrical,
+  with adpressed tubercles, &frac12; in. or more long, each tubercle
+  bearing a tuft of long, straight, radiating spines. Flowers 2 in.
+  across, yellow, borne on the ends of the ripened joints in June.
+  Fruits 1&frac12; in. long and &frac34; in. wide, covered with
+  stellate clusters of short, bristle-like spines. This plant is a
+  native of Mexico, and is a recent introduction. From the nature of
+  its roots, which are no doubt intended to serve as reservoirs for
+  times of extreme drought, it should be grown in well-drained, sandy
+  soil, and kept quite dry all winter. It requires stove treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ohorr" id="ohorr">O. horrida</a></b>
+  (horrid).&mdash;An erect, stout-stemmed plant, with flattened, green
+  joints, about 5 in. long by 3 in. wide. Cushions 1 in. apart,
+  composed of short, reddish bristles, and long, tawny red spines,
+  about eight in each cushion, and of a peculiarly ferocious
+  appearance&mdash;hence the specific name. The stoutest spines are 3
+  in. long, and are sharp and strong as needles. This species (which is
+  probably a native of Mexico) is deserving of a place in collections
+  of Cactuses because of the character of its spines. Probably it is
+  only a variety of <i>O. Tuna</i>. It requires warm-house
+  treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ohyst" id="ohyst">O. hystricina</a></b>
+  (porcupine-like).&mdash;This beautiful species was discovered in the
+  San Francisco Mountains mixed with <i>O. missouriensis</i>, to which
+  it is nearly allied. It is spreading in habit, the joints 3 in. to 4
+  in. long and broad; cushions &frac12; in. apart, rather large, with
+  numerous spines, varying in length from &frac12; in. to 4 in., and
+  short, yellowish bristles. Flowers large, yellow. Fruit 1 in., long,
+  spiny. This plant is not known in English collections, but it is
+  described by American botanists as being attractive and a free
+  grower. As it is found along with <i>O. missouriensis</i>, it ought
+  to prove hardy in England.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="olept" id="olept">O. leptocaulis</a></b>
+  (slender-stemmed).&mdash;This little Mexican species is chiefly
+  remarkable for its fragile, numerous, twig-like joints, thickly
+  dotted with tubercles and numerous spirally-arranged cushions of
+  reddish bristles, with long, grey spines. It does not flower under
+  cultivation. Requires stove treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oleuc" id="oleuc">O. leucotricha</a></b>
+  (white-haired).&mdash;An erect-stemmed kind, with flattened joints,
+  ovate or oblong in shape, and bearing numerous cushions, &frac12; in.
+  apart, of short bristles, with a large, central spine, and a few
+  others rather shorter. When young these spines are rigid and
+  needle-like; but as they get older they increase in length, and
+  become soft, and curled like stiff, white hair. Young plants are
+  noticeable for their small, subulate leaves of a bright red colour,
+  whilst old examples are almost as interesting as the Old Man Cactus
+  (<i>Pilocereus senilis</i>), the long, white, hair-like spines of the
+  Opuntia hanging from the older joints in much the same manner as they
+  do from the upper part of the stem of the Pilocereus. Flowers yellow,
+  produced in June. This species is a native of Mexico, and requires
+  stove treatment. Seeds of this, and, indeed, of a large proportion of
+  the cultivated Opuntias, may be procured from seedsmen, and as they
+  germinate quickly, and soon produce handsome little plants, a
+  collection of Opuntias is thus very easily obtained.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="omacr" id="omacr">O. macrocentra</a></b>
+  (large-spurred).&mdash;A flat-jointed species, growing to a height of
+  3 ft.; the joints large, almost circular, thinly compressed, and
+  usually purplish in colour. Cushions about 1 in. apart, with spines
+  often 3 in. long, of a greyish colour, and generally pointing
+  downwards. Flowers 3 in. across, bright yellow; they are developed in
+  May and June, on the upper edges of the youngest joints. This plant
+  is a native of Mexico; it is at present rare, but the unusual colour
+  of the joints, its compact, freely-branched habit, the extraordinary
+  length of its spines, and the size of its flowers, ought to win for
+  it many admirers. It is easily grown if kept in an intermediate
+  house. Plants of it may be seen in the Kew collection.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="omacro" id="omacro">O. macrorhiza</a></b>
+  (large-rooted); Figs. 82, 83.&mdash;In this Texan species we have a
+  combination of the principal characters for which the genus Opuntia
+  is remarkable: The thick, fleshy roots, which are a supposed source
+  of food, and which look like potatoes; the cylinder-shaped older
+  stems, and the flattened, battledore-like joints; the tufts of
+  bristles on the stems, and deciduous, longer spines on the joints;
+  the large, beautiful, yellow flowers; and the small leaves on the
+  newly-formed joints. In habit and flowers this kind resembles <i>O.
+  Rafinesquii</i>; and if not quite hardy in England, it is
+  nevertheless sufficiently so to thrive in any sunny position where it
+  would be protected from frost and excessive wet. The accompanying
+  illustrations represent the characters of this species so well that
+  further description is not needed. The flowers are developed in early
+  summer.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig82.jpg" width="334" height="310" alt=
+    "FLOWERING BRANCHES OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 82.&mdash;FLOWERING BRANCHES OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig83.jpg" width="330" height="267" alt=
+    "ROOTS OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 83. ROOTS OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="omicr" id="omicr">O. microdasys</a></b> (small,
+  thick).&mdash;This is a handsome little Mexican plant. Its flattened
+  joints, which are nearly circular in outline, are thickly covered
+  with little cushions of bright orange-yellow bristles, the cushions
+  being so close together that the short bristles almost hide the green
+  joints from view. The stems are semi-decumbent, and they branch
+  somewhat freely. Flowers not seen. It thrives in a warm greenhouse
+  temperature. The best examples of this pretty Opuntia are grafted on
+  a robust-growing kind, the stock being about 1 ft. long, and the
+  scion forming a compact head of pretty, healthy-looking joints.
+  Treated in this way, this species is most interesting and attractive.
+  It may also be grown on its own roots. There is a variety of it,
+  named <i>rufida</i>, in which the bristles are reddish-brown.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="omiss" id="omiss">O. missouriensis</a></b>
+  (Missouri).&mdash;A stout, prostrate kind, forming large, spreading
+  masses under favourable conditions. Joints broad, flattened, obovate,
+  about 4 in. long by 2 in. wide, light green; spine-cushions less than
+  1 in. apart, and composed of numerous small, white spines, with from
+  one to four longer ones; these latter fall away when the joints get
+  old. Leaves very short, with a little wool about their bases. Flowers
+  3 in. in diameter, appearing from May onwards; petals yellow, dashed
+  with rose, sometimes wholly rose-coloured or brick-red. Stamens deep
+  red; pistil yellow, with a conical stigma. Fruit nearly round, spiny,
+  about 2 in. long. A native of Wisconsin, and westward to the San
+  Francisco Mountains; introduced in 1814. This species is as hardy as
+  <i>O. Rafinesquii</i>, and thrives under similar treatment. It has
+  stood 22 degs. of frost without suffering, requiring only protection
+  from rain in winter. In North America it forms large, spreading
+  masses on gravelly hillsides, and is much dreaded by travellers, and
+  especially by horses; there it is usually covered with snow from
+  Christmas to the following May.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="omona" id="omona">O. monacantha</a></b>
+  (one-spined).&mdash;A tall, robust plant, not unlike <i>O.
+  Dillenii</i> in general habit. It has flat, large joints, oblong or
+  ovate in outline, rather thinly compressed, and bearing grey cushions
+  over 1 in. apart, with a solitary spine, 1&frac12; in. long,
+  springing from the centre of each cushion, and pointing downwards.
+  Flowers sulphur-yellow, 2&frac12; in. across, borne on the
+  last-ripened joints in May, and abundant on well-grown plants. Fruits
+  ovate, 2 in. long, green, with tufts of short, brown bristles; pulp
+  edible. The species is a native of Brazil, but is now common in many
+  tropical and sub-tropical countries. It is a free-growing kind, soon
+  forming a large specimen if planted in a bed of old brick-rubble, or
+  other light, well-drained soil, and kept in warm greenhouse
+  temperature.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="onigr" id="onigr">O. nigricans</a></b> (blackish);
+  Bot. Mag. 1557.&mdash;Stem stout, erect, becoming hard and woody when
+  old. Joints flat, oval in outline, 5 in. to 8 in. long. Cushions
+  1&frac12; in. apart, composed of short reddish-brown bristles and two
+  or three long stout spines, which are yellow when young, but almost
+  black when ripe. Flowers produced on the young, ripened joints,
+  orange-red, about 3 in. across and developed in August and September.
+  Fruit pear-shaped, rich crimson when ripe. Introduced from Brazil in
+  1795. This well-marked species thrives in a warm greenhouse. It
+  branches freely, and has a healthy aspect at all times. It is
+  represented at Kew by very large specimens; one of them, which was
+  recently cut down, had a stem 12 ft. high and an enormous head of
+  dark, green joints. Its head was planted as a cutting.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oocci" id="oocci">O. occidentalis</a></b> (Western).
+  &mdash;Stem stout, woody, with innumerable branches, wide-spreading,
+  often bent to the ground. Joints 9 in. to 12 in. long by about 6 in.
+  broad, flattened, as many as 100 on one plant. Cushions nearly 2 in.
+  apart, with small, closely-set bristles and straight spines from
+  &frac12; in. to l&frac12; in. long. Flowers produced in June on the
+  ripened joints, nearly 4 in. in diameter, orange-yellow. Fruit 2 in.
+  long, "very juicy, but of a sour and disagreeable taste." This is an
+  exceptionally fine plant when allowed sufficient space to develop its
+  enormous branches and joints; it is a native of the Western slopes of
+  the Californian mountains. It should be planted in a bed of rough,
+  stony soil, in a dry greenhouse. Possibly it is hardy, but it does
+  not appear to have been grown out of doors in England.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oparm" id="oparm">O. Parmentieri</a></b>
+  (Parmentier's).&mdash;Stem erect. Joints cylindrical, "like little
+  cucumbers." Cushions about 1 in. apart, arranged in spiral rows, and
+  composed of short, reddish bristles, with two or three straw-coloured
+  spines, 1 in. long. Flowers reddish, small. The plant is a native of
+  Paraguay, and is rarely heard of in cultivation. It requires stove
+  treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oparr" id="oparr">O. Parryi</a></b>
+  (Parry's).&mdash;Stem short. Joints club-shaped, 4 in. to 6 in. long,
+  very spiny, the cushions elevated on ridge-like tubercles. Bristles
+  few, coarse, and long. Spines very numerous, varying in length from
+  &frac14; in. to 1&frac12; in.; central one in each cushion much the
+  broadest, and flattened like a knife-blade, the others being more or
+  less triangular. Flowers yellowish-green, on the terminal joints,
+  which are clothed with star-shaped clusters of bristle-like spines,
+  the flowers springing from the apex of the joint, and measuring
+  1&frac12; in. across. A native of Mexico, where it grows on gravelly
+  plains. This distinct plant is in cultivation at Kew, in a warm
+  greenhouse, but it has not yet flowered.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="orafi" id="orafi">O. Rafinesquii</a></b>
+  (Rafinesque's); Fig. 84.&mdash;A low, prostrate, spreading plant,
+  seldom exceeding 1 ft. in height, the main branches keeping along the
+  ground, the younger ones being erect. The latter are composed of
+  flat, obovate joints, 4 in. to 5 in. long by 3 in. in width, fresh
+  green in colour; spines very few, mostly only on the upper edge of
+  the last-made joints, single, or sometimes two or three from each
+  spine-cushion, 1 in. long, straight, whitish, soon falling off;
+  cushion composed of very fine reddish bristles and whitish wool;
+  leaves very small, falling early. The branches become cylindrical and
+  woody with age. Flowers 2 in. to 4 in. in diameter, bright
+  sulphur-yellow, with a reddish tint in the centre; in form they are
+  like a shallow cup, the numerous stamens occupying the middle. They
+  are produced in great abundance on the margins of the youngest
+  joints, as many as fifty open flowers having been counted on a single
+  specimen at one time. Fruit pear-shaped, 1&frac12; in. to 2 in. long,
+  naked, edible, somewhat acid and sweetish. The flowering season is
+  from July to September; the native country, Wisconsin to Kentucky,
+  and westward to Arkansas and Missouri. This species, introduced about
+  twenty years ago, has only recently been brought prominently before
+  English gardeners. It is a very ornamental and interesting plant for
+  outdoor cultivation, and when once established gives no trouble. For
+  the first year or two after planting it requires watching, as, until
+  the basal joints harden and become woody, they are liable to rot in
+  wet weather. A large-flowered form, known as <i>grandiflora</i>, is
+  cultivated in American gardens.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig84.jpg" width="350" height="195" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA RAFINESQUII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 84.&mdash;OPUNTIA RAFINESQUII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="orose" id="orose">O. rosea</a></b> (rose-coloured);
+  Fig. 85.&mdash;Stem erect, branching freely. Joints varying in length
+  from 2 in. to 6 in., not flattened, with ridge-like tubercles,
+  bearing on their points small cushions of very fine bristles and
+  tufts of pale yellowish spines about &frac12; in. long, and all
+  pointing upwards. Flowers on the ends of the ripened growths of the
+  year, usually clustered, 2 in. across, bright rose-coloured; they are
+  developed in June. A rare species from Brazil, and one which, as the
+  illustration shows, is both distinct and handsome enough to be
+  classed amongst the most select. It requires a stove temperature.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig85.jpg" width="246" height="350" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA ROSEA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 85.&mdash;OPUNTIA ROSEA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="osalm" id="osalm">O. Salmiana</a></b> (Prince
+  Salm-Dyck's).&mdash;Stem erect, branching freely, the branches at
+  right angles to the stem. Joints from 1 in. to 6 in. long,
+  cylindrical, smooth, &frac12; in. in diameter, clothed with small
+  cushions of soft, short bristles, and one or two longish spines.
+  Flowers produced in September, 2 in. across, yellow, streaked with
+  red, of short duration. Fruit egg-shaped, 1 in. long, crimson. This
+  species is a native of Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1850. It
+  requires to be grown in an intermediate house. It is a charming
+  little Cactus, and quite exceptional among Opuntias in the colour and
+  abundance of its flowers, and in the rich colour of its numerous
+  fruits, which usually remain on the plant several months. The plant,
+  too, has the merit of keeping dwarf and compact. The small joints
+  separate very easily from the branches, and every one of them will
+  root and grow into a plant. There is something very remarkable in the
+  development of the fruits of this kind. A small branch, or joint,
+  grows to its full length, and a flower-bud appears in the apex. If
+  examined at this stage, it will be seen that the ovary occupies only
+  a very shallow cavity in the top of the branch. After flowering, this
+  ovary grows into the branch, and ultimately the whole branch is
+  transformed into a pulpy fruit, with the seeds scattered all through
+  the pulp. This peculiarity is well shown in <i>O. salmiana</i>, and
+  the development of the fruit can be very easily watched. Many of the
+  small branches do not flower, although they change to a red colour
+  like the fruits.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ospin" id="ospin">O. spinosissima</a></b> (very
+  spiny).&mdash;Stem erect, woody. Joints very flat and thin, deep
+  green, ovate or rotund, from 6 in. to 1 ft. long. Cushions 1 in.
+  apart. Bristles very short. Spines in clusters of about five, the
+  longest 2 in. in length, brownish-yellow. Flowers reddish-orange,
+  small, usually only 2 in. across, produced in June. A native of South
+  America; naturalised in many parts of the Old World. The stem becomes
+  cylindrical with age, and sometimes is devoid of branches for about 5
+  ft. from the ground. The plant requires stove treatment. Probably
+  this kind is only a form of <i>O. Tuna</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="osubu" id="osubu">O. subulata</a></b> (awl-shaped).
+  &mdash;Stem erect, cylindrical, even below, channelled and tubercled
+  above, about 2 in. in diameter. Joints long and branch-like, with
+  tufts of short, white hair on the apices of the tubercles, and one or
+  two white, needle-like spines from &frac12; in. to 1 in. long. At the
+  base of each tuft, from the apex to 1 ft. or more down the younger
+  branches, there is a fleshy, green, awl-shaped leaf, from 2 in. to 5
+  in. long. Ultimately the leaves and spines fall away, the tubercles
+  are levelled down, and the mature stem is regular and cylindrical,
+  with tufts of white setae scattered over it. Flowers small, produced
+  in spring; sepals 2 in. long, green, deciduous; petals small, dull
+  purple, usually about eight in each flower. Fruit pear-shaped, 4 in.
+  long; seeds very large, nearly &frac12; in. long and wide. This
+  handsome South American species was the subject of an interesting
+  communication to the <i>Gardeners' Chronicle</i>, in 1884, from Dr.
+  Engelmann. It had previously been known as a Pereskia from the fact
+  of its leaves being persistent and very large. In its leaves,
+  flowers, and seeds, <i>O. subulata</i> is one of the most interesting
+  of the genus. It is easily grown in a warm greenhouse, and deserves a
+  place in all collections of Cactuses.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="otuna" id="otuna">O. Tuna</a></b> (native name); Fig.
+  86.&mdash;An erect-stemmed, flat-jointed, robust-growing species.
+  Joints ovate, 4 in. to 9 in. long, with cushions 1 in. apart,
+  composed of short, fulvous bristles, and several long, needle-shaped,
+  unequal, yellowish spines. Flowers borne on the upper edges of the
+  last-ripened joints, 3 in. across, reddish-orange, produced in July.
+  Fruit rich carmine, about 3 in. long, pear-shaped. The plant is a
+  native of the West Indies, &amp;c., and was introduced in 1731. It
+  has already been stated, under <i>O. spinosissima</i>, that there is
+  a close similarity between that species and <i>O. Tuna</i>. We
+  suspect, also, that <i>O. nigricans</i> is another near relation of
+  these two. They are much alike in all characters, and they require
+  the same treatment. <i>O. Tuna</i> has been seen as much as 20 ft. in
+  height.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig86.jpg" width="226" height="330" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA TUNA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 86.&mdash;OPUNTIA TUNA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="otuni" id="otuni">O. tunicata</a></b>
+  (coated-spined).&mdash;Stem sub-erect, cylindrical. Joints
+  club-shaped, variable in length, about 2 in. in diameter. When young
+  the surface is broken up into numerous oblong tubercles, each bearing
+  a small cushion of whitish, short hairs, and about half a dozen white
+  spines, unequal in length, the longest stout, and inclosed in a hard
+  sheath, which becomes broken and ragged when old. Flowers not known.
+  A native of Mexico, and introduced in 1840. It requires stove
+  treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ovulg" id="ovulg">O. vulgaris</a></b> (common); Bot.
+  Mag. 2393.&mdash;A low, prostrate, spreading plant. Joints short,
+  oval, flattened, thicker than in <i>O. missouriensis</i>, 3 in. long
+  by about 2 in. broad. Spine-cushions &frac34; in. apart; tufts very
+  small, with, occasionally, a long spine. Leaves fleshy, very small.
+  Flowers 2 in. across, pale sulphur-yellow. Fruits nearly smooth,
+  1&frac12; in. long, brown when ripe, with a strong disagreeable
+  odour. The flowers are produced freely in June. The plant grows wild
+  in Mexico, and extends up to New York, usually near the coast. It is
+  now common in many parts of Europe, where it has become naturalised.
+  In Madeira it has taken possession of all waste land, and is
+  perfectly at home there. In England it was cultivated by Gerard
+  nearly 300 years ago. It grows rapidly if planted in stony soil, in a
+  position exposed to full sunshine, where it will creep along the
+  ground, and root all along its stems, which rarely get elevated more
+  than 6 in. from the ground. This species and <i>O. Ficus-indica</i>
+  are confused by some authors, owing, no doubt, to the name <i>O.
+  vulgaris</i> having been given by a botanist to the latter, which is
+  a much larger and very different-looking plant. <i>O. vulgaris</i> is
+  capable of withstanding our winters out of doors.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="owhip" id="owhip">O. Whipplei</a></b> (Captain
+  Whipple's).&mdash;Stem usually prostrate, with slender, elongated
+  branches, which are cylindrical when old, broken up into short joints
+  when young. Joints varying in length from 2 in. to 1 ft., less than 1
+  in. in diameter. Cushions small, round. Spines white, variable in
+  number, and arranged in tufts on the ends of the tubercles, one being
+  1 in. long, the others shorter. Flowers nearly 2 in. in diameter,
+  red, borne in a cluster on the ends of the last-ripened joints in
+  June. Fruit 1 in. long, with a cavity in the top. A compact, Mexican
+  species, with crowded branches, and very free-flowering. It requires
+  stove treatment. <i>O. Whipplei</i> is related to <i>O.
+  arborescens</i>, from which, however, it is easily distinguished by
+  the latter having a stout central spine and numerous radiating
+  ones.</p>
+
+  <p>Of the 150 species of Opuntia known, about one-third have been
+  selected for description here, and amongst these will be found all
+  the best-marked kinds in the genus, and most of those of which we
+  have any knowledge. Botanists find good specific characters in the
+  size and structure of the seeds, in the character of the fruits,
+  &amp;c.; but for horticultural purposes these are of little or no
+  value.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="peres" id="peres"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS PERESKIA.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(Named in honour of Nicholas F. Peresk, a botanist of
+  Provence.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>HE thirteen species included in the genus Pereskia differ so
+  markedly from all other kinds of Cactus, that at first sight one can
+  scarcely believe they are true Cactuses, closely related to Cereus
+  and Epiphyllum. They have erect or trailing stems and branches, and
+  usually form dense, large bushes; the branches are woody and thin,
+  and bear large, laurel-like leaves, which remain on the plants
+  several years&mdash;so that they may be termed evergreen. They have,
+  however, the spine-cushions, the tufts of woolly hair and stout
+  spines, and the floral characters which distinguish Cactuses from
+  other plants; they are also succulent, the leaves and young branches
+  being soft and fleshy. They appear to have the same peculiar
+  provision for enabling them to bear long periods of drought without
+  suffering that characterises the more familiar forms of Cactuses. The
+  development of the spines in this genus is different from what takes
+  place in all other spiny plants of this order. In the latter the
+  spines are stoutest and most numerous on the younger parts of the
+  plant, the older or woody parts being either spineless, through
+  having cast them, or much less spiny than when they were younger.
+  Thus, in Opuntia we find few or no spines on the old parts of the
+  stems of even such species as <i>O. horrida</i>, <i>O. nigricans</i>,
+  &amp;c. In Echinocactus, too, the spines about the base of old plants
+  are much fewer, if not entirely cast off, than on the upper part. In
+  Pereskia the contrary is the case. Taking <i>P. aculeata</i> as an
+  example, this is best known in gardens as having branches about as
+  thick as a goose-quill, with ovate leaves, at the base of which there
+  is a pair of curved spines, &frac14; in. long, and shaped like cats'
+  claws. But this plant when it gets old has a stem 3 in. in diameter,
+  and clothed down to the ground with cushions of spines fixed firmly
+  in the bark, each cushion composed of from twenty to fifty spines,
+  and each spine 1 in. or more in length. From two to six new spines
+  are developed in the centre of each healthy cushion annually. It
+  would be absolutely impossible for any animal to climb an old stem of
+  a Pereskia. In <i>P. Bleo</i> the spines are 2 in. long, and the
+  cushions are much larger.</p>
+
+  <p>The flowers of Pereskias are borne singly or in panicles, at the
+  ends of the young, ripened branches. In shape, each flower may be
+  compared to a single Rose, the petals being flat and spreading, and
+  the numerous stamens forming a compact cluster in the centre. The
+  stigma is erect, and divided at the top into four or more rays. The
+  fruit is a berry shaped like a Gooseberry, and covered with minute
+  clusters of short bristles.</p>
+
+  <p>All the species are found in tropical America and the West
+  Indies.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation</b>.&mdash;Although several of the kinds of
+  Pereskia are sufficiently ornamental to be deserving of a place in
+  gardens as flowering plants, yet they are rarely cultivated&mdash;in
+  England, at least&mdash;for any other purpose than that of forming
+  stocks upon which Epiphyllums and other Cacti are grafted. Only two
+  species are used, viz., <i>P. aculeata</i> and <i>P. Bleo</i>, the
+  former being much the more popular of the two; whilst <i>P. Bleo</i>,
+  on account of the stoutness of its stems, is employed for only the
+  most robust kinds of grafts.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation</b>.&mdash;Both the above-named species may be
+  propagated to any extent, as every bit of branch with a leaf and eye
+  attached is capable of rooting and soon forming a stock. The practice
+  among those who use Pereskias as stocks for Epiphyllums is as
+  follows: Cuttings of <i>P. aculeata</i> are planted in sandy soil, in
+  boxes, and placed on a shelf in a stove till rooted. In about a month
+  they are ready to be planted singly in 3 in. pots, any light soil
+  being used; and each plant is fastened to a stake 1 ft. long. They
+  are kept in a warm, moist house, all lateral shoots being cut away,
+  and the leader encouraged to grow as tall as possible in the year.
+  From December the plants are kept dry to induce the wood to ripen,
+  preparatory to their being used for grafting in February. Stocks 9
+  in. or 1 ft. high are thus formed. If taller stocks are required, the
+  plants must be grown on till of the required length and firmness.
+  Large plants may be trained against a wall or along the rafters in a
+  warm house; and when of the required size, the branches may be
+  spurred back, and Epiphyllums, slender Cereuses, and similar plants,
+  grafted upon them. In this way very fine masses of the latter may be
+  obtained in much less time than if they were grown from small
+  plants.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pacul" id="pacul">P. aculeata</a></b> (prickly); West
+  Indian or Barbados Gooseberry.&mdash;Stem woody, more or less erect,
+  branching freely, and forming a dense bush about 6 ft. high. Young
+  branches leafy; old ones brown, leafless, clothed with large cushions
+  of long, stout, brown spines, sometimes 2 in. in length. Leaves
+  alternate, with very short petioles, at the base of which is a pair
+  of short spines, and a small tuft of wool in the axil; blade 3 in.
+  long by 2 in. broad, soft, fleshy, shining green. Flowers
+  semi-transparent, white, in terminal panicles; sepals and petals
+  &frac34; in. long by &frac14; in. wide; stamens in a large, spreading
+  cluster, white, with yellow anthers. Ovary covered with small
+  cushions of short bristles, with sometimes a solitary spine in the
+  centre of each cushion. Fruit 1 in. long, egg-shaped, red, edible.
+  There is a large plant of this in the Succulent House at Kew which
+  flowers almost annually, but it has never ripened fruits. In the West
+  Indies it is a very common shrub, whilst at the Cape of Good Hope it
+  is used for fences&mdash;and a capital one it makes.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="paculr" id="paculr">P. a. rubescens</a></b>
+  (reddish).&mdash;This variety has narrower, longer leaves, which are
+  glaucous-green above and tinged with red below; the spines on the old
+  stems are shorter and more numerous in each cushion. This requires
+  the same treatment as the type.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pbleo" id="pbleo">P. Bleo</a></b> (native name); Fig.
+  87.&mdash;A stout, branching shrub, having an erect stem, 3 in. or
+  more in diameter, with green bark and very large cushions of spines;
+  cushion a round, hard mass of short, woolly hair, from which the
+  spines&mdash;about fifty in each cushion&mdash;radiate in all
+  directions; longest spines 2 in. or more in length; one or two new
+  ones are developed annually, and these are bright red when young,
+  almost black when ripe; young branches &frac14; in. to &frac12; in.
+  in diameter. Leaves &frac12; in. apart, 3 in. to 6 in. long by 1 in.
+  to 2 in. wide, oblong, pointed, with short petioles, and a small tuft
+  of short, brown hair, with three or more reddish spines, in the axil
+  of each. Flowers on the ends of the young, ripened branches,
+  clustered in the upper leaf-axils, each flower 2 in. across, and
+  composed of a regular circle of rosy-red petals, with a cluster of
+  whitish stamens in the centre. They remain on the plant several
+  weeks. Native of New Grenada. Probably <i>P. grandiflora</i> is the
+  same as this, or a slightly different form of it. A large specimen
+  may be obtained in a year or two by planting it in a well-drained bed
+  of loam, in a warm, sunny house. It blossoms almost all summer if
+  allowed to make strong growth. Pretty little flowering plants may be
+  had by taking ripened growths from an old plant, and treating them as
+  cuttings till rooted. In the following spring they are almost certain
+  to produce flowers. Plants 1 ft. high, bearing a cluster of flowers,
+  are thus annually obtained at Kew. Fig. 87 represents a short,
+  stunted branch, probably from a specimen grown in a pot. When planted
+  out, the leaves and spine-cushions are farther apart.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig87.jpg" width="467" height="300" alt=
+    "PERESKIA BLEO" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 87.&mdash;PERESKIA BLEO</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pzinn" id="pzinn">P. zinniaeflora</a></b>
+  (Zinnia-flowered); Fig. 88.&mdash;Stem erect, woody, branching
+  freely, the branches bearing oval, acuminate, fleshy, wavy-edged,
+  green leaves, with short petioles, and a pair of spines in the axil
+  of each. Spine-cushions on old stems crowded with stout, brown
+  spines. Flowers rosy-red, terminal on the ripened young shoots, and
+  composed of a whorl of broad, overlapping petals, with a cluster of
+  stamens in the centre, the whole measuring nearly 2 in. across. This
+  species is a native of Mexico; it grows and flowers freely if kept in
+  a warm house.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig88.jpg" width="338" height="340" alt=
+    "PERESKIA ZINNIAEFLORA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 88.&mdash;PERESKIA ZINNIAEFLORA</p>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="rhips" id="rhips"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS RHIPSALIS</h3>.
+
+  <h5>(From <i>rhips</i>, a willow-branch; referring to the flexible,
+  wand-like branches of some of the kinds.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_A.gif" width="54" height="113" alt="A" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>BOUT thirty species of Rhipsalis are known, most of them more
+  peculiar than ornamental, although everyone is in some way
+  interesting. They are remarkable for the great variety in form and
+  habit presented by the different kinds, some of them much less
+  resembling Cactuses than other plants. Thus, in <i>R. Cassytha</i>,
+  the long, fleshy, whip-like branches and white berries are very
+  similar to Mistletoe; <i>R. salicornoides</i>, with its leafless,
+  knotty branches, resembles a Salicornia, or Marsh Samphire; another
+  is like a Mesembryanthemum; and so on. The flowers are usually small,
+  and composed of numerous linear sepals and petals, arranged more or
+  less like a star, with a cluster of thin stamens in the centre, and
+  an erect, rayed stigma. In the flat-jointed kinds, the flowers are
+  developed singly, in notches along the margins of the young, ripened
+  joints; in the knotted, Samphire-like kinds, they are borne on the
+  ends of the branches; and in those with short, fleshy, leaf-like
+  joints, they are usually placed on what appear to be flower-joints.
+  Although the branches of these plants are usually altogether unlike
+  the rest of the Order, yet occasionally they develop joints which are
+  furrowed, and bear clusters of spines exactly as in the commoner
+  forms of Cactuses.</p>
+
+  <p>The geographical distribution of Rhipsalis is exceptional. It is
+  the only genus of Cactuses that has representatives in the Old World,
+  excluding, of course, those which have been introduced by man. The
+  bulk of the kinds of Rhipsalis occur in Central and South America,
+  and the West Indies; but one&mdash;viz., <i>R. Cassytha</i>&mdash;is
+  also found in Africa, Mauritius, Madagascar, and Ceylon, as well as
+  in tropical America. Several other species are found in Madagascar,
+  some of them only recent discoveries. The occurrence of similar or
+  even identical plants in tropical America and Madagascar has its
+  analogy in the Animal Kingdom as represented in the two
+  countries.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation</b>.&mdash;All the species appear to grow well and
+  flower freely under cultivation, the slowest grower being, perhaps,
+  <i>R. sarmentacea</i>. In their natural homes they are invariably
+  found either on trees or rocks, seldom or never on the ground; but in
+  greenhouses they may be grown in pots, a few being happiest when
+  suspended near the glass. They do not like bright sunshine, nor
+  should they be kept in a very shaded, moist position. There is a good
+  collection of kinds in the Succulent-house at Kew.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation</b>.&mdash;Seeds of Rhipsalis ripen freely, and
+  these, if sown on sandy soil, and placed on a shelf in a warm house,
+  germinate in a few days. The development of the seedlings is
+  exceptionally interesting, as the vegetative organs of all the kinds
+  are very similar, and Cactus-like; the gradual transition from this
+  character to the diverse forms which many of the species assume when
+  mature is quite phenomenal. Cuttings will strike at almost any time,
+  if planted in sandy soil and kept in a close, warm house till rooted.
+  Some of the kinds thrive best when grafted on to a thin-stemmed
+  Cereus. Treated in this way, <i>R. sarmentacea</i> makes 6 in. of
+  growth in a season; whereas, on its own roots it would take about
+  five years to grow as much.</p>
+
+  <p>The following is a selection of the species cultivated in gardens.
+  The genus <i>Lepismium</i> is now included in Rhipsalis.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rcass" id="rcass">R. Cassytha</a></b> (derivation not
+  known).&mdash;A pendent shrub, 4 ft. or more high, growing on rocks
+  and the mossy trunks of trees. Branches numerous, flexuous, with
+  small branchlets or joints springing from the ends in clusters,
+  smooth, round, the thickness of whipcord, leafless, with numerous
+  brown, dot-like marks scattered over the surface; under a lens these
+  dots are seen to be tufts of very fine hairs. Flowers on the sides of
+  the young branches, small, greenish-white, short-lived; they are
+  developed in September, and are succeeded by white berries, exactly
+  like those of the Mistletoe, whence the name Mistletoe Cactus, by
+  which this species is known. An interesting and easily-grown warm
+  greenhouse plant, native of tropical America, Africa, &amp;c. It was
+  introduced in 1758.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rcomm" id="rcomm">R. commune</a></b> (common); Bot.
+  Mag. 3763.&mdash;Stem straggling, branching freely, growing to a
+  length of several feet. Branches jointed; joints varying in length,
+  triangular, the angles compressed, and notched along the margins;
+  notches regular, and bearing tufts of whitish hair. Strong plants
+  produce joints over 1 in. in width. Flowers white, tinged with
+  purple, springing singly from the notches, and composed of eight to
+  twelve sepals and petals. Stamens and stigma erect, white, the latter
+  four-rayed. This species is a native of Brazil, and was introduced in
+  1830; Flowering-season, October to December. It may be grown in a
+  warm greenhouse, and treated as a basket-plant or as a small
+  pot-shrub. Syn. <i>Lepismium commune</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rcris" id="rcris">R. crispata</a></b>
+  (curled).&mdash;Stem branching freely. Branches jointed and flat,
+  like Epiphyllum. Margins of joints notched, and slightly curled.
+  Flowers small, white, produced singly, in November and December, in
+  the notches on the younger joints. Fruits white, pea-like, rather
+  rarely ripened. A free-growing, compact stove shrub, with a bright
+  green, healthy appearance. The similarity of its branches to
+  Epiphyllum led to its being included in that genus by Haworth.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rcrisp" id="rcrisp">R. c. purpurea</a></b>
+  (purple).&mdash;This variety has larger, broader joints, which are
+  bronzy-purple in colour.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rfasc" id="rfasc">R. fasciculata</a></b>
+  (cluster-branched); Bot. Mag. 3079.&mdash;Stems terete, as thick as a
+  goose-quill. Branches usually in clusters, and sometimes jointed,
+  green, with small red dots and little tufts of fine, hair-like
+  bristles. Flowers white, produced in March, springing irregularly
+  from the older branches, small, star-like. Fruit a white berry. From
+  its habit of growing on trees, and the character of its stems and
+  fruit, this plant has been called parasitical. It is, however, only
+  indebted to the tree on which is grows for moisture, for it thrives
+  if planted in a pot or basket in ordinary soil, and kept in a stove
+  temperature. It is a native of Brazil, and was introduced in
+  1831.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rfloc" id="rfloc">R. floccosa</a></b>
+  (woolly).&mdash;Stems as in <i>R. Cassytha</i>, but thicker, longer,
+  and with the branchlets in compact clusters on the ends of the long,
+  arching branches. The dots marking the position of the microscopic
+  hair-tufts are in small depressions. Flowers and fruit as in <i>R.
+  Cassytha</i>, of which this might reasonably be called a variety.
+  This species requires warm-house temperature.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rfuna" id="rfuna">R. funalis</a></b> (cord-like); Fig.
+  89.&mdash;Stem straggling, branched. Branches numerous, composed of
+  long, terete joints, rather thicker than a goose-quill,
+  glaucous-green, slightly roughened on the surface, with depressions
+  for the dot-like cushions. Branchlets usually fascicled and
+  spreading. Flowers white, produced in spring, on the sides of the
+  young joints, 1 in. across, large for the genus. Introduced from
+  Central America about 1830. An easily-grown plant, sturdy, rather
+  straggling, but very free-flowering. In old specimens the branches
+  become semi-pendulous. It grows best when kept in a warm house. Syn.
+  <i>R. grandiflora</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig89.jpg" width="313" height="350" alt=
+    "RHIPSALIS FUNALIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 89.&mdash;RHIPSALIS FUNALIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rhoul" id="rhoul">R. Houlletii</a></b> (Houllet's);
+  Bot. Mag. 6089.&mdash;Stems long, graceful, branching freely, round
+  and twig-like, or with broad wings, as in Phyllocactus. Winged or
+  flattened portions notched, and bearing a flower in each notch.
+  Flowers stalkless, with pointed, straw-coloured petals, forming a
+  shallow cup about &frac34; in. across the top. Stamens and pistil
+  white, with a tinge of red at the base. Flowering-season, November.
+  Under cultivation, this Brazilian species forms a small, straggling
+  shrub, about 3 ft. high, but in its native woods its stems are many
+  feet long, and pendulous from the branches of trees. It may be grown
+  in a warm house, in a pot, and its branches supported by a stake; or
+  its lower stems may be fastened against a piece of soft fern-stem,
+  into which its numerous stem-roots penetrate freely. In the winter it
+  should be kept almost dry. The flowers remain fresh for several days,
+  and are fragrant. A well-grown plant, when in flower, is an
+  interesting and pretty object. It is the most ornamental kind.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rknig" id="rknig">R. Knightii</a></b>
+  (Knight's).&mdash;Stems and joints as in <i>R. commune</i>. Wings of
+  joints usually broad, with red margins, and the hair in the notches
+  in a dense tuft, nearly 1 in. long, pure white, and silk-like.
+  Flowers small, white. This species, which thrives best under
+  warm-house treatment, is a native of Brazil, and is usually grown
+  only for its curious, Cereus-like stems. It forms a straggling plant
+  about 1 ft. high. Syn. <i>Lepismium Knightii, Cereus
+  Knightii</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rmese" id="rmese">R. mesembryanthemoides</a></b>
+  (Mesembryanthemum-like); Bot. Mag. 3O78.&mdash;A small, compact
+  plant, with woody stems, densely covered with little fleshy, conical
+  joints, resembling very closely the leaves of some of the
+  Mesembryanthemums. They are green, with a few red dots, each bearing
+  a very small tuft of the finest hair-like spines. The flowers are
+  developed in March, from the sides of the small joints; they are
+  &frac12; in. across, and yellowish-white. Fruit a small, white, round
+  berry. Native of South America, whence it was introduced in 1831.
+  When grown in a warm house, in a small, round, wire basket, filled
+  with peat and sphagnum, this little Cactus forms a pretty tuft, which
+  in the spring produces large numbers of white, star-like flowers.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rmyos" id="rmyos">R. myosurus</a></b> (mouse-tailed);
+  Bot. Mag. 3755.&mdash;Stems dependent, several feet long, branching
+  freely, jointed, with three or four angles or wings; the angles
+  flattened, reddish, notched in the margin, and bearing a tuft of
+  white, silky hairs in each notch. Flowers small, yellow, tinged with
+  red, springing from the notches; produced in July. Fruit not seen. A
+  native of Brazil; introduced in 1839. This species resembles some of
+  the angular-stemmed kinds of Cereus. It grows freely and flowers
+  annually, if planted in a basket of fibrous soil, and suspended near
+  the glass in a warm greenhouse or stove. It is attractive even when
+  not in flower, owing to the form of its stems and the tufts of long,
+  silky, white hair which spring from the notches. Syn. <i>Lepismium
+  myosurus</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rpach" id="rpach">R. pachyptera</a></b>
+  (thick-winged); Bot. Mag. 2820.&mdash;Stem woody; branches jointed,
+  flattened as in Phyllocactus, with deep notches; width of joints, 2
+  in. or more. Flowers small, yellowish-white, borne singly in the
+  notches in November. Fruit a small, white berry, rarely ripened. A
+  sturdy, comparatively uninteresting stove plant, introduced from
+  Brazil in 1830. Syn. <i>Cactus alatus</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rpara" id="rpara">R. paradoxa</a></b>
+  (paradoxical).&mdash;Stems trailing, with numerous long branches of
+  most extraordinary form. Imagine a three-angled, fleshy branch, often
+  several feet in length, the angles winged, about &frac12; in. deep,
+  green, with smooth, reddish margins. At intervals of about 2 in. the
+  branch has the appearance of having been twisted half round. There is
+  no other plant with branches anything like these. Flowers produced in
+  November, in the apex of the interrupted angles, small, white. Fruit
+  seldom ripened. A native of Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1837.
+  There is a fine example of this trained along a rafter in the
+  Succulent-house at Kew. The numerous branches hang down several feet
+  from the rafter, and have a most extraordinary appearance. This
+  species requires stove treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rpend" id="rpend">R. penduliflora</a></b>
+  (pendulous-flowered).&mdash;A small, thin-stemmed plant, with smooth,
+  green branches, no thicker than whipcord, and numerous fascicled or
+  clustered, small joints, &frac12; in. long, green, with red dots,
+  angular when young. Flowers on the tips of the terminal joints, pale
+  yellow, &frac12; in. across, developing in August. Fruit white,
+  Mistletoe-like. This species was introduced from tropical America in
+  1877, and requires stove treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rpendl" id="rpendl">R. p. laxa</a></b>
+  (loose).&mdash;This variety has the branches curving, and more
+  pendulous; in other respects it resembles the type, and requires the
+  same treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rpent" id="rpent">R. pentaptera</a></b>
+  (five-winged).&mdash;Stems erect; branches stiff, long-jointed, with
+  five wing-like angles, slightly spiral, the angles notched at
+  intervals of 1 in. Flowers in the notches, &frac12; in. across,
+  white, produced in August. Fruit a white, Mistletoe-like berry. A
+  curious plant from Brazil, and introduced in 1836. In stove
+  temperature it forms a compact pot-shrub, 2 ft. high, and is worth
+  growing on account of its singular stems.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rrhom" id="rrhom">R. rhombea</a></b>
+  (diamond-branched).&mdash;Stems and branches as in <i>R.
+  crispata</i>, but without the wavy margins, and with more elongated
+  joints. Flowers small, white, produced in the notches of the joints
+  in November. Fruit a shining, milk-white berry. A compact plant from
+  Brazil, worth growing for its bright green, leaf-like stems. It
+  should be grown in pots, in stove temperature, and encouraged to form
+  a globose bush.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rsagl" id="rsagl">R. Saglionis</a></b> (Saglio's);
+  Bot. Mag. 4039.&mdash;A tiny plant, similar in habit to <i>R.
+  penduliflora</i>, but with brown branches, the small joints angled,
+  and bearing silky hairs. The branches and joints are set at zigzag
+  angles. Flowers pale yellow, produced in autumn on the younger
+  joints. Fruits white, Mistletoe-like. A small, delicate plant from
+  Buenos Ayres, not more than 6 in. high. This species requires stove
+  treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rsali" id="rsali">R. salicornoides</a></b>
+  (Glasswort-like); Bot. Mag. 2461.&mdash;Stem woody when old, brown,
+  jointed like hens' toes, not quite as thick as a goose-quill.
+  Branches in clusters; joints &frac12; in. to 1 in. long, the lower
+  half much thinner than the upper, so that the joints look like a
+  number of superposed, miniature clubs. Flowers pretty, on the ends of
+  the terminal joints, yellow, becoming red with age. An erect plant, 3
+  ft. or more high, introduced from Brazil in 1830. The joints are
+  clustered on the upper part of the stem. When in flower in spring
+  this is an attractive and very remarkable-looking plant. It thrives
+  best in stove temperature.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rsalis" id="rsalis">R. s. stricta</a></b>
+  (straight).&mdash;This variety has the joints all pointing upwards,
+  and is much more compact than the type.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rsarm" id="rsarm">R. sarmentacea</a></b>
+  (runner-stemmed); Fig. 90.&mdash;A creeping, prostrate plant, with
+  round stems as thick as a goose-quill, and attaching themselves to
+  tree-trunks or other bodies by means of numerous adventitious roots,
+  which spring from the under side of the stems. Surface of stem
+  furrowed, and covered with numerous small clusters of short,
+  hair-like, whitish spines. Flowers 1 in. across, springing from the
+  sides of the stems, with pointed, creamy-white petals; stamens
+  spreading; stigma erect, four-lobed. Fruit small, currant-like. This
+  is a pretty little species, introduced from Brazil in 1858; it is,
+  however, a very slow grower, plants ten years old being only a few
+  inches in diameter. It should be grown in stove temperature, in a
+  basket of peat fibre, or, better still, on a piece of soft fern-stem.
+  It is always found on the branches or trunks of trees when growing
+  wild.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig90.jpg" width="201" height="320" alt=
+    "RHIPSALIS SARMENTACEA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 90.&mdash;RHIPSALIS SARMENTACEA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rswar" id="rswar">R. Swartziana</a></b>
+  (Swartz's).&mdash;Older stems three-angled, young ones flattened,
+  jointed; joints 2 in. broad, stiff with deep notches. Flowers in the
+  notches, small, white, produced in June. This species is a native of
+  Jamaica, and was introduced in 1810. A stiff, ungraceful plant, about
+  2 ft. high, very similar in its branches to a Phyllocactus. This
+  species requires the temperature of a stove.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rtrig" id="rtrig">R. trigona</a></b>
+  (triangular).&mdash;Habit straggling; branches usually in forks,
+  &frac14; in. in diameter, three-angled; angles wavy or slightly
+  notched, grey-green. Flowers small, produced in spring in the notches
+  of the angles, white. Fruit a white berry. A thin, Brazilian plant,
+  not unlike a Lepismium, but without the silky hairs in the notches of
+  the angles. This species also requires to be grown in stove
+  temperature.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="temp" id="temp"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>TEMPERATURES.</h3>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>O enable growers to make a selection of species according to the
+  accommodation that can be afforded for Cactuses, all that are
+  described in this book are here classified in three groups: (1)
+  Species which thrive in a cool-house or frame; (2) Species which can
+  only be successfully grown in a warm house or stove; and (3) Species
+  which are hardy in the more favoured portions of the United
+  Kingdom.</p><br />
+  <br />
+
+  <div class="toc">
+    <p>COOL-HOUSE OR FRAME.</p>
+
+    <p>Temperature: Summer, that of the open air.<br />
+    Temperature: Winter&mdash;day, 50 deg. to 60 deg.; night, 40 deg.
+    to 45 deg.</p>
+  </div><br />
+  <br />
+
+  <div align="center">
+    <table summary="List of species which can be grown in cool-house">
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus Berlandieri.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus speciosissimus</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus Blankii.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus brevihamatus</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus caespitosus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus centeterius.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus cirrhiferus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus cinnabarinus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus ctenoides.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus Cummingii.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus enneacanthus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus echidne.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus flagelliformis.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus Emoryi.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus Leeanus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus gibbosus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus leptacanthus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus hexaedrophorus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus multiplex.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus Leeanus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus paucispinus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus Mackieanus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus pentalophus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus mamillarioides.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus polyacanthus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus rhodophthalmus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus procumbens.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus texensis.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus reductus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus uncinatus.</td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+  </div><br />
+
+  <div align="center">
+    <table summary="list continued">
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus viridescens.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria semperviva.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinopsis, all the kinds.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria stella-aurata.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria atrata.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria tuberculosa.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria chlorantha.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria uncinata.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria dasyacantha.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria viridis.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria elegans.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria Wildiana.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria elephantidens.</td>
+
+        <td align="left">Mamillaria Zucchariniana.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria elongata.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia arborescens.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria fissurata.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia aurantiaca.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria floribunda.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia corrugata.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria gracilis.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia cylindrica.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria longimamma.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia Davisii.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria macromeris.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia Engelmanni.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria macrothele.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia Ficus-indica.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria multiceps.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia hystricina.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria phellosperma.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia macrorhiza</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria Schelhasii.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia occidentalis.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria Schiedeana.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">&nbsp;</td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+  </div>
+
+  <div class="toc">
+    <p>WARM-HOUSE OR STOVE.</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>It is possible that some of those included in this division will
+  eventually prove hardier than is at present supposed. Many of the
+  species now classed as cool-house plants, and even some of those
+  which are hardy, were formerly grown in the stove.</p>
+
+  <div class="toc">
+    <p>Temperature: Summer-day, 70 deg. to 90 deg.; night, 65 deg. to
+    75 deg.<br />
+    Temperature: Winter-day, 60 deg. to 70 deg.; night, 55 deg. to 60
+    deg.</p>
+  </div><br />
+
+  <div align="center">
+    <table summary=
+    "List of cactus recommended for warm-house conditions">
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus caerulescens.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus cornigerus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus extensus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus corynodes.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus fulgidus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus cylindraceus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus giganteus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Haynii.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus grandiflorus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus horizonthalonis.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus Lemairii.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Le Contei.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus Macdonaldiae.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus longihamatus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus Mallisoni.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus mamillosus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus Napoleonis.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus multiflorus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus nycticalus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus myriostigma.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus peruvianus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus obvallatus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus pleiogonus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Ottonis.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus repandus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus pectiniferus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus serpentinus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus polycephalus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus Royeni.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Pottsii.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus triangularis.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus scopa.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus variabilis.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus sinuatus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus concinnus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus tenuispinus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus coptonogonus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus turbiniformis.</td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+  </div><br />
+
+  <div align="center">
+    <table summary=
+    "List of cactus recommended for warm-house conditions continued">
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">
+          <p align="left">Echinocactus Visnaga.</p>
+        </td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Opuntia, all not included under
+        "Cool-house or Frame."</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Williamsii.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Pelecyphora.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Wislizeni.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Pereskia, all the kinds.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Epiphyllum, all the kinds.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Phyllocactus, all the kinds.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Leuchtenbergia.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Pilocereus, all the kinds.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Mamillaria, all not mentioned
+        under " Cool-house Or Frame."</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Rhipsalis, all the kinds.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Melocactus, all the kinds.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">&nbsp;</td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+  </div><br />
+
+  <h3>OUTDOOR.</h3>
+
+  <p>The following may be grown out of doors in the more favoured parts
+  of England. For directions as to culture, <i>see</i> the chapter on
+  <a href="#cult">Cultivation</a> :&mdash;</p>
+
+  <div align="center">
+    <table summary="List of cactus recommended for outdoor conditions">
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus Fendleri.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Opuntia missouriensis.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Simpsoni.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Opuntia Rafinesquii.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Mamillaria vivipara.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Opuntia R. arkansana.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Opuntia brachyarthra.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Opuntia vulgaris.</td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="dealers" id="dealers"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>DEALERS IN CACTUSES.</h3>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>HE difficulty experienced by amateurs in procuring plants of many
+  kinds of Cactus has suggested to us that a list of some of the
+  principal dealers in these plants would prove of service to English
+  growers. So far as we know, there is no nurseryman in England who
+  makes a specialty of Cactuses. Plants of such well-known genera as
+  <i>Epiphyllum, Phyllocactus,</i> and <i>Cereus</i> in part, may be
+  obtained in England, but for a collection of representative kinds we
+  must perforce apply to Continental nurserymen. The most reliable of
+  these for Cactuses are:</p>
+
+  <div class="toc">
+    <h3>GERMANY.</h3>
+
+    <p>Messrs. HAAGE &amp; SCHMIDT, Erfurt.</p>
+
+    <p>Herr F. A. HAAGE, Junior, Erfurt.</p>
+
+    <p>Messrs. M&Uuml;LLER &amp; SAUBER, Kassel, Hanover.</p>
+
+    <p>Herr H. HILDMANN, Oranienburg, Brandenburg.</p>
+
+    <p>Herr ERNST BERGE, Leipsic.</p>
+
+    <h3>FRANCE.</h3>
+
+    <p>M. EBERLE, Avenue de St. Ouen, 146, Paris.</p>
+
+    <p>M. JAMIN, Rue Lafontaine, 42, &agrave; St. Ouen, Paris.</p>
+
+    <h3>BELGIUM.</h3>
+
+    <p>M. LOUIS DE SMET, Ledeberg, Ghent.</p>
+
+    <p>M. BETTES, Borgerhont, Antwerp.</p>
+
+    <p>M. F. VERMUELEN, Rue Van Peet, Antwerp.</p>
+
+    <h3>AMERICA.</h3>
+
+    <p>Mr. C. RUNGE, San Antonio, Texas.</p>
+
+    <p>Messrs. REASONER BROTHERS, Florida.</p>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="specind" id="specind"></a>
+
+  <h2>SPECIES INDEX</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <p>Species are listed alphabetically according to Watson's
+  nomenclature. The name(s) that is more likely to be recognised by
+  modern readers is listed in brackets. I have used Anderson's
+  book&mdash;<i>The Cactus Family</i> (Timber Press, 2001)&mdash;as my
+  main guide. Monographs by Craig and by Pilbeam were invaluable in
+  identifying 'Mamillarias'.</p>
+
+  <p>* Plants illustrated in the text.</p>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#cberl">Cereus Berlandieri</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    berlandieri</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cblan">Cereus Blankii</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    berlandieri</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ccaer">Cereus caerulescens</a> (<i>Cereus
+    aethiops</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ccaes">Cereus caespitosus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    reichenbachii ssp. caespitosus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ccirr">Cereus cirrhiferus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    cinerascens</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ccten">Cereus ctenoides</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    dasyacanthus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cenne">Cereus enneacanthus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    enneacanthus</i>)*</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cext">Cereus extensus</a> (<i>Selenicereus
+    sp.?</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cfend">Cereus Fendleri</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    fendleri</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cflag">Cereus flagelliformis</a> (<i>Aporocactus
+    (Disocactus) flagelliformis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cfulg">Cereus fulgidus</a> (<i>Gymnocalycium
+    gibbosum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cgiga">Cereus giganteus</a> (<i>Carnegiea
+    gigantea</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cgrand">Cereus grandiflorus</a> (<i>Selenicereus
+    grandiflorus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cleea">Cereus Leeanus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    polyacanthus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#clema">Cereus Lemairii</a> (<i>Hylocereus
+    lemairei</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#clept">Cereus leptacanthus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    pentalophus</i>)*</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cmacd">Cereus Macdonaldiae</a> (<i>Selenicereus
+    macdonaldiae</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cmall">Cereus Mallisoni</a> (X <i>Helioporus
+    smithii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cmult">Cereus multiplex</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    oxygona</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cmucr">Cereus multiplex cristatus</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    oxygona fa. cristata</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cnapol">Cereus Napoleonis</a> (<i>Hylocereus
+    trigonus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cnyct">Cereus nycticalus</a> (<i>Selenicereus
+    pteranthus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cpauc">Cereus paucispinus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    coccineus ssp. paucispinus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cpent">Cereus pentalophus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    pentalophus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cperu">Cereus peruvianus</a> (C<i>ereus
+    repandus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cplei">Cereus pleiogonus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    sp</i>.&mdash;no longer identifiable)*</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cpoly">Cereus polyacanthus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    polyacanthus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cproc">Cereus procumbens</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    pentalophus ssp. procumbens</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#credu">Cereus reductus</a> (Hybrid with
+    <i>Selenicereus sp</i>. as one probable parent)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#crepa">Cereus repandus</a> (<i>Cereus repandus</i>)
+    *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#croye">Cereus Royeni</a> (<i>Pilosocereus
+    royenii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cserp">Cereus serpentinus</a> (<i>Peniocereus
+    (Nyctocereus) serpentinus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cspec">Cereus speciosissimus</a> (<i>Disocactus
+    speciosus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ctria">Cereus triangularis</a> (<i>Hylocereus
+    triangularis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cvari">Cereus variabilis</a> (<i>Acanthocereus
+    tetragonus</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#ebrev">Echinocactus brevihamatus</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) alacriportana ssp. brevihamata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecent">Echinocactus centeterius</a> (<i>Eriosyce
+    (Neoporteria) curvispina</i>&mdash;possibly?)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecinn">Echinocactus cinnabarinus</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    (Lobivia) cinnabarina</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#econc">Echinocactus concinnus</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) concinna</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecopt">Echinocactus coptonogonus</a> (<i>Stenocactus
+    (Echinofossulocactus) coptonogonus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecorn">Echinocactus cornigerus</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    latispinus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecory">Echinocactus corynodes</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) sellowii</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecrisp">Echinocactus crispatus</a> (Stenocactus
+    (Echinofossulocactus) crispatus) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecumm">Echinocactus Cummingii</a> (<i>Rebutia
+    (Weingartia) neocummingii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecyli">Echinocactus cylindraceus</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    cyclindraceus (acanthodes)</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eechi">Echinocactus echidne</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    echidne</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eemor">Echinocactus Emoryi</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    emoryi</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#egibb">Echinocactus gibbosus</a> (<i>Gymnocalycium
+    gibbosus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ehayn">Echinocactus Haynii</a> (<i>Matucana
+    haynei</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ehexa">Echinocactus hexaedrophorus</a>
+    (<i>Thelocactus hexaedrophorus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ehori">Echinocactus horizonthalonis</a>
+    (<i>Echinocactus horizonthalonius</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eleco">Echinocactus Le Contei</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    cyclindraceus (acanthodes) ssp. lecontei</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eleea">Echinocactus Leeanus</a> (<i>Gymnocalycium
+    leeanum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#elong">Echinocactus longihamatus</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    hamatacanthus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#emack">Echinocactus Mackieanus</a> (<i>Gymnocalycium
+    mackieanum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#emami">Echinocactus mamillarioides</a> (<i>Eriosyce
+    (Neoporteria) curvispina</i>&mdash;possibly?)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#emamil">Echinocactus mamillosus</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    mamillosa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#emult">Echinocactus multiflorus</a> (<i>Gymnocalycium
+    monvillei</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#emyri">Echinocactus myriostigma</a> (<i>Astrophytum
+    myriostigma</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eobva">Echinocactus obvallatus</a> (<i>Stenocactus
+    (Echinofossulocactus) obvallatus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eotto">Echinocactus Ottonis</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) ottonis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#epect">Echinocactus pectiniferus</a> (probably
+    <i>Echinocereus pectinatus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#epoly">Echinocactus polycephalus</a> (<i>Echinocactus
+    polycephalus</i>)*</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#epott">Echinocactus Pottsii</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    pottsii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#erhod">Echinocactus rhodophthalmus</a>
+    (<i>Thelocactus bicolor</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#escop">Echinocactus scopa</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) scopa</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#escopc">Echinocactus scopa cristata</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) scopa fa. cristata</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#esimp">Echinocactus Simpsonii</a> (<i>Pediocactus
+    simpsonii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#esinu">Echinocactus sinuatus</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    hamatacanthus ssp. sinuatus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#etenu">Echinocactus tenuispinus</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) ottonis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#etexe">Echinocactus texensis</a> (<i>Echinocactus
+    texensis</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eturb">Echinocactus turbiniformis</a>
+    (<i>Strombocactus disciformis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eunci">Echinocactus uncinatus</a> (<i>Sclerocactus
+    uncinatus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eviri">Echinocactus viridescens</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    viridescens</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#evisn">Echinocactus visnaga</a> (<i>Echinocactus
+    platyacanthus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ewill">Echinocactus Williamsii</a> (<i>Lophophora
+    williamsii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ewisl">Echinocactus Wislizenii</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    wislizenii</i>) *</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#ecamp">Echinopsis campylacantha</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    leucantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecrist">Echinopsis cristata</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    obrepanda</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecrispu">Echinopsis cristata purpurea</a>
+    (<i>Echinopsis obrepanda v. purprea</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#edeca">Echinopsis Decaisneanus</a> (identification
+    now uncertain) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eeyri">Echinopsis Eyriesii</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    eyriesii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eeyrifp">Echinopsis Eyriesii flore-pleno</a>
+    (<i>Echinopsis eyriesii</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eeyrig">Echinopsis Eyriesii glauca</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    eyriesii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eoxyg">Echinopsis oxygonus</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    oxygona</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#epent">Echinopsis Pentlandi</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    (Lobivia) pentlandii</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#epentl">Echinopsis Pentlandi longispinus</a>
+    (<i>Echinopsis (Lobivia) pentlandii</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#etubi">Echinopsis tubiflorus</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    tubiflora</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#eruss">Epiphyllum Russellianum</a> (<i>Schlumbergera
+    russelliana</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#etrunc">Epiphyllum truncatum</a> (<i>Schlumbergera
+    truncata</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#leuchp">Leuchtenbergia principis</a>
+    (<i>Leuchtenbergia principis</i>) *</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#mangu">Mamillaria angularis</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    compressa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mappl">Mamillaria applanata</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    heyderi ssp. hemisphaerica</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#matra">Mamillaria atrata</a> (<i>Eriosyce
+    (Neoporteria) subgibbosa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mbico">Mamillaria bicolor</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    geminispina</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mchlo">Mamillaria chlorantha</a> (<i>Escobaria
+    deserti</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mcirr">Mamillaria cirrhifera</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    compressa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mclav">Mamillaria clava</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    clava</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mdasy">Mamillaria dasyacantha</a> (<i>Escobaria
+    dasyacantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mdisc">Mamillaria discolor</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    discolor</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mdoli">Mamillaria dolichocentra</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    polythele</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mechi">Mamillaria echinata</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    elongata ssp. echinaria</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mechin">Mamillaria echinus</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    echinus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#meleg">Mamillaria elegans</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    haageana (elegans)</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#melep">Mamillaria elephantidens</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    elephantidens</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#melon">Mamillaria elongata</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    elongata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mfiss">Mamillaria fissurata</a> (<i>Ariocarpus
+    fissuratus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mflor">Mamillaria floribunda</a> (<i>Eriosyce
+    (Neoporteria) subgibbosa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mgrac">Mamillaria gracilis</a> (<i>Mammillaria vetula
+    ssp. gracilis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mgrah">Mamillaria Grahami</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    grahamii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mhaag">Mamillaria Haageana</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    haageana</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mlong">Mamillaria longimamma</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    longimamma</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mmacr">Mamillaria macromeris</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    macromeris</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mmacrot">Mamillaria macrothele</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    octacantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mmicr">Mamillaria micromeris</a> (<i>Epithelantha
+    micromeris</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mmult">Mamillaria multiceps</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    prolifera ssp. texana</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mneum">Mamillaria Neumanniana</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    magnimamma</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#motto">Mamillaria Ottonis</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    ottonis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mpect">Mamillaria pectinata</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    pectinifera</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mphel">Mamillaria phellosperma</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    tetrancistra</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mpulc">Mamillaria pulchra</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    rhodantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mpusi">Mamillaria pusilla</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    prolifera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mpycn">Mamillaria pycnacantha</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    pycnacantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#msang">Mamillaria sanguinea</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    spinosissima</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#msche">Mamillaria Scheerii</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    poselgeriana</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mschel">Mamillaria Schelhasii</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    crinita</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mschi">Mamillaria Schiedeana</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    schiedeana</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#msemp">Mamillaria semperviva</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    sempervivi</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mseni">Mamillaria senilis</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    senilis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mstel">Mamillaria stella-aurata</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    elongata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#msubp">Mamillaria sub-polyhedra</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    polyedra</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#msulc">Mamillaria sulcolanata</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    sulcolanata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mtetr">Mamillaria tetracantha</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    polythele</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mtube">Mamillaria tuberculosa</a> (<i>Escobaria
+    tuberculosa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mturb">Mamillaria turbinata</a> (<i>Strombocactus
+    disciformis</i> ?)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#munci">Mamillaria uncinata</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    uncinata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mvetu">Mamillaria vetula</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    vetula</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mvill">Mamillaria villifera</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    polyedra</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mviri">Mamillaria viridis</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    karwinskiana</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mvivi">Mamillaria vivipara</a> (<i>Escobaria
+    vivipara</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mvivir">Mamillaria vivipara v. radiosa</a>
+    (<i>Escobaria vivipara</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mwild">Mamillaria Wildiana</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    crinita ssp. wildii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mwrig">Mamillaria Wrightii</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    wrightii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mzucc">Mamillaria Zucchariniana</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    magnimamma</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mcomm">Melocactus communis</a> (<i>Melocactus
+    intortus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mdepr">Melocactus depressus</a> (<i>Melocactus
+    violaceus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mmiqu">Melocactus Miquelii</a> (<i>Melocactus
+    intortus</i>) *</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#oarbo">Opuntia arborescens</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    imbricata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oarbu">Opuntia arbuscula</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    arbuscula</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oaren">Opuntia arenaria</a> (<i>Opuntia polyacantha
+    v. arenaria</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oaube">Opuntia Auberi</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    auberi</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oaura">Opuntia aurantiaca</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    aurantiaca</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#obasi">Opuntia basilaris</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    basilaris</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#obige">Opuntia Bigelovii</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    bigelovii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oboli">Opuntia boliviana</a> (<i>Cumulopuntia
+    boliviana</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#obrac">Opuntia brachyarthra</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    fragilis</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#obraz">Opuntia braziliensis</a> (<i>Brasiliopuntia
+    brasiliensis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ocand">Opuntia candelabriformis</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    spinulifera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oclav">Opuntia clavata</a> (<i>Grusonia
+    clavata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ococh">Opuntia cochinellifera</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    cochenillifera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ocorr">Opuntia corrugata</a> (<i>Tunilla
+    corrugata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ocura">Opuntia curassavica</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    curassavica</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ocyli">Opuntia cylindrica</a>
+    (<i>Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ocylic">Opuntia cylindrica cristata</a>
+    (<i>Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica fa. cristata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#odavi">Opuntia Davisii</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    davisii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#odecu">Opuntia decumana</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    ficus-indica</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#odiad">Opuntia diademata</a> (<i>Tephrocactus
+    articulatus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#odill">Opuntia Dillenii</a> (<i>Opuntia dillenii</i>)
+    *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oechi">Opuntia echinocarpa</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    echinocarpa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oemor">Opuntia Emoryi</a> (<i>Grusonia
+    emoryi</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oenge">Opuntia Engelmanni</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    engelmannii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oficu">Opuntia Ficus-indica</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    ficus-indica</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ofili">Opuntia filipendula</a> (<i>Opuntia macrorhiza
+    v. pottsii</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ofrut">Opuntia frutescens</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    leptocaulis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ograh">Opuntia Grahami</a> (<i>Grusonia
+    grahamii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ohorr">Opuntia horrida</a> (<i>Opuntia tuna</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ohyst">Opuntia hystricina</a> (<i>Opuntia polyacantha
+    v. hystricina</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#olept">Opuntia leptocaulis</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    leptocaulis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oleuc">Opuntia leucotricha</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    leucotricha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#omacr">Opuntia macrocentra</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    macrocentra</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#omacro">Opuntia macrorhiza</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    macrorhiza</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#omicr">Opuntia microdasys</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    microdasys</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#omiss">Opuntia missouriensis</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    polyacantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#omona">Opuntia monacantha</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    monacantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#onigr">Opuntia nigricans</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    elatior</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oocci">Opuntia occidentalis</a> (<i>Opuntia X
+    occidentalis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oparm">Opuntia Parmentieri</a> (<i>Opuntia longispina
+    var. brevispina</i>?)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oparr">Opuntia Parryi</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    californica</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#orafi">Opuntia Rafinesquii</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    humifusa</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#orose">Opuntia rosea</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    rosea</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#osalm">Opuntia Salmiana</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    salmiana</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ospin">Opuntia spinosissima</a> (<i>Consolea
+    spinosissima</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#osubu">Opuntia subulata</a> (<i>Austrocylindropuntia
+    subulata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#otuna">Opuntia Tuna</a> (<i>Opuntia tuna</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#otuni">Opuntia tunicata</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    tunicata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ovulg">Opuntia vulgaris</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    ficus-indica</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#owhip">Opuntia Whipplei</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    whipplei</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#peleca">Pelecyphora aselliformis</a> (<i>Pelecyphora
+    aselliformis</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pacul">Pereskia aculeata</a> (<i>Pereskia
+    aculeata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#paculr">Pereskia aculeata rubescens</a> (<i>Pereskia
+    aculeata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pbleo">Pereskia Bleo</a> (<i>Pereskia bleo</i>)
+    *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pzinn">Pereskia zinniaeflora</a> (<i>Pereskia
+    zinniiflora</i>) *</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#paker">Phyllocactus Ackermannii</a> (<i>Disocactus
+    ackermannii</i> or hybrid) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pangu">Phyllocactus anguliger</a> (<i>Epiphyllum
+    anguliger</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pbifo">Phyllocactus biformis</a> (<i>Disocactus
+    biformis</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pcren">Phyllocactus crenatus</a> (<i>Epiphyllum
+    crenatum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pgran">Phyllocactus grandis</a> (<i>Epiphyllum
+    oxypetalum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#phook">Phyllocactus Hookeri</a> (<i>Epiphyllum
+    hookeri</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#plati">Phyllocactus latifrons</a> (<i>Epiphyllum
+    oxypetalum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pphyl">Phyllocactus phyllanthus</a> (<i>Epiphyllum
+    phyllanthus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ppoid">Phyllocactus phyllanthoides</a> (<i>Disocactus
+    phyllanthoides</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#pbrun">Pilocereus Br&uuml;nnonii</a>
+    (<i>Oreocereus celsianus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#phoul">Pilocereus Houlletianus</a>
+    (<i>Pilosocereus leucocephalus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pseni">Pilocereus senilis</a> (<i>Cephalocereus
+    senilis</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#rcass">Rhipsalis Cassytha</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    baccifera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rcomm">Rhipsalis commune</a> (<i>Lepismium
+    cruciforme</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rcris">Rhipsalis crispata</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    crispata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rcrisp">Rhipsalis crispata purpurea</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    crispata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rfasc">Rhipsalis fasciculata</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    baccifera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rfloc">Rhipsalis floccosa</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    floccosa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rfuna">Rhipsalis funalis</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    grandiflora</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rhoul">Rhipsalis Houlletii</a> (<i>Lepismium
+    houlletianum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rknig">Rhipsalis Knightii</a> (<i>Lepismium
+    cruciforme</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rmese">Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides</a>
+    (<i>Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rmyos">Rhipsalis myosurus</a> (<i>Lepismium
+    cruciforme</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rpach">Rhipsalis pachyptera</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    pachyptera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rpara">Rhipsalis paradoxa</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    paradoxa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rpend">Rhipsalis penduliflora</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    cereuscula</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rpendl">Rhipsalis penduliflora laxa</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    cereuscula</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rpent">Rhipsalis pentaptera</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    pentaptera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rrhom">Rhipsalis rhombea</a> (identification now
+    uncertain)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rsagl">Rhipsalis Saglionis</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    cereuscula</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rsali">Rhipsalis salicornoides</a> (<i>Hatiora
+    salicornioides</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rsalis">Rhipsalis salicornoides stricta</a>
+    (<i>Hatiora salicornioides</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rsarm">Rhipsalis sarmentacea</a> (<i>Lepismium
+    lumbricoides</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rswar">Rhipsalis Swartziana</a> (<i>Pseudorhipsalis
+    alata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rtrig">Rhipsalis trigona</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    trigona</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+  <hr />
+  <a href="#contents">Back to Contents list</a>
+  <hr />
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13357 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #13357 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/13357)
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Cactus Culture For Amateurs, by W. Watson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Cactus Culture For Amateurs
+       Being Descriptions Of The Various Cactuses Grown In This Country,
+       With Full And Practical Instructions For Their Successful Cultivation
+       
+
+Author: W. Watson
+
+Release Date: September 3, 2004 [EBook #13357]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CACTUS CULTURE FOR AMATEURS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by W. Christie and Leonard Johnson
+
+
+
+
+CACTUS CULTURE
+FOR AMATEURS:
+
+BEING
+
+DESCRIPTIONS OF THE VARIOUS CACTUSES
+GROWN IN THIS COUNTRY.
+
+with
+
+FULL AND PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR
+THEIR SUCCESSFUL CULTIVATION.
+
+By W. WATSON,
+Assistant Curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
+
+PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED.
+
+LONDON:
+L. UPCOTT GILL, 170, STRAND, W.C.
+
+1889.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 1.--A COLLECTION OF CACTUSES. Frontispiece.]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+The idea that Cactuses were seldom seen in English gardens, because so
+little was known about their cultivation and management, suggested to
+the Publisher of this book that a series of chapters on the best kinds,
+and how to grow them successfully, would be useful. These chapters were
+written for and published in The Bazaar, in 1885 and following years.
+Some alterations and additions have been made, and the whole is now
+offered as a thoroughly practical and descriptive work on the subject.
+
+The descriptions are as simple and complete as they could be made; the
+names here used are those adopted at Kew; and the cultural directions
+are as full and detailed as is necessary. No species or variety is
+omitted which is known to be in cultivation, or of sufficient interest
+to be introduced. The many excellent figures of Cactuses in the
+Botanical Magazine (Bot. Mag.) are referred to under each species
+described, except in those cases where a complete figure is given in
+this book. My claims to be heard as a teacher in this department are
+based on an experience of ten years in the care and cultivation of the
+large collection of Cactuses at Kew.
+
+Whatever the shortcomings of my share of the work may be, I feel certain
+that the numerous and excellent illustrations which the Publisher has
+obtained for this book cannot fail to render it attractive, and, let us
+also hope, contribute something towards bringing Cactuses into favour
+with horticulturists, professional as well as amateur.
+
+W. WATSON.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+BOTANICAL CHARACTERS
+
+CULTIVATION
+
+PROPAGATION
+
+THE GENUS EPIPHYLLUM
+
+THE GENUS PHYLLOCACTUS
+
+THE GENUS CEREUS
+
+THE GENUS ECHINOCACTUS
+
+THE GENUS ECHINOPSIS
+
+THE GENUS MELOCACTUS
+
+THE GENUS PILOCEREUS
+
+THE GENUS MAMILLARIA
+
+THE GENUS LEUCHTENBERGIA
+
+THE GENUS PELECYPHORA
+
+THE GENUS OPUNTIA
+
+THE GENUS PERESKIA
+
+THE GENUS RHIPSALIS
+
+TEMPERATURES
+
+DEALERS IN CACTUSES
+
+INDEX OF SPECIES
+
+
+
+
+
+CACTUS CULTURE
+FOR AMATEURS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+The Cactus family is not popular among English horticulturists in these
+days, scarcely half a dozen species out of about a thousand known being
+considered good enough to be included among favourite garden plants.
+Probably five hundred kinds have been, or are, in cultivation in the
+gardens of the few specialists who take an interest in Cactuses; but
+these are practically unknown in English horticulture. It is not,
+however, very many years ago that there was something like a Cactus
+mania, when rich amateurs vied with each other in procuring and growing
+large collections of the rarest and newest kinds.
+
+"About the year 1830, Cacti began to be specially patronised by several
+rich plant amateurs, of whom may be mentioned the Duke of Bedford, who
+formed a fine collection at Woburn Abbey, the Duke of Devonshire, and
+Mr. Harris, of Kingsbury. Mr. Palmer, of Shakelwell, had become
+possessed of Mr. Haworth's collection, to which he greatly added by
+purchases; he, however, found his rival in the Rev. H. Williams, of
+Hendon, who formed a fine and select collection, and, on account of the
+eagerness of growers to obtain the new and rare plants, high prices were
+given for them, ten, twelve, and even twenty and thirty guineas often
+being given for single plants of the Echinocactus. Thus private
+collectors were induced to forward from their native countries--chiefly
+from Mexico and Chili--extensive collections of Cacti." (quoting J.
+Smith. A.L.S., ex-Curator of the Royal Gardens. Kew).
+
+This reads like what might be written of the position held now in
+England by the Orchid family, and what has been written of Tulips and
+other plants whose popularity has been great at some time or other. Why
+have Cactuses gone out of favour? It is impossible to give any
+satisfactory answer to this question. No doubt they belong to that class
+of objects which is only popular whilst it pleases the eye or tickles
+the fancy; and the eye and the fancy having tired of it, look to
+something different.
+
+The general belief with respect to Cactuses is that they are all wanting
+in beauty, that they are remarkable only in that they are exceedingly
+curious in form, and as a rule very ugly. It is true that none of them
+possess any claims to gracefulness of habit or elegance of foliage, such
+as are usual in popular plants, and, when not in flower, very few of the
+Cactuses would answer to our present ideas of beauty with respect to the
+plants we cultivate. Nevertheless, the stems of many of them (see
+Frontispiece, Fig. 1) are peculiarly attractive on account of their
+strange, even fantastic, forms, their spiny clothing, the absence of
+leaves, except in very few cases, and their singular manner of growth.
+To the few who care for Cactuses there is a great deal of beauty, even
+in these characters, although perhaps the eye has to be educated up to
+it.
+
+If the stems are more curious than beautiful, the flowers of the
+majority of the species of Cactuses are unsurpassed, as regards size and
+form, and brilliancy and variety in colour, by any other family of
+plants, not even excluding Orchids. In size some of the flowers equal
+those of the Queen of Water Lilies (Victoria regia), whilst the colours
+vary from the purest white to brilliant crimson and deep yellow. Some of
+them are also deliciously fragrant. Those kinds which expand their huge
+blossoms only at night are particularly interesting; and in the early
+days of Cactus culture the flowering of one of these was a great event
+in English gardens.
+
+Of the many collections of Cactuses formed many years ago in England,
+that at Kew is the only one that still exists. This collection has
+always been rich in the number of species it contained; at the present
+time the number of kinds cultivated there is about 500. Mr. Peacock, of
+Hammersmith, also has a large collection of Cactuses, many of which he
+has at various times exhibited in public places, such as the Crystal
+Palace, and the large conservatory attached to the Royal Horticultural
+Society's Gardens at South Kensington. Other smaller collections are
+cultivated in the Botanic Gardens at Oxford, Cambridge, Glasnevin, and
+Edinburgh.
+
+A great point in favour of the plants of the Cactus family for gardens
+of small size, and even for window gardening--a modest phase of plant
+culture which has made much progress in recent years--is the simpleness
+of their requirements under cultivation. No plants give so much pleasure
+in return for so small an amount of attention as do these. Their
+peculiarly tough-skinned succulent stems enable them to go for an
+extraordinary length of time without water; indeed, it may be said that
+the treatment most suitable for many of them during the greater portion
+of the year is such as would be fatal to most other plants. Cactuses are
+children of the dry barren plains and mountain sides, living where
+scarcely any other form of vegetation could find nourishment, and
+thriving with the scorching heat of the sun over their heads, and their
+roots buried in the dry, hungry soil, or rocks which afford them
+anchorage and food.
+
+In beauty and variety of flowers, in the remarkable forms of their
+stems, in the simple nature of their requirements, and in the other
+points of special interest which characterise this family, and which
+supply the cultivator and student with an unfailing source of pleasure
+and instruction, the Cactus family is peculiarly rich.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+BOTANICAL CHARACTERS.
+
+
+
+Although strictly botanical information may be considered as falling
+outside the limits of a treatise intended only for the cultivator, yet a
+short account of the principal characters by which Cactuses are grouped
+and classified may not be without interest.
+
+From the singular form and succulent nature of the whole of the Cactus
+family, it might be inferred that, in these characters alone, we have
+reliable marks of relationship, and that it would be safe to call all
+those plants Cactuses in which such characters are manifest. A glance at
+some members of other families will, however, soon show how easily one
+might thus be mistaken. In the Euphorbias we find a number of kinds,
+especially amongst those which inhabit the dry, sandy plains of South
+Africa, which bear a striking resemblance to many of the Cactuses,
+particularly the columnar ones and the Rhipsalis. (The Euphorbias all
+have milk-like sap, which, on pricking their stems or leaves, at once
+exudes and thus reveals their true character. The sap of the Cactuses is
+watery). Amongst Stapelias, too, we meet with plants which mimic the
+stem characters of some of the smaller kinds of Cactus. Again, in the
+Cactuses themselves we have curious cases of plant mimicry; as, for
+instance, the Rhipsalis, which looks like a bunch of Mistletoe, and the
+Pereskia, the leaves and habit of which are more like what belong to,
+say, the Gooseberry family than to a form of Cactus. From this it will
+be seen that although these plants are almost all succulent, and
+curiously formed, they are by no means singular in this respect.
+
+The characters of the order are thus defined by botanists: Cactuses are
+either herbs, shrubs, or trees, with soft flesh and copious watery
+juice. Root woody, branching, with soft bark. Stem branching or simple,
+round, angular, channelled, winged, flattened, or cylindrical; sometimes
+clothed with numerous tufts of spines which vary in texture, size, and
+form very considerably; or, when spineless, the stems bear numerous
+dot-like scars, termed areoles. Leaves very minute, or entirely absent,
+falling off very early, except in the Pereskia and several of the
+Opuntias, in which they are large, fleshy, and persistent. Flowers
+solitary, except in the Pereskia, and borne on the top or side of the
+stem; they are composed of numerous parts or segments; the sepals and
+petals are not easily distinguished from each other; the calyx tube is
+joined to, or combined, with the ovary, and is often covered with
+scale-like sepals and hairs or spines; the calyx is sometimes partly
+united so as to form a tube, and the petals are spread in regular
+whorls, except in the Epiphyllum. Stamens many, springing from the side
+of the tube or throat of the calyx, sometimes joined to the petals,
+generally equal in length; anthers small and oblong. Ovary smooth, or
+covered with scales and spines, or woolly, one-celled; style simple,
+filiform or cylindrical, with a stigma of two or more spreading rays,
+upon which are small papillae. Fruit pulpy, smooth, scaly, or spiny, the
+pulp soft and juicy, sweet or acid, and full of numerous small, usually
+black, seeds.
+
+Tribe I.--Calyx tube produced beyond the Ovary. Stem covered with
+Tubercles, or Ribs, bearing Spines.
+
+1. MELOCACTUS. Stem globose; flowers in a dense cap-like head, composed
+of layers of bristly wool and slender spines, amongst which the small
+flowers are developed. The cap is persistent, and increases annually
+with the stem.
+
+2. MAMILLARIA. Stems short, usually globose, and covered with tubercles
+or mammae, rarely ridged, the apex bearing spiny cushions; flowers
+mostly in rings round the stem.
+
+3. PELECYPHORA. Stem small, club-shaped; tubercles in spiral rows, and
+flattened on the top, where are two rows of short scale-like spines.
+
+4. LEUCHTENBERGIA. Stem naked at the base; tubercles on the upper part
+large, fleshy, elongated, three-angled, bearing at the apex a tuft of
+long, thin, gristle-like spines.
+
+5. ECHINOCACTUS. Stem short, ridged, spiny; calyx tube of the flower
+large, bell-shaped; ovary and fruit scaly.
+
+6. DISCOCACTUS. Stem short; calyx tube thin, the throat filled by the
+stamens; ovary and fruit smooth.
+
+7. CEREUS. Stem often long and erect, sometimes scandent, branching,
+ridged or angular; flowers from the sides of the stem; calyx tube
+elongated and regular; stamens free.
+
+8. PHYLLOCACTUS. Stem flattened, jointed, and notched; flowers from the
+sides, large, having long, thin tubes and a regular arrangement of the
+petals.
+
+9. EPIPHYLLUM. Stem flattened, jointed; joints short; flowers from the
+apices of the joints; calyx tube short; petals irregular, almost
+bilabiate.
+
+Tribe II.--Calyx-tube not produced beyond the Ovary. Stem branching,
+jointed.
+
+10. RHIPSALIS. Stem thin and rounded, angular, or flattened, bearing
+tufts of hair when young; flowers small; petals spreading; ovary smooth;
+fruit a small pea-like berry.
+
+11. OPUNTIA. Stem jointed, joints broad and fleshy, or rounded; spines
+barbed; flowers large; fruit spinous, large, pear-like.
+
+12. PERESKIA. Stem woody, spiny, branching freely; leaves fleshy, large,
+persistent; flowers medium in size, in panicles on the ends of the
+branches.
+
+The above is a key to the genera on the plan of the most recent
+botanical arrangement, but for horticultural purposes it is necessary
+that the two genera Echinopsis and Pilocereus should be kept up. They
+come next to Cereus, and are distinguished as follows:
+
+ECHINOPSIS. Stem as in Echinocactus, but the flowers are produced low
+down from the side of the stem, and the flower tube is long and curved.
+
+PILOCEREUS. Stem tall, columnar, bearing long silky hairs as well as
+spines; flowers in a head on the top of the stem, rarely produced.
+
+With the aid of this key anyone ought to be able to make out to what
+genus a particular Cactus belongs, and by referring to the descriptions
+of the species, he may succeed in making out what the plant is.
+
+For the classification of Cactuses, botanists rely mainly on their
+floral organs and fruit. We may, therefore, take a plant of
+Phyllocactus, with which most of us are familiar, and, by observing the
+structure of its flowers, obtain some idea of the botanical characters
+of the whole order.
+
+Phyllocactus has thin woody stems and branches composed of numerous long
+leaf-like joints, growing out of one another, and resembling thick
+leaves joined by their ends. Along the sides of these joints there are
+numerous notches, springing from which are the large handsome flowers.
+On looking carefully, we perceive that the long stalk-like expansion is
+not a stalk, because it is above the seed vessel, which is, of course, a
+portion of the flower itself. It is a hollow tube, and contains the long
+style or connection between the seed vessel and the stigma, a (Fig. 2).
+This tube, then, must be the calyx, and the small scattered scale-like
+bodies, b (Fig. 2), which clothe the outside, are really calyx lobes.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 2.--FLOWER OF PHYLLOCACTUS, CUT LENGTHWISE.
+
+a, Calyx Tube. b, Calyx Lobes. c, Ditto, assuming the form of Petals. d,
+Stamens. e, Style. f, Ovary or Seed Vessel.]
+
+Nearer the top of the flower, these calyx lobes are better developed,
+until, surrounding the corolla, we find them assuming the form and
+appearance of petals, c (Fig. 2). The corolla is composed of a large
+number of long strap-shaped pointed petals, very thin and delicate,
+often beautifully coloured, and generally spreading outwards. Springing
+from the bases of these petals, we find the stamens, d (Fig. 2), a great
+number of them, forming a bunch of threads unequal in length, and
+bearing on their tips the hay-seed-like anthers, which are attached to
+the threads by one of their points. The style is a long cylindrical
+body, e (Fig. 2), which stretches from the ovary to the top of the
+flower, where it splits into a head of spreading linear rays, ½ in. in
+length. When the flower withers, the seed vessel, f (Fig. 2), remains on
+the plant and expands into a large succulent fruit, inside which is a
+mass of pulpy matter, inclosing the numerous, small, black, bony seeds.
+
+It must not be supposed that all the genera into which Cactuses are
+divided are characterised by large flowers such as would render their
+study as easy as the genus taken as an illustration. In some, such for
+instance as the Rhipsalis, the flowers are small, and therefore less
+easy to dissect than those of Phyllocactus.
+
+The stems of Cactuses show a very wide range of variation in size, in
+form, and in structure. In size, we have the colossal Cereus giganteus,
+whose straight stems when old are as firm as iron, and rise with many
+ascending arms or rear their tall leafless trunks like ships' masts to a
+height of 60 ft. or 70 ft. From this we descend through a multitude of
+various shapes and sizes to the tiny tufted Mamillarias, no larger than
+a lady's thimble, or the creeping Rhipsalis, which lies along the hard
+ground on which it grows, and looks like hairy caterpillars. In form,
+the variety is very remarkable. We have the Mistletoe Cactus, with the
+appearance of a bunch of Mistletoe, berries and all; the Thimble Cactus;
+the Dumpling Cactus; the Melon Cactus; the Turk's cap Cactus; the
+Rat's-tail Cactus; the Hedgehog Cactus; all having a resemblance to the
+things whose names they bear. Then there is the Indian Fig, with
+branches like battledores, joined by their ends; the Epiphyllum and
+Phyllocactus, with flattened leaf-like stems; the columnar spiny Cereus,
+with deeply channelled stems and the appearance of immense candelabra.
+Totally devoid of leaves, and often skeleton-like in appearance, these
+plants have a strange look about them, which is suggestive of some
+fossilised forms of vegetation belonging to the past ages of the
+mastodon, the elk, and the dodo, rather than to the living things of
+to-day.
+
+By far the greater part of the species of Cactuses belong to the group
+with tall or elongated stems. "It is worthy of remark that as the stems
+advance in age the angles fill up, or the articulations disappear, in
+consequence of the slow growth of the woody axis and the gradual
+development of the cellular substance; so that, at the end of a number
+of years, all the branches of Cactuses, however angular or compressed
+they originally may have been, become trunks that are either perfectly
+cylindrical, or which have scarcely any visible angles."
+
+A second large group is that of which the Melon and Hedgehog Cactuses
+are good representatives, which have sphere-shaped stems, covered with
+stout spines. We have hitherto spoken of the Cactuses as being without
+leaves, but this is only true of them when in an old or fully-developed
+state. On many of the stems we find upon their surface, or angles, small
+tubercles, which, when young, bear tiny scale-like leaves. These,
+however, soon wither and fall off, so that, to all appearance, leaves
+are never present on these plants. There is one exception, however, in
+the Barbadoes Gooseberry (Pereskia), which bears true and persistent
+leaves; but these may be considered anomalous in the order.
+
+The term "succulent" is applied to Cactuses because of the large
+proportion of cellular tissue, i.e., flesh, of their stems, as compared
+with the woody portion. In some of them, when young, the woody system
+appears to be altogether absent, and they have the appearance of a mass
+of fleshy matter, like a vegetable marrow. This succulent mass is
+protected by a tough skin, often of leather-like firmness, and almost
+without the little perforations called breathing and evaporating pores,
+which in other plants are very numerous. This enables the Cactuses to
+sustain without suffering the full ardour of the burning sun and
+parched-up nature of the soil peculiar to the countries where they are
+native. Nature has endowed Cactuses with a skin similar to what she
+clothes many succulent fruits with, such as the Apple, Plum, Peach, &c.,
+to which the sun's powerful rays are necessary for their growth and
+ripening.
+
+The spiny coat of the majority of Cactuses is no doubt intended to serve
+as a protection from the wild animals inhabiting with them the sterile
+plains of America, and to whom the cool watery flesh of the Cactus would
+otherwise fall a prey. Indeed, these spines are not sufficient to
+prevent some animals from obtaining the watery insides of these plants,
+for we read that mules and wild horses kick them open and greedily
+devour their succulent flesh. It has also been suggested that the spines
+are intended to serve the plants as a sort of shade from the powerful
+sunshine, as they often spread over and interlace about the stems.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+CULTIVATION.
+
+
+By noting the conditions in which plants are found growing in a natural
+state, we obtain some clue to their successful management, when placed
+under conditions more or less artificial; and, in the case of Cactuses,
+knowledge of this kind is of more than ordinary importance. In the
+knowledge that, with only one or two exceptions, they will not exist in
+any but sunny lands, where, during the greater part of the year, dry
+weather prevails, we perceive what conditions are likely to suit them
+when under cultivation in our plant-houses.
+
+Cactuses are all American (using this term for the whole of the New
+World) with only one or two exceptions (several species of Rhipsalis
+have been found wild in Africa, Madagascar, and Ceylon), and, broadly
+speaking, they are mostly tropical plants, not-withstanding the fact of
+their extending to the snow-line on some of the Andean Mountains of
+Chili, where several species of the Hedgehog Cactus were found by
+Humboldt on the summit of rocks whose bases were planted in snow. In
+California, in Mexico and Texas, in the provinces of Central and South
+America, as far south as Chili, and in many of the islands contiguous to
+the mainland, the Cactus family has become established wherever warmth
+and drought, such as its members delight in, allowed them to get
+established. In many of the coast lands, they occur in very large
+numbers, forming forests of strange aspect, and giving to the landscape
+a weird, picturesque appearance. Humboldt, in his "Views of Nature,"
+says: "There is hardly any physiognomical character of exotic vegetation
+that produces a more singular and ineffaceable impression on the mind of
+the traveller than an arid plain, densely covered with columnar or
+candelabra-like stems of Cactuses, similar to those near Cumana, New
+Barcelona, Cora. and in the province of Jaen de Bracamoros." This
+applies also to some of the small islands of the West Indies, the hills
+or mountains of which are crowned with these curious-looking plants,
+whose singular shapes are alone sufficient to remind the traveller that
+he has reached an American coast; for these Cactuses are as peculiar a
+feature of the New World as the Heaths are in the Old, or as Eucalypti
+are in Australia.
+
+Although the Cactus order is, in its distribution by Nature, limited to
+the regions of America, yet it is now represented in various parts of
+the Old World by plants which are apparently as wild and as much at home
+as when in their native countries.
+
+The Indian Figs are, perhaps, the most widely distributed of Cactuses in
+the Old World-a circumstance due to their having been introduced for the
+sake of their edible fruits, and more especially for the cultivation of
+the cochineal insect. In various places along the shores of the
+Mediterranean, and in South Africa, and even in Australia, the Opuntias
+have become naturalised, and appear like aboriginal inhabitants. It is,
+however, only in warm sunny regions that the naturalisation of these
+plants is possible.
+
+From these facts, we are able to form some general idea of the
+conditions suitable for Cactuses when cultivated in our greenhouses;
+for, although we seldom have, or care to have, any but diminutive
+specimens of many of these plants as compared with their appearance when
+wild, yet we know that the same conditions as regards heat, light, and
+moisture are necessary for small Cactuses as for full-grown ones.
+
+Although the places in which Cactuses naturally abound are, for the
+greater portion of the year, very dry and warm, heavy rains are more or
+less frequent during certain periods, and these, often accompanied by
+extreme warmth and bright sunshine, have an invigorating and almost
+forcing effect on the growth of Cactuses. It is during this rainy period
+that the whole of the growth is made, and new life is, as it were, given
+to the plant, its reservoir-like structure enabling it to store up a
+large amount of food and moisture, so that on the return of dry weather
+the safety of the plant is insured.
+
+It is to the management of Cactuses in a small state, such as is most
+convenient for our plant-houses, and not to the cultivation of those
+colossal species referred to above, that the instructions given here
+will be for the most part devoted; but, as in the case of almost every
+one of our cultivated plants, it is important to the cultivator to know
+something of the conditions which Nature has provided for Cactuses in
+those lands where they are native.
+
+There is nothing in the nature or the requirements of Cactuses that
+should render their successful management beyond the means of anyone who
+possesses a small, heated greenhouse, or even a window recess to which
+sunlight can be admitted during some portion of the day. In large
+establishments, such as Kew, it is possible to provide a spacious house
+specially for the cultivation of an extensive collection, where many of
+them may attain a good size before becoming too big. And it will be
+evident that where a house such as that at Kew can be afforded, much
+more satisfactory results may generally be obtained, than if plants have
+to be provided for in a house containing various other plants, or in the
+window of a dwelling-room. Apart altogether from size, it is, however,
+possible to grow a collection of Cactuses, and to grow them well, in a
+house of small dimensions--given the amount of sunlight and heat which
+are required by these plants. We sometimes see Cactuses--specimens,
+too, of choice and rare kinds--which have been reared in a cottager's
+window or in a small greenhouse, and which in health and beauty have at
+least equalled what has been accomplished in the most elaborately
+prepared houses. It may be said that these successes, under conditions
+of the most limited kind, are accidental rather than the result of
+properly understood treatment; but however they have been brought about,
+these instances of good cultivation are sufficient to show that success
+is possible, even where the means are of the simplest or most restricted
+kind. Whether it be in a large house, fitted with the best arrangements,
+or in the window of the cottager, the conditions essential to the
+successful cultivation of Cactuses are practically the same.
+
+In Wardian Cases.--Many of our readers will be acquainted with the neat
+little glass cases, like greenhouses in shape, and fitted up in much the
+same way, which are sometimes to be seen in our markets, filled with a
+collection of miniature Cactuses. To the professional gardener, these
+cases are playthings, and are looked upon by him as bearing about the
+same relation to gardening as a child's doll's house does to
+housekeeping. Not-withstanding this, they are the source of much
+interest, and even of instruction, to many of the millions to whom a
+greenhouse or serious gardening is an impossibility. In these little
+cases--for which we are indebted to Mr. Boller, a dealer in Cactaceous
+plants--it is possible to grow a collection of tiny Cactuses for years,
+if only the operations of watering, potting, ventilating, and other
+matters connected with ordinary plant growing, are properly attended to.
+
+In Window Recesses.--In the window recess larger specimens may be
+grown, and here it is possible to grow and flower successfully many of
+the plants of the Cactus family. In a window with a south aspect, and
+which lights a room where fires are kept, at least during cold weather,
+specimens of Phyllocactus, Cereus flagelliformis, Epiphyllum, and, in
+fact, of almost every kind of Cactus, are sometimes to be met with even
+in England; whilst in Germany they are as popular among the poorer
+classes as the Fuchsia, the Pelargonium, and the Musk are with us. One
+of the commonest of Cactuses in the latter country is the Rat's-tail
+Cactus (Cereus flagelliformis), and it is no unusual thing to see a
+large window of a cottager's dwelling thickly draped on the inside with
+the long, tail-like growths and handsome rose-coloured flowers of this
+plant. This is only one among dozens of species, all equally useful for
+window gardening, and all as interesting and beautiful as those above
+described.
+
+In Greenhouses.--For the greenhouse proper, Cactuses are well adapted,
+either as the sole occupants or as suitable for such positions as are
+afforded by shelves or baskets placed near the roof glass. If the
+greenhouse is not fitted with heating arrangements, then, by selecting
+only those species of Cactus that are known to thrive in a position
+where, during winter, they are kept safe out of the reach of frost (of
+which a large number are known) a good collection of these plants may be
+grown. In heated structures the selection of kinds may be made according
+to the space available, and to the conditions under which they will be
+expected to grow. Fig. 3 represents a section of a house for Cactuses,
+which will afford a good idea of the kind of structure best suited for
+them. The aspect is due south.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 3. SECTION OF HOUSE FOR CACTUSES--A,A, Hot-water
+Pipes; B,B, Ventilators.]
+
+When grown on their own roots, the Epiphyllums, as well as the
+pendent-growing kinds of Rhipsalis, and several species of Cereus, may
+be placed in baskets and suspended from the roof. The baskets should be
+lined with thin slices of fibrous peat, and the whole of the middle
+filled with the compost recommended for these plants under "Soil". When
+well managed, some very pretty objects are formed by the Epiphyllums
+grown as basket plants. The climbing Cactuses are usually planted in a
+little mound composed of loam and brick rubble, and their stems either
+trained along rafters or allowed to run up the back wall of a
+greenhouse, against which they root freely, and are generally capable of
+taking care of themselves with very little attention from the gardener.
+
+In Frames.--For cultivation in frames, the conditions are the same as
+for greenhouses. Even when grown in the latter, it will be found
+conducive to the health and flowering of the plants if, during the
+summer months, they can be placed in a frame with a south aspect,
+removing them back to the house again on the decline of summer weather.
+Wherever the place selected for Cactuses may be, whether in a large
+plant-house, or a frame, or a window, it is of vital importance to the
+plants that the position should be exposed to bright sunshine during
+most of the day. Without sunlight, they can no more thrive than a
+Pelargonium could without water. In Germany, many growers of almost all
+the kinds of Cactuses place their young plants in frames, which are
+prepared as follows: In April or May a hot-bed of manure and leaves is
+prepared, and a frame placed upon it, looking south. Six inches of soil
+is put on the top of the bed, and in this, as soon as the temperature of
+the bed has fallen to about 70 deg., the young plants are placed in
+rows. The frames are kept close even in bright weather, except when
+there is too much moisture inside, and the plants are syringed twice
+daily in dry, hot weather. The growth they make under this treatment is
+astonishing. By the autumn the plants are ready to be ripened by
+exposure to sun and air, and in September they are lifted, planted in
+pots, and sent to market for sale. This method may be adopted in
+England, and if carefully managed, the growth the plants would make
+would far exceed anything ever accomplished when they are kept
+permanently in pots.
+
+Out-of-doors.--There are some kinds which may be grown out of doors
+altogether, if planted on a sunny, sheltered position, on a rockery. The
+most successful plan is that followed at Kew, where a collection of the
+hardier species is planted in a rockery composed of brick rubble and
+stones. During summer the plants are exposed; but when cold weather and
+rains come, lights are placed permanently over the rockery, and in this
+way it is kept comparatively dry. No fire-heat or protection of any
+other kind is used, and the vigorous growth, robust health, and
+floriferousness of the several species are proofs of the fitness of the
+treatment for this class of plants.
+
+In any garden where a few square yards in a sunny, well-drained position
+can be afforded for a raised rockery, the hardy Cactuses may be easily
+managed. To make a suitable rockery, proceed as follows: Find a position
+against the south wall of a house, greenhouse, or shed, and against this
+wall construct a raised rockery of brick rubble, lime rubbish, stones
+(soft sandstone, if possible), and fibrous loam. The rockery when
+finished should be, say, 4 ft. wide, and reach along the wall as far as
+required; the back of the rockery would extend about 2 ft. above the
+ground level, and fall towards the front. Fix in the wall, 1 ft. or so
+above the rockery, a number of hooks at intervals all along, to hold in
+position lights sufficiently long to cover the rockery from the wall to
+the front, where they could be supported by short posts driven in the
+ground. The lights should be removed during summer to some shed, and
+brought out for use on the approach of winter. Treated in this manner,
+the following hardy species could not fail to be a success:
+
+Opuntia Rafinesquii and var. arkansana, O. vulgaris, O. brachyarthra, O.
+Picolominiana, O. missouriensis, O. humilis, Cereus Fendleri, C.
+Engelmanni, C. gonacanthus, C. phoeniceus, Echinocactus Simpsoni, E.
+Pentlandii, Mamillaria vivipara.
+
+Having briefly pointed out the various positions in which Cactuses may
+be cultivated successfully, we will now proceed to treat in detail the
+various operations which are considered as being of more or less
+importance in their management. These are potting, watering, and
+temperatures, after which propagation by means of seeds, cuttings, and
+grafting, hybridisation, seed saving, &c., and diseases and noxious
+insects will be treated upon.
+
+Soil.--The conditions in which plants grow naturally, are what we
+usually try to imitate for their cultivation artificially. At all
+events, such is supposed to be theoretically right, however difficult we
+may often find it to be in practice. Soil in some form or other is
+necessary to the healthy existence of all plants; and we know that the
+nature of the soil varies with that of the plants growing in it, or, in
+other words, certain soils are necessary to certain plants, whether in a
+state of nature or cultivated in gardens. But, whilst admitting that
+Nature, when intelligently followed, would not lead us far astray, we
+must be careful not to follow her too strictly when dealing with the
+management of plants in gardens. There are other circumstances besides
+the nature of the soil by which plants are influenced. Soil is only one
+of the conditions on which plants depend, and where the other conditions
+are not exactly the same in our gardens as in nature, it is often found
+necessary to employ a different soil from that in which the plants grow
+when wild.
+
+It has been stated that plants do not grow naturally in the soil best
+suited for them, and that the reason why many plants are found in
+peculiar places is not at all because they prefer them, but because they
+alone are capable of existing there, or because they take refuge there
+from the inroads of stouter neighbours who would destroy them or crowd
+them out. There are, as every gardener knows, numerous plants that
+succeed equally well in widely different soils, and a soil which may be
+suitable for a plant in one place, may prove totally unsuited in
+another. Hence it is why we find one gardener recommending one kind of
+soil, and another a different one, for the same plant, both answering
+equally well because of other conditions fitting better with each soil.
+This helps us to understand how it is that many garden subjects grow
+much better when planted in composts often quite different from those
+the plants are found in when wild. Few plants have a particular
+predilection for soil, and some have what we may call the power to adapt
+themselves to conditions often widely different.
+
+In Cactuses we have a family of plants for which special conditions are
+necessary; and, as regards soil, whether we are guided by nature or by
+gardening experience, we are led to conclude that almost all of them
+thrive only when planted in one kind, that soil being principally loam.
+Plants which are limited in nature to sandy, sun-scorched plains or the
+glaring sides of rocky hills and mountains, where scarcely any other
+form of vegetation can exist, are not likely to require much decayed
+vegetable humus, but must obtain their food from inorganic substances,
+such as loam, sand, or lime. So it is with them when grown in our
+houses. They are healthiest and longest-lived when planted in a loamy
+soil; and although they may be grown fairly well for a time when placed
+in a compost of loam and leaf mould, or loam and peat, yet the growth
+they make is generally too sappy and weak; it is simply fat without
+bone, which, when the necessary resting period comes round, either rots
+or gradually dries up. In preparing soil, therefore, for all Cactuses
+(except Epiphyllum and Rhipsalis, which will be treated separately) a
+good, rather stiff loam, with plenty of grass fibre in it, should form
+the principal ingredient, sand and, if obtainable, small brick rubble
+being added--one part of each of the latter to six parts of the former.
+The brick rubble should be pounded up so that the largest pieces are
+about the size of hazel nuts. Lime rubbish, i.e., old plaster from
+buildings, &c., is sometimes recommended for Cactuses, but it does not
+appear to be of any use except as drainage. At Kew its use has been
+discontinued, and it is now generally condemned by all good cultivators.
+Of course, the idea that lime was beneficial to Cactuses sprang from the
+knowledge that it existed in large quantities in the soil in which the
+plants grew naturally, and it is often found in abundance, in the form
+of oxalate of lime, in the old stems of the plants. But in good loam,
+lime, in the state of chalk, is always present, and this, together with
+the lime contained in the brick rubble, is sufficient to supply the
+plants with as much as they require.
+
+For Epiphyllums and Rhipsalis, both of which are epiphytal naturally,
+but which are found to thrive best in pots in our houses, a mixture of
+equal parts of peat and loam with sand and brick rubble in the same
+proportion as before recommended, will be found most suitable. Leaf
+mould is sometimes used for these plants; but unless really good it is
+best left out of the soil. The finest Epiphyllums have been grown in a
+soil which consists almost wholly of a light fibry loam, with the
+addition of a little crushed bones.
+
+Potting.--Cactuses, when healthy, are injuriously affected by frequent
+disturbance at the roots. On the arrival of the potting season, which
+for these plants is in April and May, established plants should be
+examined at the root, and if the roots are found to be in a healthy
+condition, and the soil sweet, they should be replaced in the same pots
+to continue in them another year. If the roots are decayed, or the soil
+has become sour, it should be shaken away from the roots, which must be
+examined, cutting away all decayed portions, and shortening the longest
+roots to within a few inches of the base of the plant. Cactuses are so
+tenacious of life, and appear to rely so little on their roots, that it
+will be found the wisest plan, when repotting them, to cut the roots
+thoroughly.
+
+The size of pots most suitable is what would be considered small in
+comparison with other plants, Cactuses preferring to be somewhat cramped
+in this respect. This, indeed, is how they are found when wild, the
+roots generally fixing themselves in the crevices of the rocks or stones
+about which the plants grow, so that a large specimen is often found to
+have only a few inches of space in the cleft of a rock for the whole of
+its roots. When thus limited, growth is firmer and the flowers are
+produced in much greater profusion than when a liberal amount of root
+space is afforded. The pots should be well drained-about one-fifth of
+their depth filled with drainage when intended for large, strong-growing
+kinds, and one-third for the smaller ones, such as Mamillarias. A layer
+of rough fibry material should be placed over the crocks to prevent the
+finer soil from stopping the drainage. When filling in the soil, press
+it down firmly, spreading the roots well amongst it, and keeping the
+base of the plant only an inch or so below the surface.
+
+For plants with weak stems, stakes will be necessary, and even
+stout-stemmed kinds, when their roots are not sufficient to hold them
+firmly, will do best if fastened to one or two strong stakes till they
+have made new roots and got firm hold of the soil. Epiphyllums, when
+grown as standards, should be tied to strong wire supports, those with
+three short, prong-like legs being most desirable, as, owing to the
+weight of the head of the plant, a single stake is not sufficient to
+hold the whole firmly. After potting, no water should be given for a few
+weeks. In fact, if the atmosphere in which the plants are placed be kept
+a little moist, it will not be necessary to water them till signs of
+fresh growth are perceived. For Epiphyllums and Rhipsalis, water will be
+required earlier than this; but even they are best left for a few days
+without water, after they have been repotted. As soon as fresh growth is
+perceived, the plants may be well watered, and from this time water may
+be supplied as often as the soil approaches dryness. Newly-imported
+plants, which on arrival are usually much shrivelled and rootless,
+should be potted in rather dry soil and small pots, and treated as
+recommended above. Cactuses, we must remember, contain an abundance of
+nourishment stored up in their stems, and upon this they will continue
+to exist for a considerable time without suffering; and, when their
+growing season comes round, root action commences whether the soil is
+wet or dry, the latter being the most favourable.
+
+Plants altogether exposed to the air will push roots in due time. A
+remarkable instance of this has been recorded by Mr. J. R. Jackson,
+curator of the museums at Kew. A plant of Pilocereus senilis, which had
+grown too tall for the house, was cut off at the base, and placed in the
+museum as a specimen. Here it gradually dried up to within 2 ft. of the
+top, where a fracture across the stem had been made. Above this the stem
+remained fresh and healthy, and, on examining it some months afterwards,
+it was found that not only had the top of the stem remained green, but
+it had formed roots of its own, which had grown down the dead lower
+portion of the stem, and were in a perfectly healthy state. When it is
+remembered that all this happened in the dry atmosphere of a museum, it
+will be apparent how exceptional Cactuses are in their manner of growth,
+and in the wonderful tenacity of life they exhibit under conditions
+which would destroy the majority of plants in a very short time. We
+sometimes find, when examining the bases of Cactus stems, that decay has
+commenced; this is carefully cut out with a sharp knife, and the wound
+exposed to the action of the air till it is perfectly dry, or, as we
+term it, "callused."
+
+Watering.--It will have peen gathered from what has been previously
+said in relation to the conditions under which the majority of the
+plants of the Cactus family grow when wild, that during their season of
+growth they require a good supply of moisture, both at the root and
+overhead; and afterwards a somewhat lengthened period of rest, that is,
+almost total dryness, accompanied by all the sunlight possible, and
+generally a somewhat high temperature. The growing season for all those
+kinds which require to be kept dry when at rest is from the end of April
+to the middle of August, and during this time they should be kept
+moderately moist, but not constantly saturated, which, however, is not
+likely to occur if the water is not carelessly supplied, and the
+drainage and soil are perfect. This treatment corresponds with what
+happens to Cactuses in a wild state, the frequent and heavy rains which
+occur in the earlier part of the summer in the American plains supplying
+the amount of moisture necessary to enable these plants to make fresh
+growth, and produce their beautiful flowers and spine-clothed fruits.
+After August, little or no rain falls, and the Cactuses assume a rather
+shrivelled appearance, which gives them an unhealthy look, but which is
+really a sign of ripeness, promising a plentiful crop of flowers when
+the rainy season again returns.
+
+As the sun in England is not nearly so powerful as in the hot plains of
+Central America and the Southern States of North America, where Cactuses
+are found in greatest abundance, it will be evident that, if flowers are
+to be produced, we must see that our plants have a sufficiency of water
+in early summer, and little or none during the autumn and winter, whilst
+the whole year round they should be exposed to all the sunlight
+possible, the temperature, of course, varying with the requirements of
+the species, whether it is a native of tropical or of temperate regions.
+It is important that the cultivator should understand that if water is
+liberally supplied all through the summer, the plants cannot obtain the
+rest which is necessary to their ripening and producing flowers, as
+dryness at the root alone is not sufficient to provide this, but must be
+accompanied by exposure to bright sunlight, which is not possible in
+England during winter, so that the ripening process must begin before
+the summer is over.
+
+It is possible to preserve most Cactuses alive by keeping them
+constantly growing; but, with very few exceptions, such treatment
+prevents the plants from flowering. The following is what is practised
+in the gardens where Cactuses are successfully cultivated. For the
+genera Cereus, Echinopsis, Echinocactus, Mamillaria, Opuntia, and
+Melocactus, a moist tropical house is provided, and in April the plants
+are freely watered at the root, and syringed overhead both morning and
+afternoon on all bright days. This treatment is continued till the end
+of July, when syringing is suspended, and the water supplied to the
+roots gradually reduced. By the end of August, the plants are placed in
+a large light frame with a south aspect, except the tall-growing kinds,
+which are too bulky to remove. In this frame the plants are kept till
+the summer is over, and are watered only about once a week should the
+sun be very powerful. The lights are removed on all bright sunny days,
+but are kept on during wet or dull weather, and at night. Under this
+treatment, many of the species assume a reddish appearance, and the
+thick fleshy-stemmed kinds generally shrivel somewhat. There is no
+occasion for alarm in the coloured and shrivelled appearance of the
+plants: on the contrary, it may be hailed as a good sign for flowers.
+
+A common complaint in relation to Cacti as flowering plants is that they
+grow all right but rarely or never flower. The explanation of this is
+shown by the fact that the plants must be properly ripened and rested
+before they can produce flowers. On the approach of cold weather the
+plants which were removed to a frame to be ripened should be brought
+back into the house for the winter, and kept quite dry at the roots till
+the return of spring, when their flowers will be developed either before
+or soon after the watering season again commences.
+
+Hitherto we have been dealing with those genera which have thick fleshy
+stems; but there still remain the genera Rhipsalis, Epiphyllum, and
+Phyllocactus, which are not capable of bearing the long period of
+drought advised for the former. The last-mentioned genus should,
+however, be kept almost dry at the root during winter, and, if placed in
+a light, airy house till the turn of the year, the branches will ripen,
+and set their flower buds much more readily than when they are wintered
+in a moist, partially-shaded house. During summer all the Phyllocactuses
+delight in plenty of water, and, when growing freely, a weak solution of
+manure affords them good food. Epiphyllums must be kept always more or
+less moist at the root, though, of course, when growing freely, they
+require more water than when growth has ceased for the year, which
+happens late in autumn. The same rule applies to Rhipsalis, none of the
+species of which are happy when kept long dry. For the several species
+of Opuntia and Echinopsis, which are sufficiently hardy to be cultivated
+on a sunny rockery out of doors, it will be found a wise precaution to
+place either a pane of glass or a handlight over the plants in wet
+autumns and during winter, not so much to serve as protection from cold
+as to shield them from an excess of moisture at a time when it would
+prove injurious.
+
+Temperature.--As the amount of heat required by the different species
+of Cactus varies very considerably, and as the difference between the
+summer and winter temperatures for them is often as great as it is
+important, it will be as well if we mention the temperature required by
+each when describing the species. It is true that the majority of
+Cactuses may be kept alive in one house where all would be subjected to
+the same temperature, but many of the plants would merely exist, and
+could not possibly flower. It would be easy to point to several
+instances of this unsatisfactory state of things. At Kew, for example,
+owing to the arrangements necessary for the public, it is found
+convenient to have the majority of the large collection of Cactuses in
+one house, where the plants present an imposing appearance, but where,
+as might be expected, a good number of the species very rarely produce
+flowers. The Cactuses which inhabit the plains of the Southern United
+States are subjected to a very high summer temperature, and a winter of
+intense cold; whilst on the other hand the species found in Central and
+South America do not undergo nearly so wide an extreme, the difference
+between the summer and winter temperatures of these countries being
+generally much less marked. A word will be said under each species as to
+whether it is tropical, temperate, or hardy, a tropical temperature for
+Cacti being in summer 70 degs., rising to 90 degs. with sun heat, night
+temperature 60 degs. to 70 degs., in winter 60 degs. to 65 degs. Temperate:
+in summer 60 degs., rising to 75 degs. with sun heat, night 60 degs. to
+65 degs., in winter 50 degs. to 55 degs. The hardy species will, of course,
+bear the ordinary temperatures of this country; but, to enable them to
+withstand a very cold winter, they must be kept as dry as possible. In
+the colder parts of England it is not advisable to leave any of these
+plants outside during winter.
+
+Insect Pests.--Notwithstanding the thickness of skin characteristic of
+almost every one of the Cactuses, they are frequently attacked by
+various kinds of garden pests when under cultivation, and more
+especially by mealy bug. There is, of course, no difficulty in removing
+such insects from the species with few or no spines upon their stems;
+but when the plants are thickly covered with clusters of spines and
+hairs, the insects are not easily got rid of. For Cactuses, as well as
+for other plants subject to this most troublesome insect, various kinds
+of insecticide have been recommended; but the best, cheapest, and most
+effectual with which we are acquainted is paraffin, its only drawback
+being the injury it does to the plants when applied carelessly, or when
+not sufficiently diluted. A wineglassful of the oil, added to a gallon
+of soft water, and about 2oz. of soft soap, the whole to be kept
+thoroughly mixed by frequently stirring it, forms a solution strong
+enough to destroy mealy bug. In applying this mixture, a syringe should
+be used, or, if the plants are to be dipped overhead, care must be taken
+to have the oil thoroughly diffused through the water, or the plant,
+when lifted out, will be covered with pure paraffin, which does not mix
+properly with water, but swims upon the surface if allowed to stand for
+a few moments. The plants should be laid on their sides to be syringed
+with the mixture, and after they have been thoroughly wetted, they may
+be allowed to stand for a few minutes before being syringed with pure
+water. Plants that are badly infested with mealy bug should be syringed
+with the paraffin mixture once a day, for about a week. It is easy to do
+serious harm to these plants by using a stronger solution than is here
+recommended, and also by not properly mixing the oil with the soap and
+water; and the amateur cannot, therefore, be too careful in his use of
+this excellent insecticide. It would be easy to recommend other
+insecticides, so called, for Cactuses; but whilst they are less
+dangerous to the plants, they are often as harmless as pure water to the
+insects.
+
+For scale, which sometimes infests these plants, and which is sometimes
+found upon them when wild, the paraffin may be used with good effect.
+
+Thrips attack Phyllocactus, Rhipsalis, and Epiphyllum, especially when
+the plants are grown in less shade, or in a higher temperature, than is
+good for them. Fumigation with tobacco, dipping in a strong solution of
+tobacco, or sponging with a mixture of soap and water, are either of
+them effectual when applied to plants infested with thrips. The same may
+be said of green-fly, which sometimes attacks the Epiphyllums.
+
+A blight, something similar to mealy bug, now and again appears on the
+roots of some of the varieties of Echinocactus and Cereus. This may be
+destroyed by dipping the whole of the roots in the mixture recommended
+for the stems when infested by mealy bug, and afterwards allowing them
+to stand for a few minutes immersed in pure water. They may then be
+placed where they will dry quickly, and finally, in a day or two,
+repotted into new compost, first removing every particle of the old soil
+from the roots.
+
+Diseases.--When wild and favourably situated as regards heat and
+moisture, the larger kinds of Cactus are said to live to a great age,
+some of the tree kinds, according to Humboldt, bearing about them signs
+of having existed several hundred years. The same remarkable longevity,
+most likely, is found in the smaller kinds when wild. Under artificial
+cultivation there are, however, many conditions more or less
+unfavourable to the health of plants, and, in the case of Cactuses, very
+large specimens, when imported from their native haunts to be placed in
+our glass houses, soon perish. At Kew, there have been, at various
+times, very fine specimens of some of the largest-growing ones, but they
+have never lived longer than a year or so, always gradually shrinking in
+size till, finally, owing to the absence of proper nourishment, and to
+other untoward conditions, they have broken down and rotted. This
+rotting of the tissue, or flesh, of these plants is the great enemy to
+their cultivation in England. When it appears, it should be carefully
+cut out with a sharp knife, and exposed to the influence of a perfectly
+dry atmosphere for a few days till the wound has dried, when the plant
+should be potted in a sandy compost and treated as for cuttings.
+Sometimes the decay begins in the side of the stem of the plant, in
+which case it should be cut away, and the wound exposed to a dry air.
+The cause of this decay at the base or in the side of the stems of
+Cactuses is no doubt debility, which is the result of the absence of
+some necessary condition when the plants are cultivated in houses or
+windows in this country.
+
+Grafted plants, especially Epiphyllums, when worked on to Pereskia
+stocks, are apt to grow weak and flabby through the stem wearing out, or
+through the presence of mealy bug or insects in the crevices of the part
+where the stock and scion join, in which case it is best to prepare
+fresh stocks of Pereskia, and graft on to them the best of the pieces of
+Epiphyllum from the old, debilitated plant. It is no use trying to get
+such plants to recover, as, when once this disease or weakness begins,
+it cannot easily be stopped.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+PROPAGATION.
+
+
+Cactuses may be multiplied from cuttings of the stems, from seeds, and
+also by means of grafting; this last method being adopted for those
+species which, under cultivation, are not easily kept in health when
+growing upon their own roots, or, as in the case of Epiphyllums, when it
+offers a means of speedily forming large and shapely specimens. From
+seeds the plants are generally freer in growth than when cuttings are
+used, although the seedlings are longer in growing into flowering
+specimens than large cuttings would be. To the amateur, the process of
+germination and development from the seedling to the mature stage, is
+full of interest and attraction, the changes from one form to another as
+the plant develops being very marked in most of the genera.
+
+Seeds.--Good fresh seeds of Cactaceous plants germinate in from two to
+four weeks after sowing, if placed in a warm house or on a hotbed with a
+temperature of 80 degs. If sown in a lower temperature, the time they
+take to vegetate is longer; but, unless in a very low degree of heat,
+the seeds, if good, and if properly managed as regards soil and water,
+rarely fail to germinate. For all the kinds, pots or pans containing
+drainage to within 2 in. of the top, and then filled up with finely
+sifted loam and sand, three parts of the former to one of the latter,
+and pressed down moderately firm, will be found to answer. If the soil
+be moist at the time of sowing the seeds, it will not be necessary to
+water it for a day or two. The seeds should be scattered thinly over the
+surface of the soil, and then covered with about 1/8 in. of soil. Over
+this, a pane of glass may be placed, and should remain till the
+seedlings appear above the soil. Should the position where the seeds are
+to be raised be in a room window, this pane of glass will be found very
+useful in preventing the dry air of the room from absorbing all the
+moisture from the soil about the seeds. For the germination of Cactus,
+and indeed of all seeds, a certain amount of moisture must be constantly
+present in the soil; and after a seed has commenced to grow, to allow it
+to get dry is to run the risk of killing it.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 4.--SEEDLINGS OF CEREUS. a, One month after
+ germination. b, Two months after germination. C, Three months after
+ germination. (Magnified six times,).]
+
+The seeds of Cactuses may be sown at anytime in the year; but it is best
+to sow in spring, as, after germinating, the young plants have the
+summer before them in which to attain sufficient strength to enable them
+to pass through the winter without suffering; whereas plants raised from
+autumn-sown seeds have often a poor chance of surviving through the
+winter, unless treated with great care. The seeds of all Cactuses are
+small, and therefore the seedlings are at first tiny globular masses of
+watery flesh, very different from what we find in the seedlings of
+ordinary garden plants. The form of the seedling of a species of Cereus
+is shown at Fig. 4, and its transition from a small globule-like mass of
+flesh to the spine-clothed stem, which characterises this genus, is also
+represented. At a we see the young plant after it has emerged from the
+seed, the outer shell of which was attached to one of the sides of the
+aperture at the top till about a week before the drawing was made. At b,
+the further swelling and opening out, as it were, of what, in botanical
+language, is known as the cotyledon stage of development, will be seen;
+a month afterwards, this will have assumed the shape of a very small
+Cereus. It is interesting to note how the soft fleshy mass which first
+grows out of the seed is nothing more than a little bag of food with a
+tiny growing point fixed in its top, and that, as the growing point
+increases, the food bag decreases, till finally the whole of the latter
+becomes absorbed into the young stem, which is now capable of obtaining
+nourishment by means of its newly-formed roots.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 5.--SEEDLINGS OF OPUNTIA, SHOWING MODE OF
+GERMINATION. (Magnified three times).]
+
+In the genus Opuntia, the cotyledon stage (see Fig. 5) of the plant is
+different from that of the Cereus, and is more like that of a cucumber.
+Still, though the form is different, the purpose of the two cotyledons
+and the juicy stem in the seedling Opuntia is the same as in the Cereus;
+and, as the growing point develops, the cotyledons shrivel up and fall
+off, the plant food they contained having passed into that part of the
+young seedling which was to be permanent. The seedlings of these two
+genera serve as an illustration of the process of germination from seed
+of all the Cactuses; and it must be evident that there is much that is
+singular and full of interest in raising these plants from seeds. As
+soon as the seedlings are large enough to be handled, they may be
+planted separately in small pots, using a compost similar to, but
+slightly coarser than, that in which the seeds were sown. The soil
+should be kept moist till the summer is over; and after that, till the
+return of warm sunny weather, it will be found safest to keep the
+seedlings on the dry side, a little water only to be given at intervals
+of a week, and only when the sun is shining upon the plants.
+
+To obtain seeds from cultivated plants, it is necessary, in order to
+insure fertilisation that the top of the stigma (see Fig. 2) should be
+dusted over with the dust-like pollen from the anthers. This may be done
+by means of a small camel-hair brush, which should be moistened in the
+mouth and then pushed among the anthers till covered with pollen, which
+may then be gently rubbed on to the stigma. A warm, sunny morning is the
+most suitable time for this operation, as fertilisation takes place much
+more readily under the influence of bright sunshine than at any other
+time. Some of the kinds have their floral organs so arranged as to be
+capable of self-fertilisation; still, it is always as well to give them
+some assistance. The night-flowering species must, of course, be
+fertilised either at night or very early in the morning. By using the
+pollen from one kind for dusting on to the stigma of another, hybrids
+may be obtained, and it is owing to the readiness with which the plants
+of this family cross with each other, that so many hybrids and forms of
+the genera Epiphyllum and Phyllocactus have been raised. It would be
+useless to attempt such a cross as Epiphyllum with Cereus giganteus,
+because of their widely different natures; but such crosses as
+Epiphyllum with Phyllocactus, and Cereus flagelliformis with C.
+speciosissimus, have been brought about. To an enthusiast, the whole
+order offers a very good field for operations with a view to the
+production of new sorts, as the different kinds cross freely with each
+other, and the beautiful colours of the flowers would most likely
+combine so as to present some new and distinct varieties.
+
+Cuttings.--No plants are more readily increased from stem-cuttings than
+Cactuses; for, be the cutting 20 ft. high, or only as large as a thimble,
+it strikes root readily if placed in a warm temperature and kept
+slightly moist. We have already seen how, even in the dry atmosphere of
+a museum, a stem of Cereus, instead of perishing, emitted roots and
+remained healthy for a considerable time, and it would be easy to add to
+this numerous other instances of the remarkable tenacity of life
+possessed by these plants. At Kew, it is the common practice, when the
+large-growing specimens get too tall for the house in which they are
+grown, to cut off the top of the stem to a length of 6 ft. or 8 ft., and
+plant it in a pot of soil to form a new plant. The old base is kept for
+stock, as it often happens that just below the point where the stem was
+severed, lateral buds are developed, and these, when grown into
+branches, are removed and used as cuttings. Large Opuntias are treated
+in the same way, with the almost invariable result that even the largest
+branches root freely, and are in no way injured by what appears to be
+exceedingly rough treatment. Large cuttings striking root so freely, it
+must follow that small cuttings will likewise soon form roots, and, so
+far as our experience--which consists of some years with a very large
+collection of Cactuses--goes, there is not one species in cultivation
+which may not be easily multiplied by means of cuttings. The nature of a
+Cactus stem is so very different from the stems of most other plants,
+that no comparison can be made between them in respect of their
+root-developing power; the rooting of a Cactus cutting being as certain
+as the rooting of a bulb. The very soft, fleshy stems of some of the
+kinds such as the Echinocactus, should be exposed to the air for a time,
+so that the cut at the base may dry before it is buried in the soil. If
+the base of a plant decays, all that is necessary is the removal of the
+decayed portion, exposure of the wound to the air for two or three days,
+and then the planting of the cutting in a dry, sandy soil, and placing
+it in a warm moist house till rooted. All cuttings of Cactuses may be
+treated in this way. If anything proves destructive to these cuttings,
+it is excessive moisture in the soil, which must always be carefully
+guarded against.
+
+Grafting.--The object of grafting is generally either to effect certain
+changes in the nature of the scion, by uniting it with a stock of a
+character different from its own, which usually results in the better
+production of flowers, fruit, &c., or to multiply those plants which are
+not readily increased by the more ordinary methods of cuttings or seeds.
+In the case of Cactuses, however, we resort to grafting, not because of
+any difficulty in obtaining the kinds thus treated from either cuttings
+or seeds, as we have already seen that all the species of Cactuses grow
+freely from seed, or are easily raised from cuttings of their stems, nor
+yet to effect any change in the characters of the plants thus treated,
+but because some of the more delicate kinds, and especially the smaller
+ones, are apt to rot at the base during the damp, foggy weather of our
+winters; and, to prevent this, it is found a good and safe plan to graft
+them on to stocks formed of more robust kinds, or even on to plants of
+other genera, such as Cereus or Echinocactus. By this means, the
+delicate plants are raised above the soil whence the injury in winter
+usually arises, and they are also kept well supplied with food by the
+more robust and active nature of the roots of the plant upon which they
+are grafted. Grafting is also adopted for some of the Cactuses to add to
+the grotesqueness of their appearance; a spherical Echinocactus or
+Mamillaria being united to the columnar stem of another kind, so as to
+produce the appearance of a drum stick; or a large round-growing species
+grafted on to three such stems, which may then be likened to a globe
+supported upon three columns. As the species and genera unite freely
+with each other, it is possible to produce, by means of grafting, some
+very extraordinary-looking plants, and to a lover of the incongruous and
+"queer," these plants will afford much interest and amusement. Besides
+the above, we graft Epiphyllums, and the long drooping Cereuses, such as
+C. flagelliformis, because of their pendent habit, and which, therefore,
+are seen to better advantage when growing from the tall erect stem of
+some stouter kind, than if allowed to grow on their own roots. By
+growing a Pereskia on into a large plant, and then cutting it into any
+shape desired, we may, by grafting upon its spurs or branches a number
+of pieces of Epiphyllum, obtain large flowering specimens of various
+shapes in a comparatively short time. For general purposes, it is usual
+to graft Epiphyllums on to stems, about 1 ft. high, of Pereskia aculeata;
+pretty little standard plants being in this way formed in about a year
+from the time of grafting, As an instance of how easily some kinds may
+be grafted, we may note what was done with a large head of the
+Rat's-tail Cactus which had been grown for some years on the stem of
+Cereus rostratus, but which last year rotted off just below the point of
+union. On re-grafting this head on to the Cereus a little lower down, it
+failed to unite, and, attributing the failure to possible ill-health in
+the stock, we determined to transfer the Rat's-tail Cactus to a large
+stem of Pereskia aculeata, the result being a quick union and rapid,
+healthy growth since. Upon the same stock some grafts of Epiphyllum had
+previously been worked, so that it is probable these two aliens will
+form on their nurse-stem, the Pereskia, an attractive combination. In
+Fig. 6 we have a fine example of this kind of grafting. It represents a
+stem of Pereskia Bleo upon which the Rat's-tail Cactus and an Epiphyllum
+have been grafted.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 6. PERESKIA BLEO, WITH EPIPHYLLUM AND CEREUS
+FLAGELLIFORMIS GRAFTED UPON IT.]
+
+For most plants the operation of grafting must be carefully and
+skilfully performed, but in the case of Cactuses very little skill is
+necessary if one or two rules, which apply to all kinds of grafting, are
+observed. The period of vigorous growth, and while the sap of both the
+stock and the scion is in motion, is the most favourable time for the
+operation. It is then only necessary, in order to bring about a speedy
+union, that the parts grafted should be cut so as to fit each other
+properly, and then bound or in some way fastened together so that they
+will remain in close contact with each other till a union is effected. A
+close atmosphere and, if possible, a little shade should be afforded the
+worked plants till the grafts have taken. The ligature used should not
+be bound round the graft too tightly, or it will prevent the flow of the
+sap; if bound tightly enough to hold the parts together and to prevent
+their slipping, that will be found quite sufficient.
+
+Epiphyllums are treated as follows: Cuttings of Pereskia are rooted and
+grown on to the required size, and in the month of September they are
+headed down, the tops being used as cuttings. Grafts of Epiphyllum are
+then prepared by cutting them to the required length, usually about
+6 in., and removing a thin slice of the fleshy stem on each side so as to
+form a flat wedge. The stem of Pereskia is then split down about 1 in.
+with a sharp knife, and into this the wedge of the graft is inserted,
+and fastened either by means of a small pin passed through the stem and
+graft about half-way up the slit, or by binding round them a little
+worsted or matting, the former being preferred. The worked plants are
+then placed in a close handlight or propagating frame, having a
+temperature of about 75 degs., where they are kept moist by sprinkling
+them daily with water; they must be shaded from bright sunlight. As soon
+as a union has been effected, which will be seen by the grafts beginning
+to grow, the ligature and pin should be removed, and the plants
+gradually hardened off by admitting air to the box, till finally they
+may be removed to the house where it is intended to grow them. In a
+cottage window this operation may be successfully performed if a box
+with a movable glass top, or a large bell glass, be used to keep the
+grafts close till they have taken.
+
+For the spherical-stemmed kinds of Mamillaria, Cereus, Echinocactus,
+&c., a different method is found to answer. Instead of cutting the base
+of the graft to a wedge shape, it is simply cut across the base
+horizontally, or, in other words, a portion of the bottom of the graft
+is sliced off, and a stock procured which, when cut across the top, will
+about fit the wound at the base of the scion; the two sliced parts are
+placed together, and secured either by passing a piece of matting a few
+times over the top of the graft and under the pot containing the stock,
+or by placing three stakes around it in such a way that, when tied
+together at the top, they will hold the graft firmly in position.
+Another method is that of cutting the base of the scion in the form of a
+round wedge, and then scooping a hole out in the centre of the stock
+large enough to fit this wedge; the scion is pressed into this, and then
+secured in the manner above mentioned. To graft one spherical-stemmed
+kind on to three columnar-stemmed ones, the latter must first be
+established in one pot and, when ready for grafting, cut at the top into
+rounded wedges, three holes to correspond being cut into the scion. When
+fixed, the top should be securely fastened by tying it to the pot, or by
+means of stakes. For this last operation, a little patience and care are
+necessary to make the stocks and scions fit properly; but if the rules
+that apply to grafting are properly followed, there will be little fear
+of the operation failing. In the accompanying illustrations, we have a
+small Mamillaria stem grafted on to the apex of the tall
+quadrangular-stemmed, night-flowering Cereus (Fig. 7), and also a
+cylindrical-stemmed Opuntia worked on a branch of the flat,
+battledore-like Indian Fig (Fig. 8.)
+
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 7.--GRAFT OF MAMILLARIA RECURVA ON CEREUS
+NYCTICALUS.]
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 8.--GRAFT OF OPUNTIA DECIPIENS ON O. FICUS-INDICA.]
+
+In the hands of a skilful cultivator, the different Cactuses may be made
+to unite with one another almost as easily as clay under the moulder's
+hands; whilst even to the amateur, Cactuses afford the easiest of
+subjects for observing the results of grafting.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE GENUS EPIPHYLLUM.
+
+(From epi upon, and phyllon, a leaf).
+
+
+It is now about a century since some of the most beautiful of Cactaceous
+plants came into cultivation in this country, and amongst them was the
+plant now known as E. truncatum, but then called Cactus Epiphyllum; the
+name Cactus being used in a generic sense, and not, as now, merely as a
+general term for the Natural Order. Introduced so early, and at once
+finding great favour as a curious and beautiful flowering plant, E.
+truncatum has been, and is still, extensively cultivated, and numerous
+varieties of it have, as a consequence, originated in English gardens.
+We do not use the seeds of these plants for their propagation, unless
+new varieties are desired, when we must begin by fertilising the
+flowers, and thus obtain seeds, which should be sown and grown on till
+the plants flower.
+
+Epiphyllums have already "broken" from their original or wild
+characters, and are, therefore, likely to yield distinct varieties from
+the first sowing. In the forests which clothe the slopes of the Organ
+Mountains, in Brazil, the Epiphyllums are found in great abundance,
+growing upon the trunks and branches of large trees, and occasionally on
+the ground or upon rocks, up to an elevation of 6000 ft. It was here that
+Gardner, when travelling in South America, found E. truncatum growing in
+great luxuriance, and along with it the species known as E.
+Russellianum, which he sent to the Duke of Bedford's garden, at Woburn,
+in 1839. These two species are the only ones now recognised by
+botanists, all the other cultivated kinds being either varieties of, or
+crosses raised from, them. The character by which Epiphyllums are
+distinguished from other Cactuses, is their flattened, long, slender
+branches, which are formed of succulent, green, leaf-like branchlets,
+growing out of the ends of each other, to a length of from 3 ft. to 4 ft.
+As in the majority of Cactuses, the stems of Epiphyllum become woody and
+almost cylindrical with age, the axes of the branchlets swell out, and
+the edges either disappear or remain attached, like a pair of wings.
+
+Cultivation.--Epiphyllums require the temperature of an intermediate
+house in winter, whilst, in summer, any position where they can be kept
+a little close and moist, and be shaded from bright sunshine, will suit
+them. Remembering that their habit, when wild, is to grow upon the
+trunks of trees, where they would be afforded considerable shade by the
+overhanging branches, we cannot be wrong in shading them from direct
+sunshine during summer. Some growers recommend placing these plants in a
+hot, dry house; but we have never seen good specimens cultivated under
+such conditions. All through the summer months, the plants should be
+syringed both morning and evening; but by the end of August they will
+have completed their growth, and should, therefore, be gradually exposed
+to sunshine and air.
+
+It is advisable to discontinue the use of the syringe from September
+till the return of spring, but the plants should always be kept supplied
+with a little moisture at the root and in the air about them during the
+winter months. In this respect, these plants and the Rhipsalis are
+exceptions among Cactuses, as all the others are safest when kept dry
+during the cold, dull weather between September and April. The soil most
+suitable for them is a mixture of peat, loam, and sand, unless a light
+and fibrous loam be obtainable, which is, perhaps, the best of all soils
+for these plants, requiring only the addition of a little rotted manure
+or leaf-mould, silver sand, and some small brick rubble. The Pereskia
+stock is not a stout-rooted plant, and does not, therefore, require much
+root-room, although, by putting in plenty of broken crocks as drainage,
+the soil space in the pots may be reduced to what is considered
+sufficient for the plant. If small pots are used, the head of the plant
+is apt to overbalance the whole. The stems should be secured to stout
+stakes, and, if large, umbrella-like specimens are wanted, a frame
+should be made in the form of an umbrella, and the stem and branches
+fastened to it. Smaller plants may be kept in position by means of a
+single upright stake, which should be long enough to stand an inch or
+two above the head of the plant, so that the stoutest branches may be
+supported by attaching a piece of matting to them, and fastening it to
+the top of the stake. In the remarks upon grafting we mentioned the
+large pyramidal specimens of Epiphyllum which are grown by some
+cultivators for exhibition purposes; and, although these plants are much
+rarer at exhibitions now than they were a few years ago, yet they do
+sometimes appear, especially in the northern towns, such as Liverpool
+and Manchester.
+
+It would not be easy to find a more beautiful object during winter than
+an Epiphyllum, 5 ft. or 6 ft. high, and nearly the same in width at the
+base, forming a dense pyramid of drooping, strap-like branches bearing
+several hundreds of their bright and delicate coloured blossoms all at
+one time, and lasting in beauty for several weeks. With a little skill
+and patience, plants of this size may be grown by any amateur who
+possesses a warm greenhouse; and, although it is not easy to manage such
+large plants in a room window, handsome little specimens of the same
+form may be grown if the window is favourably situated and the room kept
+warm in winter. Mr. J. Wallis, gardener to G. Tomline, Esq., of Ipswich,
+has become famous for the size and health of the specimens he has
+produced. Writing on the cultivation of Epiphyllums, Mr. Wallis gives
+the following details, which are especially valuable as coming from one
+of the most successful cultivators of these beautiful plants:
+
+"The Epiphyllums here are grown for flowering in the conservatory, and
+are usually gay from the first week in November till February. During
+the remainder of the year, they occupy a three-quarter span-roof house,
+in which an intermediate temperature is maintained. All our Epiphyllums
+are grafted on the Pereskia aculeata. We graft a few at intervals of two
+or three years, so, if any of the older plants become sickly or shabby,
+they are thrown away, and the younger ones grown on. Some of the stocks
+are worked to form pyramids, and some to form standards. The height of
+the pyramids is 6 ft., and, to form these, six or eight scions are
+inserted. The heads of the standards are on stems ranging in height from
+4½ ft. down to 1½ ft. To form these heads, only one scion is put on the
+stock. Some of our oldest pyramids are 4 ft. or 5 ft. through at the base,
+and the heads of the standards quite as much. When in flower, the heads
+of the latter droop almost to the pots. The pyramids occupy No.2 and
+No.4 sized pots, the standards 8's and 12's. Each plant is secured to a
+strong iron stake, with three prongs fitting the inside of the pot, and
+the Epiphyllum is kept well supported to the stake by ties of stout
+wire. After the plants are well established, they are easily managed,
+and go many years without repotting; but, of course, we top-dress them
+annually, previously removing as much of the old soil as will come away
+easily. We grow these plants with plenty of ventilation on all
+favourable occasions, and they are seldom shaded. During active growth,
+water is given freely, occasionally liquid manure; they are also
+syringed daily. After the season's growth is completed, water is given
+more sparingly, and syringing is dispensed with."
+
+When grown on their own roots, Epiphyllums are useful for planting in
+wire baskets intended to hang near the glass; large and very handsome
+specimens form in a few years, if young rooted plants are placed rather
+thickly round the sides of the baskets, and grown in a warm house.
+Epiphyllums are employed with good effect for covering walls, which are
+first covered with peaty soil by means of wire netting, and then
+cuttings of the Epiphyllums are stuck in at intervals of about 1 ft. The
+effect of a wall of the drooping branches of these plants is attractive
+even when without their beautiful flowers; but when seen in winter,
+clothed with hundreds of sparkling blossoms, they present a most
+beautiful picture. Large plants of Pereskia may be trained over pillars
+in conservatories and afterwards grafted with Epiphyllums; in fact,
+there are many ways in which these plants may be effectively employed in
+gardens.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+E. truncatum (jagged); Bot. Mag. 2562.--Branchlets from 1 in. to 3 in.
+long, and 1 in. wide, with two or three distinct teeth along the edges,
+and a toothed or jagged apex (hence the specific name). The flowers are
+3 in. long, curved above and below, not unlike the letter S; the petals
+and sepals reflexed, and exposing the numerous yellow anthers, through
+which the club-headed stigma protrudes; colour, a deep rose-red, the
+base of the petals slightly paler. The varieties differ in having
+colours which vary from almost pure white, with purplish tips, to a
+uniform rich purple, whilst such colours as salmon, rose, orange, and
+scarlet, are conspicuous among them.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 9.--EPIPHYLLUM RUSSELLIANUM.]
+
+E. Russellianum (Russell's); Fig. 9.--This has smaller branchlets than
+the type plant (E. truncatum), and is thus easily distinguished; they do
+not exceed 1 in. in length and ½ in. in width, whilst the edges are
+irregularly and faintly notched, not distinctly toothed, as in E.
+truncatum. The flowers are a little larger than in the older kind, and
+are not curved, whilst the petals are narrower; their colour is bright
+rosy-red. This species flowers rather later in the year than E.
+truncatum, and may be had in blossom so late as the month of May or
+June. There are several varieties of it which have either larger and
+darker, or smaller and variously tinted flowers. Both the species will
+cross with each other, and probably many of the varieties enumerated by
+nurserymen have been obtained in this way.
+
+VARIETIES.
+
+The following is a selection of the best varieties, with a short
+description of the flowers of each:
+
+E. bicolor (two-coloured).--Tube of flower white; petals purple,
+becoming almost white towards the base.
+
+E. Bridgesii (Bridges').--Tube violet; petals dark purple.
+
+E. coccineum (scarlet).--Bright scarlet, paler at the base of the
+petals.
+
+E. cruentum (bloody).--Tube purplish-scarlet; petals bright scarlet.
+
+E. Gaertneri (Gaertner's).--This is an interesting and beautiful
+hybrid, raised from Epiphyllum and a Cereus of some kind. The branchlets
+are exactly the same as those of E. truncatum, but the flowers are not
+like Epiphyllum at all, resembling rather those of Cereus or
+Phyllocactus. They are brilliant scarlet in colour, shaded with violet.
+
+E. magnificum (magnificent).--Tube rosy-violet; petals dark red.
+
+E. salmoneum (salmon-coloured).--Tube and base of petals white, rest
+salmon-red, shaded with purple.
+
+E. spectabile (remarkable).--Tube and base of petals white; tips of
+petals carmine.
+
+E. tricolor (three-coloured).--Tube salmon-red; petals red, centre
+purplish.
+
+E. violaceum (violet).--Tube white; petals carmine, margined with
+violet-purple.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE GENUS PHYLLOCACTUS.
+
+(From phyllon, a leaf, and Cactus).
+
+
+As in the case of the Epiphyllums, the principal character by which the
+Phyllocactus is distinguished is well described by the name, the
+difference between it and Epiphyllum being that in the former the
+flowers are produced along the margins of the flattened branches,
+whereas in the latter they are borne on the apices of the short,
+truncate divisions. If we compare any of the Phyllocactuses with Cereus
+triangularis, or with C. speciosissimus, we shall find that the flowers
+are precisely similar both in form and colour, and sometimes also in
+size.
+
+In all the kinds the stem is compressed laterally, so as to look as if
+it had been hammered out flat; or sometimes it is three-angled, and the
+margins are deeply notched or serrated. These notches are really the
+divisions between one leaf and another, for the flat, fleshy portions or
+wings of the stems of these plants are simply modified leaves--not
+properly separated from each other and from the stem, but still to all
+intents and purposes leaves--which, as the plant increases and matures,
+gradually wither away, leaving the central or woody portion to assume
+the cylindrical stem which we find in all old Phyllocactuses. It is from
+these notches that the large, showy flowers are developed, just as in
+plants the flowers of which are borne from the axils of the leaves.
+
+Under the names "Spleenwort-leaved Indian Figs," and "Winged
+Torch-thistles," as well as those here adopted, the most beautiful
+perhaps of all Cactuses, and certainly the most useful in a garden
+sense, have been cultivated in English gardens for more than 150 years;
+for it was in 1710 that the flowering of E. Phyllanthus was first
+recorded in English horticulture. Philip Miller grew it with many other
+Cactuses in the botanical garden at Chelsea which was founded by Sir
+Hans Sloane, in 1673, to be maintained "for the manifestation of the
+power, wisdom, and glory of God in the works of creation," and which
+still exists as the botanical emporium of the Apothecaries' Society. The
+majority of the gorgeous Phyllocactuses which we now possess are of only
+recent introduction, or are the result of cultivation and crossing.
+
+The species are natives of various parts of tropical America, chiefly
+Mexico and Central America, where they are found generally growing, in
+company with Bromeliads and Orchids, upon the trunks of gigantic
+forest-trees. Phyllocactuses are therefore epiphytes when in a wild
+state, but under cultivation with us, they thrive best when planted in
+pots or in baskets--the latter method being adapted for one or two
+smaller kinds. It is easy to imagine the gorgeousness of a group of
+these plants when seen enveloping a large tree-trunk, clothing it, as it
+were, with balls of brilliant or pure white flowers. We are told by
+travellers of the splendours of a Cactus haunt during the flowering
+season, and those who have seen a well-managed pot specimen of
+Phyllocactus when covered with large, dazzling flowers, can form some
+idea of what wild plants are like when seen by hundreds together, and
+surrounded by the green foliage and festooning climbers which associate
+with them in the forests where they abound.
+
+Cultivation.--For the following cultural notes we are indebted to a
+most successful grower of Cactuses in Germany, whose collection of
+Phyllocactuses is exceptionally rich and well managed: The growing
+season for these plants is from about the end of April, or after the
+flowers are over, till the end of August. As soon as growth commences,
+the plants should be repotted. A light, rich soil should be used, a
+mixture of loam, peat, and leaf-mould, or rotten manure with a little
+sand, being suitable. Small plants should have a fair shift; larger ones
+only into a size of pot which just admits of a thin layer of fresh soil.
+When pot-bound, the plants flower most freely, and it is not necessary
+to repot large specimens more often than about once every three years.
+When potted they should be placed in a sunny position in a close house
+or frame, and be kept freely watered. In bright weather they may be
+syringed overhead twice a day. For the first few days after repotting it
+is advisable to shade the plants from bright sunshine. A stove
+temperature is required until growth is finished. After this they should
+be gradually ripened by admitting more air and exposing to all the
+sunlight possible. During winter very little water is needed, just
+sufficient to prevent shrivelling being safest. Excess of moisture in
+winter is ruinous, as it often kills the roots, and sometimes causes the
+plant to rot off at the collar. The lowest temperature in winter should
+be 50 degs., lower than this being unsafe, whilst in mild weather it
+might be 5 degs. higher.
+
+It is a bad plan to turn these plants round, in order, as some think, to
+ripen the growths properly. As a matter of fact, it does no good, but
+often does harm, by suddenly exposing the tender parts to the full force
+of sunlight.
+
+The stems may be trained either in the form of a fan or as a bush. Old
+branches which have flowered and are shrivelling may be cut away in the
+spring.
+
+Some fine specimens have been grown in pockets on old walls inside
+lean-to greenhouses, where the conditions have been favourable to the
+healthy growth and flowering of most of the species. When grown in this
+way, water must be supplied exactly as advised for plants grown in pots;
+if the pockets are not within easy reach of the watering pot, the plants
+can be watered by means of a heavy syringing.
+
+Propagation.--For the propagation of the Phyllocactus either the whole
+plant may be divided at the base, or cuttings of the branches may be
+used; the latter, after having dried by remaining with their bases
+exposed to the air for a day or two, should be planted in small pots
+filled with very sandy soil; they may be placed on a dry, sunny shelf
+near the glass, and be slightly sprinkled overhead daily till rooted.
+Seeds, which sometimes ripen on cultivated plants, should be gathered as
+soon as the fleshy fruits have turned to a purplish colour, dried for a
+day or so, then sown in a light, porous soil, and placed in a warm frame
+or house to germinate.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+P. Akermanni (named after a Mr. Akermann, who introduced it from Mexico
+in 1829); Fig. 10.--Stem becoming cylindrical at an early age, and
+clothed with little clusters of spiny hairs; the branches are flattened
+out, and form broad, rather thin, blade-like growths, with the margins
+sinuately lobed (waved and notched). The flowers are large--over 6 in.
+in diameter--the petals, very acutely pointed and undulated along the
+edges; flower tube 2 in. long, with a few small scales scattered over its
+surface; stamens curved, clustered around the stigma, and almost hiding
+it. Colour of whole flower a rich scarlet, with a satin-like lustre.
+Flowers in June and July.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 10. PHYLLOCACTUS AKERMANNI.]
+
+This is one of the best-known kinds, having been extensively cultivated
+as an ornamental greenhouse plant till within the last few years. It was
+grown by several nurserymen for Covent Garden Market about eight years
+ago; small plants, about 1 ft. high, and bearing each from two to six
+flowers, finding much favour among the costermongers, as the plants
+could be bought at a low price, and, owing to their large, brilliant
+flowers, always sold well at a good profit. This species has been
+employed by the hybridists for the obtaining of new kinds, and some very
+handsome and distinct varieties have consequently been raised. As well
+as crossing with other species of Phyllocactus, P. Akermanni has been
+used in combination with several species of Cereus, good hybrids having
+been the result. As a compact-growing and free-flowering species, this
+may be specially recommended.
+
+P. anguliger (angle-stemmed); Fig. 11.--The branches of this kind are
+distinguished by having the notches along their margins more like the
+teeth of a saw than the others. The habit is rather stiff and erect. The
+flowers are produced near the apex of the branches, and are composed of
+a curved tube 6 in. long, spreading out at the top to a width of 6 in.,
+and surmounted by a whorl of pure white petals, in the centre of which
+are the stamens, rather few in number, and the large, ten-rayed stigma.
+The flowers are developed in December and January, and have a powerful
+and delicious odour. Introduced, in 1837, from West Mexico, where it is
+said to grow in oak forests.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 11.--PHYLLOCACTUS ANGULIGER.]
+
+P. (Disocactus) biformis (two-formed); Fig. 12.--This is a small plant,
+and is intermediate between this genus and the Epiphyllums. It possesses
+no particular beauty or distinctive character such as would render it of
+much value for garden purposes. The branches are short, rather narrow
+and drooping, the margins notched and tinged with red. The flowers are
+borne generally on the ends of the branches, and are drooping in habit;
+in form they are more like the Epiphyllums than the ordinary
+Phyllocactuses, as they have their petals arranged in a sort of tube
+about 3 in. long. The fruit is a red berry as large as a gooseberry.
+Honduras, 1839.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 12.--PHYLLOCACTUS BIFORMIS.]
+
+P. crenatus (toothed); Bot. Reg. 3031.--A large-flowered and very
+beautiful species, rivalling, in the size and fragrance of its blossoms,
+the gigantic night-flowering Cereus grandiflorus. It grows to a height
+of about 2 ft., with round-based branches, the upper portion flattened
+out and the margins serrated. The flower tube is 4 in. long,
+brownish-green, as also are the sepals; petals 4 in. long, in a whorl,
+the points curving inwards; stamens and pistil erect, forming along with
+the petals a large star of a pale cream-colour. The beauty and fragrance
+of these flowers, which open in June, render them specially valuable for
+cutting and placing in rooms, where, notwithstanding their short
+duration, they never fail to win much admiration. Introduced from
+Honduras, in 1839. This fine species is one of the parents of the
+hybrids which have been raised both in this country and in America,
+where Mr. Hovey succeeded in obtaining some of the choicest as regards
+colour and size. Some of these latter were exhibited in London two or
+three years ago, and were much admired.
+
+P. grandis (large-flowered).--The large, creamy-white flowers of this
+plant are like those of the night-flowering Cereus; and, in addition to
+the similarity in form and size between these two, there is a further
+one in the time when the flowers expand, this species, along with one or
+two others, opening its flowers after sunset; and although they remain
+in good condition till late on in the day following, and sometimes even
+longer, we may suppose that the proper flowering time is at night. The
+delicious almond scent of the flowers of this fine Cactus is so strong,
+that during the flowering period the atmosphere of the large
+Cactus-house at Kew Gardens is permeated with it, the large specimens
+there having usually a score or more flowers open together, the effect
+of which is truly grand. Even this number of flowers is, for this
+species, by no means extraordinary, specimens having been grown
+elsewhere, in pots only 8 in. across, with as many flowers open on each.
+From this it will be seen that P. grandis is one of the most useful
+kinds, its large, sweet-scented flowers, and its free-growing nature,
+rendering it of exceptional value as a decorative plant. Its branches
+are broad and notched along the margins, and the flowers are 1 ft. in
+length, including the tube, whilst across the broad, spreading petals
+they measure almost as much. Honduras. Introduced 1837 (?). Time of
+flowering, summer and autumn.
+
+P. Hookeri (Hooker's); Bot. Mag. 2692, under Cactus Phyllanthus.--A
+robust-growing kind, often attaining to the size of a good shrub. Its
+flowers expand in the evening, and are sweet-scented. They are produced
+along the margins of the broad, flat, deeply-notched branches, the
+serratures being rounded instead of angled, as in some of the kinds. The
+tube of the flower is long and slender, no thicker than a goose quill,
+and covered with reddish scales; the petals are spreading, and form a
+cup 6 in. across; they are narrow, pointed, and pure white, the outer
+whorl, as well as the sepals, being tinged on the under side with a
+tawny colour. The stamens form a large cluster in the centre, and are
+bright yellow, the style being red and yellow. It is probable that this
+plant has been in cultivation for many years, as it was figured in the
+work quoted above under the name of one of the first introduced kinds of
+Phyllocactus, from which, however, it is abundantly distinct, as will be
+seen by a comparison of the descriptions of the two. There are, in the
+Kew collection, several large plants of P. Hookeri that flower annually
+during the summer and autumn. Brazil.
+
+P. latifrons (broad-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 3813.--This is another
+large-growing species, as large at least as P. Hookeri, to which,
+indeed, it bears a close resemblance, both in flowers and in habit. Like
+that species, too, its date of introduction is not known, though it
+appears to have been cultivated in England at an early period. It may be
+grown so as to form a large shrub in a few years; or by cutting it back
+annually, or growing on young plants from cuttings every two years, nice
+little pot plants may be obtained; and as the plant produces flowers
+freely when in a small state, it is available for small greenhouses as
+well as for large ones. A fine specimen, such, for instance, as that at
+Kew, which is over 8 ft. in height, and well furnished with branches, is
+an attractive object when clothed with numerous creamy-white flowers,
+here and there tinged with red. The branches are from 4 in. to 5 in.
+broad, and deeply notched; the flowers are about 8 in. in length, and the
+same across the spreading petals. Mexico. Spring.
+
+P. phyllanthus (leaf-flowering).--This species is now rarely seen in
+cultivation. As the oldest of the garden kinds it is, however, deserving
+of a little notice. Philip Miller grew it in his collection in 1710. The
+branches are broad and flat, the edges waved, not notched, and the
+flowers are composed of a thin tortuous tube, 9 in. in length, bearing at
+the top a whorl of recurved greenish petals, 1 in. long, with a cluster
+of whitish stamens and a green, club-shaped style and stigma. Brazil.
+
+P. phyllanthoides (phyllanthus-like); Bot. Mag. 2092.--For the
+introduction of this handsome-flowered kind we are indebted to the great
+travellers and naturalists, Humboldt and Bonpland, who discovered it
+growing in the woods upon the trunks of old trees around Cartagena in
+South America. Plants of it were forwarded by them to France, where they
+flowered for the first time in 1811. From that time till now this
+species has been in favour as a garden plant, though it is, at the
+present time, much less common in English gardens than it deserves to
+be. The branches are broad, triangular when young, flat when old, about
+1 ft. long by 2 in. wide, with shallow incisions, the serrations rather
+sharply angled. The height of the plant is from 2 ft. to 3 ft. The flowers
+are produced on the margins of the young branches, and are composed of a
+short, thick tube, not more than 2 in. in length, and short, dark,
+recurved scales; the petals are broad, pointed, and form a stellate
+cluster about 4 in. across; they are of a bright rose-colour, streaked
+with white, and shaded here and there with a darker colour of red. The
+stamens are numerous and pure white. The flowers open in the day-time,
+and are scentless; they last in perfection for two or three days, and
+may, therefore, be employed as cut flowers for vases, &c. Early summer.
+
+HYBRIDS AND VARIETIES.
+
+In addition to the cultivated species of Phyllocactus there are numerous
+hybrids and varieties, many of which are beautiful and distinct either
+in colour or in size of blossom.
+
+The following is a selection of the best of them:
+
+P. albus superbus (superb white).--The most beautiful of white-flowered
+kinds. Flowers fragrant, 6 in. across, resembling those of the
+night-blossoming Cereus grandiflorus; sepals greenish-white, petals pure
+white.
+
+P. aurantiacus superbus (superb orange).--A compact plant, with
+numerous large, brick-red flowers, 5 in. to 6 in. in diameter.
+
+P. Conway's Giant.--Flowers full, deep scarlet, about 8 in. in diameter.
+
+P. Cooperi (Cooper's).--An English hybrid, remarkable for its large,
+beautiful yellow flowers.
+
+P. Franzi (Franz's).--Flowers 3 in. to 4 in. across; petals numerous,
+outer ones scarlet, inner violet.
+
+P. General Garibaldi.--Flowers very large, scarlet, tinged with orange
+on the reflex side.
+
+P. grandiflorus (large-flowered).--Flowers bell-shaped, 4 in. across;
+sepals narrow, scarlet; petals incurved and of a fiery orange-scarlet
+colour.
+
+P. Haagei (Haage's); Fig. 13.--Flowers about 5 in. across,
+flesh-coloured when first expanded, becoming carmine before fading.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 13.--PHYLLOCACTUS HAAGEI.]
+
+P. ignescens (fiery).--Flowers 8 in. across, almost flat when expanded;
+petals numerous, deep brilliant scarlet.
+
+P. Jenkinsoni (Jenkinson's).--Flowers medium in size, colour
+cherry-red.
+
+P. Johnstonei (Johnstone's).--Flowers large, with broad scarlet petals.
+
+P. Kaufmanni (Kaufmann's).--Flowers purplish-red, very large.
+
+P. kermesina magnus (large scarlet).--An enormous-flowered kind, having
+produced blossoms which measured 10 in. across; petals vivid orange with
+a tip and central stripe of red; sepals blood-red.
+
+P. Pfersdorffii. (Pfersdorff's).--Flowers as in Cereus grandiflorus,
+8 in. to 10 in. across, very fragrant; petals white; sepals yellow,
+brownish outside.
+
+P. Rempleri (Rempler's).--Branches three-angled; flowers with short,
+linear, incurved sepals; petals long, broad, arranged like a tube,
+colour salmon-red.
+
+P. roseus grandiflorus (large rose-flowered); Fig. 14.--Flowers 6 in.
+long and broad, nodding, white.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 14.--PHYLLOCACTUS ROSEUS GRANDIFLORUS.]
+
+P. Schlimii (Schlim's).--Branches three-angled; flowers large, sepals
+bright purple; petals broad, purple, tinged with scarlet.
+
+P. splendens (splendid).--Flowers 8 in. across, purple-pink.
+
+P. Wrayi (Wray's).--Flowers 5 in. long by 8 in. in diameter; sepals brown
+on the outside, yellow inside; petals yellowish-white, fragrant when
+first expanded.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE GENUS CEREUS.
+
+(From cereus, pliant; in reference to the stems of some species.)
+
+
+Over 200 distinct species of Cereus are, according to botanists,
+distributed over the tropical and temperate regions of America and the
+West Indies, extending to the Galapagos, or "Tortoise" Islands, 200
+miles off the coast of Peru. It was in these islands that the late
+Charles Darwin found several small kinds of Cereus, some of them growing
+near the snow-line in exposed situations on the highest mountains. In
+Mexico, C. giganteus, the most colossal of all Cacti, is found rearing
+its tall, straight, columnar stems to a height of 60 ft., and branching
+near the top, "like petrified giants stretching out their arms in
+speechless pain, whilst others stand like lonely sentinels keeping their
+dreary watch on the edge of precipices." In the West Indies most of the
+night-flowering kinds are common, their long, creeping stems clinging by
+means of aerial roots to rocks, or to the exposed trunks of trees, where
+their enormous, often fragrant, flowers are produced in great abundance,
+expanding only after the sun has set. Between these three distinct
+groups we find among the plants of this elegant genus great variety both
+in size and form of the stem and in the flower characters of the
+different species. A large proportion of the 200 kinds known are not
+cultivated in European gardens, and perhaps for many of them it is not
+possible for us to provide in our houses the peculiar conditions they
+require for their healthy existence. But there are a good many species
+of Cereus represented in gardens, even in this country, and among them
+we shall have no difficulty in finding many useful and beautiful kinds,
+such as may be cultivated with success in an ordinary greenhouse or
+stove. Lemaire, a French writer on Cactuses, groups a number of species
+under the generic name of Echinocereus; but as this name is not adopted
+in England, it is omitted here, all the kinds being included under
+Cereus.
+
+THE NIGHT-FLOWERING SPECIES.
+
+The most interesting group is that of the climbing night-flowering
+kinds, on account of their singular habit of expanding their flowers in
+the dark and of the very large size and brilliant colours of their
+flowers. In habit the plants of this set are trailers or climbers, their
+stems are either round or angled, and grow to a length of many feet,
+branching freely as they extend. By means of their roots, which are
+freely formed upon the stems, and which have the power of attaching
+themselves to stones or wood in the same way as ivy does, these kinds
+soon spread over and cover a large space; they are, therefore, useful
+for training over the back walls in lean-to houses, or for growing
+against rafters or pillars--in fact, in any position exposed to bright
+sunlight and where there is a good circulation of air. Soil does not
+appear to play an important part with these plants, as they will grow
+anywhere where there is a little brick rubble, gravel, or cinders for
+their basal roots to nestle in. They have been grown in the greatest
+luxuriance and have produced flowers in abundance with nothing more than
+their roots buried in the crumbling foundations of an old wall, upon
+which the stems were clinging. The chief consideration is drainage, as,
+unless the roots are kept clear of anything like stagnation, they soon
+perish through rot. During the summer, the stems should be syringed
+morning and evening on all bright days, whilst in winter little or no
+water will be required.
+
+Like all other Cactuses, these plants may be propagated by means of
+large branches, which, if placed in a porous soil, will strike root in a
+few weeks. We saw a very large specimen of C. triangularis, which last
+autumn suddenly rotted at the base, from some cause or other, and to
+save the specimen, a mound was built up of brick rubble and soil, high
+enough to surround the base of the plant above the rotted part. In a few
+weeks there was a good crop of new roots formed, and the plant has since
+flowered most satisfactorily. With almost any other plant, this course
+would have proved futile; but Cactuses are singularly tenacious of life,
+the largest and oldest stems being capable of forming roots as freely
+and as quickly as the young ones.
+
+C. extensus (long-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 4066.--This has long rope-like
+stems, bluntly triangular, less than 1 in. thick, with very short spines,
+arranged in pairs or threes, about 1 in. apart along the angles, and
+aerial roots. The flowers are developed all along the stems, and are
+composed of a thick, green, scale-clothed tube, about 3 in. long; the
+larger scales yellow and green, tipped with red, and a spreading cup
+formed of the long-pointed sepals and petals, the former yellow, green,
+and red, the latter white, tinted with rose. The flower is about 9 in.
+across. When in blossom, this plant equals in beauty the finest of the
+climbing Cactuses, but, unfortunately, it does not flower as freely as
+most of its kind. It is cultivated at Kew, where it has flowered once
+during the last five years. A native of Trinidad, whence it was
+introduced, and first flowered in August, 1843. Judging by the
+conditions under which it grows and blossoms in its native haunts, no
+doubt its shy-flowering nature under cultivation here is owing to the
+absence of a long continuance of bright sunshine and moisture, followed
+by one of drought and sunlight. If placed in a favourable condition as
+regards light, and carefully treated in respect of water, it ought to
+flower.
+
+C. fulgidus (glittering); Bot. Mag. 5856.--In the brilliant deep
+scarlet of its large buds, and the bright orange-scarlet of the expanded
+flowers, this species stands quite alone among the night-flowering,
+scandent-stemmed Cereuses. Its one drawback is its shy-flowering nature,
+as it is rarely seen in blossom even when liberally treated, and along
+with the other kinds which flower so freely. The history of this plant
+is not known; but it is supposed to be a hybrid between C. Pitajayi or
+variabilis and one of the scarlet-flowered Phyllocactuses, or, possibly,
+C. speciosissimus. It first flowered at Kew, in July, 1870. Stems bright
+green, slow-growing, three or four-angled, about 2 in. wide; angles much
+compressed, so that a section of the stem shows a cross; margins
+notched, with clusters of short, hair-like spines at each notch. Flowers
+6 in. long, and about the same across the top; tube covered with soft
+hairs and short deep-red scales, which are enlarged towards the top,
+where they spread out, and form, along with the petals, a large rosette
+of several whorls, arranged as in a semi-double rose, the centre being
+occupied by a brush-like cluster of greenish stamens, with the radiating
+stigma standing erect in the middle. It is to be regretted that the
+flowers are not more freely produced by cultivated plants.
+
+C. grandiflorus (large-flowered); Bot. Mag. 3381.--There is scarcely
+any plant that makes a more magnificent appearance when in full blossom
+than this. A strong plant will produce many flowers together, but they
+do not remain long expanded, opening at seven or eight o'clock in the
+evening, and fading at sunrise the next morning; nor do they ever open
+again, even when cut and placed in warm water in a dark place. The
+closing of the flowers may, however, be retarded for a whole day by
+removing the bud before it is fully open and placing it in water. The
+stems are almost cylindrical, with four to seven slight ridges, or
+angles, which bear numerous tufts of wool and short stiff spines. Roots
+are thrown out from all parts of the stem, even when not in contact with
+anything. The flowers are developed on the sides of the stems,
+principally the younger, shorter ones; the flower tube is about 4 in.
+long by 1 in. in diameter, and is covered with short brown scales and
+whitish hairs; the calyx is 1 ft. across, and is composed of a large
+number of narrow sepals of a bright yellow colour inside, brown on the
+outside; the petals are broad, pure white, and arranged in a sort of cup
+inclosing the numerous yellow stamens and the club-shaped stigma. The
+flower has a delicious vanilla-like odour, which perfumes the air to a
+considerable distance. Flowers in July. Native of the West Indies.
+Introduced 1700, at which time it is said to have been cultivated in the
+Royal Gardens at Hampton Court.
+
+C. Lemairii (Lemaire's); Bot. Mag. 4814.--In the size and fragrance of
+its blossoms, and also in the brilliancy of its colours, this species
+rivals C. grandiflorus; differing in the following particulars: the tube
+is covered with large green, crimson-edged scales instead of small brown
+scales and white hairs; the sepals do not spread out in a star-like
+manner, as in C. grandiflorus, and they are tinged with crimson; the
+stem of the plant shows a bluntly triangular section, and the angles are
+marked with a row of distant spines instead of the clusters of spines
+and wool in C. grandiflorus. In all other particulars, these two species
+are almost identical, so that where space is limited either the one or
+the other will be sufficient to represent both. C. Lemairii was
+introduced into England through Kew, whither a plant was sent in 1854
+from the Royal Botanical Garden of Hanover, under the name of C.
+rostratus. It blossoms in the Kew collection every June, the flowers
+lasting for several hours after sunrise. Seeds are freely ripened by
+this plant. Native of Antigua (?)
+
+C. Macdonaldiae (Mrs. MacDonald's); Bot. Mag. 4707.--A magnificent
+Cactus, producing flowers often 14 in. in diameter, with the same
+brilliant colours as are described under C. Lemairii. The stems are
+slender, cylindrical, not ridged or angled, bearing at irregular
+intervals rather fleshy tubercles instead of spines, and branching
+freely. Its flowers are produced on both young and old stems, several
+crops appearing in the course of the summer when the treatment is
+favourable. Roots are not so freely thrown out from the stems of this
+kind, and as the latter are slender and very pliant, they may be trained
+round a balloon trellis, so as to form handsome pot specimens, which,
+when in flower, may be carried into the house, where their large,
+beautiful flowers may be enjoyed. Writing of this species over thirty
+years ago, Sir Wm. Hooker said: "Certainly, of the many floral
+spectacles that have gratified lovers of horticulture at the Royal
+Gardens, Kew, of late years, few have been more striking than this to
+those who were privileged to see the blossoms in bud and fully expanded.
+The plant was received from Honduras through the favour of Mrs.
+MacDonald, and was planted at the back of the old Cactus-house, and
+trained against a wall. It first showed symptoms of blossoming in July,
+1851. A casual observer might have passed the plant as an unusually
+large form of the 'night-blooming Cereus' (C. grandiflorus), but the
+slightest inspection of the stems and flowers, the latter 14 in. in
+diameter by 14 in. long, shows this to be a most distinct species."
+
+C. Napoleonis (Napoleon's); Bot. Mag. 3458.--This is very like C.
+grandiflorus, and is slightly and not very agreeably perfumed. The
+flowers sometimes open very early in the morning and fade in the
+afternoon, so that they may be enjoyed during the day-time. The flower
+tube is 6 in. long, curved upwards, and clothed with rose-tinted scales,
+which become gradually larger towards the top, where they widen out into
+a whorl of greenish-yellow sepals, above which are the white petals
+forming a broad shallow cup, 8 in. across, with a cluster of yellow
+stamens in the centre. The stems are three-angled, light green, and bear
+clusters of short stiff spines along the angles at intervals of 2 in.
+Flowers in autumn. Mexico (?), 1835.
+
+C. nycticalus (flowering at night); Fig. 15.--Stems four to six-angled,
+2 in. wide, dark green, bearing little tufts of hair and thin white
+spines along the angles, and a profusion of aerial roots. Flowers as
+large as those of C. grandiflorus; tube covered with tufts of white
+hairs; sepals or outer whorl of segments bright orange, the inner pure
+white, and arranged like a cup. They open at about seven o'clock in the
+evening, and fade at seven on the following morning. This plant may
+still be met with in some old-fashioned gardens, but only rarely as
+compared with its popularity a generation ago, when it was to be found
+in almost every collection of stove plants. At that time, the flowering
+of this Cactus was looked upon as an event, and it was customary for the
+owner to invite his friends to meet and watch the development of the
+flowers, and enjoy to the full their almost over-powering but delicious
+fragrance. So bright are the colours of the flowers, that a sort of
+luminosity seems to surround them when at their best. Flowers in autumn.
+Mexico, 1834.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 15.--CEREUS NYCTICALUS.]
+
+C. triangularis (three-angled); Bot. Mag. 1884.--This plant is easily
+recognised because of its stout triangular stems, which increase at a
+rapid rate and bear roots freely; by means of these roots they cling to
+almost any substance with which they come in contact. There are large
+examples of it in the Kew collection, where it bears numerous flowers
+annually, which open in the evening and close at about eight o'clock
+next morning. The flowers measure 1 ft. in length by about the same in
+width of cup, and are composed of a whorl of long narrow green sepals,
+with pale brown points, a cluster of pure white petals, bright yellow
+stamens, and a large club-like stigma; they appear in autumn. Mexico.
+This species was cultivated at Hampton Court in 1690.
+
+C. speciosissimus (most beautiful).--Although not a night-flowering
+kind, nor yet a climber, yet this species resembles in habit the above
+rather than the columnar-stemmed ones. It is certainly the species best
+adapted for cultivation in small greenhouses or in the windows of
+dwelling-houses, as it grows quickly, remains healthy under ordinary
+treatment, is dwarf in habit, and flowers freely--characters which,
+along with the vivid colours and large size of the blossoms, render it
+of exceptional value as a garden plant. Its stems are slender, and it
+may be grown satisfactorily when treated as a wall plant. For its
+cultivation, the treatment advised for Phyllocactuses will be found
+suitable. When well grown and flowered it surpasses in brilliancy of
+colours almost every other plant known. Specimens with thirty stems each
+6 ft. high, and bearing from sixty to eighty buds and flowers upon them
+at one time, may be grown by anyone possessing a warm greenhouse. The
+stems are three to five angled, spiny, the tufts of spines set in little
+disks of whitish wool. The flowers are as large as tea saucers, with
+tubes about 4 in. long, the colour being an intense crimson or violet, so
+intense and bright as to dazzle the eyes when looked at in bright
+sunlight. When cut and placed in water they will last three or four
+days. April and May. Mexico, 1820. "Numberless varieties have been
+raised from this Cereus, as it seeds freely and crosses readily with
+other species. Many years ago, Mr. D. Beaton raised scores of seedlings
+from crosses between this and C. flagelliformis, and has stated that he
+never found a barren seedling. Much attention was given to these plants
+about fifty years ago, for Sir E. Antrobus is said to have exhibited
+specimens with from 200 to 300 flowers each. I have been informed that
+an extremely large plant of this Cereus, producing hundreds of flowers
+every season, is grown on the back wall of a vinery at the Grange,
+Barnet, the residence of Sir Charles Nicholson, Bart." (L. Castle).
+
+THE SEMI-SCANDENT SPECIES.
+
+These are characterised by a thin, drooping or trailing stem, and,
+though not strictly climbers, they may most fittingly be considered in a
+group by themselves. Some botanists have made a separate genus for them,
+viz., Cleistocactus, but for all practical purposes they may be grouped
+under the above heading, whilst popularly they are known as the
+Rat's-tail or Whipcord Cactuses. Two of them--viz., C. flagelliformis
+and C. Mallisoni--are generally grafted on the stem of some erect,
+slender Cereus or Pereskia, or they may be worked on to the stem of a
+climbing Cereus, such as C. triangularis, in such a way as to hang from
+the roof of a house. A large specimen of C. flagelliformis, growing from
+the climbing stem of C. rostratus, was, for a long time, conspicuous
+among the Cactuses at Kew, but owing to the decay of the "stock" plant,
+this fine specimen no longer exists. A large Pereskia, trained along the
+roof in the Cactus-house at Kew, has recently been grafted with a number
+of pieces of C. flagelliformis, which in a few years will, no doubt,
+form a handsome specimen. In the same establishment a specimen of C.
+Mallisoni is grafted on the stem of another kind, and is very attractive
+when in flower. C. serpentinus thrives well upon its own roots. For the
+cultivation of this little group, the instructions given for the
+climbing and other kinds may be followed.
+
+C. flagelliformis (whip-formed).--Stems prostrate, or, when grafted on
+a tall stem, pendent, ½ in. in diameter, round, with numerous ridges
+almost hidden by the many clusters of fine bristle-like hairs. Flowers
+2 in. long and 1 in. wide; colour bright rosy-red. In some parts of
+Germany this plant is one of the commonest of window ornaments, and it
+is so well grown by the peasants there, that the whole window space is
+completely screened by the numerous long, tail-like stems, 4 ft. or 6 ft.
+long, which hang from baskets. It is sometimes cultivated by cottagers
+in England, and we have seen a very fine specimen in a cottager's window
+in Gunnersbury. Without its pretty bright-coloured flowers, this Cactus
+has the charm of novelty in the form and habit of its stems, and as it
+is easily cultivated in a window through which the sun shines during
+most of the day, it is just the plant to grow for the double purpose of
+a screen and a curiosity. If planted in baskets, it should be potted in
+a porous loamy soil, and kept moist in the summer and perfectly dry in
+winter. Summer. Peru. Introduced 1690.
+
+C. Mallisoni ( Mallison's); Bot. Mag. 3822.--This is supposed to be of
+hybrid origin, a Mr. Mallison having sent it to Dr. Lindley to be named,
+and stating that he obtained it by fertilising flowers of C.
+speciosissimus with pollen from C. flagelliformis. Whatever its origin,
+it is a distinct kind, with stems similar to those of the last-named,
+but thicker and slightly less spiny, and flowers 4 in. long by 4 in.
+across the spreading petals, the whole being bright red with a cluster
+of pale yellow stamens protruding 1 in. beyond the throat. The flowers
+are produced from the sides of the stems, a few inches from the apex,
+and as they are borne in abundance and last three or four days each, a
+large specimen makes a very attractive display for several weeks in the
+summer. The plant at Kew, a large one, is grafted on the stem of C.
+Macdonaldiae, which is trained along a rafter, so that the stems of C.
+Mallisoni hang conspicuously from the roof.
+
+C. serpentinus (serpent-like); Fig. 16.--When young, the stems of this
+plant are erect and stout enough to support themselves; but as they
+lengthen they fall over and grow along the ground, unless supported by a
+stake or wire; they have numerous ridges, with clusters of hair-like
+spines, which are usually purplish. Flowers large, handsome, fragrant;
+tube 6in, long, green; petals and sepals spreading and forming a star
+3 in. in diameter, the petals purplish on the outside, and pinkish-white
+inside; stamens arranged in a sort of cup 1 in. deep. This plant rarely
+produces aerial roots. Small specimens are ornamental even when not in
+flower, the bright green, regularly ridged stem, with its numerous
+little clusters of fine spines, at the base of which are short tufts of
+a white woolly substance, being both curious and pretty. It flowers
+freely every summer. South America, 1814.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 16.--CEREUS SERPENTINUS.]
+
+THE GLOBOSE AND COLUMNAR STEMMED SPECIES.
+
+Many of these are unsuited for culture in ordinary plant-houses, whilst
+others are so rare that, although cultivated in botanical collections,
+they are not available for ordinary gardens, not being known in the
+trade. There are, however, a good many species that may be obtained from
+dealers in Cactuses, and to these we shall confine ourselves here. At
+Kew, the collection of Cereuses is large and diversified, some of the
+specimens being as tall as the house they are in will allow them to be,
+and the appearance they present is, to some eyes at least, a very
+attractive one. Such plants are: C. candicans, which is a
+cluster-stemmed kind, very thick and fleshy, and in shape like an Indian
+club; C. chilensis;--with tall hedgehog-skinned stems, the numerous
+ridges being thickly clothed with clusters of yellowish spines, which
+become dark brown with age; C. Dyckii, 10 ft. high, the stems thick and
+fleshy, with ridges 1½  in. deep; C. gemmatus, a hexagonal, almost
+naked-stemmed species 10 ft. high; C. strictus, C. peruvianus, C.
+geometrizans, and C. Jamacaru, which are tall, weird-looking plants,
+10 ft. or more high, some of them freely branched. The following is a
+selection of the largest-flowered and handsomest kinds:
+
+C. Berlandieri (Berlandier's); Fig. 17.--A distinct and beautiful
+plant, of dwarf, creeping habit, forming a tuft of short branchlets
+springing from the main procumbent stems, none of which exceed 6  in. in
+length by ¾ in. in thickness. They are almost round when old, the younger
+ones being slightly angled, and bearing, along the ridges, little
+tubercles, crowned with short spines. Even old stems are very soft and
+watery, and, on this account, it is necessary for the safety of the
+plant, in winter, that it should be kept absolutely dry. The flowers are
+produced on the young upright stems, and they are as much as 4 in.
+across. They are composed of a regular ring of strap-shaped, bright
+purple petals, springing from the erect bristly tube, and in the centre
+a disk-like cluster of rose-coloured stamens, the stigma standing well
+above them. In form the flowers are not unlike some of the Sunflowers or
+Mutisia decurrens. They are developed in summer, and on well-grown
+plants the display of blossom is exceptionally fine. This species is
+sometimes known as C. repens and C. Deppii. It is a native of South
+Texas and Mexico, where it is found growing in sandy or gravelly soils,
+on dry, sunny hill-sides. It should be grown in a cool greenhouse or
+frame, in a position where it would get plenty of sunshine to ripen its
+growth and induce it to flower. In winter it should be placed close to
+the glass, where the sun can shine full on it, and where it will be safe
+from frost. It will not thrive if wintered in a warm house. In April, it
+should be examined, repotted if the soil is sour, and kept watered as
+growth commences.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 17.--CEREUS BERLANDIERI.]
+
+C. Blankii (Blank's); Fig. 18.--This is very similar to the C.
+Berlandieri in habit and stem characters, differing only in having
+longer, broader, less spreading petals, a club-shaped stigma, and in the
+colour, which is a deep rose, flushed in the throat with crimson. A
+comparison of the figures here given will show the differences better
+than any description. C. Blankii comes from Mexico at high elevations,
+and thrives under cultivation with the same treatment as the preceding.
+It is very common in Continental gardens, where it is grown
+out-of-doors, being protected from cold in winter by a handlight and
+straw. It flowers in summer.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 18.--CEREUS BLANKII.]
+
+C. caerulescens (blue-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 3922.--An erect-growing, tall
+Cactus, rarely branching unless made to do so by cutting off the top of
+the stem; furrows and ridges about eight, the ridges prominent, waved,
+and bearing tufts of blackish wool, in which are set about a dozen black
+spines, ½ in. long; the stem when young and in good health is bluish in
+colour. Flowers springing from the ridges, about 8 in. long, the tube
+covered with reddish-grey scales, which pass upwards into the sepals;
+petals spreading, white, the margins toothed, and forming a spreading
+top, not unlike a large white single Camellia; the stamens are arranged
+in a sort of cup, and are yellow-anthered, with a large rayed yellow
+stigma in the middle. In the Botanical Magazine it is stated that the
+flowers of this species are equal and even superior to those of C.
+grandiflorus; but we have not seen flowers such as would bear out that
+statement. This species is too tall-stemmed to be recommended for
+windows or small greenhouses; but where room can be afforded it, the
+attractive colour of its stems, together with the size and beauty of its
+flowers, should win it favour. It blossoms in summer, generally about
+July, and is a native of Mexico. Introduced in 1841.
+
+C. caespitosus (tufted); Fig. 19.--A dwarf species, the stem not more
+than 8 in. high by about 4 in. in diameter, sometimes branched, or bearing
+about its base a number of lateral growths, which ultimately form a
+cluster of stems--hence the name. The bark or skin of the stem is
+greyish-green, and the ribs, of which there are from a dozen to
+eighteen, are thickly covered with clusters of whitish wool and spines,
+the latter rose-tinted, and radiating in all directions. The flowers are
+produced on the top of the stems, and are short-tubed, the tube clothed
+with little bundles of spines; spread of the petals (from thirty to
+forty in each flower), 4 in.; colour deep rose; anthers and stigma
+forming an eye-like cluster, the former yellow, and the latter bright
+green. Flowered at Kew for the first time in 1882, but, although new to
+cultivation, it is becoming plentiful. Native of New Mexico and Texas.
+For windows or small greenhouses this is a most suitable plant, as it
+flowers freely and keeps in good health in an ordinary greenhouse
+temperature, always, however, requiring plenty of sunlight and rest
+during winter. By placing it upon a shelf near the glass from October to
+March, allowing it to remain perfectly dry, and afterwards watering it
+freely, the flowers should make their appearance early in summer. A
+plant with several stems, each bearing a large bright rose blossom,
+sometimes two, presents an attractive appearance.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 19.--CEREUS CAESPITOSUS.]
+
+C. cirrhiferus (tendril-bearing).--A prostrate, branching-stemmed,
+small-growing kind, very proliferous, with roots along the main stems;
+branchlets upright, five-angled, with slightly raised points, or
+tubercles, upon which are ten short hair-like spines, arranged in a
+star, and surrounding three or four central erect spines, all whitish
+and transparent. Flowering branches erect, 4 in. high, by about 1 in. in
+diameter, bearing, near the apex, the large bright red flowers, nearly
+4 in. in diameter, regular as a Sunflower, and lasting about a week. This
+species was introduced from Mexico in 1847. It is one of the best-known
+and handsomest of this group. It requires similar treatment to C.
+Berlandieri.
+
+C. ctenoides (comb-like); Fig. 20.--Stem 3 in. to 5 in. high, and about
+3 in. in diameter, egg-shaped, unbranched, rarely producing offsets at
+the base. Ribs fifteen or sixteen, spiral, with closely-set cushions of
+stiff, whitish spines, which interlace and almost hide the stem; there
+are from fourteen to twenty-two spines to each cushion, and they are
+¼ in. long. Flowers produced on the ridges near the top of the stem; tube
+short, spiny; petals spreading, like a Convolvulus, 3 in. to 4 in. across,
+bright yellow; stamens yellow, pistil white. The flowers expand at about
+9 a.m., and close again soon after noon. They are developed in June or
+July. This species is a native of Texas, and is rare in cultivation.
+When not in flower it might easily be mistaken for Echinocactus
+pectinatus. It should be grown in a sunny position, in a warm house or
+pit, all summer, and wintered on a shelf, near the glass, in a
+temperature of from 45 degs. to 50 degs. during winter. Under cultivation
+it is apt to rot suddenly at the base, more especially when old. Should
+this happen, the rotten parts must be cut away, and the wound exposed to
+the air in a dry house for a week or two.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 20.--CEREUS CTENOIDES.]
+
+C. enneacanthus (eight-spined); Fig. 21.--Stem seldom more than 6 in.
+high by less than 2 in. in diameter, cylindrical in shape, bright green,
+simple when young, tufted in old specimens. Ribs shallow, broad,
+irregular on the top, with spine-cushions on the projecting parts;
+spines straight, yellowish-white, semi-transparent, variable in length,
+longest about 1 in. There are frequently as many as twelve spines in a
+tuft, although the specific name implies eight spines only. Flowers on
+the ridges near the top of the stem, with spiny tubes, spreading petals
+of a deep purple colour, and yellow stamens and pistil. They are
+developed freely in June and July. This is a soft-fleshed species, from
+Texas; it is not easily kept in health, and is therefore rarely seen. It
+should be treated as advised for C. ctenoides. Neither of these plants
+will flower unless it is grown in a sunny position as near to the
+roof-glass as is possible.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 21.--CEREUS ENNEACANTHUS.]
+
+C. Fendleri (Fendler's).--One of the best of the dwarf-stemmed kinds.
+It has a pale green stem, about 6 in. high, rarely branching at the base,
+but often found growing in clusters. Ridges nine to twelve, running
+spirally round the stem, and bearing clusters of brown spines, some of
+them nearly 2 in. in length. Flowers composed of a tube 1 in. long, green,
+fleshy, and spiny, with a spreading cup-like arrangement of petals and
+sepals, 3 in. in diameter, and of a bright purple colour; stigma and
+anthers green. It produces its flowers in June. It was introduced from
+the mountainous region of New Mexico about five years ago, and has
+blossomed freely in several collections, notably in that of Mr. Loder,
+of Northampton, who has cultivated this and several other species from
+the same region in a sunny sheltered position out of doors, where, for
+several years, they have withstood winter's cold with no other
+protection than that afforded by an over-hanging wall. Mr. Loder says of
+C. Fendleri that it is the best of all Cactuses for cool treatment, as
+the flowers last more than a week, closing at night, and opening only in
+sunshine, when its rich purple colour is quite dazzling to the eye. It
+also blossoms freely under glass; but the colour of the flowers is not
+so vivid as when they are produced in full sunshine out of doors.
+
+C. giganteus (gigantic); Fig. 22.--This is the most colossal of all
+Cactuses, in which respect it is chiefly interesting. Its stem, when
+young, is very similar to that of other dwarfer species, whilst, so far
+as is known, its flowers have not been produced under cultivation. It
+grows very slowly, a plant 6 in. high being eight or ten years old, so
+that, to attain its full development, a very long time indeed is
+necessary. When young, the stems are globose, afterwards becoming
+club-shaped or cylindrical. It flowers at the height of 10 ft. or 12 ft.,
+but grows up to four or five times that height, when it develops lateral
+branches, which curve upwards, and present the appearance of immense
+candelabra. The flowers are 4 in. or 5 in. long, and about the same in
+diameter. There is a small specimen, about 3 ft. high, in the succulent
+collection at Kew. The appearance of a number of tall specimens of this
+wonderful Cactus, when seen towering high above the rocks and scrub with
+which it is associated, is described by travellers as being both weird
+and grand. Judging by the slowness of its growth, the prospect of seeing
+full-sized specimens of this species in English gardens is a very remote
+one, unless full-grown stems are imported, and this is hardly possible.
+Native of Mexico and California.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 22.--FLOWER OF CEREUS GIGANTEUS.]
+
+C. Leeanus (Lee's); Bot. Mag. 4417.--A dwarf plant, the stems not more
+than 1 ft. in height, and about 5 in. in diameter at the base, tapering
+gradually towards the top, so that it forms a cone; the furrows number
+about a dozen, and the ridges are ½ in. high, the angles sharp, and
+clothed with clusters of pale brown spines, the central one 1 in. long,
+the others much shorter. The flowers are produced on the top of the
+stem, four or five together, and are large, handsome, brick-red in
+colour, the tube 2 in. long, clothed with yellowish, green-tipped scales,
+and little clusters of hair-like bristles. The arrangement of the
+petals, and the cluster of yellow anthers in the centre, give the
+flowers the appearance of Camellias, if looked at from above. Introduced
+from Mexico by Mr. Lee, of Hammersmith, in 1848, and flowered soon
+afterwards at Kew, in summer. Being a native of the higher, more
+northerly regions of Mexico, this species needs only to be protected
+from severe frosts; it has been known to bear a little frost without
+injury. For windows and greenhouses it is a very desirable plant.
+
+C. leptacanthus (slender-spined); Fig. 23.--One of the most beautiful
+of all Cactuses, and one of the easiest to cultivate, the only drawback
+being that it rarely flowers under cultivation. In habit it is similar
+to C. Berlandieri. A plant 8 in. across bears about twenty short
+branches, each of which, under careful cultivation will produce several
+flowers in the months of May and June, and these, when expanded, last
+about eight days before withering; they close every afternoon, opening
+about ten o'clock in the morning. The petals are arranged in a single
+series, spreading so as to form a shallow cup, and are notched on the
+edges near the upper end. They are coloured a deep purple-lilac on the
+upper half, the lower part being white, like a large pied daisy. The
+stamens are pure white; the anthers orange-coloured, as also is the
+star-shaped stigma. The plant is a native of Mexico, and was introduced
+in 1860. It requires the same treatment as the preceding kinds. The
+illustration is sufficient to show the beauty of this little creeping
+Cactus, which, although so long known, is not grown in English gardens,
+though it is common enough in Continental collections.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 23.--CEREUS LEPTACANTHUS.]
+
+C. multiplex (proliferous); Fig. 24.--A globose-stemmed species,
+becoming pear-shaped with age; height 6 in., by 4 in. in diameter; ridges
+angled, clothed with clusters of about a dozen spines, the central one
+longest. Flowers 6 in. to 8 in. long, and about the same across the
+spreading petals; tube clothed with small, hairy scales; the sepals long
+and pointed; petals 2 in. or more long, 1 in. wide, spreading out quite
+flat; stamens arranged in a ring, with the whitish-rayed stigma in the
+middle. This species flowers in autumn. It is a native of South Brazil,
+and was introduced in 1840. It thrives best when kept in a warm, sunny
+position in a window or heated greenhouse.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 24.--CEREUS MULTIPLEX.]
+
+At Fig. 25 is a curious variety of the above, the stem being fasciated
+and divided into numerous crumpled, flattened branches. It is remarkable
+as a monster form of the type plant. So far as is known, neither this
+nor any other of the monster Cactuses produces flowers.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 25.--CEREUS MULTIPLEX CRISTATUS.]
+
+C. paucispinus (few-spined); Bot. Mag. 6774.--A dwarf-stemmed species
+of recent introduction, and one which, owing to the beauty of its
+flowers and the hardy nature of the plant, is certain to find much
+favour among growers of Cactuses. The stem is about 9 in. high, by 2 in.
+to 4 in. in diameter, the base much wider than the apex, the ridges
+irregular, very thick and rounded, giving the stem a gouty or tumid
+appearance. Upon the prominent parts of these ridges are stellate tufts
+of long, pale brown spines, some of them nearly 2 in. long, and each tuft
+containing about eight spines. When young, the stems are more like some
+of the Mamillarias than the Cereuses. The flowers are developed near the
+top of the stem, two or three opening together; they are composed of a
+tube 2 in. long, clothed with long spines and large, green, scaly sepals
+below, the latter gradually enlarging till at the top they become as
+large as the petals, which are 2 in. long, with a spread of nearly 3 in.,
+rounded at the tips, and coloured deep blood-red, tinged with orange
+inside. The stamens are clustered together sheaf-like, with the dark
+green stigmas protruding through them. This is a native of New Mexico,
+whence it was introduced in 1883, and flowered in May. Mr. Loder, of
+Northampton, has successfully cultivated it in a cool frame in the open
+air, and it has also grown well in the Kew collection when treated in a
+similar way. This suggests its hardiness and fitness for window
+cultivation. Owing to the watery nature of the stems, it is necessary
+that they should be kept quite dry during the winter.
+
+C. pentalophus (five-winged); Bot. Mag. 3651.--As the name denotes, the
+stem of this erect-growing, somewhat slender species has five very
+prominent sharp-edged ridges, along which are little clusters of small
+spines about ½ in. apart; the stem is 1 in. in diameter, and the angles
+are wavy. The flowers are about 3 in. wide, spreading, the petals, broad
+and overlapping, rose-coloured, except in the centre of the flower,
+where they become almost pure white; the anthers are yellow, whilst the
+colour of the rayed stigma is purplish-blue. A native of Mexico,
+introduced and flowered in 1838. For its cultivation, the temperature of
+a warm greenhouse is required, though during summer it may be placed in
+a sunny position in a frame out of doors. If grown in windows, it should
+be kept through the winter in a room where there is a fire constantly.
+
+C. peruvianus (Peruvian).--A tall-grower, the stems fleshy when young,
+and very spiny. The ridges on the stem number from five to eight, with
+stellate bundles, about 1 in. apart, of small, stiff black spines. The
+flowers appear upon the upper portion of the stem, and are 5 in. across,
+the petals pure white above, tinged with red below, and forming a large
+saucer, in the middle of which the numerous stamens, with yellow
+anthers, are arranged in a crown. There is something incongruous in the
+tall, spine-clothed, pole-like stem, upon which large, beautiful,
+water-lily-like flowers are developed, looking quite out of place on
+such a plant. Flowers in spring and early summer. It requires warm
+greenhouse or stove treatment. There are some fine examples of this
+species at Kew. A variety of this species, with a fasciated or monstrous
+habit, is sometimes cultivated. Introduced in 1830.
+
+C. pleiogonus (twisted-angled); Fig. 26.--An erect cylindrical-stemmed
+species, from 6 in. to 1 ft. high by 4 in. in diameter, with from ten to
+fourteen angles or ridges; these are somewhat tumid, and marked with
+depressions, from which the star-like clusters of spines spring, about a
+dozen spines in each cluster, the central one much the largest. The
+flowers are about 8 in. long, the tube being rather thick and
+cylinder-like, expanding at the top, so as to form a sort of cup, in
+which the petals are arranged in several rows, with the middle filled by
+the numerous stamens, surmounted by the club-like pistil. The colour of
+the flowers is purple-red. This species appears to have first found its
+way into cultivation through some Continental garden, its native country
+being unknown. It thrives only in a warm house, developing its flowers
+in summer.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 26.--CEREUS PLEIOGONUS.]
+
+C. polyacanthus (many-spined).--A newly-introduced species, from El
+Paso, in Mexico, where it is common on the sand ridges and stony hills.
+Stem 10 in. high, 2 in. to 4 in. wide, pale green or glaucous, with about
+eight ridges, the spines being placed along the angles in clusters of
+half a dozen or so, and about ½ in. apart. The flowers are 2 in. to 3 in.
+long; the tube spiny; the petals semi-erect and concave, rounded at the
+tip, and forming a shallow cup or wine-glass-like flower; the colour of
+the petals is deep blood-red. This beautiful Cactus is exceptional in
+the length of time its flowers remain expanded and fresh, lasting a week
+or more; and as the plant is very free flowering, there is usually a
+beautiful display of rich red blossoms for about six weeks. It may be
+grown in a cool greenhouse or window, requiring no artificial heat
+beyond what would be necessary to insure its protection from frost. It
+flowers in spring.
+
+C. procumbens (trailing); Fig. 27.--This is a very pretty little
+Cactus, with spreading prostrate stems, from which upright branches grow
+to a height of 3 in. or 4 in.; they are ½ in. thick, generally only
+four-angled or square, with small spines in tufts along the angles. The
+flowers are developed on the ends of the branches, and are 3 in. long and
+wide, the sepals spreading and recurved, as in a Paris daisy, their
+colour being bright rose purple. The anthers form a corona-like ring,
+inclosing the upright, rayed stigma. A native of Mexico; flowers in May
+and June. In its native haunts we learn that this little Cactus is very
+free-flowering, but under cultivation in this country it flowers only
+rarely. It thrives best when grown in a dry, sunny greenhouse, and kept
+perfectly dry during autumn and winter. If allowed to get wet in that
+season, it is apt to rot, the stems being soft and watery.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 27.--CEREUS PROCUMBENS.]
+
+C. reductus (dingy); Bot. Mag. 4443.--Stem erect, sometimes 3 ft. high,
+and about 4 in. wide, deeply furrowed, the furrows usually numbering
+about fourteen; the ridges tumid and irregular, and coloured a dingy
+glaucous-green. Spines embedded in a tuft of grey wool, about a dozen
+spines in each cluster, 1 in. long, a few of them only half that length.
+Flowers on the top of the stem, three or four opening together, each
+being 3 in. long and wide; the tube short and scaly, with overlapping
+sepals and saw-edged petals, which are white, slightly tinged with rose.
+Stamens filling the whole of the flower-cup, bright yellow. A native of
+Mexico, introduced in 1796, flowering in summer. This species was
+evidently a favourite many years ago, but it is rare with us now. It
+thrives in a house where the winter temperature does not fall below
+45 deg., requiring no water at that time, but a liberal supply in the
+summer when growth is being made, and all the sunlight possible. When
+without its star-shaped, handsome flowers, the stem is remarkably
+ferocious-looking, the spines upon it being quite as thick and as strong
+as on a hedgehog.
+
+C. repandus (undulated); Fig. 28.--Stem erect, 10 ft. or more high,
+unbranched, unless compelled to do so by the removal of the top. Ribs
+eight or nine in number, rounded, somewhat undulated, and bearing
+spine-tufts nearly 1 in. apart; each tuft contains about ten spines,
+which are almost equal in length, fine, stiff, brown, and persistent;
+there is a little cushion of white wool about the base of the spines.
+Flowers produced on the side, within a few inches of the top of the
+stem; they are composed of a scaly tube, 4 in. long, a circular row of
+spreading, incurved, pale brown sepals, and two rows of broad,
+overlapping, snow-white petals; stamens white, with yellow anthers;
+stigma yellow. The flowers, developed in summer, are very beautiful,
+but, unfortunately, each lasts only a few hours. A native of the West
+Indies, and an old introduction to English gardens (1720), but rare in
+cultivation now. It requires the treatment of a stove all the year
+round.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 28.--CEREUS REPANDUS.]
+
+C. Royeni (Royen's); Bot. Mag. 3125.--This plant is not one of the
+handsomest as regards flowers; but its stems are ornamental, and the
+form of the flowers is such as would please those who admire the
+curious. The stem is erect, several feet high, 2 in. in diameter, with
+about ten acute ridges, along which are little tufts of white wool about
+the base of the clustering spines, which are dark brown and 1 in. long.
+The flower-tube is 2 in. long, thick, spineless, scaly, the scales
+becoming large near the top of the flower, where they form a cup-like
+whorl, enclosing the small rose-coloured petals, the stamens being
+white. Introduced from New Grenada, in 1832. It flowers in spring and
+summer. It should be grown in a stove.
+
+C. variabilis (variable); Bot. Mag. 4084, under the name of C. pitajaya.
+--A tall-growing plant, rather straggling in habit, branching freely,
+the stems usually four-winged, but sometimes with three, five, or more,
+constricted at intervals, as in Phyllocactus, the wings spiny along the
+edges; spines 1 in. long. Flowers on the sides of the stems, rather low
+down, long-tubed; large, showy; tube 6 in. long, smooth, fleshy, with a
+few scales near the top, and a whorl of greenish, strap-shaped, pointed
+sepals, the petals spreading, with toothed margins and a long acute
+point, white or cream-coloured; anthers yellow. A native of various
+parts of South America and the West Indies, but always close to the sea.
+It flowers in July; the flowers, which open generally in the evening,
+remain expanded all night, and close before noon the day following. This
+species requires tropical or warm house treatment. There are some old
+plants of it in the Kew collection, where it flowers annually. Except
+for large houses, this species is not recommended for general
+cultivation, as it blossoms only after attaining a good size, and the
+stems, when old, are not at all ornamental.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE GENUS ECHINOCACTUS.
+
+(From echinos, a hedgehog, and Cactus.)
+
+
+Many of the plants included in the genus Echinocactus are very similar
+in habit and stem-characters to the Cereus. Botanists find characters in
+the seed vessel (ovary) and in the seeds by which the two genera are
+supposed to be easily separable; but, so far as can be made out by a
+comparison of their more conspicuous characters, there is very little
+indeed to enable one to distinguish the two genera from each other when
+not in flower. A comparison of the figures given in these pages will
+show that such is the case.
+
+The name Echinocactus was given to E. tenuispinus, which was first
+introduced into English gardens in 1825. The spiny character of this
+species is surpassed by that of many of the more recently introduced
+kinds; still it is sufficient to justify its being compared to a
+hedgehog. Some of the kinds have spines 4 in. long, broad at the base,
+and hooked towards the point, the hooks being wonderfully strong, whilst
+in others the spines are long and needle-like, or short and fine as the
+prickles on a thistle. The stems vary much in size and form, being
+globose, or compressed, or ovate, a few only being cylindrical, and
+attaining a height of from 5 ft. to 10 ft. They are almost always
+simple--that is, without branches, unless they are compelled to form
+such by cutting out or injuring the top of the stem; the ridges vary in
+number from about five to ten times that number, and they are in some
+species very firm and prominent, in others reduced to mere undulations,
+whilst in a few, they are separated into numerous little tubercles or
+mammae. The species are nearly all possessed of spines, which are
+collected in bundles along the ridges of the stem. Generally, the
+flowers are about as long as wide, and the ovary is covered with scales
+or modified sepals. The fruit is succulent, or sometimes dry, and, when
+ripe, is covered with the persistent calyx scales, often surrounded with
+wool, and usually bearing upon the top the remains of the withered
+flower. The position of the flowers is on the young part of the stem,
+usually being perched in the centre, never on the old part, as in some
+of the Cereuses. The flowers open only under the influence of bright
+sunlight, generally closing soon after it leaves them.
+
+The geographical distribution of the species, of which over 200 have
+been described, extends from Texas and California to Peru and Brazil;
+they are in greatest abundance in Mexico, whence most of the garden
+kinds have been introduced. The conditions under which they grow
+naturally vary considerably in regard to temperature and soil; but they
+are all found in greatest numbers and most robust health where the soil
+is gravelly or sandy, and even where there is no proper soil at all, the
+roots finding nourishment in the clefts or crevices of the rocks. As a
+rule, the temperature in the lands where they are native is very high
+during summer, and falls to the other extreme in winter, some of the
+species being found even where frost and snow are frequent; the majority
+of them, however, require what we would call stove treatment.
+
+Turning now to a consideration of those kinds known as garden plants, we
+find that comparatively few of the species known to botanists are
+represented in English collections, though, perhaps, we may safely say
+that not one of the kinds known would be considered unworthy of
+cultivation except by those who despise Cactuses of whatever kind. Their
+flowers are conspicuous both in size and brilliancy of colour; and in
+the curious, grotesque, and even beautifully symmetrical shapes of their
+stems, one finds attractions of no ordinary kind. The stem of E. Visnaga
+shown at Fig. 48 may be taken as an instance of this--apart from the
+cluster of star-like, bright yellow flowers seen nestling upon the top
+of their spine-protected dwelling, the whole suggesting a nest of young
+birds. This plant is indeed one of the most remarkable of the
+Echinocactuses, owing to the size and number of its spines--which are
+3 in. long, almost as firm as steel, and are used by the Mexicans as
+toothpicks--and to the gigantic size and great weight of the stem. The
+following account of a large specimen of this species introduced to Kew
+in 1845, is taken from an article from the pen of the late Sir Wm.
+Hooker in the Gardeners' Chronicle of that year. This gigantic plant was
+presented to the nation, in other words to Kew, by F. Staines, Esq., of
+San Luis Potosi. Such was its striking appearance, that it was stated
+that, if exhibited in the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, some hundreds of
+pounds might be realised by it. In a letter from Mr. Staines, here
+quoted, our readers will perceive how difficult it often is to obtain
+living specimens of these plants from their native habitats. He writes:
+"I mean to have a large specimen of E. Visnaga deposited in a strong
+box, sending the box first to the mountain where the monsters grow, and
+placing it on the springs of a carriage which I shall despatch for that
+purpose. My monstrous friend cannot travel any other way, from his
+stupendous size and immense ponderosity, which cannot be adequately
+calculated for here, where the largest machine for conveying weights
+does not exceed sixteen arrobes, or 400lb. This enormous plant will
+require twenty men at least to place it upon the vehicle, with the aid
+of such levers as our Indians can invent. It grows in the deep ravines
+of our loftiest mountains, amongst huge stones; the finest plants are
+inaccessible to wheeled vehicles, and even on horseback it is difficult
+to reach them. I shall pack him carefully in mats before applying to his
+roots the crowbars destined to wrench him from his resting place of
+unknown centuries. He will have to travel 300 leagues before he reaches
+Vera Cruz." Being too large to be packed in a box, it was first
+surrounded with a dense clothing of the Old Man's Beard or Spanish moss
+(Tillandsia usneoides)--and a better covering could not have been
+devised--and well corded. Fifteen mats, each as large and as thick as
+an ordinary doormat, formed the exterior envelope. When unpacked on its
+arrival at Kew, this monster Cactus was seen as perfect, as green, and
+as uninjured as if it had been that morning removed from its native
+rocks, its long, rope-like roots arranged in coils like the cable of a
+ship. When placed in scales it weighed 713lb., its circumference at 1 ft.
+from the ground was 4½ ft., and its total height, 8 ft. 7 in.; the number
+of ridges was forty-four, and on each ridge were fifty bundles of
+spines, four spines to each bundle. Thus there were 8800 spines or
+toothpicks, enough for the supply of an army. A still larger specimen
+was a year or so later successfully brought to Kew, and which weighed 1
+ton; but this, as well as the smaller one, survived only a short time.
+There have been numerous other large specimens of this Cactus in English
+gardens lately, all of them, however, succumbing to the unfavourable
+conditions of our climate. Mr. Peacock, of Hammersmith, recently
+possessed two large plants of E. Visnaga, one of which weighed nearly
+5cwt., and measured 8 ft. 6 in. in circumference.
+
+Cultivation.--The soil for Echinocactuses should be similar to that
+recommended for the Cereuses, as also should be the treatment as regards
+sunlight and rest. It cannot be too clearly understood that during the
+period between October and March these plants should be kept perfectly
+dry at the root, and in a dry house, where the temperature would not
+fall below 50 deg. There is no occasion for re-potting the Echinocactuses
+every year, it being by far the safest plan to allow them to remain in
+the same pots several years, should the soil be fresh and the drainage
+perfect.
+
+All the larger-stemmed kinds may be kept in health when grown on their
+own roots; but for some of the smaller species it is a good plan to
+graft them upon the stem of some of the Cereuses, C. tortuosus or C.
+colubrinus being recommended for the smaller kinds, and for the larger
+C. peruvianus, C. gemmatus, or any one the stem of which is robust, and
+of the right dimensions to bear the species of Echinocactus intended to
+be grafted. Some growers prefer to graft all the small Echinocactuses
+upon other kinds, find certainly, when properly grafted, they are safer
+thus treated than if grown on their own roots. In grafting, the two
+stems (stock and scion) must be cut so that their edges meet, and in
+securing them two or three stakes must be placed in such a way as to
+afford support to the graft and hold it firmly in position.
+
+Propagation.--Besides grafting, cuttings of the stems may be utilised
+for the multiplication of Echinocactuses, first removing the upper
+portion of the stem and putting it into soil to root, and afterwards, as
+lateral stems develop on the old stock, they may be cut away with a
+sharp knife, and treated in a similar manner. Should a plant become
+sickly, and look shrivelled and cankered at the base, it is always best
+to cut away the healthy part of the stem, and induce it to form fresh
+roots, thus giving it a new lease of life. Seeds of these plants may be
+obtained from dealers, more especially Continental nurserymen, and to
+watch the gradual development of the plant from the seedling is both
+interesting and instructive. The seeds should be sown in soil, and kept
+moist and warm; in about a month after sowing, the little pea-like,
+green balls will be seen pushing their way through the thin covering of
+soil, and gradually but slowly increasing in size, their spines also
+increasing in number and strength, the ridges forming according to the
+character of the species, till, finally, they assume the mature
+characters of the plant, both in stem and habit. The flowers, of course,
+appear according to the length of time it takes for the species to grow
+to flowering size.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+E. brevihamatus (short-hooked).--Several kinds of Echinocactus are
+distinguished from the rest in having the ridges divided into tubercles,
+which are often globular and arranged in a spiral round the stem, as in
+the genus Mamillaria; to this section the present species belongs. The
+stem is almost sphere-shaped, from 4 in. to 6 in. high, the tuberculated
+ridges about ¼ in. deep, and upon each tubercle is a tuft of about a
+dozen brown, radiating spines, with a long central one hooked at the
+point. The flowers are borne in clusters on the top of the stem, three
+or four opening together; they are 1 in. in length, and the same across
+the spreading petals, which are pink, shaded with deep rose. A native of
+the mountainous regions of South Brazil; introduced about 1850. Flowers
+in summer. This pretty little plant will thrive if placed upon a shelf
+in a greenhouse where it will have full sunshine during the greater part
+of the day. It grows very slowly, especially when on its own roots, but
+succeeds better when grafted on another kind.
+
+E. centeterius (many-spined); Bot. Mag. 3974.--This has a
+conical-shaped stem, 6 in. high by 4 in. wide, with about fourteen ridges,
+which are notched, and bear star-shaped clusters of pale brown spines,
+½ in. long. The blossoms are borne rather thickly on the summit of the
+stem, from six to nine flowers being sometimes open together; and as
+they are each nearly 3 in. across, and of good substance, they present an
+attractive appearance. The petals are of a deep straw-colour, with a
+reddish streak down the centre, and 1½ in. long, with the apex notched or
+toothed. The stamens are spirally coiled round the stigma, which is
+club-shaped and white. This species is probably a native of Mexico, and
+was first flowered in England at Kew, in 1841. A cool, dry greenhouse
+suits it best; or it may be grown in a sunny room window where frost
+would not be allowed to reach it in winter. Unless subjected to very dry
+treatment during the winter months, and also kept in a position where
+all the sunlight possible would reach it--even when at rest--there is
+not much chance of this plant producing its large flowers. It may be
+kept alive by giving it uniform treatment all the year round, but it
+would never flower.
+
+E. cinnabarinus (cinnabar-flowered); Bot. Mag. 4326.--This is another
+of the Mamillaria-like kinds, and is remarkable for the depressed form
+of its stem, which may be likened to a sea urchin, both in size and
+shape. Old plants are from 6 in. to 8 in. in diameter, and about 4 in.
+high; the spiral formed by the tubercles rises very gradually, and each
+of the latter is surmounted by a tuft of strong, brown, radiating
+spines, imbedded in a little cushion of wool. The flowers spring from
+the outside of the depressed top of the stem, two or three opening
+together and forming a beautiful picture, both as to size and colour.
+The tube is short and green, with a row of long green sepals at the top,
+and above these the petals, which are 2 in. long, overlapping, recurved,
+the edges toothed, and the colour a brilliant cinnabar-red. The stamens
+are in two series, very numerous, and the anthers are bright yellow.
+Looking at the flattened, spiny stem, it seems impossible that such
+large, handsome flowers should be produced by it. A native of Bolivia;
+introduced about 1846. It blossoms in July, and may be grown on a shelf
+in a cool greenhouse, as advised for the E. centeterius.
+
+E. concinnus (neat); Fig. 29.--A small species with a globose stem,
+2 in. high and 3 in. wide, and about twenty ridges, which are rounded,
+rather broad, each bearing about half-a-dozen little bunches of spines
+arranged in a star. The flowers are numerous, as large as, or larger
+than, the stem, being 3 in. long and broad, the tube covered with brown
+hair-like spines, and having a few reddish scales, whilst the petals are
+in several rows, overlapping, with pointed tips, and are coloured dark
+yellow with a red streak down the centre. Several flowers are sometimes
+developed together on a little stem, when they have the appearance of
+being much too large for so small a plant to support. The pale green of
+the stem and its brown spines contrast prettily with the handsome yellow
+flowers, which are brightened by the streaks of red on the petals and
+the clear red colour of the stigma. It is a native of Mexico, and was
+introduced about 1840, flowering early in summer. It requires a warm
+greenhouse temperature all the year round, with, of course, plenty of
+sunshine. It may be grafted on the stem of an erect-growing Cereus, such
+as C. serpentinus or C. Napoleonis, the stock to be not higher than
+6 in., and about as wide as the plant of E. concinnus is at the base.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 29.--ECHINOCACTUS CONCINNUS.]
+
+E. coptonogonus (wavy-ribbed); Fig. 30.--Stem globose, seldom more than
+5 in. in diameter, depressed on the top, with from ten to fourteen
+strong, sharp-edged, wavy ribs, the furrows also being wavy. Spine tufts
+set in little depressions along the margins of the ribs, five spines in
+each tuft, the two upper 1 in. long and four-angled, the two lower
+flattened and shorter, the fifth, which is the longest, being placed in
+the top of the cushion. Flowers 2 in. across, daisy-like, produced in
+April and May; tube very short; sepals and petals linear, spreading,
+white, with a purple stripe down the centre; stamens red, with yellow
+anthers; pistil purple, with an eight-rayed, yellow stigma. A native of
+Mexico. (Syn. E. interruptus.)
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 30.--ECHINOCACTUS COPTONOGONUS.]
+
+E. cornigerus (horn-bearing).--This remarkable plant, of which a
+portion is represented at Fig. 31, has the stoutest spines of all
+cultivated Cactuses, and their arrangement on the ridges of the stem is
+such as would withstand the attacks of all enemies. The broad
+tongue-like spine is purple in colour, and as strong as iron; the three
+erect horn-like spines yellow, and as firm as the horns of an antelope,
+to which they bear a resemblance. The stem is sphere-shaped, grey-green
+in colour, and is divided into from fourteen to twenty-one stout wavy
+ribs, upon which the spine tufts occur at intervals of about 2 in. The
+arrangement of the spines is shown in the illustration, as also is the
+position of the flowers, which are small, with narrow purple petals and
+brown-red sepals. The plant is a native of Mexico and Guatemala, and
+would require stove treatment. We have seen only small living examples,
+but according to descriptions and figures, the most interesting
+character it possesses is its spiny armament. It has been called
+Melocactus latispinus and Echinocactus latispinus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 31.--ECHINOCACTUS CORNIGERUS.]
+
+E. corynodes (club-like); Fig. 32.--The stem of this is about as large
+as a Keswick Codlin apple, with the broad end uppermost, and the sides
+cut up into about a dozen and a half rather prominent sharp ridges, with
+bunches of stout yellow spines arranged, at intervals of about 1 in.,
+along the edges. The flowers, which are produced in a cluster on the top
+of the stem, form a crown of bright yellow petals, studded with scarlet
+eye-like stigmas. Each flower is 2 in. in diameter when fully spread out,
+cup-shaped, and composed of two or three rows of over-lapping petals. In
+the middle of these nestle the short stamens, and projecting well beyond
+them is the bright scarlet stigma, forming a beautiful contrast to the
+petals. This plant is a native of Mexico, and was introduced about the
+year 1837. It is also known in gardens under the names of E. rosaceus
+and E. Sellowianus. There was a pretty little specimen of this flowering
+in the Kew collection last year, and the opening and closing of the
+flowers, as the sunlight reached or receded from them, was almost as
+rapid as that observed in the daisy. The whole plant is so small, and,
+when in flower, so charming, that no one could fail to admire it. It
+requires similar treatment to E. concinnus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 32.--ECHINOCACTUS CORYNODES.]
+
+E. crispatus (curled); Fig. 33.--The flattened, wavy or curled ridges
+of this species are characteristic of several other kinds of
+Echinocactus. Its long, stout, ferocious-looking spines, directed
+upwards, have a very forbidding aspect. The stem grows to a height of
+about 8 in., and is said to produce its large, long-tubed, purple flowers
+in the summer months. It has been introduced by a Continental
+nurseryman, but, so far as is known, has not yet flowered in any English
+collection. It is apparently closely allied to E. longihamatus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 33.--ECHINOCACTUS CRISPATUS.]
+
+E. Cummingii (Cumming's); Bot. Mag. 6097.--A pretty little species,
+with a globose stem about 3 in. in diameter, the ridges divided into
+tubercles, and running spirally round the stem. From each tubercle
+springs a radiating cluster of yellowish, hair-like spines. The flowers
+are numerous, 1 in. long and wide, the scales on the tube tipped with
+red, whilst the petals stamens, and stigma are an uniform bright
+ochre-yellow; so that, looked at from above, they suggest the flowers of
+the common marigold. A well-managed plant produces as many as
+half-a-dozen of these flowers together, which open out widely under the
+influence of bright sunlight. It is one of the hardiest of the genus,
+thriving well in a frost-proof house or frame. During winter, the
+atmosphere surrounding it should be as dry as possible; but in summer it
+likes plenty of moisture, and exposure to full sunshine. A variety of E.
+Cummingii was raised from seeds a few years ago by Mr. Daniel, of Epsom,
+the flowers of which were pale almost to whiteness. The type is said to
+attain a height of 8 in. in its native country, Bolivia, whence plants
+were introduced to Kew in 1847, and flowered in July.
+
+E. cylindraceus (cylindrical).--A large-growing kind, attaining a
+height of several feet, very broad, and, as the name denotes,
+cylindrical in shape. When large, the stem often develops lateral
+branches about its base. Cultivated plants of it are 6 in. high, the
+sides marked with about a score of ridges, upon which, arranged in a
+dense cluster, are the stout, strong spines, the longest of them 3 in.
+long, hooked, and projecting outwards, the shorter spreading and
+interlacing so as to form a sort of spiny network all round the stem.
+The flowers are yellow, 2 in. long, and are composed of a short, thick
+tube bearing from forty to fifty fringed sepals, and about half that
+number of petals, which are also fringed. There are as many as a dozen
+flowers opened together on stout, aged plants; it is, however, more
+because of the densely spinous stems than the flowers that this species
+has found its way into cultivation. It cannot be recommended for any
+except large collections, and where it can be grown in a stove
+temperature. It is a native of the hot deserts of Colorado, and was
+introduced about ten years ago. There are several healthy young
+specimens of it in the Kew collection.
+
+E. echidne (viper; probably in allusion to the fang-like spines).--This
+species is remarkable in having a stout cylindrical stem, 12 in. high by
+8 in. wide, with about a dozen deep ridges; these are disposed spirally,
+and bear tufts of rigid, broad spines, 1 in. or more long, spreading, so
+as to interlace and form a wire-like network all round the stem. It may
+be mentioned here that an American naturalist has recently suggested
+that the object of these iron-like spines on the stems of many Cactuses,
+and more especially on the majority of the Hedgehog kinds, is not so
+much to defend the fleshy stems from browsing animals as to afford
+protection from the scorching rays of the sun, which would otherwise
+cause the stems to blister and shrivel; and the nature of the spiny
+covering of E. echidne seems to support such a view. As in many others,
+the clusters of spines in this plant have their bases embedded in a tuft
+of whitish wool. The flowers are developed near the centre of the top of
+the stem, and are of medium size, bright yellow, with whitish stamens;
+they are produced two or three together, in summer. This species is a
+native of Mexico; it thrives in a greenhouse where frost is excluded,
+but only rarely flowers with us under cultivation.
+
+E. Emoryi (Emory's); Fig. 34.--This is a very large-stemmed kind,
+specimens having been found nearly 3 ft. in height and about 2 ft. in
+diameter. Smaller plants, such as are in English collections, have
+globose stems 1 ft. through, with about thirteen ribs, the ribs
+tuberculated, the tubercles large, and rounded; the spines are borne on
+the apex of the tubercles in star-shaped bundles of eight or nine, and
+are angled, often flat on the top side, articulated, with hooked points,
+whilst in length they vary from 1 in. to 4 in. The flowers are 3 in. long,
+the tube clothed with heart-shaped scales or sepals; the petals are red,
+with yellowish margins, spreading so as to form a beautiful, large,
+cup-like flower, with a cluster of deep yellow stamens in the centre.
+The flowering period is in the autumn, and the plant is a native of the
+Lower Colorado and California. Living plants of it have only recently
+been introduced into English collections. At Kew, it is cultivated in a
+warm greenhouse, where it is in good health. From accounts of it in its
+native haunts, it will, however, probably prefer a cool house in winter,
+and as much sun and warmth as possible in spring and summer; for we are
+told that during winter it is often subjected to severe frosts and heavy
+snowfalls, whilst in summer the fierce heat of the sun is such as to
+burn up all vegetation, except Cactuses and other similar plants.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 34.--FLOWER AND SPINES OF ECHINOCACTUS EMORYI.]
+
+E. gibbosus (humped).--A small apple-like plant, not more than 4 in.
+high, with a depressed top, the lower part being narrowed. It has
+sixteen ribs or ridges, composed of rows of thick fleshy tubercles, upon
+every other of which are six or eight horny spines, 1 in. long. The
+flowers are pushed out from the edge of the depression on the top of the
+stem, and are large; the tube 1½ in. long. The petals spread to a width
+of 3 in., and are arranged in several rows, overlapping each other,
+becoming smaller towards the centre of the flower, as in an aster; they
+are pure white, except for a tinge of red on the tips of the outer ones,
+the stamens being bright yellow. Two flowers are usually developed on a
+plant, generally in June. This species was introduced from Jamaica about
+1808, by a nurseryman in Hammersmith; but as no Echinocactuses are wild
+in the West Indian Islands, it must have been introduced into Jamaica
+from some of the Central American States, or probably from Mexico. It
+may be grafted on to another free-growing kind with advantage, as it
+does not always keep healthy when on its own roots. It should be grown
+in a cool greenhouse, or in the window of a dwelling-room, always,
+however, in a position where it would get plenty of sunlight.
+
+E. Haynii (Hayne's); Fig. 35.--An upright cylindrical-stemmed species,
+very much like a Mamillaria in the form and position of the tubercles
+and the numerous greyish hair-like spines arranged in a radiating ring
+on the top of each tubercle. The flowers are much longer than in any yet
+described, the tube being 6 in. in length, clothed with large sepals on
+the upper portion, and the petals are semi-erect with recurved points,
+and coloured a brilliant purple-red. A native of Peru, where it is found
+at high elevations, growing in crevices of rocks and exposed to full
+sunlight. With us it thrives in a warm greenhouse, producing its
+beautiful flowers in summer. Introduced about 1850.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 35.--ECHINOCACTUS HAYNII.]
+
+E. hexaedrophorus (tubercles six-sided); Fig. 36.--This plant is
+distinguished by the gouty-looking tubercles into which its broad,
+spiral ridges are divided, and which look as if they would suddenly
+burst like a blister if pricked with a pin. It grows about 4 in. in
+height, and is similar in form to what is shown in the accompanying
+figure, except that the top is usually flatter than here represented.
+The whole stem has a glaucous hue, and the spines are reddish-brown. The
+flowers, which are produced freely in June and July, are short-tubed,
+spreading to a width of 2 in.; the petals toothed at the tips, and
+arranged in several rows, overlapping each other, the colour being
+white, tinted with rose, with a disk-like cluster of yellow stamens in
+the centre, and a white-rayed stigma. A native of North Mexico,
+introduced about 1830. It is very slow-growing, attaining full size in
+not less than six years from seed; indeed, it is stated that in twelve
+years a plant of it did not grow more than 2 in. Still, slow as it is, it
+remains in good health when kept in a sunny position on a shelf in a
+greenhouse or in a dwelling-room, so that it may be recommended for
+places where space is very limited. Like E. gibbosus, it does best when
+grafted on to another kind. We have seen perfect "drum-sticks" formed by
+grafting a full-grown plant of this on the stem of a Cereus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 36.--ECHINOCACTUS HEXAEDROPHORUS.] E.
+horizonthalonis (spreading-spined); Fig. 37.--Stem globose, usually
+flattened on the top, and divided into eight or nine large ribs or
+ridges, grey-green in colour. Spines in crowded star-shaped clusters
+along the apex of the ribs, seven spines in each cluster, all of them
+strong, slightly curved, horn-like, and marked with numerous rings; they
+are yellow, tipped with red when young, ash-coloured when old; the
+longest are about 2 in. in length. Flowers terminal, springing from the
+young spine tufts, each 4 in. across, with two rows of petals arranged
+regularly in the form of a cup; colour deep rose, paler on the inside of
+the cup; stamens very numerous, with white filaments and yellow anthers.
+The flowers expand at sunrise and close again in the evening, each one
+lasting about a week; they are very agreeably scented. Flowering season,
+May and June. The plant is a native of Mexico, and was introduced in
+1838. (Syns. E. equitans, E. horizontalis.)
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 37.--ECHINOCACTUS HORIZONTHALONIS.]
+
+E. Le Contei (Le Conte's); Fig. 38.--Another of the large-stemmed
+kinds, which have only recently found their way into English gardens,
+although long since discovered and described by American travellers. The
+illustration represents a young plant. When full-grown, this species has
+a stem 5 ft. high by 2 ft. wide, with broad deep channels and ridges,
+wrinkled and covered with a thick network of stout spines, which are set
+in clusters in a cushion of whitish wool, the longest being about 3 in.
+in length, with curved or slightly hooked points, and distinctly
+angular. The flowers are 2 in. long, bell-shaped; the petals shining
+lemon-yellow, with a tinge of brown on the outside, whilst the sepals
+are like a number of fish-scales, overlapping each other down the
+outside of the campanulate tube. The stamens and pistil are almost
+hidden inside the flower. Flowers are borne by quite young plants,
+whilst upon full-grown specimens they are so numerous as to form a large
+yellow cap to the immense, prickly, conical stems. They are developed in
+August and September. A native of Mexico, where it is found wild on the
+rocky or gravelly plains and ravines, and often in crevices of
+perpendicular rocks. It requires warm greenhouse treatment, and plenty
+of water during the summer, care being taken that the soil it is planted
+in is perfectly drained.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 38.--ECHINOCACTUS LE CONTEI.]
+
+E. Leeanus (Lee's); Bot. Mag. 4184.--This species has many characters
+in common with E. hexaedrophorus and E. gibbosus, the stem being no
+larger than a small orange, with plump globose tubercles, bearing
+star-shaped clusters of short brown spines. The flowers are 1½ in. long
+and wide, and are composed of a green fleshy tube, with a few whitish
+scales, which gradually enlarge till, with the white, rose-tipped
+petals, they form a spreading cup, the large cluster of pale yellow
+stamens occupying the whole of the centre. This pretty little Cactus was
+raised from seeds by Messrs. Lee, of the Hammersmith Nursery, in 1840.
+It is a native of the Argentine Provinces, and flowers in May. The
+treatment recommended for E. gibbosus will be found suitable for this.
+It is happiest when grafted on to another kind. For the amateur whose
+plants are grown in a room window or small plant-case, these tiny
+Hedgehog Cactuses are much more suitable than larger kinds, as they keep
+in health under ordinary treatment, and flower annually; whereas, the
+larger kinds, unless grown in properly-constructed houses, rarely
+blossom.
+
+E. longihamatus (long-hooked); Fig. 39.--We heartily wish all species
+of Cactaceous plants were as readily distinguished and as easily defined
+in words as in the present remarkably fine and handsome one--remarkable
+in the very prominent ridges, the large and regularly-arranged spines,
+the central one very long, flattened, and usually hooked at the end, and
+handsome in the size and colouring of its flowers, both in the bud and
+when fully expanded. The stem is globose, 8 in. or more high; it has
+about thirteen prominent rounded ridges with waved tumid edges, from
+which, about 1½ in. apart, spring clusters of spines, about a dozen in
+each cluster, dark red when young, becoming brown with age. In length,
+these spines vary from 1 in. to 6 in., the latter being the length of the
+central, hooked one, which is broad and flattened at the base. The
+flowers are 4 in. broad and long, the tube short, green, and bearing
+reddish scales, which gradually pass into bright yellow petals blotched
+with red on the outside, the inner ones spreading and forming a shallow
+cup, in the centre of which are the short yellow stamens and large
+pistil. Plants of this species have been grown with stems 20 in. high;
+but it takes a great number of years for the development of such
+specimens. The flowers are produced on the apex of the stem in July.
+This species was introduced from Mexico about 1850; it thrives only when
+grown in a warm greenhouse, where the temperature in summer may be
+allowed to run up to 90 degs. with sun heat. For large collections it is
+one of the most desirable.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 39.--PORTION OF PLANT OF ECHINOCACTUS
+LONGIHAMATUS.]
+
+E. Mackieanus (Mackie's); Bot. Mag. 3561.--A small plant, not more than
+about 5 in. high, and 2 in. broad at the base, widening slightly upwards.
+The ridges are broken up into numerous fleshy, rounded, green tubercles,
+crowned with a tuft of thin brown spines from ½ in. to 1 in. long, their
+bases set in a small pad of yellow wool: As the stem gets older, it
+loses its tubercles at the base, which are changed into brown wrinkles.
+The flowers are developed on the top of the stem, generally two or three
+together, egg-shaped and scaly when in bud, 2½ in. across when expanded;
+the petals white, tipped with brown; the stigma green, club-shaped. This
+curious little Cactus is one of about a dozen species found in the
+Chilian Andes. It was introduced in 1837 by the gentleman whose name it
+bears, and who, at that time, possessed a famous collection of Cacti.
+Like the rest of the Chilian kinds, it should be cultivated in a cool
+greenhouse in full sunshine, where it will produce its flowers in
+summer.
+
+E. mamillarioides (Mamillaria-like); Bot. Mag. 3558.--This is another
+small, tubercled species, which, like the preceding, is a native of
+Chili. Its stem is very irregular in form, owing to the crowding of the
+tubercles, which look as if they were filled with water. The spines are
+small, in tufts of about half a dozen, set in a little cushion of
+yellowish wool. In size, the whole plant is like E. Mackieanus, but it
+blossoms more freely, as many as sixteen flowers having been borne at
+one time by a plant at Kew. These were short-tubed, the calyx clothed
+with green scales, and the petals 2 in. long, recurved at the apex,
+forming a beautiful cup-like flower of a bright yellow colour, with a
+band of red down the centre of each petal; the stamens and pistil
+yellow. The number of flowers developed on the small stem formed by this
+plant is quite extraordinary. It grows and flowers freely in an ordinary
+greenhouse, and would thrive in a sunny window if kept dry during the
+winter.
+
+E. mamillosus (nipple-bearing).--A short, dumpy plant, with numerous
+tubercled ridges, bearing bunches of dark brown hair-like spines, which
+form a close network about the stem. The flowers are developed on the
+top of the stem, and are about 4 in. in diameter, with a thick tube; the
+petals are spreading, bright yellow in colour, and arranged in a
+regular, bell-like whorl. Inside this bell is a circle of purple
+filaments or stamens, forming a pretty contrast with the clear yellow of
+the petals. This is a recent introduction, which flowered in the Kew
+collection for the first time in June, 1886. It is one of the most
+beautiful of the large-flowered kinds, and, as it thrives in a warm
+greenhouse and is very free-flowering, it may be expected to become a
+favourite with Cactus growers. Owing to the lack of information
+respecting the conditions under which many of the Cactuses are found
+wild, and to the fact that little in the way of experimental culture has
+been done by growers of this family, cultivators are sometimes in the
+dark as regards the lowest temperature in which the rarer kinds can be
+safely grown. Many of the species of the present genus, for instance,
+were grown in stoves years ago but are now known to thrive in a cool
+greenhouse where frost alone is excluded.
+
+E. multiflorus (many-flowered); Bot. Mag. 4181.--A well-named Cactus,
+as its small stem (seldom more than 5 in. high, and the same in width)
+often bears a large cap-like cluster of beautiful white flowers, except
+for a slight tinge of brown on the tips of the petals. Each flower is
+composed of a green, scaly tube, and several rows of reflexed petals,
+which form a shallow cup 2½ in. across. The stamens are tipped with
+orange-coloured anthers, and the stigma is rayed and snow-white. The
+stem is ridged with rows of fleshy mammae or tubercles, which are
+curiously humped, and each bears a cluster of spreading, brown spines,
+1 in. long. The number of flowers this little plant annually produces
+seems more than could be possible without proving fatal to its health;
+but we have seen it blossom year after year, and in no way has its
+health appeared impaired. It may be grown on a shelf in a warm
+greenhouse, or in the window of a heated dwelling-room. Introduced,
+probably from Mexico, in 1845. This, like all the small,
+globular-stemmed kinds, may be grafted on the stem of a Cereus of
+suitable thickness. Some cultivators believe that grafting causes the
+plants to flower more freely, but we have not observed any difference in
+this respect between grafted and ungrafted plants.
+
+E. myriostigma. (many-dotted); Fig. 40.--In the form of the stem of
+this species we have a good illustration of how widely a plant may
+differ from others of the same genus in certain of its characters, for
+the spines are almost totally suppressed, and the ridges are regular,
+deep, and smooth. There are usually five or six ridges, a transverse
+section of the stem revealing a form exactly like the common star-fish
+(Astrophyton), a resemblance to which the name Astrophytum, sometimes
+applied to this plant, owed its origin. The form of the stem is well
+represented in the Figure. The white dots shown on the bark, and which
+look like scales, are composed of very fine interwoven hairs, which,
+under a microscope, are very pretty objects. This species was introduced
+from Mexico along with the large plant of E. Visnaga described at the
+beginning of this chapter, and was first flowered at Kew, in July, 1845.
+Stems 1 ft. in length were received, along with shorter ones; but only
+the small ones were established. The flowers are daisy-like, 1½ in.
+across, and are straw-coloured, the petals being tipped with black. It
+thrives under warm greenhouse treatment. When without its flowers, it
+looks more like a piece of chiselled stone than a living plant.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 40.--ECHINOCACTUS MYRIOSTIGMA.]
+
+E. obvallatus (fortified); Fig. 41.--The form of stem in this species
+is shown in the Figure. It grows very slowly plants 4 in. through taking
+about ten years to reach that size from seeds. The spines are stout, all
+deflexed, and arranged along the edges of the numerous ribs into which
+the stem is divided. The flowers are developed from the centre of the
+plant, and are surrounded by the erect spines, which crown the, as yet,
+undeveloped tubercles. Two or three flowers are produced at about the
+same time, each one being composed of a short, spiny tube, and a whorl
+of erect petals, which are pointed, purple-coloured, paler at the
+margin, the stamens being yellow. Native of Mexico. It requires a stove
+temperature, and flowers in summer.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 41.--ECHINOCACTUS OBVALLATUS.]
+
+E. Ottonis (Otto's); Bot. Mag. 3107.--A dwarf kind, with a
+balloon-shaped stem, rarely exceeding 4 in. in height, and divided into a
+dozen wide ridges with sharp, regular edges, along which are clusters of
+small, brown spines, set in little tufts of wool, and looking like an
+array of spiders. The flowers are borne on the tops of the ridges, and
+are pale yellow in colour, with a band of red hair-like spines
+surrounding the calyx just below the petals, which are narrow,
+spreading, and look not unlike the flowers of the yellow Marguerite; the
+stigma is bright red. The symmetrical form of the stem, with its rows of
+spider-like spines, renders this plant attractive, even when without its
+bright and pretty flowers. It thrives only in a warm stove. Introduced
+from Brazil in 1831, flowering in the month of July. As it produces
+young plants about its base, it may be easily propagated by removing
+them and planting them in soil; or they may be grafted as advised for
+other of the small, globose-stemmed kinds.
+
+E. pectiniferus (comb-bearing); Bot. Mag. 4190.--One of the most
+striking of the plants of this genus, owing to the character of its
+stem, and the large size and beauty of its flowers. The former resembles
+a pear with the thin end downwards; its height is from 4 in. to 6 in., and
+it has about twenty ridges, which are sharply defined and bear along
+their angles little cushions of white wool ½ in. apart, with a radiating
+cluster of brown spines springing from each. The arrangement of the
+spines in rows is not unlike the teeth of a comb. The flowers are borne
+near the top of the stem, and consist of a green, fleshy tube, clothed
+with spines and little tufts of white wool; the sepals form a row
+beneath the petals, and are yellowish, tinged with purple; petals 2 in.
+long, broad, with the upper margins toothed and the tip acute, their
+colour being bright rose, tinged with greenish-white at the base;
+stamens yellow; stigma large, green. The form of the flowers is that of
+a cup, nearly 3 in. across. Introduced from Mexico in 1845. Flowering
+season, April and May. It requires warm-house treatment.
+
+E. polycephalus (many-headed); Fig. 42.--Stem globose when young,
+becoming cylindrical with age; number of ribs varying from twelve to
+twenty, sharply defined, and bearing, at intervals of 1 in., clusters of
+stout, reddish spines, somewhat flattened on the upper side, and marked
+with raised rings, or, as it is termed, annulated, the central ones
+attaining a length of over 3 in. on old plants, and sometimes curved. The
+flowers are enveloped at the base in a dense mass of white wool, which
+hides the tube, its spines only showing through; petals narrow, 1 in.
+long, spreading like a saucer, and coloured bright yellow; stamens
+numerous, yellow, as also is the large rayed stigma. California and
+Colorado, on stony and gravelly hills. Flowers in spring; introduced to
+Kew in 1886. This new plant is remarkable in that it is often found wild
+with as many as twenty to thirty stems or heads springing from the same
+base, and even young plants show early a disposition to develop several
+heads. The largest stems are from 1½ ft. to 2½ ft. high, and have a
+somewhat forbidding appearance, owing to the size and strength of their
+numerous spines. For its cultivation, a warm-house temperature appears
+most suitable; it bears a close resemblance to E. texensis.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 42.--RIDGE, WITH SPINES, OF ECHINOCACTUS
+POLYCEPHALUS.]
+
+E. Pottsii (Potts').--The stem of this is shown in Fig. 43. Full-sized
+plants are 1½ ft. in diameter, and have about a dozen ridges with acute
+sinuses, the ridges being rounded and even. The spines are 1 in. long,
+bristle-like, and are arranged in clusters of seven or nine, with a
+cushion of white wool at the base of each cluster. Flowers short-tubed,
+about 2 in. across, and coloured yellow; they are produced on the top of
+the stem in summer, several expanding together. The plant is a native of
+California, and was introduced about 1840. Under cultivation this
+species proves to be a shy-flowering Cactus, although in a warm house it
+grows freely, and remains in good health. It is well adapted for
+grafting on to the stem of some kind of Cereus, and in this way may be
+made to look very singular, as was shown in Mr. Peacock's collection of
+succulents some years ago, when a fine specimen, over 1 ft. across, was
+successfully grafted on to three stems of C. tortuosus, and had much the
+appearance of a melon elevated on a short tripod.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 43.--ECHINOCACTUS POTTSII.]
+
+E. rhodophthalmus (red-eyed); Bot. Mag. 4486, 4634.--Stem cone-shaped,
+4 in. to 1 ft. high, deeply furrowed; ridges about nine, 1 in. high, the
+angles bearing closely-set clusters of radiating spines, with a
+projecting one in the middle of each cluster, which contains nine spines
+1 in. long, purple when young, becoming white when old. The flowers are
+produced from the summit of the stem, and have a thick, green, scaly
+calyx tube, upon which the spreading, rose-coloured petals are arranged
+in a regular series, and form a shallow bell nearly 3 in. across. The
+throat of the flower is coloured a deep crimson, against which the
+little sheaf of white stamens and the star-shaped yellow stigma form a
+pretty contrast. Three or more flowers are expanded together on a plant.
+It is a native of Mexico; introduced in 1845. It thrives in a house or
+frame where it is protected from frost, and during summer gets plenty of
+sunlight and air. It flowers in August. During the months of April and
+May, when it starts into growth, it should be kept close; but by the end
+of June, it should be exposed to the open air and allowed to ripen, so
+that its flowers may be produced in the autumn. The plant called E. v.
+ellipticus does not differ from the type, owing its name to the form of
+the stem of the first plant that flowered at Kew.
+
+E. scopa. (brush-like); Fig. 44.--The stem of this species, when seen
+covered with numerous tufts of bristly spines, has been compared to a
+brush, a comparison not, however, applicable to the form represented in
+the Figure. In height the stems sometimes reach l½ ft., with from thirty
+to forty ribs, bearing little discs of white wool at the bases of the
+clusters of spines. The flowers spring from the upper part of the stem
+(the nodules shown in the illustration represent the places where
+flowers have been developed at an earlier stage of growth), from four to
+six being borne in the same season; they are 1½ in. long and wide, the
+tube short and brown, bristly; the petals are arranged in several
+overlapping series, rather wide for their length, toothed at the ends;
+their colour is a bright sulphur-yellow, as also are the stamens, whilst
+the stigma, which is rayed, is bright crimson. Native of Brazil.
+Introduced about 1840; it is more like a Cereus, in the form of its
+stem, than an Echinocactus. It flowers in June, and requires stove
+treatment. The stems, when dried carefully and stuffed with wadding,
+form pretty ornaments.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 44.--ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA.]
+
+E. scopa cristata. (crested variety); Fig. 45.--This curious
+monstrosity owes its origin to fasciation similar to what occurs in the
+Celosias or Cockscombs, in some Echeverias, &c. These monster varieties
+of Cactuses do not flower, but they are nevertheless interesting, and
+worth growing on account of their curious shapes. The plant shown in
+Fig. 45 is grafted on the stem of a Cereus, and it is remarkable that a
+portion of the crest of the Echinocactus will, if grafted on to another
+plant, develop the abnormal form of its parent, proving that the
+variation, whatever its cause, has become fixed.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 45.--ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA CRISTATA.]
+
+E. Simpsoni (Simpson's).--One of the smallest plants in the genus, and
+one of the prettiest. It produces tufts of irregularly-formed stems
+about 4 in. high, and composed of numerous rounded tubercles over ½ in.
+wide, bearing on the top of each a tuft of about twelve spines ½ in.
+long. The flowers are borne from the apex of the young tubercles, and
+are 1 in. wide and long, cup-shaped; petals pale purple, the stamens
+yellow. Native of Mexico and Colorado, where it is found at elevations
+of 8000 ft. to 10,000 ft., in great abundance, forming large patches on
+gravelly morains, where the climate during the summer is dry, whilst in
+winter a thick covering of snow protects the plants from severe frosts.
+In England, this species is said to have withstood 32 degs. of frost
+without being injured. It has been grown out of doors in a garden at
+Northampton, where it passed several winters planted in a raised border
+at the foot of a south wall with a natural coping of ivy. In New York,
+where the frosts of winter are severer than in England, it is cultivated
+out of doors. In this country it is apt to be injured by excessive
+moisture and fogs; but by protecting it with a handlight from November
+to March or April, this is overcome. If grown in pots, it should be kept
+in a position where it can enjoy all the sunlight possible.
+
+E. sinuatus (undulated).--Stem about 8 in. wide and long; globose,
+bearing fourteen to sixteen ridges, the edges of which are wavy or
+undulated, the prominent points crowned with tufts of thin, flexuous,
+yellow spines, the longest 1½ in., and hooked, the shorter ¾ in., and
+straight. The stem of E. longihamatus is very similar to this. Flowers
+developed on the top of the stem; tube short, scaly, green; petals
+yellow, spreading, and forming a cup 3 in. across, which is greenish
+outside. A native of Mexico, where it flowers in April. A
+recently-introduced kind, not yet flowered in this country. It is
+described as being a distinct, large-flowered, handsome species.
+
+E. tenuispinus (thin-spined); Bot. Mag. 3963.--Stem globular,
+depressed, with ridges and spines similar to those of E. Ottonis;
+indeed, by some these two are considered forms of the same species. In
+the number and size of the flowers, their colour and form, and the time
+of flowering, there is no difference between them. Native of Mexico (and
+Brazil ?).
+
+E. texensis (Texan); Fig. 46.--A short-stemmed plant, with a thick,
+leathery skin and broad-based ridges of irregular form, crowned with
+tufts of stout horny spines, the central one much the longest, flattened
+at the base, and strong as steel. The flowers are produced near the
+centre of the top, from the tufts of whitish wool which accompany the
+spines on the young parts of the ridges. They are 2½ in. long and wide;
+the tube short and woolly; the petals spreading, beautifully fringed,
+and rose-coloured. Native of North-east Mexico, where it grows on stony
+hillsides in full exposure to sunshine, and where, during winter, it has
+to endure weather verging on to frost. It thrives in a greenhouse under
+cultivation. Like several of the stout-spined, robust-stemmed kinds,
+this may find favour as a garden plant because of the character of its
+stem, and the extraordinary strength of its large iron-like spines.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 46.--ECHINOCACTUS TEXENSIS.]
+
+E. turbiniformis (top-shaped).--A very distinct dwarf kind, with
+globular stems 2 in. high and about 3 in. wide, clothed with
+spirally-arranged rows or ridges of tubercles, similar to those shown in
+the figure of E. hexaedrophorus, except that, in the former, there are
+no spines on the mature tubercles, although, when young, they have each
+a little cluster of fine spines. The flowers expand in June, several
+together, from the top of the stem; they are round, 1 in. across, the
+petals being numerous, pale yellow in colour, tinged with red on the
+outside. Introduced from Mexico, 1840. This curious little plant
+requires stove treatment, and thrives when grafted on the stem of some
+other kind. It is sometimes known as Mamillaria turbinata.
+
+E. uncinatus (hooked); Fig. 47.--A small species, with oval stems when
+young, older plants becoming cylindrical, as shown in the accompanying
+Figure. The height of the largest plant does not exceed 6 in., so that,
+when wild, it is often hidden by the long grass in which it is
+frequently found on stony hillsides at high elevations, in Mexico. The
+ridges are broken up into large tubercles, upon each of which is a tuft
+of short straight spines, arranged in a circle, and a long hooked one
+springing from the centre, and often attaining a length of about 4 in. In
+old plants the spines are almost white, whilst in young ones they are
+purplish. The flowers are borne in a cluster on the apex of the stem,
+and are nearly 2 in. long, the tube being short and spiny, and the petals
+numerous, arranged in a cup, their colour dark purplish-red, the tips
+pointed; the stamens are yellow, with orange tips. The flowers expand
+only when the sun shines on them, closing up again in dull light, but
+opening again, and remaining fresh for about a week. Introduced in 1850.
+Flowers in March and April. This plant may be grown in a cool, sunny
+greenhouse, or window, requiring only protection from frost in winter,
+and in summer plenty of light, with a moderate amount of water. There
+are several varieties of it described, their differences being chiefly
+in the shape of the stem.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 47.--ECHINOCACTUS UNCINATUS.]
+
+E. viridescens (greenish).--Stem 1 ft. high and 9 in. across, young
+plants being broader than high; the sides split up into about twenty
+ridges, which are again divided into knotty tubercles or waves. The
+spines are remarkable for their size and strength, those on large plants
+being 4 in. long by ½ in. broad at the base, gradually narrowing to a
+stiff point; there are four central spines of this size, the others, of
+which there are about a dozen, being shorter and thinner, and arranged
+stellately. The flowers, which are rarely produced, are poor in
+comparison with the majority of the flowers of this genus. As the name
+denotes, their colour is yellowish-green; and they are about 1½ in. wide
+and high. There are often as many as a dozen flowers expanded together
+on a stem of this plant when wild, and they are arranged in a circle
+around the growing point. The interest in this species, however, centres
+in its spines rather than its flowers. It is a native of the dry hills
+of California, extending sometimes down to the sea-beach. There is a
+plant of it at Kew 6 in. high and about fifteen years old; it has not
+been known to flower there. Mr. Peacock also possesses a large plant of
+it.
+
+E. Visnaga. (visnaga means a toothpick among the Mexican settlers); Fig.
+48.--Of the most remarkable features of this truly wonderful Cactus we
+have already spoken earlier in this Chapter. In 1846, Sir W. J. Hooker
+described, in the Illustrated London News, a large plant of it, which
+had been successfully introduced alive to Kew, and which, a year or so
+later, flowered, and was figured in the Botantical Magazine (4559). Its
+height was 9 ft., and it measured 9½ ft. in circumference; its weight a
+ton. Afterwards, it exhibited symptoms of internal injury. The inside
+became a putrid mass, and the crust, or shell, fell in by its own
+weight. The shape of the stem is elliptical, with numerous ridges and
+stout brown spines arranged in tufts along their edges. The flowers are
+freely produced from the woolly apex; the tube is scaly and brown, and
+the petals are arranged like a saucer about the cluster of
+orange-coloured stamens. The colour of the petals is bright yellow, and
+the width of the flower is nearly 3 in. This plant is a native of Mexico,
+and is usually cultivated in a tropical temperature, but it would
+probably thrive in a warm greenhouse. It flowers in summer. As we have
+stated, large specimens do not live long in this country; and as the
+flowers are only borne by such, the plant, except only for its stems, is
+not to be recommended for ordinary collections.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 48.--ECHINOCACTUS VISNAGA.]
+
+E. Williamsii (Williams's); Bot. Mag. 4296.--A very distinct dwarf
+species, often called the "Dumpling Cactus," from the puffed-out, tumid
+appearance of its stems, which frequently branch at the base, so as to
+form a tuft of several heads; these are turbinate, 3 in. or 4 in. high,
+and 2 in. across the top, where the smooth, pale green flesh is divided
+into about half-a-dozen rounded tubercles, pressed closely together, and
+suggesting a number of small green potatoes joined by their bases. Each
+tubercle bears several tufts of short hairs. The flowers proceed from
+the young tubercles near the centre of the crown, their bases being
+enveloped in pale brown wool, the petals spreading out daisy-like to the
+width of 1 in., with a short disk of stamens in the middle; they are
+white, tinged with rose, and are developed in the summer months. Native
+of the rocky hills of Mexico, whence it was introduced in 1845. The
+stems of this plant are its most distinctive feature. It thrives on a
+shelf in a warm greenhouse, if kept perfectly dry in winter, and it
+should be potted in a compost consisting of broken brick two-thirds,
+loam one-third.
+
+E. Wislizeni (Wislizen's); Fig. 49.--A large-stemmed kind, second only
+in size to E. Visnaga. Young plants have depressed stems, those in older
+specimens being cylinder-shaped. A specimen at Kew is 8 in. high by 18 in.
+in diameter, with twenty-one ridges, which are regular and sharp-edged,
+and bear bunches of spines at regular intervals, the outer and shorter
+ones being spreading and white, whilst from the middle of each tuft
+arise four longer and stouter spines, three of them 2 in. long, and one
+3 in., with the point hooked, and as strong as if made of steel. The
+flowers, which are developed only on large plants, are greenish-yellow,
+about 2 in. long and wide, and expand during summer and autumn. The juice
+of the stems is said to serve as a substitute for water when the latter
+is scarce, and instances have been known among the white trappers where
+the lives of men have been saved by this plant. A novel use the stems
+are put to by the Indians is that of boilers, a purpose which they are
+said to answer well. The fleshy inside is scooped out, and the tough
+skin, with its iron-like spine protection, is then filled with
+vegetables and water and placed on the fire. As there is a plentiful
+supply of plants, the Indians do not trouble to carry this "boiler"
+about with them, but make a fresh one at every stage of their
+journeyings.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 49.--SPINES AND FLOWERS OF ECHINOCACTUS
+WISLIZENII.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE GENUS ECHINOPSIS.
+
+(From echinos, a hedgehog, and opsis, like.)
+
+
+No less than three sections of Cactuses, viz., the above, Echinocactus,
+and Echinocereus, owe their names to their hedgehog-like stems. From a
+horticultural point of view, there is perhaps no good reason for keeping
+the above three genera and Cereus separate; but we follow Kew in the
+arrangement adopted here. The genus Echinopsis, as now recognised by
+most English botanists and cultivators, comprises about thirty species,
+most of which have been, or are still, in cultivation. They are
+distinguished from Echinocactuses by the length of their flower tube,
+from Cereuses by the form and size of their stems, and from both in the
+position on the stem occupied by the flowers. They are remarkable for
+the great size, length of tube, and beauty of their flowers, which,
+borne upon generally small and dumpy stems, appear very much larger and
+handsomer than would be expected.
+
+The distribution of Echinopsis is similar to that of Echinocactus,
+species being found in Chili, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, &c. They
+grow only in situations where the soil is sandy or gravelly, or on the
+sides of hills in the crevices of rocks.
+
+Cultivation.--The growing and resting seasons for Echinopsis are the
+same as for Echinocactus, and we may therefore refer to what is said
+under that genus for general hints with regard to the cultivation of
+Echinopsis in this country. The following is from the notes of the late
+Curator of the Royal Gardens, Kew (Mr. J. Smith), as being worthy the
+attention of Cactus growers. Writing about Echinopsis cristata, which he
+grew and flowered exceptionally well, he says: "This showy plant is a
+native of Chili, and, like its Mexican allies, thrives if potted in
+light loam, with a little leaf mould and a few nodules of lime rubbish.
+The latter are for the purpose of keeping the soil open; it is also
+necessary that the soil should be well drained. In winter, water must be
+given very sparingly, and the atmosphere of the house should be dry; the
+temperature need not exceed 50 degs. during the night, and in very cold
+weather it may be allowed to fall 10 degs. lower, provided a higher
+temperature (55 degs.) be maintained during the day. As the season
+advances, the plants should receive the full influence of the increasing
+warmth of the sun; and during hot weather, they will be benefited by
+frequent syringing overhead, which should be done in the evening. It is,
+however, necessary to guard against the soil becoming saturated, for the
+soft fibrous roots suffer if they continue in a wet state for any length
+of time."
+
+None of the species require to be grafted to grow freely and remain
+healthy, as the stems are all robust enough and of sufficient size to
+take care of themselves. The only danger is in keeping the plants too
+moist in winter, for although a little water now and again keeps the
+stems fresh and green, it deprives them of that rest which is essential
+to the development of their large, beautiful flowers in summer.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+E. campylacantha. (curved-spined); Bot. Mag. 4567.--Stem 1 ft. or l½ ft.
+high, globe-shaped, with a somewhat pointed top, the sides divided into
+from fourteen to sixteen ridges, with tubercled edges, bearing clusters
+of about ten strong brown spines, which are stellately arranged, a
+central one projecting outwards, then suddenly curving upwards, and
+measuring 3 in. in length. The flowers are developed from the ridges on
+the side of the stem; they are 6 in. long, the tube shaped like a
+trumpet, brownish in colour, and clothed with tufts of short black
+hairs; petals arranged in three rows, spreading so as to form a limb
+2½ in. across, pale rose-coloured, with a large cluster of yellow-tipped
+stamens, forming a disk-like centre. This species is a native of Chili,
+and was introduced in 1831. It blossoms in spring and summer. The long
+curving central spine and remarkable length of the flower-tube
+distinguish it from the other kinds. It may be grown in a cool
+greenhouse, where it will thrive, if kept freely watered during summer
+and rested on a dry, sunny shelf in winter. It is rare in English
+collections, but frequently occurs in Continental gardens.
+
+E. cristata (crested); Bot. Mag. 4687.--Stem globe-shaped, 1 ft. high,
+slightly narrowed towards the top; ridges fifteen, 1 in. deep, sharply
+angular, the edges bearing tufts of spreading, yellowish spines, over
+1 in. long, slightly curved, and tipped with red. Flowers creamy-white,
+springing from the ridges on the top of the stem; tube 4 in. long,
+clothed with tufts of black hairs, and surmounted by a whorl of
+reddish-yellow sepals, above which are two rows of broad-spreading
+petals. The width of the flower is over 6 in., and the stamens are
+arranged in a corona-like whorl inside the petals. This very fine Cactus
+is a native of Bolivia, whence it was introduced in 1850. When in
+flower, the broad, long-tubed, pale-coloured blossoms equal in beauty
+those of the Night-flowering Cereus. It blossoms in July. It thrives if
+kept in a warm, sunny greenhouse, but must be liberally treated in
+summer, so as to induce vigorous growth, and then be subjected to
+complete rest in winter in full sunlight, or it will not flower.
+
+E. c. purpurea (purple ).--This variety differs from the type in having
+deep rose-coloured flowers and a slightly longer tube. It is impossible
+to find among all the species of the Cereus section a more beautiful
+plant than this; the size of the flowers, their rich colour, their
+developing three or four together in the month of July, being almost
+exceptional, even among Cactuses. A splendid example of it was flowered
+at Kew in 1846 for the first time. It thrives under the conditions
+recommended for E. cristata. This variety is often made very sickly by
+treating it as a tropical Cactus, and, like most of these plants, if
+once it gets into a bad condition, it remains so a long time, in spite
+of liberal and careful treatment. So many of the Cactuses found in cool
+regions are ruined by an excess of heat in winter, and a close
+atmosphere during their season of growth, that too much attention cannot
+be given to the question of temperature in relation to their cultivation
+in English gardens.
+
+E. Decaisneanus (Decaisne's).--As represented in Fig. 50, this plant
+appears to have a columnar stem, but this is owing to the specimen
+having been formed by cutting off the upper portion of an old plant and
+striking it. Naturally, the stem in this species is globular or slightly
+egg-shaped, and bears about fourteen ridges, upon which are tufts of
+short spines, springing from little cushions of whitish wool. The
+position of the flowers is shown in the figure. The tube is covered with
+tufts of hair-like spines, and the petals and sepals are broad,
+spreading, and white, tinged with yellow, as in E. cristata. The native
+country of this plant is not known; but it is a well-known garden
+Cactus, and thrives in a warm, airy greenhouse in summer, and on a dry,
+sunny shelf in winter. The swollen base of the tube is a good example of
+the nature of what is usually termed the flower-stalk in these plants.
+It is, as has been pointed out, the elongated calyx, and the swollen
+portion is the ovary or seed vessel. If, therefore, seeds are desired,
+the withering flowers should be allowed to remain, and, in time, the
+upper portion of the tube will fall away, leaving the base, which
+continues to grow till it attains the proportions of a hen's egg.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 50.--ECHINOPSIS DECAISNEANUS.]
+
+E. Eyriesii (Eyries').--Stem no larger than an orange, with about a
+dozen ridges, the edges sharp, and bearing little globular tufts of
+whitish wool and red, hair-like spines. Flower exceedingly large for the
+size of the stem, the tube being more than 6 in. long, funnel-shaped,
+pale green, with tufts of brown hairs, which look very much like
+insects, scattered over the surface. The petals are numerous,
+narrow-pointed, spreading, pure white, the stamens pale yellow, and the
+star-like stigma white. This species is a native of Mexico, and was
+introduced by the late Sir John Lubbock, about 1830. It blossoms at
+various seasons, generally in summer. "Independently of the large size
+of the flowers, which rival in dimensions those of the Cereuses, it is
+remarkable for the rich, delicate odour they exhale at night, at which
+time its glorious blossoms expand. When young, they resemble long,
+sooty-grey horns, covered over with a thick, shaggy hairiness, and would
+never be suspected to conceal a form of the utmost beauty and a clear
+and delicate complexion. When the hour of perfection has arrived, and
+the coarse veil of hair begins to be withdrawn by the expansion of the
+unfolding petals, one is amazed at the unexpected loveliness which
+stands revealed in the form of this vegetable star, whose rays are of
+the softest white" (Lindley). For its cultivation, this plant requires a
+warm house always; but care should be taken to give it plenty of fresh
+air and as much light as possible. The soil best suited for it is a rich
+loam with a little sand and charcoal. It likes liberal watering in
+summer.
+
+E. E. flore-pleno (double-flowered); Fig. 51.--A form with several rows
+of petals, which give the flowers a doubled appearance.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 51.--ECHINOPSIS EYRIESII FLORE-PLENO.]
+
+E. E. glauca (hoary-grey). This variety differs from the type in the
+absence of the dark brown hairs from the flower-tube, which is also
+shorter than in E. Eyriesii. Probably a native of Mexico.
+
+E. oxygonus (sharp-angled).--This is very similar to E. Eyriesii. Stem
+globular in shape, and divided into about fourteen acute-edged ridges,
+upon which are tufts of brown spines, varying from ½ in. to 1½ in. in
+length. Flower 8 in. long, the tube slightly curved, covered with little
+scales and hairs, and coloured green and red. The petals form an
+incurved cup, and are broad, with pointed tips; their colour a bright
+rose, with a lighter shade towards the centre of the flower. As in E.
+Eyriesii, the flowers of this kind are borne several together from the
+ridges near the growing centre of the stem. It is a native of Brazil,
+whence it was introduced nearly half a century ago. It thrives in an
+intermediate house, if treated as advised for E. Eyriesii, and its
+flowers will develop in summer. The extraordinary size and beauty of the
+blossoms are sufficient to compensate for their comparatively short
+duration after expanding; it is also interesting to watch the gradual
+development of the tiny, hairy cone, which is the first sign of the
+flower, and which increases in length and size at a surprising rate.
+
+E. Pentlandi (Pentland's); Fig. 52.--A pretty little species, with a
+globose stem 3 in. in diameter, divided into about a dozen rounded
+ridges, which are undulated or broken up into irregular tubercles, when
+the ridges do not run parallel with each other. Each tubercle is crowned
+with a tuft of brown, bristle-like spines, ½ in. or so long. The flowers
+are large in proportion to the size of the plant, the tube being 4 in.
+long, and trumpet-shaped; petals arranged in several overlapping rows
+and forming a cup 2 in. across, the lowest whorl turning downwards; in
+colour, they are a brilliant red, the stamens white, and the stigmas
+yellow. Three or four flowers are often expanded together on the same
+stem, springing from the side instead of the top of the plant. Native of
+Mexico (?); introduced about 1840. There are several distinct seedling
+or hybrid forms of this species, remarkable in having the colour of
+their flowers either red, yellow and white, or white, whilst some, such
+as the one known as flammea, have flowers only 2 in. long. These kinds
+may all be grown in a sunny greenhouse or window, as they only require
+protection from frost. They may be placed out of doors in summer, and be
+kept under glass only during winter, treatment which will result in
+better growth and more flowers than if the plants were kept permanently
+under glass.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 52.--ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI.]
+
+E. P. longispinus (long-spined); Fig. 53.--This is a long-spined form,
+and differs also in the shape of the stem, which is oblong, rather than
+globose.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 53.--ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI LONGISPINUS.]
+
+E. tubiflorus (tube-flowered).--This species has an orange-shaped stem,
+about 4 in. high, and divided into about twelve prominent, sharp-angled
+ridges, along which are tufts of blackish spines, ½ in. long, and set in
+little cushions of white wool. The flower springs from the side of the
+stems, where it replaces a tuft of spines, and, as in E. Eyriesii, the
+tube is remarkably long, whilst the size of the whole flower much
+exceeds that of the rest of the plant, the length of the tube being
+about 6 in., and the width of the flower over 4 in. The petals are pure
+white, recurved, displaying the crown of yellow stamens, arranged in a
+ring about the rather small, rayed stigma. The tube is uniformly green,
+except that the scale-like bracts are edged with long, blackish, silky
+hairs. A native of Mexico; introduced about fifty years ago, when it was
+figured in the Botanical Magazine and elsewhere as a species of
+Echinocactus. E. tubiflorus may be placed along with E. Eyriesii and E.
+oxygonus, as it requires similar treatment. The three kinds here
+mentioned may be recommended as a trio of very fine-flowered,
+small-stemmed Cacti, which may be grown successfully in any ordinary
+greenhouse.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE GENUS MELOCACTUS.
+
+(From melon, a melon, and Kaktos, a name applied by Theophrastus to a
+spiny plant; the species are melon-formed, and their angles are beset
+with tufts of spines.)
+
+
+This genus forms a group of well-marked and curious plants, with stems
+similar to those of the globose Echinocactuses and floral characters
+quite distinct from all other genera. They cannot be said to possess any
+particular beauty, as their stems are stiff and dumpy, their spines
+large and rigid, and their flowers small and unattractive. But what is
+wanting in beauty of form or colour is atoned for in the cap which
+crowns the stem, and forms the flower-head, growing taller and taller
+whilst the stem remains stationary, till, under favourable
+circumstances, a cylindrical mass of spines and hairs, not unlike a
+large bottle-brush, and 1 ft. or more in length, is developed before the
+whole plant succumbs to old age. This character belongs more
+particularly to M. communis, the commonest species, and the one best
+known in English gardens. Additional interest attaches to this species,
+from the fact of its having been the first Cactus introduced into
+Europe, for we are informed that in the year 1581 living plants of the
+Melon Cactus were known in London. Fifty years later, Gerard, the Adam
+of English gardening, wrote: "Who can but marvel at the care and
+singular workmanship shown in this Thistle, the Melocarduus echinatus,
+or Hedgehog Thistle? It groweth upon the cliffes and gravelly grounds
+neere unto the seaside in the islands of the West Indies, called St.
+Margaret's and St. John's Isle, neere unto Puerto Rico, and other places
+in these countries, by the relation of divers that have journied into
+these parts who have brought me the plant itself with his seed, the
+which would not grow ill my garden, by reason of the coldnesse of the
+clymate." After this, the plant appears to have been frequently
+cultivated in gardens in this country, and it has only been in recent
+years that this and similar curiosities have almost disappeared from all
+except botanical collections.
+
+The most prominent distinctive characters of Melocactus reside in the
+cap or cluster of spines, wool, and flowers on the summit of the stem.
+Thirty species are included in the genus, their stems ranging from 1 ft.
+to 3 ft. in height, the ridges straight, and, as a rule, large; whilst
+all have stiff stout spines in clusters about 1 in. apart. The small
+flowers are succeeded by bright red, cherry-like berries, containing
+numerous black, shining seeds. The distribution of the species is over
+the hottest parts of some of the West Indian Islands and a few places in
+Central and South America.
+
+Cultivation.--The cultivation of the several kinds known in gardens is
+as follows: A tropical temperature all the year round, with as much
+sunlight as possible, and a moist atmosphere for about three months
+during summer, when growth is most active. Very little soil is required,
+as the largest stems have comparatively few roots; indeed, imported
+stems have been known to live, and even make growth, nearly two years
+without pushing a single root; but, of course, this was abnormal, and
+was no other than the using-up of the nourishment stored up in the stem
+before it was removed from its native home. M. Louis de Smet, a
+well-known Ghent nurseryman, who grows a fine collection of Cactuses,
+stated that he had kept M. communis a long time in robust health and
+growth by feeding it with a very weak solution of salt. Tried at Kew,
+this treatment did not appear to make any perceptible difference; but,
+bearing in mind that the Turk's-Cap Cactus is found in great abundance
+within the reach of sea spray, in some of the West Indian Islands, there
+seems much reason in M. de Smet's treatment. The same gentleman informed
+us that he had a specimen of this Cactus bearing no less than thirteen
+heads. There is, at the time of writing, a specimen at Kew bearing four
+fine heads. Large imported plants are very rarely, established; and even
+when established, they do not thrive long, owing to the fact that, after
+the cap has commenced to form, no further stem-growth is made. Young
+plants grow very slowly, a plant 3 ft. across taking, according to Sir W.
+Hooker, from 200 to 300 years to reach that size. It has been stated
+that grafting is a good plan to adopt for the Melocactus, Mr. F. T.
+Palmer, in "Culture des Cactées", recommending the following treatment
+for M. communis: Take a Cereus peruvianus of about the same diameter as
+that of the base of the Melocactus, cut off the head of the former, but
+not so low as to come upon the hard, ligneous axis, and then pare off
+the hard epidermis and ribs for about 1 in. Then take off a slice from
+the base of the Melocactus, also paring off about 1 in. of the epidermis
+all round; place the two together, and bind on firmly with strong
+worsted. In warm weather, a union should take place in about two months,
+but it will be safest to allow the ligature to remain till growth
+commences. The precaution of paring off the hard skin and ribs is
+absolutely necessary, as the juicy centre contracts, and the rind, or
+epidermis, does not. There would, therefore, be a cavity formed
+sufficient to prevent all cohesion, be the graft tied on ever so
+tightly.
+
+Large imported stems should be kept perfectly dry for about a fortnight,
+and, if they show any signs of rottenness, they should be carefully
+examined and the bad portions cut away; exposure to the air for a few
+days will generally cause these pared places to callus over. At all
+times, even when the stems appear to be in good health, a sharp look-out
+should be kept for patches of rottenness in the stem, and especially
+about its base.
+
+Propagation.--This is effected by means of seeds, which usually follow
+quickly after the flowers produced on cultivated specimens.
+Multiplication is also possible by means of offsets, which are formed
+about the base of the stem if the top of a growing plant is cut out. The
+thirteen-headed plant mentioned above was the result of the removal of
+the top of a stem which had developed these lateral growths, and thus
+formed a family of red-capped stems; this had, however, taken place
+before the plant was removed from its native home. As the cap is the
+most remarkable part of M. communis, the purchase of large imported
+stems, in preference to young ones raised from seeds, is recommended;
+for, as the cap does not form till the stem attains a large size, there
+would be small hope of seedlings reaching the flowering stage during a
+lifetime.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+M. communis (common); Fig. 54.--Stem from 2 ft. to 3 ft. in diameter,
+globose, with from twelve to twenty ridges, and armed with numerous
+clusters of strong, short spines, the clusters placed closely together.
+On the summit of the stem is a cylindrical crown, about 4 in. broad, and
+varying in height from 5 in. to 12 in. This cylinder is composed of a
+thick pad of whitish, cotton-like substance, through and beyond which a
+great number of bristle-like red spines are developed, the whole being
+not unlike a bottle-brush. About the top of this brush-like growth the
+flowers are produced. These are small, red, fleshy, and tube-shaped, the
+calyx and corolla forming a regular flower, as in a Hyacinth. They are
+borne at various times in the year, as long as the cap is growing;
+afterwards the latter falls off; and the stem rots. We have a cap that
+was cast by an old plant, and which has stood as an ornament on a shelf
+in a room for about four years, and is still in perfect condition. In
+addition to the name of Turk's-Cap Cactus this plant is also known as
+"Englishman's Head" and "Pope's Head." It is a native of several of the
+islands of the West Indies, being very abundant in St. Kitt's Island,
+where it grows in very dry, barren places, often on bare porous rocks.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 54. MELOCACTUS COMMUNIS.]
+
+M. depressus (flattened); Bot. Mag. 3691.--Stem broader than high,
+deeply cut into about ten broad furrows, along the sharp angles of which
+are clusters of pale brown spines, from ½ in. to 1 in. long, arranged in a
+star, each cluster 1 in. apart. Instead of the cylinder-like cap of the
+Turk's-Cap species, this one has a short, broad tuft of white wool and
+red spines, like a skull-cap. The flowers are small, and soon wither,
+but remain attached to the oblong berries, which stand erect in a dense
+cluster in the centre of the cap, and are of a delicate rose-colour. The
+first introduced plant of this was sent home by Mr. Gardner, who
+introduced the Epiphyllums and other Cactuses. It flowered on the way to
+England, and matured its seeds soon after its arrival. It is a native of
+Pernambuco.
+
+M. Miquelii (Miquel's); Fig. 55.--This species appears to have been
+introduced in 1838, when two plants of it were sent from the West Indian
+Island, St. Croix, to the Hamburg Botanic Gardens. The stem is oval,
+dark green, with fourteen well-defined ribs, as regular as if they had
+been carved with a knife. The spine-tufts are small; spines short,
+black-brown, about nine in each tuft, one of which is central, the
+others radiating; they are less than ½ in. long. The "cap" is cylindrical,
+3 in. high by 4 in. in diameter, and composed of layers of snow-white
+threads, mixed with short reddish bristles.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 55. MELOCACTUS MIQUELII.]
+
+These three are the only species of Melocactus that have become known in
+English gardens, although various other kinds, named M. Lehmanni, M.
+Zuccarini, M. Ellemeetii, M. Schlumbergerianus, &c., occur in books.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE GENUS PILOCEREUS.
+
+(From pilos, wool, and Cereus, in allusion to the long hairs on the
+spine cushions, and the affinity of the genus.)
+
+
+One of the most striking plants in this order is the "Old Man Cactus,"
+botanically known as Pilocereus senilis, which is the only member of
+this  genus that has become at all known in English gardens. In
+Continental gardens, however, more than a dozen species are to be found
+in collections of succulent plants; and of these one of the most
+remarkable is that represented at Fig. 56. The limits of the genus
+Pilocereus are not definitely fixed, different botanists holding
+different views with respect to the generic characters. Recent writers,
+and among them the late Mr. Bentham, sunk the genus under Cereus; but
+there are sufficiently good characters to justify us in retaining, for
+garden purposes, the name Pilocereus for the several distinct plants
+mentioned here. The botanist who founded the genus gives the following
+general description of its members: Stems tall, erect, thick, simple or
+branched, fleshy, ridged; the ridges regular, slightly tubercled, and
+placed closely together. Tubercles generally hairy, with bunches of
+short spines; the hairs long and white, especially about the apex of the
+stem, where they form a dense mass. Flowers on the extreme top of the
+matured stems, and arranged in a cluster as in the Melon Cactus, small,
+tubular; the petals united at the base, and the stamens attached to the
+whole face of the tube thus formed, expanding only at night, and fading
+in a few hours. These flowers have a disagreeable odour, not unlike that
+of boiled cabbage. Fruit fleshy, round, persistent, usually red when
+ripe. The species are natives of tropical America, and are generally
+found in rocky gorges or the steep declivities of mountainous regions.
+
+Cultivation.--These plants require distinctly tropical treatment.
+During summer, they must have all the sunlight possible, and be supplied
+with plenty of water, both at the root and by means of the syringe. Air
+should be given on very hot days, but the plants should be encouraged to
+make all the growth possible before the approach of winter. In winter,
+they may be kept quite dry, and the temperature of the house where they
+stand should be maintained at about 60 degs., rising to 65 degs. or
+70 degs. in the day. In March, the plants should be repotted into as
+small pots as convenient, employing a good, loamy soil and ample
+drainage. Should the hairs become soiled or dusty, the stems may be laid
+on their sides and then syringed with a mixture of soft soap and warm
+water, to be followed by a few syringefuls of pure water; this should
+cleanse the hairs and give them the white appearance to which the plants
+owe their attractiveness.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+P. Houlletianus (Houllet's); Fig. 56.--Stem robust, glaucous-green;
+ridges about eight, broad, prominent, obscurely tubercled; spines in
+bundles of nine, radiating, straight, less than 1 in. long, and pale
+yellow. Upon the growing part of the stem, the spines are intermingled
+with long, white, cottony hairs, often matted together like an unkempt
+head; these hairs fall off as the stem matures. Flowers funnel-shaped,
+resembling Canterbury Bells, borne in a cluster on the summit of the
+plant; ovary short and scaly; petals joined at the base, and coloured a
+rosy-purple, dashed with yellow; the stamens fill the whole of the
+flower-tube and are white; style a little longer than the flower-tube,
+and bearing a ray of about a dozen stigmas. Fruit globose, as large as a
+plum, and coloured cherry-red. The pulp is bright, crimson, and contains
+a few brownish seeds. In the engraving the fruit is shown on the left,
+and a flower-bud on the right. This species is often known in
+Continental collections as P. Fosterii.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 56. PILOCEREUS HOULLETIANUS.]
+
+P. senilis (Old-Man).--Stem attaining a height of 25 ft., with a diameter
+of about 1 ft.; ridges from twenty-five to thirty on plants 4 ft. high;
+the furrows mere slits, whilst the tufts of thin, straight spines, 1 in.
+long, which crown each of the many tubercles into which the ridges are
+divided, give young stems a brushy appearance. About the upper portion
+of the stem, and especially upon the extreme top, are numerous white,
+wiry hairs, 6 in. or more long, and gathered sometimes into locks. To
+this character, the plant owes it name Old-Man Cactus; but, by a curious
+inversion of what obtains in the human kind, old plants are less
+conspicuous by their white hairs than the younger ones. Some years ago,
+there were three fine stems of this Cactus among the cultivated plants
+at Kew, the highest of which measured 18½ ft. There was also, however, a
+fine specimen in the Oxford Botanic Gardens, with a stem 16 ft. high; and
+it is stated that this plant has been in cultivation in England a
+hundred years at least. A plant twenty-five years old is very small,
+and, from its slowness of growth, as well as from the reports of the
+inhabitants of Mexico, where this species is found wild, there is reason
+to believe that a stem 20 ft. high would be several hundred years old.
+The flowers of P. senilis are not known in English collections, the
+plant being grown only for its shaggy hairiness.
+
+Other species are: P. chrysomallus, which has a branching habit, P.
+Brünnonii (Fig. 57), P. Celsianus, P. columna, P. tilophorus, known only
+in a young state, and several others, all very remarkable plants, but
+not known in English collections, unless, perhaps at Kew.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 57. PILOCEREUS BRÜNNONII.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE GENUS MAMILLARIA.
+
+(From mamilla, a little teat; in allusion to the tubercles.)
+
+
+Something over 300 different kinds of Mamillaria are known, but only a
+small proportion of these may be considered as garden plants. They are
+characterised generally by short, symmetrically-formed stems, sometimes
+aggregated together and forming a dense tuft, but, as a rule, each plant
+has only one stem. The generic name is descriptive of the chief feature
+in these stems, namely, the closely-set, spirally-arranged tubercles or
+mamillae, which vary considerably in the different kinds, but are always
+present in some form or other. Some kinds have stems only 1 in. high by
+2/3 in. in diameter, and the tubercles hidden from view by the
+star-shaped cushions of reddish or white spines. In some, the spines are
+erect and hair-like, giving the plant the appearance of tiny
+sea-urchins; another group has the principal spines hooked at the tip,
+and the points in these so sharp that if the hand comes in contact with
+them they hook into it and stick like fish-hooks. The purpose of these
+hooked spines seems doubtful; certainly, they cannot serve as any
+protection to the plant itself, as they are so strong that the plant
+must be torn up by the roots before the hooks will give way.
+
+The spines in M. macromeris are straight, and measure 2 in. in length; in
+M. multiceps they are in two series, the one fine, white, and short, the
+other yellow and stout. The most marked section of this genus, however,
+is that represented by M. fissurata (Fig. 61), in which the tubercles
+are large, spreading horizontally, and angular, resembling most closely
+the foliage and habit of some of the Haworthias. No one who had not read
+up the botany of Mamillarias would suspect that this plant belonged to
+them, or even to the Cactus order at all. There is a good specimen of it
+in the Kew collection. When in flower the family resemblance is easily
+seen; but as this species does not flower freely, it will be known by
+its remarkable foliage-like tubercles, rather than as a flowering
+Cactus. And the same remark applies to many of the Mamillarias; their
+stems thickly beset with tubercles and spines, always regular in
+arrangement, and neat and attractive in appearance.
+
+The following remarks made by Dr. Lindley when describing M. tenuis,
+give a good idea of the singular, yet pretty, stems of some of these
+plants: "Gentle reader, hast thou never seen in a display of fireworks a
+crowd of wheels all in motion at once, crossing and intersecting each
+other in every direction; and canst thou fancy those wheels arrested in
+their motion by some magic power--their rays retained, but their fires
+extinguished and their brightness gone? Then mayst thou conceive the
+curious beauty of this little herb--a plant so unlike all others that
+we would fain believe it the reanimated spirit of a race that flourished
+in former ages, with those hideous monsters whose bones alone remain to
+tell the history of their existence." It is quite true that in the
+cultivated Mamillarias there is nothing unsightly, or rough, or
+unfinished. Without foliage, their stems globose, or short cylinders, or
+arranged in little cushion-like tufts, and enveloped in silky spines,
+like tiny red stars, always looking the same, except when in flower, and
+never looking in the least like ordinary plants. Characters such as
+these ought to find many admirers. In the Succulent House at Kew, there
+is a long shelf upon which a great many plants of this genus may be
+seen. But the flowers in some of the species of Mamillaria are quite as
+attractive as the stems. Those of M. macromeris are 3 in. long and wide,
+their colour a deep rose; M. Scheerii has equally large flowers, and
+coloured bright yellow, as also are the flowers of M. pectinata. This
+last is remarkable on account of the clock-like regularity with which
+its flowers expand. While fresh, they open every day between eleven and
+twelve o'clock, and close again about one, however strong the sunlight
+shining upon them may be. Some of the kinds (more especially the
+small-flowered ones) are often prettily studded over with bright red,
+coral-like berries, which are the little fruits, and contain, as a rule,
+matured seeds capable of reproducing the parent plant.
+
+The headquarters of the genus Mamillaria is Mexico, and the countries
+immediately to the north, a few being scattered over the West Indies,
+Bolivia, Brazil, and Chili. Many of them grow on mountains where the
+temperature is moderate, but where the sunlight is always intense.
+Others are found on limestone or gravelly hills, among short herbage, or
+on grassy prairies. A small silvery-spined kind has recently been found
+near the snow line in Chili. M. vivipara is quite hardy in New York, as
+also are several other kinds, whilst we learn that by planting them out
+in summer, and protecting them by means of a frame from heavy rain,
+dews, fogs, and sudden changes of weather, a good many species of both
+Mamillaria and Echinocactus are successfully managed in the
+neighbourhood of that town.
+
+Cultivation.--Particulars with respect to cultivation are given along
+with the descriptions of most of the species, but a few general
+principles may here be noted. With only a few exceptions, all the
+cultivated Mamillarias may be grown in a warm, sunny greenhouse, or they
+may be placed in a frame with a south aspect, during our summer,
+removing them into artificially heated quarters for the winter. They do
+not like a large body of soil about their roots, but always thrive best
+when in comparatively small pots. If a sweet, new, fibry loam, mixed
+with broken bricks or cinders, be used to pot these plants in, they may
+then be left undisturbed at the root for several years. Much harm is
+often done to the more delicate kinds of Cactuses by repotting them
+annually; the best-managed collection I have seen had not been repotted
+for four years. This would not be safe if a poor and exhausted soil were
+used in the first instance. The pots should be well drained with crocks,
+and these covered with a layer of fibre sifted from loam. In summer, the
+soil should be kept moist, but never saturated; and after a bright warm
+day, the stems may be moistened over by syringing them with tepid water.
+A point of much importance in connection with these, and indeed all
+tropical and extra-tropical plants, is, that the water used for watering
+or syringing them should be rain-water if possible, and never more than
+a degree or so colder than the plants themselves would be. Thus, a plant
+which had been standing in the full glare of a midsummer sun all day,
+would be much endangered by watering it with cold tap-water. Where
+proper arrangements for water are not made in a greenhouse or stove, it
+is a good plan to place the water wanted for the day's use in the sun
+along with the plants. A little bag filled with soot and tightly tied at
+the neck, and water, is a good method for rendering hard tap-water
+suitable for watering the roots of plants. In winter, Mamillarias may be
+kept quite dry at the roots, except in mild sunny weather, when a little
+water may be given.
+
+A collection of the most distinct kinds may be successfully managed in a
+glass case in a room window, providing the sun shines through it for a
+few hours in the day.
+
+Propagation.--This is usually effected by means of seeds, which may be
+procured from Continental seedsmen as well as from our own. The
+treatment required by the seeds is similar to what has been already
+advised for those of other Cactuses. The tufted kinds are easily
+multiplied by separating the stems, or even by cutting off the tops and
+planting them in small pots of sandy soil.
+
+SPECIES. The following kinds are selected from those known to be in
+cultivation; of course, it is out of the question here to enumerate all
+the species known.
+
+M. angularis (angular-tubercled).--A robust kind, with stems 4 in. to
+8 in. high, and branching somewhat freely; tubercles prism-shaped, rather
+thick at the base, and slightly angular, ¼ in. long, their tops tufted
+with short white spines; at the base of the tubercles are little tufts
+of white wool. Flowers are only rarely produced by cultivated plants;
+they are small, tubular, rosy-purple, the stamens yellow. Introduced
+from Mexico in 1835; flowers in summer. When happily situated, it forms
+a specimen 1 ft. in diameter, owing to its freely produced arm-like
+branches, which spread out and curve upwards. It requires a warm
+greenhouse temperature during winter, and exposure to bright sunshine at
+all times.
+
+M. applanata (flattened).--In this, the stem is broader than high, and
+has a squat appearance; tubercles ¾ in. long, cone-shaped, with stellate
+tufts of straight, hair-like spines, white when young, yellowish when
+aged. Flowers springing from the outside of the stem-top, white, tinged
+with red. It is a native of Mexico, and blossoms in summer. A specimen,
+6 in. through at the base, may be seen at Kew, where it has been for many
+years, without altering perceptibly in size. All the larger-stemmed
+Mamillarias are exceedingly slow growers after they have reached a
+certain size, although, in the seedling stage, they grow freely. The
+treatment for this kind should resemble that advised for the last.
+
+M. atrata (blackened).--Stem oval in shape, broad at the base, 4 in.
+high, unbranched; tubercles swollen, ½ in. long, deep green, cone-shaped,
+becoming flattened through pressure of growth. Spines set in a tuft of
+white hairs, falling off from the lowest mammae, as happens in many of
+the thick-stemmed kinds. Flowers numerous, and developed all round the
+outside of the stem, stalkless, nestling closely between the tubercles,
+and when expanded looking like starry buttons of a rosy-pink colour.
+Native of Chili, flowering in autumn. This species is rare in England,
+but is worth attention because of the prettiness of its flowers, the
+attractive form of its stem, and its reputed hardiness. It will thrive
+in a cold frame, and requires protection from excessive wet only, rather
+than from cold. Grown in a warm house, it becomes sickly, and is
+short-lived.
+
+M. bicolor (two-coloured).--One of the commonest of the Cactuses grown
+in English gardens, and one of the most distinct, owing to its short,
+silvery hair-like spines, thickly crowded on the ends of the small
+tubercles, completely hiding the stem from view. The latter is from 6 in.
+to 1 ft. high, 3 in. in diameter, cylindrical, often branching into
+several thick arms, when it has a quaint appearance. If kept free from
+dust, which may be done by covering the plant with a bell glass, there
+is much beauty in the stem; indeed, it is owing to this, rather than as
+a flowering Cactus, that this species finds favour as a garden plant.
+The flowers are less than 1 in. in length and width, stellate, their
+colour deep purple; they are developed in June. Although a native of
+elevated regions in Mexico (4000-5000 ft.), this plant thrives best when
+grown in a warm house. There are several handsome and very old specimens
+of it in the tropical collection of succulents at Kew. It is one of the
+easiest to manage, and will thrive in a warm room-window if exposed to
+bright sunlight and kept dry in winter. M. nivea and M. nobilis are both
+varieties of this species.
+
+M. chlorantha (greenish-yellow).--A newly-introduced species with
+erect, cylinder-shaped stems, 6 in. high, clothed with numerous
+tubercles, which are tipped with clusters of long, silvery, interlacing,
+hair-like spines, and a few stouter blackish ones. The flowers are
+described as greenish-yellow, so that they are not likely to add much to
+the beauty of the plant, which is recommended because of the
+attractiveness of its stem and spines. It is a native of Mexico and
+Texas, whence it was introduced some two years ago. It requires
+cool-house treatment, and should be kept free from dust, which
+disfigures the white spines.
+
+M. cirrhifera (twisted).--Like M. bicolor, this species owes its
+frequent occurrence in gardens to the symmetry and neatly-chiselled form
+of its stems, and not to any attraction possessed by its flowers. It
+will thrive anywhere where the sun can shine upon it, if sheltered from
+severe cold and wet. In a cottage window it may be grown, and kept for
+many years, without losing health or, on the other hand, increasing much
+in size. Its usual height is about 5 in., by 4 in. in diameter. The
+tubercles are angular at the base, and bear tufts of yellowish spines on
+their pointed apices. The flowers are small, and bright rose-coloured,
+but only rarely produced on cultivated plants. Introduced from Mexico in
+1835.
+
+M. clava (club-shaped); Bot. Mag. 4358.--In the size of its stem, and
+the large, brightly-coloured flowers it bears, this species may be
+compared with some of the Echinocactuses. The stem is from 1 ft. to 1½ ft.
+high, 4 in. wide at the base, narrowing slightly upwards; the tubercles
+are 1 in. long, and nearly as much through at the base, their shape that
+of little pyramids, and their tips bear each from eight to eleven stout,
+straight spines, pale brown, with a little wool at the base. The flowers
+are borne on the top of the stem, two or three of them together; the
+sepals are green and red, and the spreading petals are straw-coloured
+and glossy, their edges near the top being toothed. In the centre of the
+shallow cup formed by the petals, and which measures nearly 4 in. across,
+the orange-coloured stamens are clustered, in a kind of disk, through
+the middle of which the yellow stigma projects. It is a native of
+Mexico, at an altitude of 5000 ft. Introduced in 1848, when it flowered
+at Kew, in June, at which time it flowers almost every year now. A warm
+greenhouse affords the most suitable conditions for it; but, unless it
+is kept in full sunshine both summer and winter, and perfectly dry
+during the latter season, it will not produce any flowers. As a
+flowering plant, it ranks amongst the very best of the Mamillarias. It
+is easily propagated from seeds ripened on cultivated plants.
+
+M. dasyacantha (thick-spined).--Stem 2 in. to 3 in. high, almost
+globular, and covered with spiral whorls of tiny tubercles, in the
+grooves of which is a little whitish wool, which falls away as the
+tubercles ripen. The spines upon the tubercles are arranged in little
+stars, with an erect central one. The flowers are small, and spring from
+the centre of the stem. This is one of the Thimble Cactuses, and is too
+small to have any great attractions, either in stem or flowers. It is,
+however, a pretty plant, especially when studded with its ruby-like
+flowers, which look like coloured Daisies growing upon a dense tuft of
+hairs. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on high mountains among
+short grass and other herbage.
+
+M. discolor (spines two-coloured).--Stem globose, about 4 in. in
+diameter; tubercles smooth, egg-shaped, their bases embedded in white
+wool, their tips crowned with stellate tufts of short, reddish spines.
+Flowers numerous, and borne from almost all parts of the stem, less than
+1 in. wide, and composed of a single whorl of narrow, reflexed,
+rose-purple petals, surrounding a large, disk-like cluster of yellow
+stamens. The flowers are so short that they are half hidden by the
+tubercles. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on rocks, in warm,
+sheltered places. Under cultivation it thrives when grown on a dry shelf
+in a warm house, and kept moist in summer, but perfectly dry in winter.
+
+M. dolichocentra (long-spurred); Fig. 58.--Apparently this is a
+variable species; at all events, plants of widely different habit are
+found under this name, one of them represented in the Figure here,
+another in the Garden, Vol. XVII., whilst others are figured or
+described in other books. What is known at Kew as the true plant is that
+here figured. This has a stout stem, about 8 in. high and 3 in. wide, and
+covered with smooth cone-shaped mammae, with woolly bases and stellate
+tufts of spines on their tips. The flowers are produced about 1 in. from
+the top of the stem, and are less than 1 in. wide; they are, however,
+often very numerous, sometimes a closely-set ring of them surrounding
+the stem, like a daisy chain, their colour being pale purple. Below the
+flowers there is often a whorl of club-shaped fruits, ¾ in. long, and
+rose-coloured. These contain numerous little black seeds, which, when
+ripe, may be sown in pots of very sandy loam. The plant is a native of
+Mexico, and flowers in summer. It thrives in a tropical temperature, and
+enjoys a daily syringing overhead on bright days in summer, but in
+winter requires little or no water.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 58. MAMILLARIA DOLICHOCENTRA.]
+
+M. echinata (hedgehog-like).--A charming little plant, with very small
+stems, clustered together in a cushion-like tuft, each stem less than
+1 in. wide; but a well-grown specimen is composed of dozens of these,
+packed almost one on top of the other. The tubercles are hidden by the
+star-like spine clusters which cap them, and look like a swarm of
+insects. Flowers very small, rose-coloured, and lasting only about a
+day. These are succeeded by numerous currant-like red berries, so
+numerous, in fact, that the plants look as if thickly studded all over
+with coral beads. The central stem is sometimes about 6 in. high, those
+surrounding it being shorter and shorter, till the outside ones rise
+only just above the soil. A well-grown plant of this is strikingly
+pretty, even when not in fruit. It is a native of Mexico, and requires
+the treatment of a warm house. A few pieces of broken brick should be
+placed upon the surface of the soil about the base of the plant, as the
+stems like to press against, or grow upon, anything in the nature of
+rocky ground.
+
+M. echinus (hedgehog-like); Fig. 59.--A distinct and pretty little
+plant, the largest specimen having a stem about the size and shape of a
+small hen's-egg, completely hidden under the densely interwoven radial
+spines, which crown the thirteen spiral rows of tubercles, and are
+almost white when mature. The tubercles are ½ in. long, and, in addition
+to these white radiating spines, they also bear each a stout spike-like
+spine, growing from the centre of the others. This spine gives the plant
+an appearance quite distinct from all other cultivated Mamillarias. The
+flowers are produced two or three together, on the top of the stem, and
+they are nearly 2 in. long, cup-shaped, and coloured yellow; they usually
+appear about June. As yet this species is rare in cultivated
+collections. It comes from Mexico, where it is found growing on
+limestone hills, in hot and arid localities. Under cultivation it
+requires a warm greenhouse temperature, exposure to bright sunshine all
+the year round, with a moderate supply of water in summer, and none at
+all during winter. A few large pieces of broken brick or sandstone
+placed in the soil, just under the base of the stem, afford the roots
+conditions suitable to their healthy growth.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 59. MAMILLARIA ECHINUS.]
+
+M. elegans (elegant).--A small species, grown only for the prettiness
+of its stem, flowers rarely, if ever, being borne by it under
+cultivation. The stem is 2 in. high and wide, globose, with small conical
+tubercles, which, when young, are woolly at the tips. Spines short and
+slender, about twenty, arranged in a star on each tubercle, with four
+central ones a little longer than those which surround them; the colour
+of the spines is whitish, with brown tips. Native country Mexico, on
+high exposed hills; in this country it requires greenhouse treatment.
+Introduced about 1850.
+
+M. elephantidens (elephant's-tooth); Fig. 60.--One of the largest and
+most remarkable of all garden Mamillarias. Stem globose, depressed, 6 in.
+to 8 in. in diameter, and bright shining green. Tubercles smooth, round,
+1½ in. long, furrowed across the top, which is at first filled with wool,
+but when old is naked. At the base of the tubercles there is a dense
+tuft of white wool, and springing from the furrows are eight radiating
+recurved spines, and three short central ones, all strong, stiff, and
+ivory-white, tipped with brown. The flowers are 3 in. wide, and are
+composed of a circle of violet-coloured sepals, with white margins, and
+a second circle of petals which are bright rose, pale purple at the
+base, a line of the same colour extending all down the middle. The
+stamens are numerous, with long purple filaments and yellow anthers, and
+the pistil is stout, erect, projecting above the stamens, with a
+radiating stigma. Flowers in autumn; native country, Paraguay. Under
+cultivation, it grows quicker than is usual with plants of this genus,
+and it is also exceptional in the regular and abundant production of its
+flowers. It has been a rarity in European collections for many years,
+and, although easily grown, it is often killed through wrong treatment.
+A cool greenhouse or sunny frame in summer, plenty of water whilst
+growth is active, and a light, well-drained soil, suit it best; whilst
+during winter it must be kept perfectly dry, and protected only from
+frost. In a tropical house, it is invariably sickly, and altogether
+unsatisfactory.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 60. MAMILLARIA ELIPHANTIDENS.]
+
+M. elongata (elongated).--A small, cushion-like kind, with the stems in
+tufts, owing to their producing offsets freely from the base, the
+tallest of them being about as high and as thick as a man's thumb. The
+tubercles are short, crowded, and hidden under the star-clusters of
+reddish-yellow spines. There are no central spines in this kind. The
+flowers are produced in the axils of the tubercles from all parts of the
+stem, a large tuft of stems being thickly studded with circles of tawny
+yellow petals, which are only about ½ in. long. The berries are bright
+coral-red, and about the size of a date stone. There are several
+varieties of this species, under the names of intertexta, rufescens,
+rutila, subcrocea, and supertexta. These differ only slightly either in
+the length or thickness of the stems or in the colour of the spines. All
+of them may be grown in a cold frame, or in a window where the sun can
+shine upon them; or they may be grown along with tropical kinds. For
+small cases in windows, these little Thimble Cactuses are amongst the
+most suitable. They are natives of high mountains in Mexico, and have
+been cultivated in Europe over forty years.
+
+M. fissurata (fissured); Fig. 61.--In appearance, this rare species
+mimics some of the Gasterias, and is so different from all the kinds
+hitherto described, that very few people unacquainted with it would
+suspect that it belonged to the same genus as M. elongata or M.
+dolichocentra. Indeed, some botanists have made a separate genus of this
+and several other plants of the same peculiar appearance, calling them
+Anhalonium. M. fissurata is like a whip-top in shape, the root being
+thick and woody, and the tubercles arranged in a thick layer, spreading
+from the centre, rosette-like. A living plant in the Kew collection is
+2 in. high by 4 in. wide, the tubercles being triangular in shape, ½ in.
+thick, wrinkled, with an irregular furrow on the upper surface. The
+flowers grow from the middle of the stem, and are 1½ in. wide, and
+rose-coloured. Native of Mexico, on hard gravel or limestone soils. We
+know of no plant in English collections, except that at Kew, which was
+introduced from Mexico in 1886. It flowers in September and October.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 61. MAMILLARIA FISSURATA.]
+
+M. floribunda (free-flowering).--A French writer on Cactuses, M.
+Labouret, calls this a species of Echinocactus, but it resembles so
+closely another species included by him in Mamillaria, viz., M. atrata,
+that we see no good reason for separating the two into different genera.
+M. floribunda has an irregular conical stem, about 5 in. high by 4 in.
+wide at the base, round nut-like tubercles the size of filberts, crowned
+with star-tufts of spines ¾ in. long, stiff, and brown, about ten spines
+being set with their bases in a small disc-like pad of dirty-white wool.
+The flowers are very numerous, covering the whole of the stem-top, from
+which they stand erect, so as to form a dense bouquet of rose-coloured
+petals. Each flower is 2 in. long. Native of Chili; introduced about
+1835. Flowers in summer. This handsome kind will thrive in a window,
+and, if well supplied with fresh air, sunshine, and sufficient water to
+keep the soil moist, it will flower almost every year. It must have no
+water in winter.
+
+M. gracilis (slender).--A small Thimble Cactus, remarkable for its
+proliferous stems, a single stem 2 in. high producing all round its upper
+half numerous, offshoots, which fall to the ground and grow. In this way
+a tuft of stems is soon developed round the first one. If these
+offshoots are removed as they appear, the stem will grow longer and
+stouter than it does when they are left. Tubercles small, green,
+crowded; spines in a stellate tuft, short, curved, pale yellow or white.
+Flowers as in M. elongata, to which this species is closely allied. In
+window cases, or on a shelf in a cool greenhouse, it will grow and
+multiply rapidly. Like the bulk of the caespitose, or Thimble Cactuses,
+it does not make much show when in flower; and it is only its stems,
+with their white stars of spines and clusters of little offsets hanging
+about them, that are attractive. Native of Mexico; introduced about
+1850. There is a variety known as pulchella, in which the spines are of
+a yellow hue.
+
+M. Grahami (Graham's).--A pretty little species, with globose stems,
+scarcely 3 in. high, and nearly the same in diameter, branching sometimes
+when old; tubercles ¼ in. long, egg-shaped, corky when old, and
+persistent. Spines in tufts of about twenty, all radiating except one in
+the centre, which is hooked; they are about ½ in. long. Flowers 1 in.
+long, usually produced in a circle round the stem. Fruit a small, oval
+berry, ½ in. long. This is a native of Colorado, in mountainous regions.
+It is very rare in cultivation. The flowers are developed in June and
+July.
+
+M. Haageana (Haage's); Fig. 62.--The habit of this is shown in the
+Figure, which is reduced to about one-fourth the natural size. As the
+stem gets older, it becomes more elongated. Tubercles small, four-sided
+at the base, pointed at the top, where the spines are arranged in a
+star, about twenty of them on each tubercle, with two central ones,
+which are longer, stiffer, and much darker in colour than those on the
+outside; flowers small, almost hidden beneath the spines, bright
+carmine-rose; they are produced on the sides of the upper portion of the
+stem in June. There is a close resemblance between this and M.
+cirrhifera, and the treatment for both should be the same. Mexico, 1835.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 62. MAMILLARIA HAAGEANA.]
+
+M. longimamma (long-tubercled); Fig. 63.--A well-marked species in the
+size of its mammae, or tubercles, which are at least 1 in. long by 1/3 in.
+in diameter, terete, slightly curved, and narrowed to a pointed apex,
+the texture being very soft and watery. Each tubercle bears a radiating
+tuft of about twelve spines, one central and projecting outwards; they
+are pale brown when old, and white when young; their length is about
+½ in. A tuft of short, white wool is developed at the base of the spines
+on the young mammae. The stem is seldom more than 4 in. in height, and it
+branches at the base when old. Flowers large and handsome,
+citron-yellow; the tube short, and hidden in the mammae; the petals
+1½ in. long, narrow, pointed, and all directed upwards; stamens numerous,
+short. Flowering season, early summer. Native country, Mexico. It
+requires greenhouse treatment, or it may be placed in a sunny frame out
+of doors during summer. It is not easily multiplied from seeds, but is
+free in the production of offsets from the base of the stem.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 63. MAMILLARIA LONGIMAMMA.]
+
+M. macromeris (large-flowered); Fig. 64.--Stem about 4 in. high, naked
+at the base, woody and wrinkled when old. Tubercles as in M. longimamma,
+but with curving radial spines, like needles, often 2 in. in length,
+white or rose-tinted when young, almost black when old. Flowers from the
+centre of the stem, 3 in. long, and about the same in width; the petals
+regular and spreading, as in the Ox-eye daisy; stamens numerous, short,
+forming a disk; colour carmine, almost purple just before fading.
+Flowering season, August. Native of Mexico, where it is found in loose,
+sand on hillocks, generally about the roots of Acacias. It is one of the
+most beautiful of all Mamillarias; but it is, as yet, rare in
+collections. It requires the same treatment as M. longimamma, except
+that, owing to the woody nature of its rootstock, and its long, tap-like
+roots, it should be planted in pans instead of pots, using a compost of
+rough loam, mixed with lumps of broken brick or limestone.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 64. MAMILLARIA MACROMERIS.]
+
+M. macrothele (large-nippled); Bot. Mag. 3634, as M. Lehmanni.--This
+belongs to the same group as M. cirrhifera, but is distinguished by its
+large mammae, which are four-angled at the base, ¾ in. long, narrowed to
+a point, upon which is a tuft of wool and a cluster of about eight
+spines, ½ in. long, spreading, reddish-brown in colour, the central one
+being almost black, 1 in. long, and pointing downwards. In the axils of
+the mammae are tufts of white wool. Flowers on the top of the stern,
+erect, spreading, about 1½ in. across when expanded; the petals
+overlapping, and pale yellow; the stamens red at the base, arranged in a
+dense cluster, and the rays of the stigma spreading over them. Flowering
+time, early summer. Native country, Mexico, on prairie lands, at high
+elevations. This species is almost hardy in the warmer parts of this
+country, suffering from damp rather than frost in winter. The stem is
+not particularly handsome, but the flowers are large and bright, and
+they are produced annually by plants which are grown in a cool,
+well-aired greenhouse or frame, with the sun shining on them all day.
+
+M. micromeris (small-flowered); Fig. 65.--A small, cushion-like plant,
+with a stem never more than 1½ in. across by about 1 in. in height, so
+that it has the appearance of a small, flattened ball, with a raised,
+disk-like portion on the top. The mammae are very small, and they are
+completely hidden by the numerous fine, white, silky spines and wool
+which spring in tufts from the apex of each mamma, and interlace so as
+to form a spider-web-like net all over the stem. The flowers are small,
+and they spring from the centre of the disk-like top of the stern; they
+are composed of from three to five sepals, and five petals, which are
+whitish or pink, and measure about ¼ in. across when open. Native
+country, Mexico, where it is found only in naked places on mountain tops
+or sides where limestone is plentiful. It requires much care under
+cultivation, water in excess being fatal to it, and a soil of the wrong
+sort soon killing all its roots. It is cultivated at Kew in a small pot,
+in a mixture of loam and lime rubbish, and grown in a warm greenhouse.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 65. MAMILLARIA MICROMERIS.]
+
+M. multiceps (many-branched).--Stem short, with numerous branches,
+which again push forth other branches, so that a dense tuft of dumpy,
+globose stems is formed. The mammae are small, and arranged closely
+together, and they each bear a tuft of whitish wool, with a radiating
+cluster of spines, which are soft, almost hair-like in texture, the
+inner ones being stiffer, and coloured dull yellow. The flowers are
+small, and almost hidden by the spines and tubercles; they are pale
+yellow, with a line of red down the middle of each petal. Native
+country, Mexico. This plant should be grown on a shelf in a cool
+greenhouse--anything like a stove temperature being fatal to it. As a
+flowering plant it is of no value, but the compact tuft formed by its
+numerous stems, with their attractive spines, renders it worthy of
+cultivation.
+
+M. Neumanniana (Neumann's).--This is a member of the group with angular
+tubercles and comparatively small flowers. It has a stem about 6 in.
+high, cylindrical, the tubercles arranged spirally, their bases
+compressed, four or five-angled, and with a tuft of white wool in their
+axils. The areoles or tufts on the tops of the mammae are large, and the
+spines are about seven in number, ½ in. long, and of a tawny-yellow
+colour. The flowers are produced near the top of the stem; they are
+about ½ in. long, and rose-red in colour. Native country, Mexico. It
+requires the same treatment as M. cirrhifera.
+
+M. Ottonis (Ottoni's); Fig. 66.--A very distinct and pretty plant is
+cultivated under the name at Kew; but there are, apparently, two
+different species under the same name--the one being spiny and large in
+the stem; the other, which is here shown, having a small, compressed
+stem, 3 in. across, numerous compressed tubercles, and short, hair-like
+spines. The flowers, which are large for the size of the plant, are
+white, and are developed in May and June. Native country, Mexico;
+introduced in 1834. It requires similar treatment to M. micromeris.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 66. MAMILLARIA OTTONIS.]
+
+M. pectinata (comb-like); Fig. 67.--Stems globose, from 2 in. to 3 in. in
+diameter; the rootstock woody; the tubercles arranged in about thirteen
+spiral rows, swollen at the base, and bearing each a star-like tuft of
+about twenty-four stiff, brown, radial spines, without a central one;
+the length varies from ½ in. to 1 in., and they are comb-like in their
+regular arrangement. When not in flower, this species bears a close
+resemblance to small plants of Cereus pectinatus. Flowers terminal,
+solitary, large, their width quite 3 in. when fully expanded; sepals
+reddish-green; petals rich sulphur-yellow; filaments reddish, very
+numerous; the flowers open at noon, and close after about two hours,
+even although the sun be shining full upon them. Flowering season, June
+to August. Native country, Mexico, on slopes of limestone hills.
+Although long since known to botanists, this pretty species has only
+lately found its way into English gardens. It is attractive even when
+not in flower. It requires warm greenhouse treatment, with exposure to
+full sunshine; during late autumn it should have plenty of air to ripen
+the new growth made whilst flowering. In winter it should have a dry
+position near the glass.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 67. MAMILLARIA PECTINATA.]
+
+M. phellosperma (corky-seeded).--A pretty plant, resembling M. Grahami
+in all points except the seed, which, as is denoted by the name, is half
+enveloped in a corky covering, suggesting acorns. Stems simple,
+sometimes proliferous at the base, globose when young, afterwards almost
+cylinder or pear-shaped, 5 in. high, 2 in. in diameter; tubercles ½ in.
+long, arranged in twelve spiral rows, slightly woolly in axils. Spines
+radiating, in two rows, about fifty on each tubercle, the three or four
+central ones being hooked at the tips or sometimes straight; length,
+½ in. to 1½ in. Flowers (only seen in the dried state) 1 in. long and wide.
+Native of the dry gravelly hills and sand ridges in California and
+Colorado, and, therefore, requiring greenhouse treatment. This plant is
+cultivated in the Kew collection, but it has not been known to flower
+there. It is one of the most ornamental of the very spinous species, the
+radial spines being almost white, whilst the central ones are black, and
+look like tiny fish-hooks. A large proportion of these Mamillarias are
+far more interesting in the form and arrangement of their tubercles and
+spines than in any floral character, and it is on this account that so
+many which are insignificant as flowering plants are included here.
+
+M. pulchra (handsome).--Stem globose when young and cylindrical when
+old, flattened at the top; height from 4 in. to 6 in.; tubercles large,
+egg-shaped, arranged in from eleven to thirteen spiral rows; spines in
+compact tufts, their bases set in whitish wool, irregular in length, and
+almost covering the whole of the stem. Flowers medium in size, developed
+near the top of the stem from the woolly axils of the tubercles; colour
+bright rose. Native of Mexico. Flowering season, June. Introduced in
+1826. A rare kind nowadays, though one of the prettiest. It should
+always be grown in a warm house. It has been also called M. pulcherrima.
+
+M. pusilla (small).--A tiny tufted plant, belonging to the group known
+as Thimble Cactuses. It has stems 2 in. high; short, dark green
+tubercles, with tufts of whitish wool in the axils; spines thin and
+bristle-like, twisted, nearly 1 in. long, almost hiding the stem; they
+are whitish, with black tips. The flowers are yellowish-white, with
+streaks of red. Common in Mexico. Flowering season, May. It should be
+grown in a frame in summer, and wintered on a shelf in a warm
+greenhouse. It would, no doubt, thrive in a window if kept in a sunny
+position and placed under a glass shade. A variety known as texana
+differs in being more densely clothed with spines. We have seen it grown
+into large clumps, covering a space 1 ft. in diameter, with dozens of
+erect little pyramids of whitish spines.
+
+M. pycnacantha (densely spined); Bot. Mag. 3972.--The name for this
+kind is rather misleading, the spines being both fewer and less
+conspicuous than in many other species of Mamillaria. Stem about 6 in.
+high, nearly globose; tubercles--rather large, swollen, with tufts of
+short white wool in their axils, and stellate clusters of spines
+springing from disks of white wool on the top. The spines are ½ in. long,
+slightly recurved, flattened, and pale brown. Flowers large, clustered
+on the top of the stem, about half a dozen opening together; width 2 in.;
+petals numerous, narrow, toothed at the tips, spreading; colour a deep
+sulphur-yellow, anthers orange. Native of Oaxaca, Mexico. Flowering
+season, July. Introduced 1840. This is a beautiful flowering plant, more
+like an Echinocactus than a Mamillaria. It should be grown in a warm
+greenhouse all the year round. Old stems develop offsets from the base,
+by which the species may be multiplied.
+
+M. sanguinea (bloody); Fig. 68.--This is closely related to M. bicolor,
+but differs in having an unbranched stem and numerous richly-coloured
+flowers. The stem is stout, 6 in. high, and 4 in. through; tubercles
+crowded, short, bearing stellate tufts of shortish spines, and
+projecting longer ones, all being bristly and pale yellow, except those
+on the youngest tubercles, which are golden. The flowers are borne in a
+crowded circle on the top of the stem, just outside the cluster of young
+yellow spines, a strong plant having about forty flowers open together.
+Each flower is about ½ in. long and wide, and coloured bright crimson,
+with yellow anthers. Native of Mexico. Flowers in June. It should be
+grown along with M. bicolor. The plant figured is a young one, showing
+the spines much longer than is usual on mature specimens.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 68. MAMILLARIA SANGUINEA.]
+
+M. Scheerii (Scheer's).--Stem 7 in. high, and 5 in. in diameter at the
+base; tubercles large, swollen, somewhat flattened, pale green, watery,
+woolly in the axils, the tops crowned with about a dozen brown spines,
+1 in. long, one central, the others radial. Flowers terminal, erect, with
+several whorls of spreading, recurved petals, the lower ones tinged with
+crimson, the upper pale yellow, and forming a shallow cup, 2 in. across;
+anthers forming a compact sheaf in the centre. Flowers in summer. This
+distinct and very pretty species was introduced many years ago from
+Mexico, where it was discovered in 1845 by a Mr. Potts, to whose love
+for these plants we are indebted for a great many choice kinds collected
+and sent to England by him. It grows naturally in a red, sandy loam, and
+under cultivation requires warm-house treatment, except during the
+autumn, when it may be placed in a frame and exposed to full sunshine
+and plenty of air.
+
+M. Schelhasii (Schelhas').--A pretty little tufted kind, its habit and
+size being shown in Fig. 69. The stem produces offsets freely at the
+base, which grow into full-sized stems, and develop young ones, till a
+compact cushion is formed. Tubercles closely arranged, cylindrical,
+shining green, with fifteen to twenty radial, white, hair-like spines,
+½ in. long, and three inner ones, which are thicker, purplish in colour,
+usually only one being hooked. Flowers white, with a line of rose down
+the middle of each petal, ¾ in. across. Flowering season, beginning of
+summer. Native of Mexico. It may be grown out of doors in a sunny
+position in summer, and wintered on a shelf in a greenhouse.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 69. MAMILLARIA SCHELHASII.]
+
+M. Schiedeana (Schiede's).--Stem globose, 3 in. to 5 in. high, thickly
+clothed with long, narrow, pointed tubercles, the bases of which are set
+in white wool, whilst the apices are crowned with tiny stars of white
+silky spines; more like the pappus of a Composite than the spines
+usually found on Cactuses. A healthy plant has a very pretty and silky
+appearance which cannot well be described. The flowers are small and
+unattractive; they are succeeded by the red fruits, which remain on the
+plant a long time, and add to its beauty. Native country, Mexico.
+Introduced 1838. Should be grown in a greenhouse where frost is
+excluded, and where there is plenty of sunlight at all times. It is
+easily increased, either from seeds or by means of the offsets developed
+at the base of old stems.
+
+M. semperviva (ever-living); Fig. 70.--Stem pear-shaped, 3 in. wide, the
+top slightly depressed. Tubercles conical, ¼ in. long, their bases set in
+a cushion of white wool, their tips bearing tiny tufts of wool, and four
+small spines, which fall away on the tubercles becoming ripe, leaving
+two short, diverging, central spines. Flowers small, not ornamental, and
+scantily developed near the outside of the top. Native of Mexico; in
+meadows and thickets near Zimapan, at 5000 ft. elevation. It thrives with
+us when grown in a frame in summer, and wintered in a cool greenhouse or
+frame.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 70. MAMILLARIA SEMPERVIVA.]
+
+M. senilis (hoary).--Stem about 3 in. high, spherical, unbranched,
+except when very old, when it becomes proliferous at the base; tubercles
+crowded, small, arranged spirally, and crowned with clusters of long,
+radiating spines, which are almost white, hair-like, and become thickly
+interwoven, as in the Old Man Cactus (Pilocereus senilis). The central
+spine is black, and hooked at the tip. Flowers on the top of the stem,
+near the centre; the petals toothed, spreading, and forming a deep cup,
+with a cluster of tall stamens standing erect in the middle; colour
+bright scarlet. The flowers, which appear in summer, remain open about
+eight hours. Native country unknown; cultivated in France in 1845. This
+plant is difficult to preserve in health, the best method being that of
+grafting it on to a short Cereus, or a robust kind of Mamillaria, such
+as M. cirrhifera. It is a pretty plant at all times, even when dead, for
+we have seen plants of it preserve the appearance of live specimens long
+after they have rotted and dried up in the centre, nothing remaining but
+the shell formed by the skin and silvery spines. There is a close
+resemblance between this species and M. Grahami.
+
+M. stella-aurata (golden star).--This little plant obtains its name
+from the rich golden-yellow of its stellate clusters of spines, which
+are arranged thickly on the tips of the small, pointed tubercles. It
+belongs to the group called Thimble Cactuses, of which it is one of the
+prettiest. The stems are tufted, branching freely at the base, and
+rising to a height of about 2 in. Flowers small, whitish, and much less
+ornamental than the berry-like fruits which succeed them, and which are
+egg-shaped, ½ in. long, and a deep rose-colour. M. tenuis is a variety of
+this, with almost white spines. Native of Mexico. Introduced 1835. May
+be cultivated under a bell-glass in a room window, the only danger being
+damp during winter, which must be carefully avoided.
+
+M. sub-polyhedra (usually many-sided); Fig. 71.--Stem simple till it
+becomes old, when it develops offsets at the base, broadly cylindrical,
+8 in. high, 5 in. in diameter. Tubercles four-sided at base, prism-shaped,
+bearing pads of white wool in the corners at the base, and crowned with
+tufts of from four to seven spines, usually all radial, sometimes one
+central. The flowers, which usually appear in May, are arranged in a
+zone on the top of the old stems; sepals greenish-yellow, petals bright
+red. Fruit 1 in. long, pear-shaped, scarlet. Native of South Mexico, at
+high elevations. It may be grown outside in summer, and wintered in a
+heated greenhouse or frame. This is a singular-looking plant, the
+tubercles having an appearance suggestive of carving. It is a slow
+grower, and requires careful attention in winter, when sometimes the
+roots all perish and the base of the stem rots.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 71. MAMILLARIA SUB-POLYHEDRA.]
+
+M. sulcolanata (woolly-grooved); Fig. 72.--Stem simple when young,
+proliferous at the sides when old, the young plants developing from the
+apices of the tubercles, and not in the axils, as is usual. The
+tubercles are nut-shaped, large, the bases surrounded by white wool, the
+points bearing eight to ten rigid, brown spines, all radiating from a
+little pad of wool. Flowers large, nearly 2 in. across, bright yellow,
+poppy-scented, the spread of the petals suggesting Paris Daisies; they
+are freely developed on the apex of the stem in June, and on till
+August. Fruit egg-shaped, glaucous-green. Native country, South Mexico;
+introduced 1836. This charming little plant should be grown in a frame
+exposed to full sunshine all summer, and removed to a shelf in a warm
+greenhouse in winter. With such treatment it grows and flowers freely.
+Grafted on to a Cereus or Opuntia it is healthier than when on its own
+roots.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 72. MAMILLARIA SULCOLANATA.]
+
+M. tetracantha (four-spined); Bot. Mag. 4060.--Stem the size and shape
+of an ostrich's egg, thickly studded with small, conical tubercles,
+woolly at the base, the apices bearing each four spreading spines, ¾ in.
+long, rather stout, straight, brown when young, becoming almost white
+with age. Flowers numerous, small, arranged as in M. sanguinea, to which
+and M. cirrhifera this species is closely related. They are bright rose
+in colour, with orange-yellow anthers, and are developed in July. Native
+of Mexico. Requires the same treatment as M. cirrhifera.
+
+M. tuberculosa (tubercled).--This is a very pretty and distinct plant,
+of recent introduction, and easily cultivated. It has a central stem,
+6 in. high by 2 in. in diameter, conical in shape, and surrounded at the
+base by globose branches or offsets. The tubercles are closely set in
+numerous spiral rows, and are ½ in. long, rather narrow, pointed, with a
+crown of radial spines, very slender, hair-like, white, and ½ in. long;
+central spines three or four, ½ in. long. At the base of each tubercle is
+a pea-like tuft of white wool. In this kind the spines fall from the old
+tubercles, which are persistent, gradually hardening to a cork-like
+substance. The flowers are produced in the apex of the stem, and are
+1 in. long and wide, daisy-like, pale purple in colour; they are
+succeeded by red, oval berries, which are as pretty as the flowers.
+About five flowers are developed on each stem annually--May and June.
+Native of Mexico, in the mountains. It thrives when grown in an ordinary
+greenhouse, on a shelf, in full sunshine.
+
+M. turbinata (top-shaped); Bot. Mag. 3984.--Stem globose, depressed at
+top, about 3 in. in diameter, pale glaucous-green; tubercles
+quadrangular, flattened at the apex, and bearing, when young, from three
+to five erect, slender, hair-like spines, which fall off soon after the
+tubercles ripen, exposing little depressions or umbilica, and giving the
+stem a bald, pudding-like appearance, quite distinct from any other
+kind. Flowers from the centre of the stem, short, about 1 in. across,
+pale yellow, with a reddish tint outside; anthers yellow. Two or three
+flowers are usually expanded together in the month of June. Native
+country, Mexico.
+
+M. uncinata (hooked).--Stem globose, simple, about 4 in. in diameter;
+tubercles closely pressed against each other at the base, where they are
+four-angled; in length they are ¼ in., and they are blue-green in colour.
+Apex bearing four short spines, arranged crosswise, and ¼ in. long;
+central spine slightly longer, yellow, and hooked. The flowers are 1 in.
+long and wide, erect, the tube hidden by the young mammae, amongst
+which they appear in May and June; they are purple in colour, a line of
+deeper tint running down the middle of each petal. Like all the kinds
+with short, angular tubercles, this species is easily managed, flowers
+freely and profusely, and always ripens seeds. Native of Mexico. It may
+be grown in a frame, or even out of doors, all through the summer,
+removing it to a greenhouse for the winter.
+
+M. vetula (old).--One of the small Thimble Cactuses, its stems seldom
+exceeding 3 in. in height by 1½ in. in diameter. Tubercles ¼ in. long,
+conical, with a radial crown of fine, hair-like yellow spines, ¼ in.
+long, and a solitary central spine, ½ in. in length, and coloured red.
+Flowers terminal, just peeping above the tubercles; sepals and petals
+acute, yellow, ¾ in. long; anthers yellow; stigma white. An old garden
+plant, introduced from Mexico. It flowers in May and June. For its
+cultivation it may be treated as recommended for M. pusilla.
+
+M. villifera (hair-bearing).--Stem similar to the last, but usually
+proliferous at the base; tubercles angular, short, woolly in the axils,
+and bearing four rigid, short, reddish-brown spines on the apex. Flowers
+pale rose, with a line of purple down the middle of each petal; they are
+developed near the top of the stem, in May. Native country, Mexico. This
+plant thrives if treated as recommended for M. pusilla. There are
+several varieties known, distinguished by their paler or darker flowers,
+or by a difference in the length and arrangement of the spines.
+
+M. viridis (green).--Stem 4 in. high by 3 in. in diameter, proliferous at
+the base; tubercles short, four-angled, crowded in spiral rows, woolly
+at the base, bearing each five or six radiating hair-like spines on the
+apex, and one central erect one, none more than ¼ in. long. Flowers
+erect, on top of stem, with recurved, pale yellow petals, 1  in., long;
+they are produced in May and June. Introduced from Mexico in 1850. It
+may be grown in a sunny frame out of doors during summer, and on a dry,
+warm greenhouse shelf in winter.
+
+M. vivipara (stem--sprouting).--A tufted, free-growing Thimble Cactus,
+producing its small stems in such profusion as to form a cluster as much
+as 3 ft. in diameter. The small tubercles are hidden by the numerous
+radial spines, which are in clusters of about twenty; they are white,
+hair-like, stiff and ½ in. long; the central spines, numbering from four
+to six, are a little longer. Flowers from apex of stem, 1½ in. long and
+wide, and composed of about thirty fimbriated sepals and twenty-five to
+forty narrow petals; colour bright purple. Fruit ½ in. long, pale green
+when ripe. The flowers, which appear in May and June, usually expand
+after mid-day. Native of Louisiana. In the North-West plains and Rocky
+Mountains of North America this plant is abundant, often forming wide
+cushion-like tufts, which, when covered with numerous purple, star-like
+flowers, have a pretty effect. In Utah and New York it is commonly
+cultivated as a hardy garden plant, bearing exposure to keen frosts and
+snow without suffering; but it would not thrive out of doors in winter
+with us, unless covered by a handlight during severe weather, and
+protected from heavy rains in winter. It likes a strong, clayey soil.
+
+M. v. radiosa (Fig. 73).--This variety is distinguished by its larger
+flowers and shorter spines.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 73. MAMILLARIA VIVIPARA RADIOSA.]
+
+M. Wildiana (Wild's).--An old garden Cactus, and one of the prettiest
+of the tufted, small-stemmed kinds. Its largest stems are 3 in. high by
+about 1½ in. in diameter, and bear spiral rows of clavate, dark green,
+crystallised tubercles, ½ in. long, with about ten radial white spines,
+½ in. long, the three upper spines, together with the solitary central
+hooked one, being yellow. Flowers small, numerous on the apices of the
+stems, rose-coloured, lined with purple; they are developed in summer.
+This also forms dense tufts of stems. A specimen at Kew, only a few
+years old, has already over thirty heads. It is a native of Mexico, at
+an altitude of 5000 ft., growing on lava and basalt, and even on the
+trunks of trees. For its cultivation, a shelf in a sunny greenhouse is a
+most suitable position, both in winter and summer. Introduced 1835.
+
+M. Wrightii (Wright's).--This is a charming little plant, of something
+the same character as M. dolichocentra. It has not long been cultivated
+in gardens, but being easy to manage, and exceptionally pretty, it is
+sure to become a favourite as it gets known. Stem rounded above,
+narrowed and peg-top-like at the base, the top flattened, about 3 in.
+across, height about the same. Tubercles conical, ½ in. long, shining
+green, and bearing a tuft of six or eight spines, which are straight,
+hair-like, white, and ½ in. long; there are two central spines, of same
+length, and hooked. Flowers in the top of the stem, 1 in. long and wide,
+bright purple; they are succeeded by egg-shaped, purple berries, 1 in.
+long, and prettily arranged among the tubercles. In England a warm house
+seems most suitable for this species. It likes plenty of moisture and
+sunlight during the summer, whilst making new growth; but in winter,
+when at rest, it ought to be kept on a shelf, and just moistened
+overhead in bright weather. There are healthy examples of it at Kew.
+Flowering season, May and June. Native country, Mexico. Introduced about
+1878.
+
+M. Zucchariniana (Zuccharini's).--Stem simple, globose, often attaining
+a height of 10 in. by about 7 in. in diameter. Tubercles dark green,
+conical, 1/3 in. long, ½ in. broad at base, naked at the point, but with
+four to six spines springing from the areole a little below the point;
+spines ash-coloured, stiff, black-tipped. Flowers in a ring about the
+top of the stem, length 1 in., the tube enveloped in long, black, twisted
+hairs; sepals brown-purple; petals narrow, sharp-pointed, purple-rose
+coloured; stamens white and yellow; stigma rose-coloured. Flowers in
+June and July. Native of Mexico. A large, handsome-stemmed kind, easily
+kept in health, and flowering freely if grown on a shelf in a cool
+greenhouse in winter, and placed in a warm, sunny position out of doors
+in summer. It produces seeds freely, and pretty plants, 3 in. or more in
+diameter, may be obtained in two years from seeds. By grafting it, when
+young, on the stem of a Cereus or cylindrical Opuntia, a healthy,
+drumstick-like plant is easily obtained.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE GENUS LEUCHTENBERGIA.
+
+(Named in honour of Prince Leuchtenberg.)
+
+
+Among the many instances of plant mimicry that occur in the Cactus
+order, the most remarkable is the plant here figured. Remove the flower
+from Leuchtenbergia, and very few people indeed would think of calling
+it a Cactus, but would probably consider it a short-leaved Yucca. In
+habit, in form, in leaf, and in texture, it more resembles a Yucca or an
+Agave than anything else, and when first introduced it was considered
+such by the Kew authorities until it flowered. The leaves, or rather
+tubercles, are sometimes longer and slenderer than in Fig. 74. The
+nearest approach to this plant is Mamillaria longimamma, in which the
+tubercles are 1 in. or more long, finger-shaped, and crowned with a few
+hair-like spines. But the Leuchtenbergia bears its flowers on the ends
+of the tubercles, and not from the axils, as in all others. This
+peculiarity leads one to infer that tubercles are modified branches, the
+spines representing the leaves. Some species of Mamillaria and
+Echinocactus develop young plants from the tops of their tubercles; and
+this also points to the probability that the latter are branches. In
+Leuchtenbergia, the tubercles fall away as the plant increases in
+height, leaving a bare, woody stem similar to that of a Yucca.
+
+Cultivation.--The Leuchtenbergia has always been difficult to keep in
+health. It thrives best when kept in a warm, sunny house during winter,
+and in an exposed, airy, warm position under a frame during summer. It
+may be watered regularly whilst growing--that is, from April to
+September--and kept quite dry all winter. The soil should be
+well-drained loam, and the roots should have plenty of room. A specimen
+may be seen in the Kew collection.
+
+Propagation.--This may be effected from seeds, or by removing the head
+from an old plant, putting the former in sand, and placing it under a
+bell-glass to root, watering it only about once a week till roots are
+formed. The old stem should be kept dry for about two months, and then
+watered and placed in a sunny, moist position, where it can be syringed
+once a day. A shelf in a stove is the best position for it. Here it will
+form young buds in the axils of the withered tubercles, and on the edges
+of the persistent parts of the tubercles themselves. They first appear
+in the form of tiny tufts of yellowish down, and gradually develop till
+the first leaf-like tubercle appears. When large enough, the buds may be
+removed and planted in small pots to root. If an old plant is dealt with
+in this way in April, a batch of young ones should be developed and
+rooted by October. Grafting does not appear to have ever been tried for
+this plant. When sick, the plant should be carefully washed, and all
+decayed parts cut away; it may then be planted in very sandy loam, and
+kept under a bell-glass till rooted.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 74. LEUCHTENBERGIA PRINCIPIS.]
+
+SPECIES.
+
+L. principis (noble); Fig. 74.--This, the only species known, was
+introduced from Mexico to Kew in 1847, and flowered the following year.
+The plant attains a height of 1 ft. or more, the stem being erect, stout,
+clothed with the persistent, scale-like bases of the old, fallen-away
+tubercles, the bases having dried up and tightened round the stem. The
+upper part is clothed with the curved, leaf-like tubercles, from 3 in. to
+6 in. long, grey-green in colour, succulent, with a tough skin,
+triangular, and gradually narrowed to a blunt point, upon which are half
+a dozen or more thin, flexuous, horny filaments, neither spines nor
+hairs in appearance, but almost hay-like; the central one is about 5 in.
+long, and the others about half that length. The flowers are borne on
+the ends of the young, partly-developed tubercles, near the centre of
+the head; they are erect, tubular, 3 in. to 4 in. long, scaly, gradually
+widening upwards; the sepals and petals are numerous, and form a
+beautiful flower of the ordinary Cactus type, quite 4 in. across, and of
+a rich, clear yellow colour. The anthers, which also are yellow, form a
+column in the centre, through which the nine-rayed stigma protrudes.
+Strong plants sometimes produce two flowers together.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE GENUS PELECYPHORA.
+
+(From pelekyphoros, hatchet-bearing; referring to the shape of the
+tubercles.)
+
+
+IKE Leuchtenbergia, this genus is monotypic, and it is also rare,
+difficult to cultivate, and exceptionally interesting in structure. It
+is closely related to the Mamillarias, as may be seen, by comparing the
+Figure here given with some of them; indeed, it was once known as M.
+asellifera, having been described under that name when first introduced,
+in 1843. From Mamillaria, however, it differs in the form of its
+tubercles, which are hatchet-shaped, and cleft at the apex, where each
+division is clothed with small, horny, overlapping scales, not unlike
+the back of a woodlouse--hence the specific name.
+
+Cultivation.--The Hatchet Cactus grows very slowly, specimens such as
+that represented in our Illustration being many years old. We have seen
+healthy plants, freshly imported, grow for a few months, and then
+suddenly die, the inside of the stem rotting whilst outside it looked
+perfectly healthy. It is always grown on its own roots, but probably it
+would thrive better if grafted on the stem of some dwarf Cereus or
+Echinocactus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 75. PELECYPHORA ASELLIFORMIS.]
+
+Propagation.--The propagation of Pelecyphora is easiest effected by
+means of seeds, which, however, are not always procurable. It is stated
+by Labouret, a French writer on Cactuses, that the first plants
+introduced arrived dead, but a few seeds were found in a withered fruit
+on one of the dead stems, and from these the first plants grown in
+Europe were raised. M. de Smet of Ghent, had a large stock of this
+Cactus a few years ago, and a German nurseryman, H. Hildmann, of
+Oranienberg, near Berlin, usually has many young plants of it for sale.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+P. aselliformis (woodlouse-like); Fig. 75.--The size, habit, and
+structure of this plant are so well represented in the Figure that
+little description is necessary. The stems are simple till they get
+about 3 in. high, when they develop offsets about the base, which may
+either be removed to form new plants, or allowed to remain and grow into
+a specimen like that in the Illustration. The flowers are large for the
+size of the plant, and they are developed freely in the apex of the
+stems in the early part of the summer. The tube is very short, naked,
+and completely hidden by the young mammae; sepals and petals in four
+series, the outer one pale purple, the inner of a deep purple colour;
+stamens very numerous, and the stigma has only four erect lobes. The
+plant was first described from examples cultivated in Berlin in 1843,
+but the flowers were not known till 1858. There are several varieties
+known, viz., P. a. concolor, which is distinguished by the whole of the
+flower being deep purple in colour; P. a. pectinata has larger scales
+(spine-tufts); and P. a. cristata is, as its name denotes a kind of
+cockscomb or crested form. They are all natives of Mexico.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE GENUS OPUNTIA.
+
+(The old Latin name used by Pliny, and said to have been derived from
+the city of Opus.)
+
+
+There are about 150 species of Opuntia known, all of them natives of the
+American continent and the West Indies, though a considerable number
+have become naturalised in many other parts of the world. They are, with
+very few exceptions, easily distinguished from all other Cactuses by the
+peculiar character of their stems and spines; they are also well marked
+in the structure of their flowers. They vary in size from small,
+trailing, many-branched plants, never exceeding 6 in. in height, to large
+shrubs 8 ft. to 30 ft. high. (Humboldt states that he saw "Opuntias and
+other Cactuses 30 ft. to 40 ft. high.") Generally the branches are nearly
+flat when young, and shaped like a racquet or battledore; but in some
+species the branches are round (i.e., in O. cylindrica, O. subulata, O.
+arborescens, &c.). All the kinds have fleshy stems, which ultimately
+become cylindrical and woody. At first they consist of fleshy joints,
+superposed upon one another, the joints varying considerably in size and
+shape. When young they bear small fleshy leaves along with the
+spine-tufts; but the former fall off at an early stage, whilst the
+spines are altered in length or number as the joints get old. In one or
+two kinds the spines fall away when the joints begin to harden, and in
+O. subulata the leaves are large and persistent.
+
+The nature of the spines of Opuntias is of a kind that is not likely to
+be forgotten by anyone coming into contact with them. Every spine, from
+the tiny bristles, hardly perceptible to the naked eye, to the stout,
+needle-like spears which are found on the branches of some kinds, is
+barbed, and they are so very sharp and penetrating that even a gentle
+touch is sufficient to make them pierce the skin. Once in they are very
+difficult to get out; the very fine ones can only be shaved level with
+the skin, and left to grow out, whilst the larger must be cut out if
+they have penetrated to any depth. This horrid character in Opuntias,
+whilst rendering them disagreeable to the gardener, has been turned to
+good account in many of our colonies, where they are commonly used as
+fences. A good hedge of such kinds as O. Tuna or O. horrida is
+absolutely impassable to both man and beast, and as the stems are too
+watery to be easily destroyed by fire, their usefulness in this way
+could not be surpassed. As all the Opuntias will grow in the very
+poorest of soils, and even on bare rocks, and as they grow very rapidly,
+they have been largely employed in Africa, Australia, and India for
+fences. It is reported that when an island in the West Indies was
+divided between the French and English, the boundary was marked by three
+rows of O. Tuna.
+
+The flowers of Opuntias are not, as a rule, particularly attractive. In
+many of the kinds they are large and well-formed, but the colours are
+tawny-yellow, greenish-white, or dull red. These plants cannot,
+therefore, be recommended for any floral beauty, although it is probable
+that the same flowers, on plants of less repulsive appearance than
+Opuntias are, as a rule, would be admired. There are a few exceptions to
+this in such species as O. Rafinesquii, O. missouriensis, and O.
+basilaris, which are compact and dwarf, and bear numerous large,
+brightly-coloured flowers. The fruits of Opuntias, or, at least, some of
+them, are edible, and to some palates they are very agreeable. We have
+tasted them, and consider they are mawkish and insipid--not much better
+than very poor gooseberries. Sir Joseph Hooker has compared them to
+Pumpkins. They are pear-shaped, with a thick, spine-covered rind,
+containing green, yellow, or red pulp, with small, hard seeds scattered
+through it.
+
+The fruit of Opuntia differs in character and structure from the
+ordinary kind of fruit, such as apples, pears, &c. It consists of a
+branch, or joint, modified in form, and bearing on its flattened apex a
+flower, with the ovary buried in a slight depression in the fleshy
+joint. After becoming fertilised, the ovary grows down into the joint,
+and, ultimately the whole joint is changed into a succulent, juicy,
+often coloured "fruit." That this is the case has been proved by
+planting the unripe "fruit" of Opuntias in pots of sandy soil, and
+treating them as cuttings, when they have developed buds at the apex and
+roots at the base, ultimately forming plants.
+
+The vitality in the branches of most of the species is very great, the
+smallest piece, as a rule, emitting roots and developing into a plant in
+a comparatively short time. The branches are soft, and easily broken, so
+that, in gathering the fruits, many pieces are broken off and cast
+aside; these soon grow into plants, and in a short time an extensive
+"colony" of Opuntias springs up where previously only one had been. The
+seeds, too, are a ready means of increase, being distributed by birds
+and other animals, which eat the fruits. In consequence of this free
+vegetative character, the Opuntias introduced into some of our colonies
+have become a pest almost as difficult to deal with as the rabbit
+scourge in Australia. In English gardens, however, there is no danger of
+Opuntias getting the upper hand. The adaptability of the majority of the
+kinds for cultivation under what may be termed adverse conditions for
+other plants, and the ease with which they may be propagated, render the
+management of a collection of these plants an easy matter. Amongst other
+Cactuses, Opuntias have a striking effect, and a selection of them
+should be grown in even the smallest collections. A few of them may be
+recommended specially as attractive plants for a sheltered, sunny
+rockery.
+
+Cultivation.--The cultural requirements of the Opuntias may more
+conveniently be referred to under the description of each kind.
+
+Propagation.--This entails no exceptional treatment; the numerous seeds
+contained in each fruit germinate freely if sown in sandy soil, and
+placed on a shelf in a warm house; and the smallest branches root
+quickly if planted in pots of open soil and kept in the Cactus-house.
+Large branches root just as freely as small ones. At Kew an enormous
+specimen, which had grown tall, and developed a thicket of branches too
+great for the house where it grew, was reduced most summarily by simply
+cutting off the head of branches and planting it in the ground where the
+original specimen had been. In a short time this "cutting" was well
+rooted, and made better growth than it had before the operation was
+performed.
+
+As stocks for grafting, many of the more robust kinds of Opuntia are
+well adapted, and very singular-looking specimens may be obtained by
+making the most of this fact. One of the crested or monstrous forms,
+when grafted on a flat-stemmed kind, presents the queerest of
+appearances, looking like a large green cockscomb growing out of the top
+of a bladdery kind of stem. Equally odd combinations may be made by
+grafting a flat-stemmed kind on one whose stem is cylindrical. As all
+the kinds unite with the greatest ease, a taste for oddities among
+plants may easily be gratified by making use of Opuntias in this way.
+The time most favourable for the operation is spring-say, the month of
+April. For full information on how to graft Cactuses, see Chapter IV.,
+on Propagation.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+O. arborescens (tree-like).--This species is known as the Walking-Stick
+or Elk-Horn Cactus, from its cylindrical, woody stems being made into
+very curious-looking walking-sticks (examples of which may be seen in
+the Museum at Kew), whilst the arrangement of the branches is suggestive
+of elk horns. Habit erect; joints cylindrical, branching freely, and
+forming trees from 8 ft. to 30 ft. high. Stems covered with oblong
+tubercles and tufts of long, needle-like spines, which give the plant a
+very ferocious aspect. Flowers on the ends of the young branches, 2 in.
+to 3 in. in diameter, bright purple in colour, developing in June. It is
+a native of Mexico, &c., and requires greenhouse or stove treatment. The
+skeletons of this species, as seen scattered over the desert places
+where it is wild, have a very singular and startling appearance. They
+stand in the form of trees, quite devoid of leaves, spines, or flesh,
+and, owing to the peculiar arrangement of the ligneous layers, nothing
+remains except a hollow cylinder, perforated with mesh-like holes,
+indicating the points where the tubercles and small branches had been.
+These skeletons are said to stand many years.
+
+O. arbuscula (small tree).--Another of the cylindrical kinds, with a
+solid, woody trunk, about 4 in. through, and clothed with smooth, green
+bark; it grows to a height of 7 ft. or 8 ft. Branches very numerous,
+slender, copiously jointed, the ultimate joints about 3 in. long and ½ in.
+thick; they are slightly tuberculated, and bear tufts of spines nearly
+1 in. long. Flowers 1½ in. in diameter, produced in June; petals few,
+greenish-yellow, tinged with red. It is a native of Mexico, and requires
+stove treatment. A pretty plant, or, rather, a very remarkable one, even
+when not in flower, the thin branches, with their hundreds of long,
+whitish spines, being singular. Unfortunately, it is not easily grown.
+
+O. arenaria (sand-loving).--Stems spreading, forming a tuft 3 ft.
+through and about 1 ft. high. Joints 1½ in. to 3 in. long, and a little
+less in width, terete, with very prominent tubercles and numerous tawny
+bristles; upper spines 1 in. to 1½ in. long, white, with a yellow point,
+shorter ones hair-like and curled. Flowers 2 in. in diameter, produced in
+May. Fruit 1 in. long, bearing a few short spines. Mexico. A
+strong-rooted plant, which should be grown in very loose, sandy soil. It
+would probably thrive best when planted out on a stage near the glass in
+a stove.
+
+O. Auberi (Auber's).--An erect-growing plant, 8 ft. or more high, not
+unlike O. Ficus-indica in the form of its joints, but with long spines
+springing from the cushions, whereas the latter has none. The joints are
+oblong-ovate, glaucous-green, the cushions few and scattered; spines
+white, flattened, of various lengths. Flowers tawny yellow, small for
+the size of the plant. A native of Cuba, and requiring stove treatment.
+Being very brittle, this plant should be supported with stakes.
+
+O. aurantiaca (orange).--A dwarf, cylindrical-stemmed kind, branching
+freely. Joints short, ¾ in. in diameter; cushions of reddish spines, one
+about 1 in. long, the others shorter; bases of spines enveloped in white
+wool. Flowers bright orange, 2 in. to 3 in. across. This species is a
+native of Chili, whence it was introduced in 1824. It should be grown in
+a warm greenhouse all winter, and placed in a sunny position outside
+during summer.
+
+O. basilaris (branching at the base); Fig. 76.--A dwarf, compact plant,
+of peculiar habit. Stem short, branching into a number of stout,
+obovate, often fan-shaped joints, which usually spring from a common
+base, and curve inwards, suggesting an open cabbage. Joints 5 in. to 8 in.
+long, about 1 in. thick, covered all over with dot-like cushions of very
+short, reddish spines, set in slight depressions or wrinkles. Flowers of
+a beautiful and rich purple colour, about 2½ in. in diameter, and
+produced in May. This distinct plant is a native of Mexico, and is of
+recent introduction. Plants of it may be seen in the Kew collection. It
+is apparently easily kept in health in an ordinary stove temperature
+along with other Cactuses. It varies in the form of its joints and in
+its manner of branching, but it seems never to develop the joints one on
+the top of the other, as do most Opuntias. This species is certain to
+become a favourite when it becomes better known.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 76. OPUNTIA BASILARIS.]
+
+O. Bigelovii (Bigelow's).--A cylinder-stemmed, tall-growing plant, with
+a stout, woody stem, bearing a dense head of branches. Joints 2 in. to
+6 in. long, 1 in. to 2 in. in diameter, light green, covered with small
+tubercles and little spine-cushions, with larger spines 1 in. long. When
+wild, the young joints are often shaken off by the wind, and cover the
+soil around, where they take root or stick to the clothes of the
+passers-by like burrs. Flowers not known. A native of Mexico, where it
+forms a tree 12 ft. high; it requires stove treatment. The skeleton of
+the trunk is a hollow cylinder, perforated with numerous holes, which
+occur in a regular spiral. The appearance of a full-grown specimen is
+very striking, the oval joints, thickly covered with long, needle-like
+spines, hanging in clusters, more suggestive of spiny fruit than
+branches.
+
+O. boliviana (Bolivian); Fig. 77.--Stems 1 ft. high, erect, branching,
+and composed of roundish, pale green joints, with small, round
+tubercles, and long, white, flexible spines, sometimes as much as 4 in.
+in length; cushions about 1 in. apart. Flowers 1½ in. across, yellowish.
+This is a fat, gouty-looking plant, from Bolivia, requiring stove
+treatment. It often assumes a yellow hue on the older joints, even when
+in good health.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 77. OPUNTIA BOLIVIANA.]
+
+O. brachyarthra (short-jointed); Fig. 78.--A dwarf-growing,
+singular-looking plant, with short, tumid joints from 1 in. to 2 in. long
+and wide, and nearly the same in thickness. The shortness of the joints,
+together with their growing on the top of each other, has been not
+inaptly compared to a jointed finger. Cushions very close together,
+composed of short, white and yellowish bristles, and stout, terete
+spines, 1 in. or more long, set on little tubercles. Flowers 1 in. in
+diameter, with about five sepals, eight or nine petals, and a five-rayed
+stigma; they are borne on the apices of the topmost joints. This species
+is worth growing on account of its peculiar stems and the length of its
+white spines. It is a native of New Mexico, and has been recently
+introduced to Kew, where it is cultivated among the hardy kinds, and
+also in the greenhouse.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 78. OPUNTIA BRACHYARTHRA.]
+
+O. braziliensis (Brazilian).--The peculiar habit and mode of growth at
+once distinguish this species. It rises with a perfectly straight,
+erect, slender, but firm and stiff, round stem, to a height of from
+10 ft. to 30 ft., tapering from the base upwards, and furnished all the
+way up with short, horizontal branches, spreading about 3 ft. all round,
+like an immense candelabrum. Spines long, subulate, very sharp,
+ash-coloured, in clusters. Joints broadly oblong, margins wavy; they
+resemble leaves, or the thin, leaf-like joints of a Phyllocactus, with
+the addition of long, whitish spines on both sides. Flowers 1½ in. in
+diameter, lemon-yellow, very freely produced on the younger joints
+during May and June. Fruit as large as a walnut, spiny, yellow when
+ripe. This species is a native of Brazil, whence it was introduced in
+1816. It may be recommended for large, airy houses, as it grows freely,
+and forms a striking object when arranged with foliage and flowering
+plants of the ordinary kind. Its fruits are edible.
+
+O. candelabriformis (candelabrum-shaped).--Stems erect, 5 ft. to 8 ft.
+high; joints flat, almost circular, about 6 in. in diameter,
+glaucous-green, densely clothed with numerous cushions of white,
+bristle-like spines, a few in each cushion being long and thread-like.
+Flowers not known on cultivated plants. This sturdy species is a native
+of Mexico, and succeeds well if planted on a little rockery or raised
+mound in a warm house, where, properly treated, it branches freely, and
+forms a dense mass of circular joints. It is one of the most useful of
+the larger Opuntias for cultivation in large houses.
+
+O. clavata (club-shaped).--Stem short; joints club-shaped, 2 in. long
+and 1 in. wide, narrowed almost to a point at both ends. Cushions ¼ in.
+apart, composed of numerous spines, varying from short and bristle-like
+to 1 in. in length, stout, flattened, and spear-like. Leaves ¼ in. long.
+Flowers yellow, 1½ in. across. Fruit 1½ in. long, lemon-yellow when ripe,
+and covered with stellate clusters of white, bristle-like spines. New
+Mexico, 1854. A stove species, remarkable for the strength and form of
+its central spines, which are spear or dagger-shaped.
+
+O. cochinellifera (cochineal-bearing); Bot. Mag. 2742.--An
+erect-growing plant, attaining a height of 9 ft. or more, and branching
+freely, the older parts of the stem and branches being woody and
+cylindrical; young joints flat, oblong-ovate, varying in length from
+4 in. to 1 ft., deep green, rather soft and watery, spineless, the
+cushions distant, and sometimes bearing a few very short bristles.
+Flowers at the extremities of the branches, 1½ in. long, composed of
+numerous imbricating, scale-like petals, curving inwards, and coloured
+crimson. Fruit flat-topped, 2 in. long, red; pulp reddish; seeds black.
+It is a native of tropical South America, whence it was introduced in
+1688. It requires stove treatment, and blossoms in August. This is one
+of the most useful of the genus, on account of its being the kind
+chiefly employed in the cultivation of cochineal. It is one of the
+easiest to manage, requiring only a rather dry atmosphere, plenty of
+light, and a temperature not lower than 50 degs. in winter. Syn. Nopalea
+cochinellifera.
+
+O. corrugata (wrinkled).--Stem not more than 2 ft. high; joints
+cylindrical, wrinkled all over, about 2 in. long, covered with cushions
+of white hair or bristle-like spines. Flowers 1½ in. across,
+reddish-yellow, produced in August. A native of Chili, whence it was
+introduced in 1824. It may be grown in an ordinary greenhouse, on a
+shelf near the glass, and exposed to full sunshine.
+
+O. curassavica (Curassoa); Pin-pillow.--Branches spreading; joints
+cylindrical or club-shaped, dark green, bearing numerous cushions of
+woolly bristles, and long, white, very sharp-pointed spines. Flowers
+3 in. across, greenish-yellow, borne on the young joints in June.
+Introduced from Curassoa in 1690. A free-growing plant under favourable
+conditions, and one requiring stove treatment. It has been cultivated in
+gardens almost as long as any species of Cactus. There are several
+varieties of it known, differing from the type in habit, length of
+spine, or shade of colour in the flower.
+
+O. cylindrica (cylindrical).--Stem and joints cylindrical, the latter
+covered with spindle-shaped tubercles, each one crowned with a tuft of
+fine, hair-like, whitish spines, one or two in each tuft being stiff,
+and sharp as needles. The leaves are fleshy, cylindrical, 1 in. or more
+long, and they remain on the joints longer than is usual in Opuntias.
+Flowers crowded on the ends of the branches, each 1 in. in diameter,
+scarlet; they are developed in June. This plant is said to grow to a
+height of 6 ft. or more in its native habitat, but under cultivation it
+is rarely seen more than 3 ft. high; it was introduced in 1799. It is
+handsome and distinct enough to be worth growing. It requires stove or
+greenhouse treatment, but rarely flowers under cultivation.
+
+O. c. cristata (crested).--A dwarf, cockscomb-like variety, with the
+leaves and white hairs growing all along the wrinkled top of the comb.
+It is a very singular example of a "monster" Cactus. It requires stove
+treatment.
+
+O. Davisii (Davis'); Bot. Mag. 6652.--Stems somewhat horizontal, not
+exceeding 1½ ft. in height; joints 4 in. to 6 in. in length, and about ½
+in. in thickness; wood dense, and hard when old; tubercles not prominent,
+bearing cushions of very slender bristles, forming a kind of brush, from
+amongst which the spines spring. The longest spines are 1½ in., and they
+are covered with a loose, glistening sheath. Flowers 2 in. in diameter,
+greenish-brown. The plant is a native of New Mexico, and was introduced
+in 1883. It forms a compact, shrubby little plant if grown in an
+intermediate house during winter, and placed in the open in full
+sunshine during summer. It was flowered for the first time in England in
+1883, and although not what we should call an attractive plant, in
+America it is described as being "a well-marked and pretty species." It
+is named after Jefferson Davis, the American statesman.
+
+O. decumana (great-oblong). This is the largest-growing species in
+cultivation. At Kew it is represented by a plant 12 ft. high (it would
+grow still taller if the house were higher). It has a hard, woody,
+brown-barked stem, bearing an enormous head of very large, elliptical,
+flat joints, 12 in. to 20 in. long, and about 1 ft. broad, smooth,
+grey-green, with a few scattered cushions of very tiny bristles, and
+sometimes, though rarely, a spine or two. Flowers large,
+orange-coloured, produced in summer. Fruit oval, 4 in. long, spiny,
+brownish-red, very watery when ripe; flesh red, sweet. A native of
+Brazil, and requiring stove treatment. This is said to be what is known
+in Malta as the Indian Fig. The plant is chiefly interesting here on
+account of the extraordinary size of the joints.
+
+O. diademata (diademed).--A small, remarkable, and extremely rare
+little species, with a short, erect stem, composed of globose,
+superposed joints, grey-green in colour, and very succulent. The topmost
+joint is pear-shaped, with a tuft of whitish hair and spines on the
+apex, out of which the new growth pushes. Cushions large, about 1 in.
+apart, furnished with a tuft of short, grey hairs and short spines, with
+a large one at the base. The character of this large spine is
+exceptional, being broad, flat, cartilaginous, whitish, and curving
+downwards. On healthy large examples these spines are 2 in. long, and
+nearly ¼ in. wide at the base. Flowers and fruit not known. Native of
+Mendoza (La Plata). This little plant requires to be cultivated in a
+warm greenhouse or stove, but it grows very slowly. It is certainly a
+most interesting Cactus; examples of it may be seen at Kew, where there
+is a plant which, although over ten years old, is only 4 in. high. Syns.
+O. platyacantha and Cereus syringacanthus.
+
+O. Dillenii (Dillenius'); Fig. 79.--An erect-growing, robust species,
+attaining a height of 15 ft., with flattened, ovate joints, about 5 in.
+long by 3 in. broad. Cushions composed of short, white, hair-like
+bristles, and numerous long, stout, yellow spines. Flowers yellow,
+tinged with red, 4 in. in diameter, freely produced on the ends of the
+youngest joints all summer. Fruits similar to those of O. Ficus-indica.
+A native of the West Indies, now naturalised in all warmer parts of the
+world. In India it is so plentiful and widespread that Roxburgh, an
+Indian botanist, said it was a native. In India, its fruits are eaten by
+the poor natives, and it is often planted as a hedge. It is also a great
+pest in the open lands of that country, and large sums are annually
+expended in cutting it down and burying it. This species, which requires
+warm greenhouse treatment, is also employed in the cultivation of
+cochineal.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 79. OPUNTIA DILLENII.]
+
+O. echinocarpa (spiny-fruited).--A low, straggling shrub, not exceeding
+1½ ft. in height. Joints cylindrical, from 1 in. to 3 in. long, less than
+1 in. thick. Cushions of rather coarse bristles and numerous spines, from
+½ in. to 1 in. in length. Flowers 2 in. in diameter, yellow, produced in
+summer. Fruit short, depressed, almost saucer-shaped, and bearing spines
+nearly 1 in. long. A native of Colorado, &c. It requires stove treatment.
+The variety major has stems 4 ft. high, joints 8 in. to 10 in. long, and
+long, sheathed spines. This species is closely related to O. Bigelovii
+and O. Davisii.
+
+O. Emoryi (Emory's).--A prostrate, spreading plant, less than 1½ ft.
+high. Joints cylindrical, curved, 4 in. long, 1½ in. thick. Tubercles very
+prominent, longitudinally attached to the stem, the apices crowned with
+pea-shaped cushions of short bristles, and numerous radiating spines,
+some of which are fully 2 in. long, very strong and needle-like. Flowers
+2½ in. in diameter, sulphur-yellow, tinged with purple, produced in
+August and September. Fruit 2½ in. long and 1 in. thick, covered with
+cushions of bristles and spines. A native of Mexico, on dry, sandy
+soils, where its prostrate stems, clothed with powerful spines, form a
+hiding-place for the small animals, snakes, &c. Stove or warm greenhouse
+treatment is best for this species.
+
+O. Engelmanni (Engelmann's).--A stout, coarse-looking plant, 6 ft. high,
+with woody stems and large, flat, green joints, 1 ft. long and 9 in. in
+diameter. Cushions 1½ in. apart, composed of coarse bristles, and one or
+two spines over 1 in. long, and pointing downwards. Flowers 3 in. in
+diameter, yellow, produced in May and June. Fruit nearly round, 2 in.
+long, purplish both in rind and pulp, the latter rather nauseous to the
+taste. Mexico. This is a greenhouse plant which grows freely and flowers
+annually under cultivation. It is very similar to O. monacantha, a much
+better known species. According to American botanists, it is probably
+the most widely spread of the whole Cactus tribe.
+
+O. Ficus-indica (Indian Fig); Fig. 80.--Branches erect, 8 ft. to 12 ft.
+high; joints flat, oval or obovate, about 1 ft. long by 3 in. in width,
+and 1 in. in thickness. Stems hard and woody with age. Cushions 1½ in.
+apart, composed of short, yellowish bristles, and very rarely one spine.
+Flowers 3 in. to 4 in. across, sulphur-yellow, produced all through the
+summer. Fruit 3 in. to 4 in. long, pear-shaped, covered with tufts of
+bristles, white, yellow, or red when ripe. It is a native of Central
+America, whence it was introduced about 300 years ago. It is now widely
+spread, in tropical and temperate regions all over the world. In many
+parts it is cultivated for the sake of its fruits, which in some of our
+colonies are used for dessert. In England it must be protected from damp
+and cold; it is, therefore, best cultivated in a sunny greenhouse during
+winter, and placed outside in a position exposed to full sunshine all
+summer. Tenore, an Italian botanist, named this species O. vulgaris, and
+this mistake has led others to consider the North American O. vulgaris
+(true) and O. Ficus-indica as one and the same species.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 80. FRUITING BRANCH OF OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA.]
+
+O. filipendula (hanging filaments); Fig. 81.--Stems prostrate, about
+1 ft. high, spreading; joints flat, round or oval, about 3 in. long, often
+less, milky-green in colour. Cushions ½ in. apart, composed of a little
+tuft of white woolly hair, a cluster of erect, rather long bristles,
+like a small shaving-brush, and all pointing upwards; spines usually
+only one in each cushion, and this is slender, deflexed, white, and from
+1 in. to 2 in. long. Sometimes the joints are wholly spineless. Flowers
+2½ in. in diameter, purplish, very handsome, produced in May and June.
+Fruit not known. The roots of this species bear tubers often 1 in. in
+thickness, and several inches in length, and these tubers will grow into
+plants if severed and planted. It requires stove treatment. Native
+country, Mexico.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 81. OPUNTIA FILIPENDULA.]
+
+O. frutescens (shrubby).--A thin-stemmed, copiously-branched species.
+Joints almost continuous, like ordinary branches, from 2 in. to 6 in.
+long, the thickest not exceeding ¼ in. Cushions on raised points or
+tubercles, each consisting of a small tuft of hair, inclosed in a row of
+bristles, and one long, central spine, often exceeding 2 in. in length.
+When young, the spines are inclosed in a thin, bony sheath. Flowers
+scattered along the younger branches, 1 in. across, greenish-yellow,
+borne in June. Fruit 1 in. long, pear-shaped, smooth, scarlet, with tufts
+of bristles all over it, and a depression in the apex. Mexico. This
+forms an interesting pot-plant when properly cultivated. It should be
+grown in a warm greenhouse.
+
+O. Grahami (Graham's).--This is one of several species of Opuntia which
+are remarkable in having thick, fleshy roots, not unlike those of the
+Dahlia. The joints are 2 in. long and 1 in. in diameter, cylindrical, with
+adpressed tubercles, ½ in. or more long, each tubercle bearing a tuft of
+long, straight, radiating spines. Flowers 2 in. across, yellow, borne on
+the ends of the ripened joints in June. Fruits 1½ in. long and ¾ in. wide,
+covered with stellate clusters of short, bristle-like spines. This plant
+is a native of Mexico, and is a recent introduction. From the nature of
+its roots, which are no doubt intended to serve as reservoirs for times
+of extreme drought, it should be grown in well-drained, sandy soil, and
+kept quite dry all winter. It requires stove treatment.
+
+O. horrida (horrid).--An erect, stout-stemmed plant, with flattened,
+green joints, about 5 in. long by 3 in. wide. Cushions 1 in. apart,
+composed of short, reddish bristles, and long, tawny red spines, about
+eight in each cushion, and of a peculiarly ferocious appearance--hence
+the specific name. The stoutest spines are 3 in. long, and are sharp and
+strong as needles. This species (which is probably a native of Mexico)
+is deserving of a place in collections of Cactuses because of the
+character of its spines. Probably it is only a variety of O. Tuna. It
+requires warm-house treatment.
+
+O. hystricina (porcupine-like).--This beautiful species was discovered
+in the San Francisco Mountains mixed with O. missouriensis, to which it
+is nearly allied. It is spreading in habit, the joints 3 in. to 4 in. long
+and broad; cushions ½ in. apart, rather large, with numerous spines,
+varying in length from ½ in. to 4 in., and short, yellowish bristles.
+Flowers large, yellow. Fruit 1 in., long, spiny. This plant is not known
+in English collections, but it is described by American botanists as
+being attractive and a free grower. As it is found along with O.
+missouriensis, it ought to prove hardy in England.
+
+O. leptocaulis (slender-stemmed).--This little Mexican species is
+chiefly remarkable for its fragile, numerous, twig-like joints, thickly
+dotted with tubercles and numerous spirally-arranged cushions of reddish
+bristles, with long, grey spines. It does not flower under cultivation.
+Requires stove treatment.
+
+O. leucotricha (white-haired).--An erect-stemmed kind, with flattened
+joints, ovate or oblong in shape, and bearing numerous cushions, ½ in.
+apart, of short bristles, with a large, central spine, and a few others
+rather shorter. When young these spines are rigid and needle-like; but
+as they get older they increase in length, and become soft, and curled
+like stiff, white hair. Young plants are noticeable for their small,
+subulate leaves of a bright red colour, whilst old examples are almost
+as interesting as the Old Man Cactus (Pilocereus senilis), the long,
+white, hair-like spines of the Opuntia hanging from the older joints in
+much the same manner as they do from the upper part of the stem of the
+Pilocereus. Flowers yellow, produced in June. This species is a native
+of Mexico, and requires stove treatment. Seeds of this, and, indeed, of
+a large proportion of the cultivated Opuntias, may be procured from
+seedsmen, and as they germinate quickly, and soon produce handsome
+little plants, a collection of Opuntias is thus very easily obtained.
+
+O. macrocentra (large-spurred).--A flat-jointed species, growing to a
+height of 3 ft.; the joints large, almost circular, thinly compressed,
+and usually purplish in colour. Cushions about 1 in. apart, with spines
+often 3 in. long, of a greyish colour, and generally pointing downwards.
+Flowers 3 in. across, bright yellow; they are developed in May and June,
+on the upper edges of the youngest joints. This plant is a native of
+Mexico; it is at present rare, but the unusual colour of the joints, its
+compact, freely-branched habit, the extraordinary length of its spines,
+and the size of its flowers, ought to win for it many admirers. It is
+easily grown if kept in an intermediate house. Plants of it may be seen
+in the Kew collection.
+
+O. macrorhiza (large-rooted); Figs. 82, 83.--In this Texan species we
+have a combination of the principal characters for which the genus
+Opuntia is remarkable: The thick, fleshy roots, which are a supposed
+source of food, and which look like potatoes; the cylinder-shaped older
+stems, and the flattened, battledore-like joints; the tufts of bristles
+on the stems, and deciduous, longer spines on the joints; the large,
+beautiful, yellow flowers; and the small leaves on the newly-formed
+joints. In habit and flowers this kind resembles O. Rafinesquii; and if
+not quite hardy in England, it is nevertheless sufficiently so to thrive
+in any sunny position where it would be protected from frost and
+excessive wet. The accompanying illustrations represent the characters
+of this species so well that further description is not needed. The
+flowers are developed in early summer.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 82. FLOWERING BRANCHES OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA.]
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 83. ROOTS OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA.]
+
+O. microdasys (small, thick).--This is a handsome little Mexican plant.
+Its flattened joints, which are nearly circular in outline, are thickly
+covered with little cushions of bright orange-yellow bristles, the
+cushions being so close together that the short bristles almost hide the
+green joints from view. The stems are semi-decumbent, and they branch
+somewhat freely. Flowers not seen. It thrives in a warm greenhouse
+temperature. The best examples of this pretty Opuntia are grafted on a
+robust-growing kind, the stock being about 1 ft. long, and the scion
+forming a compact head of pretty, healthy-looking joints. Treated in
+this way, this species is most interesting and attractive. It may also
+be grown on its own roots. There is a variety of it, named rufida, in
+which the bristles are reddish-brown.
+
+O. missouriensis (Missouri).--A stout, prostrate kind, forming large,
+spreading masses under favourable conditions. Joints broad, flattened,
+obovate, about 4 in. long by 2 in. wide, light green; spine-cushions less
+than 1 in. apart, and composed of numerous small, white spines, with from
+one to four longer ones; these latter fall away when the joints get old.
+Leaves very short, with a little wool about their bases. Flowers 3 in. in
+diameter, appearing from May onwards; petals yellow, dashed with rose,
+sometimes wholly rose-coloured or brick-red. Stamens deep red; pistil
+yellow, with a conical stigma. Fruit nearly round, spiny, about 2 in.
+long. A native of Wisconsin, and westward to the San Francisco
+Mountains; introduced in 1814. This species is as hardy as O.
+Rafinesquii, and thrives under similar treatment. It has stood 22 degs.
+of frost without suffering, requiring only protection from rain in
+winter. In North America it forms large, spreading masses on gravelly
+hillsides, and is much dreaded by travellers, and especially by horses;
+there it is usually covered with snow from Christmas to the following
+May.
+
+O. monacantha (one-spined).--A tall, robust plant, not unlike O.
+Dillenii in general habit. It has flat, large joints, oblong or ovate in
+outline, rather thinly compressed, and bearing grey cushions over 1 in.
+apart, with a solitary spine, 1½ in. long, springing from the centre of
+each cushion, and pointing downwards. Flowers sulphur-yellow, 2½ in.
+across, borne on the last-ripened joints in May, and abundant on
+well-grown plants. Fruits ovate, 2 in. long, green, with tufts of short,
+brown bristles; pulp edible. The species is a native of Brazil, but is
+now common in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. It is a
+free-growing kind, soon forming a large specimen if planted in a bed of
+old brick-rubble, or other light, well-drained soil, and kept in warm
+greenhouse temperature.
+
+O. nigricans (blackish); Bot. Mag. 1557.--Stem stout, erect, becoming
+hard and woody when old. Joints flat, oval in outline, 5 in. to 8 in. long.
+Cushions 1½ in. apart, composed of short reddish-brown bristles and two
+or three long stout spines, which are yellow when young, but almost
+black when ripe. Flowers produced on the young, ripened joints,
+orange-red, about 3 in. across and developed in August and September.
+Fruit pear-shaped, rich crimson when ripe. Introduced from Brazil in
+1795. This well-marked species thrives in a warm greenhouse. It branches
+freely, and has a healthy aspect at all times. It is represented at Kew
+by very large specimens; one of them, which was recently cut down, had a
+stem 12 ft. high and an enormous head of dark, green joints. Its head was
+planted as a cutting.
+
+O. occidentalis (Western).--Stem stout, woody, with innumerable
+branches, wide-spreading, often bent to the ground. Joints 9 in. to 12 in.
+long by about 6 in. broad, flattened, as many as 100 on one plant.
+Cushions nearly 2 in. apart, with small, closely-set bristles and
+straight spines from ½ in. to l½ in. long. Flowers produced in June on the
+ripened joints, nearly 4 in. in diameter, orange-yellow. Fruit 2 in. long,
+"very juicy, but of a sour and disagreeable taste." This is an
+exceptionally fine plant when allowed sufficient space to develop its
+enormous branches and joints; it is a native of the Western slopes of
+the Californian mountains. It should be planted in a bed of rough, stony
+soil, in a dry greenhouse. Possibly it is hardy, but it does not appear
+to have been grown out of doors in England.
+
+O. Parmentieri (Parmentier's).--Stem erect. Joints cylindrical, "like
+little cucumbers." Cushions about 1 in. apart, arranged in spiral rows,
+and composed of short, reddish bristles, with two or three
+straw-coloured spines, 1 in. long. Flowers reddish, small. The plant is a
+native of Paraguay, and is rarely heard of in cultivation. It requires
+stove treatment.
+
+O. Parryi (Parry's).--Stem short. Joints club-shaped, 4 in. to 6 in.
+long, very spiny, the cushions elevated on ridge-like tubercles.
+Bristles few, coarse, and long. Spines very numerous, varying in length
+from ¼ in. to 1½ in.; central one in each cushion much the broadest, and
+flattened like a knife-blade, the others being more or less triangular.
+Flowers yellowish-green, on the terminal joints, which are clothed with
+star-shaped clusters of bristle-like spines, the flowers springing from
+the apex of the joint, and measuring 1½ in. across. A native of Mexico,
+where it grows on gravelly plains. This distinct plant is in cultivation
+at Kew, in a warm greenhouse, but it has not yet flowered.
+
+O. Rafinesquii (Rafinesque's); Fig. 84.--A low, prostrate, spreading
+plant, seldom exceeding 1 ft. in height, the main branches keeping along
+the ground, the younger ones being erect. The latter are composed of
+flat, obovate joints, 4 in. to 5 in. long by 3 in. in width, fresh green in
+colour; spines very few, mostly only on the upper edge of the last-made
+joints, single, or sometimes two or three from each spine-cushion, 1 in.
+long, straight, whitish, soon falling off; cushion composed of very fine
+reddish bristles and whitish wool; leaves very small, falling early. The
+branches become cylindrical and woody with age. Flowers 2 in. to 4 in. in
+diameter, bright sulphur-yellow, with a reddish tint in the centre; in
+form they are like a shallow cup, the numerous stamens occupying the
+middle. They are produced in great abundance on the margins of the
+youngest joints, as many as fifty open flowers having been counted on a
+single specimen at one time. Fruit pear-shaped, 1½ in. to 2 in. long,
+naked, edible, somewhat acid and sweetish. The flowering season is from
+July to September; the native country, Wisconsin to Kentucky, and
+westward to Arkansas and Missouri. This species, introduced about twenty
+years ago, has only recently been brought prominently before English
+gardeners. It is a very ornamental and interesting plant for outdoor
+cultivation, and when once established gives no trouble. For the first
+year or two after planting it requires watching, as, until the basal
+joints harden and become woody, they are liable to rot in wet weather. A
+large-flowered form, known as grandiflora, is cultivated in American
+gardens.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 84. OPUNTIA RAFINESQUII.]
+
+O. rosea (rose-coloured); Fig. 85.--Stem erect, branching freely.
+Joints varying in length from 2 in. to 6 in., not flattened, with
+ridge-like tubercles, bearing on their points small cushions of very
+fine bristles and tufts of pale yellowish spines about ½ in. long, and
+all pointing upwards. Flowers on the ends of the ripened growths of the
+year, usually clustered, 2 in. across, bright rose-coloured; they are
+developed in June. A rare species from Brazil, and one which, as the
+illustration shows, is both distinct and handsome enough to be classed
+amongst the most select. It requires a stove temperature.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 85. OPUNTIA ROSEA.]
+
+O. Salmiana (Prince Salm-Dyck's).--Stem erect, branching freely, the
+branches at right angles to the stem. Joints from 1 in. to 6 in. long,
+cylindrical, smooth, ½ in. in diameter, clothed with small cushions of
+soft, short bristles, and one or two longish spines. Flowers produced in
+September, 2 in. across, yellow, streaked with red, of short duration.
+Fruit egg-shaped, 1 in. long, crimson. This species is a native of
+Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1850. It requires to be grown in an
+intermediate house. It is a charming little Cactus, and quite
+exceptional among Opuntias in the colour and abundance of its flowers,
+and in the rich colour of its numerous fruits, which usually remain on
+the plant several months. The plant, too, has the merit of keeping dwarf
+and compact. The small joints separate very easily from the branches,
+and every one of them will root and grow into a plant. There is
+something very remarkable in the development of the fruits of this kind.
+A small branch, or joint, grows to its full length, and a flower-bud
+appears in the apex. If examined at this stage, it will be seen that the
+ovary occupies only a very shallow cavity in the top of the branch.
+After flowering, this ovary grows into the branch, and ultimately the
+whole branch is transformed into a pulpy fruit, with the seeds scattered
+all through the pulp. This peculiarity is well shown in O. salmiana, and
+the development of the fruit can be very easily watched. Many of the
+small branches do not flower, although they change to a red colour like
+the fruits.
+
+O. spinosissima (very spiny).--Stem erect, woody. Joints very flat and
+thin, deep green, ovate or rotund, from 6 in. to 1 ft. long. Cushions 1 in.
+apart. Bristles very short. Spines in clusters of about five, the
+longest 2 in. in length, brownish-yellow. Flowers reddish-orange, small,
+usually only 2 in. across, produced in June. A native of South America;
+naturalised in many parts of the Old World. The stem becomes cylindrical
+with age, and sometimes is devoid of branches for about 5 ft. from the
+ground. The plant requires stove treatment. Probably this kind is only a
+form of O. Tuna.
+
+O. subulata (awl-shaped).--Stem erect, cylindrical, even below,
+channelled and tubercled above, about 2 in. in diameter. Joints long and
+branch-like, with tufts of short, white hair on the apices of the
+tubercles, and one or two white, needle-like spines from ½ in. to 1 in.
+long. At the base of each tuft, from the apex to 1 ft. or more down the
+younger branches, there is a fleshy, green, awl-shaped leaf, from 2 in.
+to 5 in. long. Ultimately the leaves and spines fall away, the tubercles
+are levelled down, and the mature stem is regular and cylindrical, with
+tufts of white setae scattered over it. Flowers small, produced in
+spring; sepals 2 in. long, green, deciduous; petals small, dull purple,
+usually about eight in each flower. Fruit pear-shaped, 4 in. long; seeds
+very large, nearly ½ in. long and wide. This handsome South American
+species was the subject of an interesting communication to the
+Gardeners' Chronicle, in 1884, from Dr. Engelmann. It had previously
+been known as a Pereskia from the fact of its leaves being persistent
+and very large. In its leaves, flowers, and seeds, O. subulata is one of
+the most interesting of the genus. It is easily grown in a warm
+greenhouse, and deserves a place in all collections of Cactuses.
+
+O. Tuna (native name); Fig. 86.--An erect-stemmed, flat-jointed,
+robust-growing species. Joints ovate, 4 in. to 9 in. long, with cushions
+1 in. apart, composed of short, fulvous bristles, and several long,
+needle-shaped, unequal, yellowish spines. Flowers borne on the upper
+edges of the last-ripened joints, 3 in. across, reddish-orange, produced
+in July. Fruit rich carmine, about 3 in. long, pear-shaped. The plant is
+a native of the West Indies, &c., and was introduced in 1731. It has
+already been stated, under O. spinosissima, that there is a close
+similarity between that species and O. Tuna. We suspect, also, that O.
+nigricans is another near relation of these two. They are much alike in
+all characters, and they require the same treatment. O. Tuna has been
+seen as much as 20 ft. in height.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 86. OPUNTIA TUNA.]
+
+O. tunicata (coated-spined).--Stem sub-erect, cylindrical. Joints
+club-shaped, variable in length, about 2 in. in diameter. When young the
+surface is broken up into numerous oblong tubercles, each bearing a
+small cushion of whitish, short hairs, and about half a dozen white
+spines, unequal in length, the longest stout, and inclosed in a hard
+sheath, which becomes broken and ragged when old. Flowers not known. A
+native of Mexico, and introduced in 1840. It requires stove treatment.
+
+O. vulgaris (common); Bot. Mag. 2393.--A low, prostrate, spreading
+plant. Joints short, oval, flattened, thicker than in O. missouriensis,
+3 in. long by about 2 in. broad. Spine-cushions ¾ in. apart; tufts very
+small, with, occasionally, a long spine. Leaves fleshy, very small.
+Flowers 2 in. across, pale sulphur-yellow. Fruits nearly smooth, 1½ in.
+long, brown when ripe, with a strong disagreeable odour. The flowers are
+produced freely in June. The plant grows wild in Mexico, and extends up
+to New York, usually near the coast. It is now common in many parts of
+Europe, where it has become naturalised. In Madeira it has taken
+possession of all waste land, and is perfectly at home there. In England
+it was cultivated by Gerard nearly 300 years ago. It grows rapidly if
+planted in stony soil, in a position exposed to full sunshine, where it
+will creep along the ground, and root all along its stems, which rarely
+get elevated more than 6 in. from the ground. This species and O.
+Ficus-indica are confused by some authors, owing, no doubt, to the name
+O. vulgaris having been given by a botanist to the latter, which is a
+much larger and very different-looking plant. O. vulgaris is capable of
+withstanding our winters out of doors.
+
+O. Whipplei (Captain Whipple's).--Stem usually prostrate, with slender,
+elongated branches, which are cylindrical when old, broken up into short
+joints when young. Joints varying in length from 2 in. to 1 ft., less than
+1 in. in diameter. Cushions small, round. Spines white, variable in
+number, and arranged in tufts on the ends of the tubercles, one being
+1 in. long, the others shorter. Flowers nearly 2 in. in diameter, red,
+borne in a cluster on the ends of the last-ripened joints in June. Fruit
+1 in. long, with a cavity in the top. A compact, Mexican species, with
+crowded branches, and very free-flowering. It requires stove treatment.
+O. Whipplei is related to O. arborescens, from which, however, it is
+easily distinguished by the latter having a stout central spine and
+numerous radiating ones.
+
+Of the 150 species of Opuntia known, about one-third have been selected
+for description here, and amongst these will be found all the
+best-marked kinds in the genus, and most of those of which we have any
+knowledge. Botanists find good specific characters in the size and
+structure of the seeds, in the character of the fruits, &c.; but for
+horticultural purposes these are of little or no value.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE GENUS PERESKIA.
+
+(Named in honour of Nicholas F. Peresk, a botanist of Provence.)
+
+
+The thirteen species included in the genus Pereskia differ so markedly
+from all other kinds of Cactus, that at first sight one can scarcely
+believe they are true Cactuses, closely related to Cereus and
+Epiphyllum. They have erect or trailing stems and branches, and usually
+form dense, large bushes; the branches are woody and thin, and bear
+large, laurel-like leaves, which remain on the plants several years--so
+that they may be termed evergreen. They have, however, the
+spine-cushions, the tufts of woolly hair and stout spines, and the
+floral characters which distinguish Cactuses from other plants; they are
+also succulent, the leaves and young branches being soft and fleshy.
+They appear to have the same peculiar provision for enabling them to
+bear long periods of drought without suffering that characterises the
+more familiar forms of Cactuses. The development of the spines in this
+genus is different from what takes place in all other spiny plants of
+this order. In the latter the spines are stoutest and most numerous on
+the younger parts of the plant, the older or woody parts being either
+spineless, through having cast them, or much less spiny than when they
+were younger. Thus, in Opuntia we find few or no spines on the old parts
+of the stems of even such species as O. horrida, O. nigricans, &c. In
+Echinocactus, too, the spines about the base of old plants are much
+fewer, if not entirely cast off, than on the upper part. In Pereskia the
+contrary is the case. Taking P. aculeata as an example, this is best
+known in gardens as having branches about as thick as a goose-quill,
+with ovate leaves, at the base of which there is a pair of curved
+spines, ¼ in. long, and shaped like cats' claws. But this plant when it
+gets old has a stem 3 in. in diameter, and clothed down to the ground
+with cushions of spines fixed firmly in the bark, each cushion composed
+of from twenty to fifty spines, and each spine 1 in. or more in length.
+From two to six new spines are developed in the centre of each healthy
+cushion annually. It would be absolutely impossible for any animal to
+climb an old stem of a Pereskia. In P. Bleo the spines are 2 in. long,
+and the cushions are much larger.
+
+The flowers of Pereskias are borne singly or in panicles, at the ends of
+the young, ripened branches. In shape, each flower may be compared to a
+single Rose, the petals being flat and spreading, and the numerous
+stamens forming a compact cluster in the centre. The stigma is erect,
+and divided at the top into four or more rays. The fruit is a berry
+shaped like a Gooseberry, and covered with minute clusters of short
+bristles.
+
+All the species are found in tropical America and the West Indies.
+
+Cultivation.--Although several of the kinds of Pereskia are
+sufficiently ornamental to be deserving of a place in gardens as
+flowering plants, yet they are rarely cultivated--in England, at least
+--for any other purpose than that of forming stocks upon which
+Epiphyllums and other Cacti are grafted. Only two species are used,
+viz., P. aculeata and P. Bleo, the former being much the more popular of
+the two; whilst P. Bleo, on account of the stoutness of its stems, is
+employed for only the most robust kinds of grafts.
+
+Propagation.--Both the above-named species may be propagated to any
+extent, as every bit of branch with a leaf and eye attached is capable
+of rooting and soon forming a stock. The practice among those who use
+Pereskias as stocks for Epiphyllums is as follows: Cuttings of P.
+aculeata are planted in sandy soil, in boxes, and placed on a shelf in a
+stove till rooted. In about a month they are ready to be planted singly
+in 3 in. pots, any light soil being used; and each plant is fastened to a
+stake 1 ft. long. They are kept in a warm, moist house, all lateral
+shoots being cut away, and the leader encouraged to grow as tall as
+possible in the year. From December the plants are kept dry to induce
+the wood to ripen, preparatory to their being used for grafting in
+February. Stocks 9 in. or 1 ft. high are thus formed. If taller stocks are
+required, the plants must be grown on till of the required length and
+firmness. Large plants may be trained against a wall or along the
+rafters in a warm house; and when of the required size, the branches may
+be spurred back, and Epiphyllums, slender Cereuses, and similar plants,
+grafted upon them. In this way very fine masses of the latter may be
+obtained in much less time than if they were grown from small plants.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+P. aculeata (prickly); West Indian or Barbados Gooseberry.--Stem woody,
+more or less erect, branching freely, and forming a dense bush about
+6 ft. high. Young branches leafy; old ones brown, leafless, clothed with
+large cushions of long, stout, brown spines, sometimes 2 in. in length.
+Leaves alternate, with very short petioles, at the base of which is a
+pair of short spines, and a small tuft of wool in the axil; blade 3 in.
+long by 2 in. broad, soft, fleshy, shining green. Flowers
+semi-transparent, white, in terminal panicles; sepals and petals ¾ in.
+long by ¼ in. wide; stamens in a large, spreading cluster, white, with
+yellow anthers. Ovary covered with small cushions of short bristles,
+with sometimes a solitary spine in the centre of each cushion. Fruit
+1 in. long, egg-shaped, red, edible. There is a large plant of this in
+the Succulent House at Kew which flowers almost annually, but it has
+never ripened fruits. In the West Indies it is a very common shrub,
+whilst at the Cape of Good Hope it is used for fences--and a capital
+one it makes.
+
+P. a. rubescens (reddish).--This variety has narrower, longer leaves,
+which are glaucous-green above and tinged with red below; the spines on
+the old stems are shorter and more numerous in each cushion. This
+requires the same treatment as the type.
+
+P. Bleo (native name); Fig. 87.--A stout, branching shrub, having an
+erect stem, 3 in. or more in diameter, with green bark and very large
+cushions of spines; cushion a round, hard mass of short, woolly hair,
+from which the spines--about fifty in each cushion--radiate in all
+directions; longest spines 2 in. or more in length; one or two new ones
+are developed annually, and these are bright red when young, almost
+black when ripe; young branches ¼ in. to ½ in. in diameter. Leaves ½ in.
+apart, 3 in. to 6 in. long by 1 in. to 2 in. wide, oblong, pointed, with
+short petioles, and a small tuft of short, brown hair, with three or
+more reddish spines, in the axil of each. Flowers on the ends of the
+young, ripened branches, clustered in the upper leaf-axils, each flower
+2 in. across, and composed of a regular circle of rosy-red petals, with a
+cluster of whitish stamens in the centre. They remain on the plant
+several weeks. Native of New Grenada. Probably P. grandiflora is the
+same as this, or a slightly different form of it. A large specimen may
+be obtained in a year or two by planting it in a well-drained bed of
+loam, in a warm, sunny house. It blossoms almost all summer if allowed
+to make strong growth. Pretty little flowering plants may be had by
+taking ripened growths from an old plant, and treating them as cuttings
+till rooted. In the following spring they are almost certain to produce
+flowers. Plants 1 ft. high, bearing a cluster of flowers, are thus
+annually obtained at Kew. Fig. 87 represents a short, stunted branch,
+probably from a specimen grown in a pot. When planted out, the leaves
+and spine-cushions are farther apart.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 87. PERESKIA BLEO.]
+
+P. zinniaeflora (Zinnia-flowered); Fig. 88.--Stem erect, woody,
+branching freely, the branches bearing oval, acuminate, fleshy,
+wavy-edged, green leaves, with short petioles, and a pair of spines in
+the axil of each. Spine-cushions on old stems crowded with stout, brown
+spines. Flowers rosy-red, terminal on the ripened young shoots, and
+composed of a whorl of broad, overlapping petals, with a cluster of
+stamens in the centre, the whole measuring nearly 2 in. across. This
+species is a native of Mexico; it grows and flowers freely if kept in a
+warm house.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 88. PERESKIA ZINNIAEFLORA.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE GENUS RHIPSALIS.
+
+(From rhips, a willow-branch; referring to the flexible, wand-like
+branches of some of the kinds.)
+
+
+About thirty species of Rhipsalis are known, most of them more peculiar
+than ornamental, although everyone is in some way interesting. They are
+remarkable for the great variety in form and habit presented by the
+different kinds, some of them much less resembling Cactuses than other
+plants. Thus, in R. Cassytha, the long, fleshy, whip-like branches and
+white berries are very similar to Mistletoe; R. salicornoides, with its
+leafless, knotty branches, resembles a Salicornia, or Marsh Samphire;
+another is like a Mesembryanthemum; and so on. The flowers are usually
+small, and composed of numerous linear sepals and petals, arranged more
+or less like a star, with a cluster of thin stamens in the centre, and
+an erect, rayed stigma. In the flat-jointed kinds, the flowers are
+developed singly, in notches along the margins of the young, ripened
+joints; in the knotted, Samphire-like kinds, they are borne on the ends
+of the branches; and in those with short, fleshy, leaf-like joints, they
+are usually placed on what appear to be flower-joints. Although the
+branches of these plants are usually altogether unlike the rest of the
+Order, yet occasionally they develop joints which are furrowed, and bear
+clusters of spines exactly as in the commoner forms of Cactuses.
+
+The geographical distribution of Rhipsalis is exceptional. It is the
+only genus of Cactuses that has representatives in the Old World,
+excluding, of course, those which have been introduced by man. The bulk
+of the kinds of Rhipsalis occur in Central and South America, and the
+West Indies; but one--viz., R. Cassytha--is also found in Africa,
+Mauritius, Madagascar, and Ceylon, as well as in tropical America.
+Several other species are found in Madagascar, some of them only recent
+discoveries. The occurrence of similar or even identical plants in
+tropical America and Madagascar has its analogy in the Animal Kingdom as
+represented in the two countries.
+
+Cultivation.--All the species appear to grow well and flower freely
+under cultivation, the slowest grower being, perhaps, R. sarmentacea. In
+their natural homes they are invariably found either on trees or rocks,
+seldom or never on the ground; but in greenhouses they may be grown in
+pots, a few being happiest when suspended near the glass. They do not
+like bright sunshine, nor should they be kept in a very shaded, moist
+position. There is a good collection of kinds in the Succulent-house at
+Kew.
+
+Propagation.--Seeds of Rhipsalis ripen freely, and these, if sown on
+sandy soil, and placed on a shelf in a warm house, germinate in a few
+days. The development of the seedlings is exceptionally interesting, as
+the vegetative organs of all the kinds are very similar, and
+Cactus-like; the gradual transition from this character to the diverse
+forms which many of the species assume when mature is quite phenomenal.
+Cuttings will strike at almost any time, if planted in sandy soil and
+kept in a close, warm house till rooted. Some of the kinds thrive best
+when grafted on to a thin-stemmed Cereus. Treated in this way, R.
+sarmentacea makes 6 in. of growth in a season; whereas, on its own roots
+it would take about five years to grow as much.
+
+The following is a selection of the species cultivated in gardens. The
+genus Lepismium is now included in Rhipsalis.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+R. Cassytha (derivation not known).--A pendent shrub, 4 ft. or more
+high, growing on rocks and the mossy trunks of trees. Branches numerous,
+flexuous, with small branchlets or joints springing from the ends in
+clusters, smooth, round, the thickness of whipcord, leafless, with
+numerous brown, dot-like marks scattered over the surface; under a lens
+these dots are seen to be tufts of very fine hairs. Flowers on the sides
+of the young branches, small, greenish-white, short-lived; they are
+developed in September, and are succeeded by white berries, exactly like
+those of the Mistletoe, whence the name Mistletoe Cactus, by which this
+species is known. An interesting and easily-grown warm greenhouse plant,
+native of tropical America, Africa, &c. It was introduced in 1758.
+
+R. commune (common); Bot. Mag. 3763.--Stem straggling, branching
+freely, growing to a length of several feet. Branches jointed; joints
+varying in length, triangular, the angles compressed, and notched along
+the margins; notches regular, and bearing tufts of whitish hair. Strong
+plants produce joints over 1 in. in width. Flowers white, tinged with
+purple, springing singly from the notches, and composed of eight to
+twelve sepals and petals. Stamens and stigma erect, white, the latter
+four-rayed. This species is a native of Brazil, and was introduced in
+1830; Flowering-season, October to December. It may be grown in a warm
+greenhouse, and treated as a basket-plant or as a small pot-shrub. Syn.
+Lepismium commune.
+
+R. crispata (curled).--Stem branching freely. Branches jointed and
+flat, like Epiphyllum. Margins of joints notched, and slightly curled.
+Flowers small, white, produced singly, in November and December, in the
+notches on the younger joints. Fruits white, pea-like, rather rarely
+ripened. A free-growing, compact stove shrub, with a bright green,
+healthy appearance. The similarity of its branches to Epiphyllum led to
+its being included in that genus by Haworth.
+
+R. c. purpurea (purple).--This variety has larger, broader joints,
+which are bronzy-purple in colour.
+
+R. fasciculata (cluster-branched); Bot. Mag. 3079.--Stems terete, as
+thick as a goose-quill. Branches usually in clusters, and sometimes
+jointed, green, with small red dots and little tufts of fine, hair-like
+bristles. Flowers white, produced in March, springing irregularly from
+the older branches, small, star-like. Fruit a white berry. From its
+habit of growing on trees, and the character of its stems and fruit,
+this plant has been called parasitical. It is, however, only indebted to
+the tree on which is grows for moisture, for it thrives if planted in a
+pot or basket in ordinary soil, and kept in a stove temperature. It is a
+native of Brazil, and was introduced in 1831.
+
+R. floccosa (woolly).--Stems as in R. Cassytha, but thicker, longer,
+and with the branchlets in compact clusters on the ends of the long,
+arching branches. The dots marking the position of the microscopic
+hair-tufts are in small depressions. Flowers and fruit as in R.
+Cassytha, of which this might reasonably be called a variety. This
+species requires warm-house temperature.
+
+R. funalis (cord-like); Fig. 89.--Stem straggling, branched. Branches
+numerous, composed of long, terete joints, rather thicker than a
+goose-quill, glaucous-green, slightly roughened on the surface, with
+depressions for the dot-like cushions. Branchlets usually fascicled and
+spreading. Flowers white, produced in spring, on the sides of the young
+joints, 1 in. across, large for the genus. Introduced from Central
+America about 1830. An easily-grown plant, sturdy, rather straggling,
+but very free-flowering. In old specimens the branches become
+semi-pendulous. It grows best when kept in a warm house. Syn. R.
+grandiflora.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 89. RHIPSALIS FUNALIS.]
+
+R. Houlletii (Houllet's); Bot. Mag. 6089.--Stems long, graceful,
+branching freely, round and twig-like, or with broad wings, as in
+Phyllocactus. Winged or flattened portions notched, and bearing a flower
+in each notch. Flowers stalkless, with pointed, straw-coloured petals,
+forming a shallow cup about ¾ in. across the top. Stamens and pistil
+white, with a tinge of red at the base. Flowering-season, November.
+Under cultivation, this Brazilian species forms a small, straggling
+shrub, about 3 ft. high, but in its native woods its stems are many feet
+long, and pendulous from the branches of trees. It may be grown in a
+warm house, in a pot, and its branches supported by a stake; or its
+lower stems may be fastened against a piece of soft fern-stem, into
+which its numerous stem-roots penetrate freely. In the winter it should
+be kept almost dry. The flowers remain fresh for several days, and are
+fragrant. A well-grown plant, when in flower, is an interesting and
+pretty object. It is the most ornamental kind.
+
+R. Knightii (Knight's).--Stems and joints as in R. commune. Wings of
+joints usually broad, with red margins, and the hair in the notches in a
+dense tuft, nearly 1 in. long, pure white, and silk-like. Flowers small,
+white. This species, which thrives best under warm-house treatment, is a
+native of Brazil, and is usually grown only for its curious, Cereus-like
+stems. It forms a straggling plant about 1 ft. high. Syn. Lepismium
+Knightii, Cereus Knightii.
+
+R. mesembryanthemoides (Mesembryanthemum-like); Bot. Mag. 3O78.--A
+small, compact plant, with woody stems, densely covered with little
+fleshy, conical joints, resembling very closely the leaves of some of
+the Mesembryanthemums. They are green, with a few red dots, each bearing
+a very small tuft of the finest hair-like spines. The flowers are
+developed in March, from the sides of the small joints; they are ½ in.
+across, and yellowish-white. Fruit a small, white, round berry. Native
+of South America, whence it was introduced in 1831. When grown in a warm
+house, in a small, round, wire basket, filled with peat and sphagnum,
+this little Cactus forms a pretty tuft, which in the spring produces
+large numbers of white, star-like flowers.
+
+R. myosurus (mouse-tailed); Bot. Mag. 3755.--Stems dependent, several
+feet long, branching freely, jointed, with three or four angles or
+wings; the angles flattened, reddish, notched in the margin, and bearing
+a tuft of white, silky hairs in each notch. Flowers small, yellow,
+tinged with red, springing from the notches; produced in July. Fruit not
+seen. A native of Brazil; introduced in 1839. This species resembles
+some of the angular-stemmed kinds of Cereus. It grows freely and flowers
+annually, if planted in a basket of fibrous soil, and suspended near the
+glass in a warm greenhouse or stove. It is attractive even when not in
+flower, owing to the form of its stems and the tufts of long, silky,
+white hair which spring from the notches. Syn. Lepismium myosurus.
+
+R. pachyptera (thick-winged); Bot. Mag. 2820.--Stem woody; branches
+jointed, flattened as in Phyllocactus, with deep notches; width of
+joints, 2 in. or more. Flowers small, yellowish-white, borne singly in
+the notches in November. Fruit a small, white berry, rarely ripened. A
+sturdy, comparatively uninteresting stove plant, introduced from Brazil
+in 1830. Syn. Cactus alatus.
+
+R. paradoxa (paradoxical).--Stems trailing, with numerous long branches
+of most extraordinary form. Imagine a three-angled, fleshy branch, often
+several feet in length, the angles winged, about ½ in. deep, green, with
+smooth, reddish margins. At intervals of about 2 in. the branch has the
+appearance of having been twisted half round. There is no other plant
+with branches anything like these. Flowers produced in November, in the
+apex of the interrupted angles, small, white. Fruit seldom ripened. A
+native of Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1837. There is a fine
+example of this trained along a rafter in the Succulent-house at Kew.
+The numerous branches hang down several feet from the rafter, and have a
+most extraordinary appearance. This species requires stove treatment.
+
+R. penduliflora (pendulous-flowered).--A small, thin-stemmed plant,
+with smooth, green branches, no thicker than whipcord, and numerous
+fascicled or clustered, small joints, ½ in. long, green, with red dots,
+angular when young. Flowers on the tips of the terminal joints, pale
+yellow, ½ in. across, developing in August. Fruit white, Mistletoe-like.
+This species was introduced from tropical America in 1877, and requires
+stove treatment.
+
+R. p. laxa (loose).--This variety has the branches curving, and more
+pendulous; in other respects it resembles the type, and requires the
+same treatment.
+
+R. pentaptera (five-winged).--Stems erect; branches stiff,
+long-jointed, with five wing-like angles, slightly spiral, the angles
+notched at intervals of 1 in. Flowers in the notches, ½ in. across, white,
+produced in August. Fruit a white, Mistletoe-like berry. A curious plant
+from Brazil, and introduced in 1836. In stove temperature it forms a
+compact pot-shrub, 2 ft. high, and is worth growing on account of its
+singular stems.
+
+R. rhombea (diamond-branched).--Stems and branches as in R. crispata,
+but without the wavy margins, and with more elongated joints. Flowers
+small, white, produced in the notches of the joints in November. Fruit a
+shining, milk-white berry. A compact plant from Brazil, worth growing
+for its bright green, leaf-like stems. It should be grown in pots, in
+stove temperature, and encouraged to form a globose bush.
+
+R. Saglionis (Saglio's); Bot. Mag. 4039.--A tiny plant, similar in
+habit to R. penduliflora, but with brown branches, the small joints
+angled, and bearing silky hairs. The branches and joints are set at
+zigzag angles. Flowers pale yellow, produced in autumn on the younger
+joints. Fruits white, Mistletoe-like. A small, delicate plant from
+Buenos Ayres, not more than 6 in. high. This species requires stove
+treatment.
+
+R. salicornoides (Glasswort-like); Bot. Mag. 2461.--Stem woody when
+old, brown, jointed like hens' toes, not quite as thick as a
+goose-quill. Branches in clusters; joints ½ in. to 1 in. long, the lower
+half much thinner than the upper, so that the joints look like a number
+of superposed, miniature clubs. Flowers pretty, on the ends of the
+terminal joints, yellow, becoming red with age. An erect plant, 3 ft. or
+more high, introduced from Brazil in 1830. The joints are clustered on
+the upper part of the stem. When in flower in spring this is an
+attractive and very remarkable-looking plant. It thrives best in stove
+temperature.
+
+R. s. stricta (straight).--This variety has the joints all pointing
+upwards, and is much more compact than the type.
+
+R. sarmentacea (runner-stemmed); Fig. 90.--A creeping, prostrate plant,
+with round stems as thick as a goose-quill, and attaching themselves to
+tree-trunks or other bodies by means of numerous adventitious roots,
+which spring from the under side of the stems. Surface of stem furrowed,
+and covered with numerous small clusters of short, hair-like, whitish
+spines. Flowers 1 in. across, springing from the sides of the stems, with
+pointed, creamy-white petals; stamens spreading; stigma erect,
+four-lobed. Fruit small, currant-like. This is a pretty little species,
+introduced from Brazil in 1858; it is, however, a very slow grower,
+plants ten years old being only a few inches in diameter. It should be
+grown in stove temperature, in a basket of peat fibre, or, better still,
+on a piece of soft fern-stem. It is always found on the branches or
+trunks of trees when growing wild.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 90. RHIPSALIS SARMENTACEA.]
+
+R. Swartziana (Swartz's).--Older stems three-angled, young ones
+flattened, jointed; joints 2 in. broad, stiff with deep notches. Flowers
+in the notches, small, white, produced in June. This species is a native
+of Jamaica, and was introduced in 1810. A stiff, ungraceful plant, about
+2 ft. high, very similar in its branches to a Phyllocactus. This species
+requires the temperature of a stove.
+
+R. trigona (triangular).--Habit straggling; branches usually in forks,
+¼ in. in diameter, three-angled; angles wavy or slightly notched,
+grey-green. Flowers small, produced in spring in the notches of the
+angles, white. Fruit a white berry. A thin, Brazilian plant, not unlike
+a Lepismium, but without the silky hairs in the notches of the angles.
+This species also requires to be grown in stove temperature.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+TEMPERATURES.
+
+
+To enable growers to make a selection of species according to the
+accommodation that can be afforded for Cactuses, all that are described
+in this book are here classified in three groups: (1) Species which
+thrive in a cool-house or frame; (2) Species which can only be
+successfully grown in a warm house or stove; and (3) Species which are
+hardy in the more favoured portions of the United Kingdom.
+
+COOL-HOUSE OR FRAME.
+
+Temperature: Summer, that of the open air.
+Temperature: Winter--day, 50 deg. to 60 deg.; night, 40 deg. to 45 deg.
+
+Cereus Berlandieri.
+    "    Blankii.
+    "    caespitosus.
+    "    cirrhiferus.
+    "    ctenoides.
+    "    enneacanthus.
+    "    flagelliformis.
+    "    Leeanus.
+    "    leptacanthus.
+    "    multiplex.
+    "    paucispinus.
+    "    pentalophus.
+    "    polyacanthus.
+    "    procumbens.
+    "    reductus.
+Cereus   speciosissimus
+Echinocactus brevihamatus
+    "    centeterius.
+    "    cinnabarinus.
+    "    Cummingii.
+    "    echidne.
+    "    Emoryi.
+    "    gibbosus.
+    "    hexaedrophorus.
+    "    Leeanus.
+    "    Mackieanus.
+    "    mamillarioides.
+    "    rhodophthalmus.
+    "    texensis.
+    "    uncinatus.
+Echinocactus viridescens.
+Echinopsis, all the kinds.
+Mamillaria atrata.
+    "    chlorantha.
+    "    dasyacantha.
+    "    elegans.
+    "    elephantidens.
+    "    elongata.
+    "    fissurata.
+    "    floribunda.
+    "    gracilis.
+    "    longimamma.
+    "    macromeris.
+    "    macrothele.
+    "    multiceps.
+    "    phellosperma.
+    "    Schelhasii.
+    "    Schiedeana.
+Mamillaria semperviva.
+    "    stella-aurata.
+    "    tuberculosa.
+    "    uncinata.
+    "    viridis.
+    "    Wildiana.
+    "    Zucchariniana.
+Opuntia arborescens.
+    "    aurantiaca.
+    "    corrugata.
+    "    cylindrica.
+    "    Davisii.
+    "    Engelmanni.
+    "    Ficus-indica.
+    "    hystricina.
+    "    macrorhiza
+    "    occidentalis.
+
+
+WARM-HOUSE OR STOVE.
+
+It is possible that some of those included in this division will
+eventually prove hardier than is at present supposed. Many of the
+species now classed as cool-house plants, and even some of those which
+are hardy, were formerly grown in the stove.
+
+Temperature: Summer-day, 70 deg. to 90 deg.; night, 65 deg. to 75 deg.
+Temperature: Winter-day, 60 deg. to 70 deg.; night, 55 deg. to 60 deg.
+
+Cereus caerulescens.
+    "    extensus.
+    "    fulgidus.
+    "    giganteus.
+    "    grandiflorus.
+    "    Lemairii.
+    "    Macdonaldiae.
+    "    Mallisoni.
+    "    Napoleonis.
+    "    nycticalus.
+    "    peruvianus.
+    "    pleiogonus.
+    "    repandus.
+    "    serpentinus.
+    "    Royeni.
+    "    triangularis.
+    "    variabilis.
+Echinocactus concinnus.
+    "    coptonogonus.
+Echinocactus cornigerus.
+    "    corynodes.
+    "    cylindraceus.
+    "    Haynii.
+    "    horizonthalonis.
+    "    Le Contei.
+    "    longihamatus.
+    "    mamillosus.
+    "    multiflorus.
+    "    myriostigma.
+    "    obvallatus.
+    "    Ottonis.
+    "    pectiniferus.
+    "    polycephalus.
+    "    Pottsii.
+    "    scopa.
+    "    sinuatus.
+    "    tenuispinus.
+    "    turbiniformis.
+Echinocactus Visnaga.
+    "    Williamsii.
+    "    Wislizeni.
+Epiphyllum, all the kinds.
+Leuchtenbergia.
+Mamillaria, all not mentioned under "Cool-house Or Frame."
+Melocactus, all the kinds.
+Opuntia, all not included under "Cool-house or Frame."
+Pelecyphora.
+Pereskia, all the kinds.
+Phyllocactus,       "
+Pilocereus,         "
+Rhipsalis,          "
+
+OUTDOOR.
+
+The following may be grown out of doors in the more favoured parts of
+England. For directions as to culture, see the chapter on Cultivation :--
+
+Cereus Fendleri.
+Echinocactus Simpsoni.
+Mamillaria vivipara.
+Opuntia brachyarthra.
+Opuntia missouriensis.
+    "    Rafinesquii.
+    "    R. arkansana.
+    "    vulgaris.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+DEALERS IN CACTUSES.
+
+
+The difficulty experienced by amateurs in procuring plants of many kinds
+of Cactus has suggested to us that a list of some of the principal
+dealers in these plants would prove of service to English growers. So
+far as we know, there is no nurseryman in England who makes a specialty
+of Cactuses. Plants of such well-known genera as Epiphyllum,
+Phyllocactus, and Cereus in part, may be obtained in England, but for a
+collection of representative kinds we must perforce apply to Continental
+nurserymen. The most reliable of these for Cactuses are:
+
+GERMANY.
+
+Messrs. HAAGE & SCHMIDT, Erfurt.
+
+Herr F. A. HAAGE, Junior, Erfurt.
+
+Messrs. MÜLLER & SAUBER, Kassel, Hanover.
+
+Herr H. HILDMANN, Oranienburg, Brandenburg.
+
+Herr ERNST BERGE, Leipsic.
+
+FRANCE.
+
+M. EBERLE, Avenue de St. Ouen, 146, Paris.
+
+M. JAMIN, Rue Lafontaine, 42, à St. Ouen, Paris.
+
+BELGIUM.
+
+M. LOUIS DE SMET, Ledeberg, Ghent.
+
+M. BETTES, Borgerhont, Antwerp.
+
+M. F. VERMUELEN, Rue Van Peet, Antwerp.
+
+AMERICA.
+
+Mr. C. RUNGE, San Antonio, Texas.
+
+Messrs. REASONER BROTHERS, Florida.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIES INDEX
+
+
+Species are listed alphabetically according to Watson's nomenclature.
+The name(s) that is more likely to be recognised by modern readers is
+listed in brackets. I have used Anderson's book--The Cactus Family
+(Timber Press, 2001)--as my main guide. Monographs by Craig and by
+Pilbeam were invaluable in identifying 'Mamillarias'.
+
+* Plants illustrated in the text.
+
+     Cereus Berlandieri  (Echinocereus berlandieri) *
+     Cereus Blankii  (Echinocereus berlandieri) *
+     Cereus caerulescens  (Cereus aethiops)
+     Cereus caespitosus  (Echinocereus reichenbachii ssp. caespitosus) *
+     Cereus cirrhiferus  (Echinocereus cinerascens)
+     Cereus ctenoides  (Echinocereus dasyacanthus) *
+     Cereus enneacanthus  (Echinocereus enneacanthus)*
+     Cereus extensus  (Selenicereus sp.?)
+     Cereus Fendleri  (Echinocereus fendleri)
+     Cereus flagelliformis  (Aporocactus (Disocactus) flagelliformis)
+     Cereus fulgidus  (Gymnocalycium gibbosum)
+     Cereus giganteus  (Carnegiea gigantea) *
+     Cereus grandiflorus  (Selenicereus grandiflorus)
+     Cereus Leeanus  (Echinocereus polyacanthus)
+     Cereus Lemairii  (Hylocereus lemairei)
+     Cereus leptacanthus  (Echinocereus pentalophus)*
+     Cereus Macdonaldiae  (Selenicereus macdonaldiae)
+     Cereus Mallisoni   (X Helioporus smithii)
+     Cereus multiplex  (Echinopsis oxygona) *
+     Cereus multiplex cristatus  (Echinopsis oxygona fa. cristata) *
+     Cereus Napoleonis  (Hylocereus trigonus)
+     Cereus nycticalus  (Selenicereus pteranthus) *
+     Cereus paucispinus  (Echinocereus coccineus ssp. paucispinus)
+     Cereus pentalophus  (Echinocereus pentalophus)
+     Cereus peruvianus  (Cereus repandus)
+     Cereus pleiogonus  (Echinocereus sp.--no longer identifiable)*
+     Cereus polyacanthus  (Echinocereus polyacanthus)
+     Cereus procumbens  (Echinocereus pentalophus ssp. procumbens) *
+     Cereus reductus  (Hybrid with Selenicereus sp. as one probable parent)
+     Cereus repandus  (Cereus repandus) *
+     Cereus Royeni  (Pilosocereus royenii)
+     Cereus serpentinus  (Peniocereus (Nyctocereus) serpentinus) *
+     Cereus speciosissimus  (Disocactus speciosus)
+     Cereus triangularis  (Hylocereus triangularis)
+     Cereus variabilis  (Acanthocereus tetragonus)
+
+     Echinocactus brevihamatus  (Parodia (Notocactus) alacriportana ssp.
+       brevihamata)
+     Echinocactus centeterius  (Eriosyce (Neoporteria)
+       curvispina--possibly?)
+     Echinocactus cinnabarinus  (Echinopsis (Lobivia) cinnabarina)
+     Echinocactus concinnus  (Parodia (Notocactus) concinna) *
+     Echinocactus coptonogonus  (Stenocactus (Echinofossulocactus)
+       coptonogonus) *
+     Echinocactus cornigerus  (Ferocactus latispinus) *
+     Echinocactus corynodes  (Parodia (Notocactus) sellowii) *
+     Echinocactus crispatus  (Stenocactus (Echinofossulocactus)
+       crispatus) *
+     Echinocactus Cummingii  (Rebutia (Weingartia) neocummingii)
+     Echinocactus cylindraceus  (Ferocactus cyclindraceus (acanthodes))
+     Echinocactus echidne  (Ferocactus echidne)
+     Echinocactus Emoryi  (Ferocactus emoryi) *
+     Echinocactus gibbosus  (Gymnocalycium gibbosus)
+     Echinocactus Haynii  (Matucana haynei) *
+     Echinocactus hexaedrophorus  (Thelocactus hexaedrophorus) *
+     Echinocactus horizonthalonis  (Echinocactus horizonthalonius) *
+     Echinocactus Le Contei  (Ferocactus cyclindraceus (acanthodes)
+       ssp. lecontei) *
+     Echinocactus Leeanus  (Gymnocalycium leeanum)
+     Echinocactus longihamatus  (Ferocactus hamatacanthus) *
+     Echinocactus Mackieanus  (Gymnocalycium mackieanum)
+     Echinocactus mamillarioides  (Eriosyce (Neoporteria)
+       curvispina--possibly?)
+     Echinocactus mamillosus  (Echinopsis mamillosa)
+     Echinocactus multiflorus (Gymnocalycium monvillei)
+     Echinocactus myriostigma  (Astrophytum myriostigma) *
+     Echinocactus obvallatus  (Stenocactus (Echinofossulocactus)
+       obvallatus) *
+     Echinocactus Ottonis  (Parodia (Notocactus) ottonis)
+     Echinocactus pectiniferus  (probably Echinocereus pectinatus)
+     Echinocactus polycephalus  (Echinocactus polycephalus)*
+     Echinocactus Pottsii  (Ferocactus pottsii)
+     Echinocactus rhodophthalmus  (Thelocactus bicolor)
+     Echinocactus scopa  (Parodia (Notocactus) scopa) *
+     Echinocactus scopa cristata  (Parodia (Notocactus)
+       scopa fa. cristata) *
+     Echinocactus Simpsonii  (Pediocactus simpsonii)
+     Echinocactus sinuatus  (Ferocactus hamatacanthus ssp. sinuatus)
+     Echinocactus tenuispinus  (Parodia (Notocactus) ottonis)
+     Echinocactus texensis  (Echinocactus texensis) *
+     Echinocactus turbiniformis  (Strombocactus disciformis)
+     Echinocactus uncinatus  (Sclerocactus uncinatus) *
+     Echinocactus viridescens  (Ferocactus viridescens)
+     Echinocactus visnaga  (Echinocactus platyacanthus) *
+     Echinocactus Williamsii  (Lophophora williamsii)
+     Echinocactus Wislizenii  (Ferocactus wislizenii) *
+
+     Echinopsis campylacantha  (Echinopsis leucantha)
+     Echinopsis cristata  (Echinopsis obrepanda)
+     Echinopsis cristata purpurea  (Echinopsis obrepanda v. purprea)
+     Echinopsis Decaisneanus  (identification now uncertain) *
+     Echinopsis Eyriesii  (Echinopsis eyriesii)
+     Echinopsis Eyriesii flore-pleno  (Echinopsis eyriesii) *
+     Echinopsis Eyriesii glauca  (Echinopsis eyriesii)
+     Echinopsis oxygonus (Echinopsis oxygona)
+     Echinopsis Pentlandi  (Echinopsis (Lobivia) pentlandii) *
+     Echinopsis Pentlandi longispinus  (Echinopsis (Lobivia) pentlandii) *
+     Echinopsis tubiflorus  (Echinopsis tubiflora)
+
+     Epiphyllum Russellianum  (Schlumbergera russelliana) *
+     Epiphyllum truncatum  (Schlumbergera truncata)
+
+     Leuchtenbergia principis  (Leuchtenbergia principis) *
+
+     Mamillaria angularis  (Mammillaria compressa)
+     Mamillaria applanata  (Mammillaria heyderi ssp. hemisphaerica)
+     Mamillaria atrata  (Eriosyce (Neoporteria) subgibbosa)
+     Mamillaria bicolor  (Mammillaria geminispina)
+     Mamillaria chlorantha  (Escobaria deserti)
+     Mamillaria cirrhifera  (Mammillaria compressa)
+     Mamillaria clava  (Coryphantha clava)
+     Mamillaria dasyacantha  (Escobaria dasyacantha)
+     Mamillaria discolor  (Mammillaria discolor)
+     Mamillaria dolichocentra  (Mammillaria polythele) *
+     Mamillaria echinata  (Mammillaria elongata ssp. echinaria)
+     Mamillaria echinus  (Coryphantha echinus) *
+     Mamillaria elegans  (Mammillaria haageana (elegans))
+     Mamillaria elephantidens  (Coryphantha elephantidens) *
+     Mamillaria elongata  (Mammillaria elongata)
+     Mamillaria fissurata  (Ariocarpus fissuratus) *
+     Mamillaria floribunda  (Eriosyce (Neoporteria) subgibbosa)
+     Mamillaria gracilis  (Mammillaria vetula ssp. gracilis)
+     Mamillaria Grahami  (Mammillaria grahamii)
+     Mamillaria Haageana  (Mammillaria haageana) *
+     Mamillaria longimamma  (Mammillaria longimamma) *
+     Mamillaria macromeris  (Coryphantha macromeris) *
+     Mamillaria macrothele  (Coryphantha octacantha)
+     Mamillaria micromeris  (Epithelantha micromeris) *
+     Mamillaria multiceps  (Mammillaria prolifera ssp. texana)
+     Mamillaria Neumanniana  (Mammillaria magnimamma)
+     Mamillaria Ottonis  (Coryphantha ottonis)
+     Mamillaria pectinata  (Mammillaria pectinifera) *
+     Mamillaria phellosperma  (Mammillaria tetrancistra)
+     Mamillaria pulchra  (Mammillaria rhodantha)
+     Mamillaria pusilla  (Mammillaria prolifera)
+     Mamillaria pycnacantha  (Coryphantha pycnacantha)
+     Mamillaria sanguinea  (Mammillaria spinosissima) *
+     Mamillaria Scheerii  (Coryphantha poselgeriana)
+     Mamillaria Schelhasii  (Mammillaria crinita) *
+     Mamillaria Schiedeana  (Mammillaria schiedeana)
+     Mamillaria semperviva  (Mammillaria sempervivi) *
+     Mamillaria senilis  (Mammillaria senilis)
+     Mamillaria stella-aurata  (Mammillaria elongata)
+     Mamillaria sub-polyhedra  (Mammillaria polyedra) *
+     Mamillaria sulcolanata  (Coryphantha sulcolanata)
+     Mamillaria tetracantha  (Mammillaria polythele)
+     Mamillaria tuberculosa  (Escobaria tuberculosa)
+     Mamillaria turbinata  (Strombocactus disciformis ?)
+     Mamillaria uncinata  (Mammillaria uncinata)
+     Mamillaria vetula  (Mammillaria vetula)
+     Mamillaria villifera  (Mammillaria polyedra)
+     Mamillaria viridis  (Mammillaria karwinskiana)
+     Mamillaria vivipara  (Escobaria vivipara)
+     Mamillaria vivipara v. radiosa  (Escobaria vivipara) *
+     Mamillaria Wildiana  (Mammillaria crinita ssp. wildii)
+     Mamillaria Wrightii  (Mammillaria wrightii)
+     Mamillaria Zucchariniana  (Mammillaria magnimamma)
+
+     Melocactus communis  (Melocactus intortus) *
+     Melocactus depressus  (Melocactus violaceus)
+     Melocactus Miquelii  (Melocactus intortus) *
+
+     Opuntia arborescens  (Cylindropuntia imbricata)
+     Opuntia arbuscula  (Cylindropuntia arbuscula)
+     Opuntia arenaria  (Opuntia polyacantha v. arenaria)
+     Opuntia Auberi  (Opuntia auberi)
+     Opuntia aurantiaca  (Opuntia aurantiaca)
+     Opuntia basilaris  (Opuntia basilaris) *
+     Opuntia Bigelovii  (Cylindropuntia bigelovii)
+     Opuntia boliviana  (Cumulopuntia boliviana) *
+     Opuntia brachyarthra  (Opuntia fragilis) *
+     Opuntia braziliensis  (Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis)
+     Opuntia candelabriformis  (Opuntia spinulifera)
+     Opuntia clavata  (Grusonia clavata)
+     Opuntia cochinellifera  (Opuntia cochenillifera)
+     Opuntia corrugata  (Tunilla corrugata)
+     Opuntia curassavica  (Opuntia curassavica)
+     Opuntia cylindrica  (Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica)
+     Opuntia cylindrica cristata  (Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica
+       fa. cristata)
+     Opuntia Davisii  (Cylindropuntia davisii)
+     Opuntia decumana  (Opuntia ficus-indica)
+     Opuntia diademata  (Tephrocactus articulatus)
+     Opuntia Dillenii  (Opuntia dillenii) *
+     Opuntia echinocarpa  (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa)
+     Opuntia Emoryi  (Grusonia emoryi)
+     Opuntia Engelmanni  (Opuntia engelmannii)
+     Opuntia Ficus-indica  (Opuntia ficus-indica) *
+     Opuntia filipendula  (Opuntia macrorhiza v. pottsii) *
+     Opuntia frutescens  (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis)
+     Opuntia Grahami  (Grusonia grahamii)
+     Opuntia horrida  (Opuntia tuna)
+     Opuntia hystricina  (Opuntia polyacantha v. hystricina)
+     Opuntia leptocaulis  (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis)
+     Opuntia leucotricha  (Opuntia leucotricha)
+     Opuntia macrocentra  (Opuntia macrocentra)
+     Opuntia macrorhiza  (Opuntia macrorhiza) *
+     Opuntia microdasys  (Opuntia microdasys)
+     Opuntia missouriensis  (Opuntia polyacantha)
+     Opuntia monacantha  (Opuntia monacantha)
+     Opuntia nigricans  (Opuntia elatior)
+     Opuntia occidentalis  (Opuntia X occidentalis)
+     Opuntia Parmentieri  (Opuntia longispina var. brevispina?)
+     Opuntia Parryi  (Cylindropuntia californica)
+     Opuntia Rafinesquii  (Opuntia humifusa) *
+     Opuntia rosea  (Cylindropuntia rosea) *
+     Opuntia Salmiana  (Opuntia salmiana)
+     Opuntia spinosissima  (Consolea spinosissima)
+     Opuntia subulata  (Austrocylindropuntia subulata)
+     Opuntia Tuna  (Opuntia tuna) *
+     Opuntia tunicata  (Cylindropuntia tunicata)
+     Opuntia vulgaris  (Opuntia ficus-indica)
+     Opuntia Whipplei  (Cylindropuntia whipplei)
+
+     Pelecyphora aselliformis  (Pelecyphora aselliformis) *
+
+     Pereskia aculeata  (Pereskia aculeata)
+     Pereskia aculeata rubescens  (Pereskia aculeata)
+     Pereskia Bleo  (Pereskia bleo) *
+     Pereskia zinniaeflora  (Pereskia zinniiflora) *
+
+     Phyllocactus Ackermannii  (Disocactus ackermannii or hybrid) *
+     Phyllocactus anguliger  (Epiphyllum anguliger) *
+     Phyllocactus biformis  (Disocactus biformis) *
+     Phyllocactus crenatus  (Epiphyllum crenatum)
+     Phyllocactus grandis  (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
+     Phyllocactus Hookeri  (Epiphyllum hookeri)
+     Phyllocactus latifrons  (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
+     Phyllocactus phyllanthus  (Epiphyllum phyllanthus)
+     Phyllocactus phyllanthoides  (Disocactus phyllanthoides)
+
+     Pilocereus Brünnonii  (Oreocereus celsianus) *
+     Pilocereus Houlletianus  (Pilosocereus leucocephalus) *
+     Pilocereus senilis  (Cephalocereus senilis)
+
+     Rhipsalis Cassytha  (Rhipsalis baccifera)
+     Rhipsalis commune  (Lepismium cruciforme)
+     Rhipsalis crispata  (Rhipsalis crispata)
+     Rhipsalis crispata purpurea  (Rhipsalis crispata)
+     Rhipsalis fasciculata  (Rhipsalis baccifera)
+     Rhipsalis floccosa  (Rhipsalis floccosa)
+     Rhipsalis funalis  (Rhipsalis grandiflora) *
+     Rhipsalis Houlletii  (Lepismium houlletianum)
+     Rhipsalis Knightii  (Lepismium cruciforme)
+     Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides  (Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides)
+     Rhipsalis myosurus  (Lepismium cruciforme)
+     Rhipsalis pachyptera  (Rhipsalis pachyptera)
+     Rhipsalis paradoxa  (Rhipsalis paradoxa)
+     Rhipsalis penduliflora  (Rhipsalis cereuscula)
+     Rhipsalis penduliflora laxa  (Rhipsalis cereuscula)
+     Rhipsalis pentaptera  (Rhipsalis pentaptera)
+     Rhipsalis rhombea  (identification now uncertain)
+     Rhipsalis Saglionis  (Rhipsalis cereuscula)
+     Rhipsalis salicornoides  (Hatiora salicornioides)
+     Rhipsalis salicornoides stricta  (Hatiora salicornioides)
+     Rhipsalis sarmentacea  (Lepismium lumbricoides) *
+     Rhipsalis Swartziana  (Pseudorhipsalis alata)
+     Rhipsalis trigona  (Rhipsalis trigona)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Cactus Culture For Amateurs, by W. Watson
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Cactus Culture For Amateurs, by W. Watson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Cactus Culture For Amateurs
+       Being Descriptions Of The Various Cactuses Grown In This Country,
+       With Full And Practical Instructions For Their Successful
+       Cultivation
+       
+
+Author: W. Watson
+
+Release Date: September 3, 2004 [EBook #13357]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CACTUS CULTURE FOR AMATEURS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by W. Christie and Leonard Johnson
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+  <h1>CACTUS CULTURE</h1>
+
+  <h2>FOR AMATEURS:</h2>
+
+  <h5>BEING</h5>
+
+  <h3>DESCRIPTIONS OF THE VARIOUS CACTUSES<br />
+  GROWN IN THIS COUNTRY.</h3>
+
+  <h5>with</h5>
+
+  <h3>FULL AND PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR<br />
+  THEIR SUCCESSFUL CULTIVATION</h3>.
+
+  <h3>By W. WATSON,</h3>
+
+  <h4><i>Assistant Curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.</i></h4>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h5>PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED.</h5>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h4>LONDON:<br />
+  L. UPCOTT GILL, 170, STRAND, W.C.</h4>
+
+  <h5>1889.</h5>
+  <hr />
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/front.jpg" width="400" height="437" alt=
+    "Collection of cactuses" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 1.&mdash;A <b>COLLECTION OF CACTUSES.</b>
+    <i>Frontispiece</i></p>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2>PREFACE</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>HE idea that Cactuses were seldom seen in English gardens, because
+  so little was known about their cultivation and management, suggested
+  to the Publisher of this book that a series of chapters on the best
+  kinds, and how to grow them successfully, would be useful. These
+  chapters were written for and published in <i>The Bazaar,</i> in 1885
+  and following years. Some alterations and additions have been made,
+  and the whole is now offered as a thoroughly practical and
+  descriptive work on the subject.</p>
+
+  <p>The descriptions are as simple and complete as they could be made;
+  the names here used are those adopted at Kew; and the cultural
+  directions are as full and detailed as is necessary. No species or
+  variety is omitted which is known to be in cultivation, or of
+  sufficient interest to be introduced. The many excellent figures of
+  Cactuses in the <i>Botanical Magazine</i> (Bot. Mag.) are referred to
+  under each species described, except in those cases where a complete
+  figure is given in this book. My claims to be heard as a teacher in
+  this department are based on an experience of ten years in the care
+  and cultivation of the large collection of Cactuses at Kew.</p>
+
+  <p>Whatever the shortcomings of my share of the work may be, I feel
+  certain that the numerous and excellent illustrations which the
+  Publisher has obtained for this book cannot fail to render it
+  attractive, and, let us also hope, contribute something towards
+  bringing Cactuses into favour with horticulturists, professional as
+  well as amateur.</p>
+
+  <div class="right">
+    W. WATSON.
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2><a name="contents" id="contents">CONTENTS.</a></h2>
+
+  <div class="toc">
+    <p><a href="#intro">INTRODUCTION</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#botany">BOTANICAL CHARACTERS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#cult">CULTIVATION</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#propag">PROPAGATION</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#epiph">THE GENUS EPIPHYLLUM</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#phyllo">THE GENUS PHYLLOCACTUS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#cereus">THE GENUS CEREUS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#echino">THE GENUS ECHINOCACTUS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#echinop">THE GENUS ECHINOPSIS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#melo">THE GENUS MELOCACTUS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#pilo">THE GENUS PILOCEREUS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#mamil">THE GENUS MAMILLARIA</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#leuch">THE GENUS LEUCHTENBERGIA</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#pelec">THE GENUS PELECYPHORA</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#opuntia">THE GENUS OPUNTIA</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#peres">THE GENUS PERESKIA</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#rhips">THE GENUS RHIPSALIS</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#temp">TEMPERATURES</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#dealers">DEALERS IN CACTUSES</a></p>
+
+    <p><a href="#specind">INDEX OF SPECIES</a></p>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2>CACTUS CULTURE</h2>
+
+  <h3>FOR AMATEURS</h3>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="intro" id="intro"></a>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>INTRODUCTION.</h3>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>HE Cactus family is not popular among English horticulturists in
+  these days, scarcely half a dozen species out of about a thousand
+  known being considered good enough to be included among favourite
+  garden plants. Probably five hundred kinds have been, or are, in
+  cultivation in the gardens of the few specialists who take an
+  interest in Cactuses; but these are practically unknown in English
+  horticulture. It is not, however, very many years ago that there was
+  something like a Cactus mania, when rich amateurs vied with each
+  other in procuring and growing large collections of the rarest and
+  newest kinds.</p>
+
+  <p>"About the year 1830, Cacti began to be specially patronised by
+  several rich plant amateurs, of whom may be mentioned the Duke of
+  Bedford, who formed a fine collection at Woburn Abbey, the Duke of
+  Devonshire, and Mr. Harris, of Kingsbury. Mr. Palmer, of Shakelwell,
+  had become possessed of Mr. Haworth's collection, to which he greatly
+  added by purchases; he, however, found his rival in the Rev. H.
+  Williams, of Hendon, who formed a fine and select collection, and, on
+  account of the eagerness of growers to obtain the new and rare
+  plants, high prices were given for them, ten, twelve, and even twenty
+  and thirty guineas often being given for single plants of the
+  Echinocactus. Thus private collectors were induced to forward from
+  their native countries&mdash;chiefly from Mexico and
+  Chili&mdash;extensive collections of Cacti." (quoting J. Smith.
+  A.L.S., ex-Curator of the Royal Gardens. Kew).</p>
+
+  <p>This reads like what might be written of the position held now in
+  England by the Orchid family, and what has been written of Tulips and
+  other plants whose popularity has been great at some time or other.
+  Why have Cactuses gone out of favour? It is impossible to give any
+  satisfactory answer to this question. No doubt they belong to that
+  class of objects which is only popular whilst it pleases the eye or
+  tickles the fancy; and the eye and the fancy having tired of it, look
+  to something different.</p>
+
+  <p>The general belief with respect to Cactuses is that they are all
+  wanting in beauty, that they are remarkable only in that they are
+  exceedingly curious in form, and as a rule very ugly. It is true that
+  none of them possess any claims to gracefulness of habit or elegance
+  of foliage, such as are usual in popular plants, and, when not in
+  flower, very few of the Cactuses would answer to our present ideas of
+  beauty with respect to the plants we cultivate. Nevertheless, the
+  stems of many of them (see <a href="images/front.jpg">Frontispiece,
+  Fig. 1</a>) are peculiarly attractive on account of their strange,
+  even fantastic, forms, their spiny clothing, the absence of leaves,
+  except in very few cases, and their singular manner of growth. To the
+  few who care for Cactuses there is a great deal of beauty, even in
+  these characters, although perhaps the eye has to be educated up to
+  it.</p>
+
+  <p>If the stems are more curious than beautiful, the flowers of the
+  majority of the species of Cactuses are unsurpassed, as regards size
+  and form, and brilliancy and variety in colour, by any other family
+  of plants, not even excluding Orchids. In size some of the flowers
+  equal those of the Queen of Water Lilies <i>(Victoria regia),</i>
+  whilst the colours vary from the purest white to brilliant crimson
+  and deep yellow. Some of them are also deliciously fragrant. Those
+  kinds which expand their huge blossoms only at night are particularly
+  interesting; and in the early days of Cactus culture the flowering of
+  one of these was a great event in English gardens.</p>
+
+  <p>Of the many collections of Cactuses formed many years ago in
+  England, that at Kew is the only one that still exists. This
+  collection has always been rich in the number of species it
+  contained; at the present time the number of kinds cultivated there
+  is about 500. Mr. Peacock, of Hammersmith, also has a large
+  collection of Cactuses, many of which he has at various times
+  exhibited in public places, such as the Crystal Palace, and the large
+  conservatory attached to the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at
+  South Kensington. Other smaller collections are cultivated in the
+  Botanic Gardens at Oxford, Cambridge, Glasnevin, and Edinburgh.</p>
+
+  <p>A great point in favour of the plants of the Cactus family for
+  gardens of small size, and even for window gardening&mdash;a modest
+  phase of plant culture which has made much progress in recent
+  years&mdash;is the simpleness of their requirements under
+  cultivation. No plants give so much pleasure in return for so small
+  an amount of attention as do these. Their peculiarly tough-skinned
+  succulent stems enable them to go for an extraordinary length of time
+  without water; indeed, it may be said that the treatment most
+  suitable for many of them during the greater portion of the year is
+  such as would be fatal to most other plants. Cactuses are children of
+  the dry barren plains and mountain sides, living where scarcely any
+  other form of vegetation could find nourishment, and thriving with
+  the scorching heat of the sun over their heads, and their roots
+  buried in the dry, hungry soil, or rocks which afford them anchorage
+  and food.</p>
+
+  <p>In beauty and variety of flowers, in the remarkable forms of their
+  stems, in the simple nature of their requirements, and in the other
+  points of special interest which characterise this family, and which
+  supply the cultivator and student with an unfailing source of
+  pleasure and instruction, the Cactus family is peculiarly rich.</p>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2><a name="botany" id="botany">CHAPTER II.</a></h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>BOTANICAL CHARACTERS.</h3>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_A.gif" width="54" height="113" alt="A" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>LTHOUGH strictly botanical information may be considered as
+  falling outside the limits of a treatise intended only for the
+  cultivator, yet a short account of the principal characters by which
+  Cactuses are grouped and classified may not be without interest.</p>
+
+  <p>From the singular form and succulent nature of the whole of the
+  Cactus family, it might be inferred that, in these characters alone,
+  we have reliable marks of relationship, and that it would be safe to
+  call all those plants Cactuses in which such characters are manifest.
+  A glance at some members of other families will, however, soon show
+  how easily one might thus be mistaken. In the Euphorbias we find a
+  number of kinds, especially amongst those which inhabit the dry,
+  sandy plains of South Africa, which bear a striking resemblance to
+  many of the Cactuses, particularly the columnar ones and the
+  Rhipsalis. (The Euphorbias all have milk-like sap, which, on pricking
+  their stems or leaves, at once exudes and thus reveals their true
+  character. The sap of the Cactuses is watery). Amongst Stapelias,
+  too, we meet with plants which mimic the stem characters of some of
+  the smaller kinds of Cactus. Again, in the Cactuses themselves we
+  have curious cases of plant mimicry; as, for instance, the Rhipsalis,
+  which looks like a bunch of Mistletoe, and the Pereskia, the leaves
+  and habit of which are more like what belong to, say, the Gooseberry
+  family than to a form of Cactus. From this it will be seen that
+  although these plants are almost all succulent, and curiously formed,
+  they are by no means singular in this respect.</p>
+
+  <p>The characters of the order are thus defined by botanists:
+  Cactuses are either herbs, shrubs, or trees, with soft flesh and
+  copious watery juice. Root woody, branching, with soft bark. Stem
+  branching or simple, round, angular, channelled, winged, flattened,
+  or cylindrical; sometimes clothed with numerous tufts of spines which
+  vary in texture, size, and form very considerably; or, when
+  spineless, the stems bear numerous dot-like scars, termed areoles.
+  Leaves very minute, or entirely absent, falling off very early,
+  except in the Pereskia and several of the Opuntias, in which they are
+  large, fleshy, and persistent. Flowers solitary, except in the
+  Pereskia, and borne on the top or side of the stem; they are composed
+  of numerous parts or segments; the sepals and petals are not easily
+  distinguished from each other; the calyx tube is joined to, or
+  combined, with the ovary, and is often covered with scale-like sepals
+  and hairs or spines; the calyx is sometimes partly united so as to
+  form a tube, and the petals are spread in regular whorls, except in
+  the Epiphyllum. Stamens many, springing from the side of the tube or
+  throat of the calyx, sometimes joined to the petals, generally equal
+  in length; anthers small and oblong. Ovary smooth, or covered with
+  scales and spines, or woolly, one-celled; style simple, filiform or
+  cylindrical, with a stigma of two or more spreading rays, upon which
+  are small papillae. Fruit pulpy, smooth, scaly, or spiny, the pulp
+  soft and juicy, sweet or acid, and full of numerous small, usually
+  black, seeds.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Tribe I</b>.&mdash;<i>Calyx tube produced beyond the Ovary.
+  Stem covered with Tubercles, or Ribs, bearing Spines.</i></p>
+
+  <p>1. MELOCACTUS. Stem globose; flowers in a dense cap-like head,
+  composed of layers of bristly wool and slender spines, amongst which
+  the small flowers are developed. The cap is persistent, and increases
+  annually with the stem.</p>
+
+  <p>2. MAMILLARIA. Stems short, usually globose, and covered with
+  tubercles or mammae, rarely ridged, the apex bearing spiny cushions;
+  flowers mostly in rings round the stem.</p>
+
+  <p>3. PELECYPHORA. Stem small, club-shaped; tubercles in spiral rows,
+  and flattened on the top, where are two rows of short scale-like
+  spines.</p>
+
+  <p>4. LEUCHTENBERGIA. Stem naked at the base; tubercles on the upper
+  part large, fleshy, elongated, three-angled, bearing at the apex a
+  tuft of long, thin, gristle-like spines.</p>
+
+  <p>5. ECHINOCACTUS. Stem short, ridged, spiny; calyx tube of the
+  flower large, bell-shaped; ovary and fruit scaly.</p>
+
+  <p>6. DISCOCACTUS. Stem short; calyx tube thin, the throat filled by
+  the stamens; ovary and fruit smooth.</p>
+
+  <p>7. CEREUS. Stem often long and erect, sometimes scandent,
+  branching, ridged or angular; flowers from the sides of the stem;
+  calyx tube elongated and regular; stamens free.</p>
+
+  <p>8. PHYLLOCACTUS. Stem flattened, jointed, and notched; flowers
+  from the sides, large, having long, thin tubes and a regular
+  arrangement of the petals.</p>
+
+  <p>9. EPIPHYLLUM. Stem flattened, jointed; joints short; flowers from
+  the apices of the joints; calyx tube short; petals irregular, almost
+  bilabiate.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Tribe II.</b>&mdash;<i>Calyx-tube not produced beyond the
+  Ovary. Stem branching, jointed.</i></p>
+
+  <p>10. RHIPSALIS. Stem thin and rounded, angular, or flattened,
+  bearing tufts of hair when young; flowers small; petals spreading;
+  ovary smooth; fruit a small pea-like berry.</p>
+
+  <p>11. OPUNTIA. Stem jointed, joints broad and fleshy, or rounded;
+  spines barbed; flowers large; fruit spinous, large, pear-like.</p>
+
+  <p>12. PERESKIA. Stem woody, spiny, branching freely; leaves fleshy,
+  large, persistent; flowers medium in size, in panicles on the ends of
+  the branches.</p>
+
+  <p>The above is a key to the genera on the plan of the most recent
+  botanical arrangement, but for horticultural purposes it is necessary
+  that the two genera Echinopsis and Pilocereus should be kept up. They
+  come next to Cereus, and are distinguished as follows:</p>
+
+  <p>ECHINOPSIS. Stem as in Echinocactus, but the flowers are produced
+  low down from the side of the stem, and the flower tube is long and
+  curved.</p>
+
+  <p>PILOCEREUS. Stem tall, columnar, bearing long silky hairs as well
+  as spines; flowers in a head on the top of the stem, rarely
+  produced.</p>
+
+  <p>With the aid of this key anyone ought to be able to make out to
+  what genus a particular Cactus belongs, and by referring to the
+  descriptions of the species, he may succeed in making out what the
+  plant is.</p>
+
+  <p>For the classification of Cactuses, botanists rely mainly on their
+  floral organs and fruit. We may, therefore, take a plant of
+  Phyllocactus, with which most of us are familiar, and, by observing
+  the structure of its flowers, obtain some idea of the botanical
+  characters of the whole order.</p>
+
+  <p>Phyllocactus has thin woody stems and branches composed of
+  numerous long leaf-like joints, growing out of one another, and
+  resembling thick leaves joined by their ends. Along the sides of
+  these joints there are numerous notches, springing from which are the
+  large handsome flowers. On looking carefully, we perceive that the
+  long stalk-like expansion is not a stalk, because it is above the
+  seed vessel, which is, of course, a portion of the flower itself. It
+  is a hollow tube, and contains the long style or connection between
+  the seed vessel and the stigma, <i>a</i> (Fig. 2). This tube, then,
+  must be the calyx, and the small scattered scale-like bodies,
+  <i>b</i> (Fig. 2), which clothe the outside, are really calyx
+  lobes.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig2.jpg" width="300" height="318" alt=
+    "FLOWER OF PHYLLOCACTUS, CUT LENGTHWISE" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 2.&mdash;FLOWER OF PHYLLOCACTUS, CUT LENGTHWISE</p>
+
+    <p><i>a,</i> Calyx Tube. <i>b,</i> Calyx Lobes. <i>c,</i> Ditto,
+    assuming the form of Petals. <i>d,</i> Stamens. <i>e,</i> Style.
+    <i>f,</i> Ovary or Seed Vessel.</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>Nearer the top of the flower, these calyx lobes are better
+  developed, until, surrounding the corolla, we find them assuming the
+  form and appearance of petals, <i>c</i> (Fig. 2). The corolla is
+  composed of a large number of long strap-shaped pointed petals, very
+  thin and delicate, often beautifully coloured, and generally
+  spreading outwards. Springing from the bases of these petals, we find
+  the stamens, <i>d</i> (Fig. 2), a great number of them, forming a
+  bunch of threads unequal in length, and bearing on their tips the
+  hay-seed-like anthers, which are attached to the threads by one of
+  their points. The style is a long cylindrical body, <i>e</i> (Fig.
+  2), which stretches from the ovary to the top of the flower, where it
+  splits into a head of spreading linear rays, &frac12; in. length.
+  When the flower withers, the seed vessel, <i>f</i> (Fig. 2), remains
+  on the plant and expands into a large succulent fruit, inside which
+  is a mass of pulpy matter, inclosing the numerous, small, black, bony
+  seeds.</p>
+
+  <p>It must not be supposed that all the genera into which Cactuses
+  are divided are characterised by large flowers such as would render
+  their study as easy as the genus taken as an illustration. In some,
+  such for instance as the Rhipsalis, the flowers are small, and
+  therefore less easy to dissect than those of Phyllocactus.</p>
+
+  <p>The stems of Cactuses show a very wide range of variation in size,
+  in form, and in structure. In size, we have the colossal <i>Cereus
+  giganteus,</i> whose straight stems when old are as firm as iron, and
+  rise with many ascending arms or rear their tall leafless trunks like
+  ships' masts to a height of 60 ft. or 70 ft. From this we descend
+  through a multitude of various shapes and sizes to the tiny tufted
+  Mamillarias, no larger than a lady's thimble, or the creeping
+  Rhipsalis, which lies along the hard ground on which it grows, and
+  looks like hairy caterpillars. In form, the variety is very
+  remarkable. We have the Mistletoe Cactus, with the appearance of a
+  bunch of Mistletoe, berries and all; the Thimble Cactus; the Dumpling
+  Cactus; the Melon Cactus; the Turk's cap Cactus; the Rat's-tail
+  Cactus; the Hedgehog Cactus; all having a resemblance to the things
+  whose names they bear. Then there is the Indian Fig, with branches
+  like battledores, joined by their ends; the Epiphyllum and
+  Phyllocactus, with flattened leaf-like stems; the columnar spiny
+  Cereus, with deeply channelled stems and the appearance of immense
+  candelabra. Totally devoid of leaves, and often skeleton-like in
+  appearance, these plants have a strange look about them, which is
+  suggestive of some fossilised forms of vegetation belonging to the
+  past ages of the mastodon, the elk, and the dodo, rather than to the
+  living things of to-day.</p>
+
+  <p>By far the greater part of the species of Cactuses belong to the
+  group with tall or elongated stems. "It is worthy of remark that as
+  the stems advance in age the angles fill up, or the articulations
+  disappear, in consequence of the slow growth of the woody axis and
+  the gradual development of the cellular substance; so that, at the
+  end of a number of years, all the branches of Cactuses, however
+  angular or compressed they originally may have been, become trunks
+  that are either perfectly cylindrical, or which have scarcely any
+  visible angles."</p>
+
+  <p>A second large group is that of which the Melon and Hedgehog
+  Cactuses are good representatives, which have sphere-shaped stems,
+  covered with stout spines. We have hitherto spoken of the Cactuses as
+  being without leaves, but this is only true of them when in an old or
+  fully-developed state. On many of the stems we find upon their
+  surface, or angles, small tubercles, which, when young, bear tiny
+  scale-like leaves. These, however, soon wither and fall off, so that,
+  to all appearance, leaves are never present on these plants. There is
+  one exception, however, in the Barbadoes Gooseberry (Pereskia), which
+  bears true and persistent leaves; but these may be considered
+  anomalous in the order.</p>
+
+  <p>The term "succulent" is applied to Cactuses because of the large
+  proportion of cellular tissue, <i>i.e.,</i> flesh, of their stems, as
+  compared with the woody portion. In some of them, when young, the
+  woody system appears to be altogether absent, and they have the
+  appearance of a mass of fleshy matter, like a vegetable marrow. This
+  succulent mass is protected by a tough skin, often of leather-like
+  firmness, and almost without the little perforations called breathing
+  and evaporating pores, which in other plants are very numerous. This
+  enables the Cactuses to sustain without suffering the full ardour of
+  the burning sun and parched-up nature of the soil peculiar to the
+  countries where they are native. Nature has endowed Cactuses with a
+  skin similar to what she clothes many succulent fruits with, such as
+  the Apple, Plum, Peach, &amp;c., to which the sun's powerful rays are
+  necessary for their growth and ripening.</p>
+
+  <p>The spiny coat of the majority of Cactuses is no doubt intended to
+  serve as a protection from the wild animals inhabiting with them the
+  sterile plains of America, and to whom the cool watery flesh of the
+  Cactus would otherwise fall a prey. Indeed, these spines are not
+  sufficient to prevent some animals from obtaining the watery insides
+  of these plants, for we read that mules and wild horses kick them
+  open and greedily devour their succulent flesh. It has also been
+  suggested that the spines are intended to serve the plants as a sort
+  of shade from the powerful sunshine, as they often spread over and
+  interlace about the stems.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="cult" id="cult"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>CULTIVATION.</h3>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_B.gif" width="55" height="118" alt="B" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>Y noting the conditions in which plants are found growing in a
+  natural state, we obtain some clue to their successful management,
+  when placed under conditions more or less artificial; and, in the
+  case of Cactuses, knowledge of this kind is of more than ordinary
+  importance. In the knowledge that, with only one or two exceptions,
+  they will not exist in any but sunny lands, where, during the greater
+  part of the year, dry weather prevails, we perceive what conditions
+  are likely to suit them when under cultivation in our
+  plant-houses.</p>
+
+  <p>Cactuses are all American (using this term for the whole of the
+  New World) with only one or two exceptions (several species of
+  Rhipsalis have been found wild in Africa, Madagascar, and Ceylon),
+  and, broadly speaking, they are mostly tropical plants,
+  not-withstanding the fact of their extending to the snow-line on some
+  of the Andean Mountains of Chili, where several species of the
+  Hedgehog Cactus were found by Humboldt on the summit of rocks whose
+  bases were planted in snow. In California, in Mexico and Texas, in
+  the provinces of Central and South America, as far south as Chili,
+  and in many of the islands contiguous to the mainland, the Cactus
+  family has become established wherever warmth and drought, such as
+  its members delight in, allowed them to get established. In many of
+  the coast lands, they occur in very large numbers, forming forests of
+  strange aspect, and giving to the landscape a weird, picturesque
+  appearance. Humboldt, in his "Views of Nature," says: "There is
+  hardly any physiognomical character of exotic vegetation that
+  produces a more singular and ineffaceable impression on the mind of
+  the traveller than an arid plain, densely covered with columnar or
+  candelabra-like stems of Cactuses, similar to those near Cumana, New
+  Barcelona, Cora. and in the province of Jaen de Bracamoros." This
+  applies also to some of the small islands of the West Indies, the
+  hills or mountains of which are crowned with these curious-looking
+  plants, whose singular shapes are alone sufficient to remind the
+  traveller that he has reached an American coast; for these Cactuses
+  are as peculiar a feature of the New World as the Heaths are in the
+  Old, or as Eucalypti are in Australia.</p>
+
+  <p>Although the Cactus order is, in its distribution by Nature,
+  limited to the regions of America, yet it is now represented in
+  various parts of the Old World by plants which are apparently as wild
+  and as much at home as when in their native countries.</p>
+
+  <p>The Indian Figs are, perhaps, the most widely distributed of
+  Cactuses in the Old World&mdash;a circumstance due to their having
+  been introduced for the sake of their edible fruits, and more
+  especially for the cultivation of the cochineal insect. In various
+  places along the shores of the Mediterranean, and in South Africa,
+  and even in Australia, the Opuntias have become naturalised, and
+  appear like aboriginal inhabitants. It is, however, only in warm
+  sunny regions that the naturalisation of these plants is
+  possible.</p>
+
+  <p>From these facts, we are able to form some general idea of the
+  conditions suitable for Cactuses when cultivated in our greenhouses;
+  for, although we seldom have, or care to have, any but diminutive
+  specimens of many of these plants as compared with their appearance
+  when wild, yet we know that the same conditions as regards heat,
+  light, and moisture are necessary for small Cactuses as for
+  full-grown ones.</p>
+
+  <p>Although the places in which Cactuses naturally abound are, for
+  the greater portion of the year, very dry and warm, heavy rains are
+  more or less frequent during certain periods, and these, often
+  accompanied by extreme warmth and bright sunshine, have an
+  invigorating and almost forcing effect on the growth of Cactuses. It
+  is during this rainy period that the whole of the growth is made, and
+  new life is, as it were, given to the plant, its reservoir-like
+  structure enabling it to store up a large amount of food and
+  moisture, so that on the return of dry weather the safety of the
+  plant is insured.</p>
+
+  <p>It is to the management of Cactuses in a small state, such as is
+  most convenient for our plant-houses, and not to the cultivation of
+  those colossal species referred to above, that the instructions given
+  here will be for the most part devoted; but, as in the case of almost
+  every one of our cultivated plants, it is important to the cultivator
+  to know something of the conditions which Nature has provided for
+  Cactuses in those lands where they are native.</p>
+
+  <p>There is nothing in the nature or the requirements of Cactuses
+  that should render their successful management beyond the means of
+  anyone who possesses a small, heated greenhouse, or even a window
+  recess to which sunlight can be admitted during some portion of the
+  day. In large establishments, such as Kew, it is possible to provide
+  a spacious house specially for the cultivation of an extensive
+  collection, where many of them may attain a good size before becoming
+  too big. And it will be evident that where a house such as that at
+  Kew can be afforded, much more satisfactory results may generally be
+  obtained, than if plants have to be provided for in a house
+  containing various other plants, or in the window of a dwelling-room.
+  Apart altogether from size, it is, however, possible to grow a
+  collection of Cactuses, and to grow them well, in a house of small
+  dimensions&mdash;given the amount of sunlight and heat which are
+  required by these plants. We sometimes see Cactuses&mdash;specimens,
+  too, of choice and rare kinds&mdash;which have been reared in a
+  cottager's window or in a small greenhouse, and which in health and
+  beauty have at least equalled what has been accomplished in the most
+  elaborately prepared houses. It may be said that these successes,
+  under conditions of the most limited kind, are accidental rather than
+  the result of properly understood treatment; but however they have
+  been brought about, these instances of good cultivation are
+  sufficient to show that success is possible, even where the means are
+  of the simplest or most restricted kind. Whether it be in a large
+  house, fitted with the best arrangements, or in the window of the
+  cottager, the conditions essential to the successful cultivation of
+  Cactuses are practically the same.</p>
+
+  <p><b>In Wardian Cases.</b>&mdash;Many of our readers will be
+  acquainted with the neat little glass cases, like greenhouses in
+  shape, and fitted up in much the same way, which are sometimes to be
+  seen in our markets, filled with a collection of miniature Cactuses.
+  To the professional gardener, these cases are playthings, and are
+  looked upon by him as bearing about the same relation to gardening as
+  a child's doll's house does to housekeeping. Not-withstanding this,
+  they are the source of much interest, and even of instruction, to
+  many of the millions to whom a greenhouse or serious gardening is an
+  impossibility. In these little cases&mdash;for which we are indebted
+  to Mr. Boller, a dealer in Cactaceous plants&mdash;it is possible to
+  grow a collection of tiny Cactuses for years, if only the operations
+  of watering, potting, ventilating, and other matters connected with
+  ordinary plant growing, are properly attended to.</p>
+
+  <p><b>In Window Recesses.</b>&mdash;In the window recess larger
+  specimens may be grown, and here it is possible to grow and flower
+  successfully many of the plants of the Cactus family. In a window
+  with a south aspect, and which lights a room where fires are kept, at
+  least during cold weather, specimens of Phyllocactus, <i>Cereus
+  flagelliformis,</i> Epiphyllum, and, in fact, of almost every kind of
+  Cactus, are sometimes to be met with even in England; whilst in
+  Germany they are as popular among the poorer classes as the Fuchsia,
+  the Pelargonium, and the Musk are with us. One of the commonest of
+  Cactuses in the latter country is the Rat's-tail Cactus <i>(Cereus
+  flagelliformis),</i> and it is no unusual thing to see a large window
+  of a cottager's dwelling thickly draped on the inside with the long,
+  tail-like growths and handsome rose-coloured flowers of this plant.
+  This is only one among dozens of species, all equally useful for
+  window gardening, and all as interesting and beautiful as those above
+  described.</p>
+
+  <p><b>In Greenhouses.</b>&mdash;For the greenhouse proper, Cactuses
+  are well adapted, either as the sole occupants or as suitable for
+  such positions as are afforded by shelves or baskets placed near the
+  roof glass. If the greenhouse is not fitted with heating
+  arrangements, then, by selecting only those species of Cactus that
+  are known to thrive in a position where, during winter, they are kept
+  safe out of the reach of frost (of which a large number are known) a
+  good collection of these plants may be grown. In heated structures
+  the selection of kinds may be made according to the space available,
+  and to the conditions under which they will be expected to grow. Fig.
+  3 represents a section of a house for Cactuses, which will afford a
+  good idea of the kind of structure best suited for them. The aspect
+  is due south.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig3.jpg" width="320" height="275" alt=
+    "SECTION OF HOUSE FOR CACTUSES" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 3.&mdash;SECTION OF HOUSE FOR CACTUSES&mdash;A,A, Hot-water
+    Pipes; B,B, Ventilators</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>When grown on their own roots, the Epiphyllums, as well as the
+  pendent-growing kinds of Rhipsalis, and several species of Cereus,
+  may be placed in baskets and suspended from the roof. The baskets
+  should be lined with thin slices of fibrous peat, and the whole of
+  the middle filled with the compost recommended for these plants under
+  "Soil". When well managed, some very pretty objects are formed by the
+  Epiphyllums grown as basket plants. The climbing Cactuses are usually
+  planted in a little mound composed of loam and brick rubble, and
+  their stems either trained along rafters or allowed to run up the
+  back wall of a greenhouse, against which they root freely, and are
+  generally capable of taking care of themselves with very little
+  attention from the gardener.</p>
+
+  <p><b>In Frames.</b>&mdash;For cultivation in frames, the conditions
+  are the same as for greenhouses. Even when grown in the latter, it
+  will be found conducive to the health and flowering of the plants if,
+  during the summer months, they can be placed in a frame with a south
+  aspect, removing them back to the house again on the decline of
+  summer weather. Wherever the place selected for Cactuses may be,
+  whether in a large plant-house, or a frame, or a window, it is of
+  vital importance to the plants that the position should be exposed to
+  bright sunshine during most of the day. Without sunlight, they can no
+  more thrive than a Pelargonium could without water. In Germany, many
+  growers of almost all the kinds of Cactuses place their young plants
+  in frames, which are prepared as follows: In April or May a hot-bed
+  of manure and leaves is prepared, and a frame placed upon it, looking
+  south. Six inches of soil is put on the top of the bed, and in this,
+  as soon as the temperature of the bed has fallen to about 70 deg.,
+  the young plants are placed in rows. The frames are kept close even
+  in bright weather, except when there is too much moisture inside, and
+  the plants are syringed twice daily in dry, hot weather. The growth
+  they make under this treatment is astonishing. By the autumn the
+  plants are ready to be ripened by exposure to sun and air, and in
+  September they are lifted, planted in pots, and sent to market for
+  sale. This method may be adopted in England, and if carefully
+  managed, the growth the plants would make would far exceed anything
+  ever accomplished when they are kept permanently in pots.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Out-of-doors.</b>&mdash;There are some kinds which may be grown
+  out of doors altogether, if planted on a sunny, sheltered position,
+  on a rockery. The most successful plan is that followed at Kew, where
+  a collection of the hardier species is planted in a rockery composed
+  of brick rubble and stones. During summer the plants are exposed; but
+  when cold weather and rains come, lights are placed permanently over
+  the rockery, and in this way it is kept comparatively dry. No
+  fire-heat or protection of any other kind is used, and the vigorous
+  growth, robust health, and floriferousness of the several species are
+  proofs of the fitness of the treatment for this class of plants.</p>
+
+  <p>In any garden where a few square yards in a sunny, well-drained
+  position can be afforded for a raised rockery, the hardy Cactuses may
+  be easily managed. To make a suitable rockery, proceed as follows:
+  Find a position against the south wall of a house, greenhouse, or
+  shed, and against this wall construct a raised rockery of brick
+  rubble, lime rubbish, stones (soft sandstone, if possible), and
+  fibrous loam. The rockery when finished should be, say, 4 ft. wide,
+  and reach along the wall as far as required; the back of the rockery
+  would extend about 2 ft. above the ground level, and fall towards the
+  front. Fix in the wall, 1 ft. or so above the rockery, a number of
+  hooks at intervals all along, to hold in position lights sufficiently
+  long to cover the rockery from the wall to the front, where they
+  could be supported by short posts driven in the ground. The lights
+  should be removed during summer to some shed, and brought out for use
+  on the approach of winter. Treated in this manner, the following
+  hardy species could not fail to be a success:</p><i>Opuntia
+  Rafinesquii</i> and var. <i>arkansana, O. vulgaris, O. brachyarthra,
+  O. Picolominiana, O. missouriensis, O. humilis, Cereus Fendleri, C.
+  Engelmanni, C. gonacanthus, C. phoeniceus, Echinocactus Simpsoni, E.
+  Pentlandii, Mamillaria vivipara.</i>
+
+  <p>Having briefly pointed out the various positions in which Cactuses
+  may be cultivated successfully, we will now proceed to treat in
+  detail the various operations which are considered as being of more
+  or less importance in their management. These are potting, watering,
+  and temperatures, after which propagation by means of seeds,
+  cuttings, and grafting, hybridisation, seed saving, &amp;c., and
+  diseases and noxious insects will be treated upon.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Soil.</b>&mdash;The conditions in which plants grow naturally,
+  are what we usually try to imitate for their cultivation
+  artificially. At all events, such is supposed to be theoretically
+  right, however difficult we may often find it to be in practice. Soil
+  in some form or other is necessary to the healthy existence of all
+  plants; and we know that the nature of the soil varies with that of
+  the plants growing in it, or, in other words, certain soils are
+  necessary to certain plants, whether in a state of nature or
+  cultivated in gardens. But, whilst admitting that Nature, when
+  intelligently followed, would not lead us far astray, we must be
+  careful not to follow her too strictly when dealing with the
+  management of plants in gardens. There are other circumstances
+  besides the nature of the soil by which plants are influenced. Soil
+  is only one of the conditions on which plants depend, and where the
+  other conditions are not exactly the same in our gardens as in
+  nature, it is often found necessary to employ a different soil from
+  that in which the plants grow when wild.</p>
+
+  <p>It has been stated that plants do not grow naturally in the soil
+  best suited for them, and that the reason why many plants are found
+  in peculiar places is not at all because they prefer them, but
+  because they alone are capable of existing there, or because they
+  take refuge there from the inroads of stouter neighbours who would
+  destroy them or crowd them out. There are, as every gardener knows,
+  numerous plants that succeed equally well in widely different soils,
+  and a soil which may be suitable for a plant in one place, may prove
+  totally unsuited in another. Hence it is why we find one gardener
+  recommending one kind of soil, and another a different one, for the
+  same plant, both answering equally well because of other conditions
+  fitting better with each soil. This helps us to understand how it is
+  that many garden subjects grow much better when planted in composts
+  often quite different from those the plants are found in when wild.
+  Few plants have a particular predilection for soil, and some have
+  what we may call the power to adapt themselves to conditions often
+  widely different.</p>
+
+  <p>In Cactuses we have a family of plants for which special
+  conditions are necessary; and, as regards soil, whether we are guided
+  by nature or by gardening experience, we are led to conclude that
+  almost all of them thrive only when planted in one kind, that soil
+  being principally loam. Plants which are limited in nature to sandy,
+  sun-scorched plains or the glaring sides of rocky hills and
+  mountains, where scarcely any other form of vegetation can exist, are
+  not likely to require much decayed vegetable humus, but must obtain
+  their food from inorganic substances, such as loam, sand, or lime. So
+  it is with them when grown in our houses. They are healthiest and
+  longest-lived when planted in a loamy soil; and although they may be
+  grown fairly well for a time when placed in a compost of loam and
+  leaf mould, or loam and peat, yet the growth they make is generally
+  too sappy and weak; it is simply fat without bone, which, when the
+  necessary resting period comes round, either rots or gradually dries
+  up. In preparing soil, therefore, for all Cactuses (except Epiphyllum
+  and Rhipsalis, which will be treated separately) a good, rather stiff
+  loam, with plenty of grass fibre in it, should form the principal
+  ingredient, sand and, if obtainable, small brick rubble being
+  added&mdash;one part of each of the latter to six parts of the
+  former. The brick rubble should be pounded up so that the largest
+  pieces are about the size of hazel nuts. Lime rubbish, <i>i.e.,</i>
+  old plaster from buildings, &amp;c., is sometimes recommended for
+  Cactuses, but it does not appear to be of any use except as drainage.
+  At Kew its use has been discontinued, and it is now generally
+  condemned by all good cultivators. Of course, the idea that lime was
+  beneficial to Cactuses sprang from the knowledge that it existed in
+  large quantities in the soil in which the plants grew naturally, and
+  it is often found in abundance, in the form of oxalate of lime, in
+  the old stems of the plants. But in good loam, lime, in the state of
+  chalk, is always present, and this, together with the lime contained
+  in the brick rubble, is sufficient to supply the plants with as much
+  as they require.</p>
+
+  <p>For Epiphyllums and Rhipsalis, both of which are epiphytal
+  naturally, but which are found to thrive best in pots in our houses,
+  a mixture of equal parts of peat and loam with sand and brick rubble
+  in the same proportion as before recommended, will be found most
+  suitable. Leaf mould is sometimes used for these plants; but unless
+  really good it is best left out of the soil. The finest Epiphyllums
+  have been grown in a soil which consists almost wholly of a light
+  fibry loam, with the addition of a little crushed bones.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Potting.</b>&mdash;Cactuses, when healthy, are injuriously
+  affected by frequent disturbance at the roots. On the arrival of the
+  potting season, which for these plants is in April and May,
+  established plants should be examined at the root, and if the roots
+  are found to be in a healthy condition, and the soil sweet, they
+  should be replaced in the same pots to continue in them another year.
+  If the roots are decayed, or the soil has become sour, it should be
+  shaken away from the roots, which must be examined, cutting away all
+  decayed portions, and shortening the longest roots to within a few
+  inches of the base of the plant. Cactuses are so tenacious of life,
+  and appear to rely so little on their roots, that it will be found
+  the wisest plan, when repotting them, to cut the roots
+  thoroughly.</p>
+
+  <p>The size of pots most suitable is what would be considered small
+  in comparison with other plants, Cactuses preferring to be somewhat
+  cramped in this respect. This, indeed, is how they are found when
+  wild, the roots generally fixing themselves in the crevices of the
+  rocks or stones about which the plants grow, so that a large specimen
+  is often found to have only a few inches of space in the cleft of a
+  rock for the whole of its roots. When thus limited, growth is firmer
+  and the flowers are produced in much greater profusion than when a
+  liberal amount of root space is afforded. The pots should be well
+  drained-about one-fifth of their depth filled with drainage when
+  intended for large, strong-growing kinds, and one-third for the
+  smaller ones, such as Mamillarias. A layer of rough fibry material
+  should be placed over the crocks to prevent the finer soil from
+  stopping the drainage. When filling in the soil, press it down
+  firmly, spreading the roots well amongst it, and keeping the base of
+  the plant only an inch or so below the surface.</p>
+
+  <p>For plants with weak stems, stakes will be necessary, and even
+  stout-stemmed kinds, when their roots are not sufficient to hold them
+  firmly, will do best if fastened to one or two strong stakes till
+  they have made new roots and got firm hold of the soil. Epiphyllums,
+  when grown as standards, should be tied to strong wire supports,
+  those with three short, prong-like legs being most desirable, as,
+  owing to the weight of the head of the plant, a single stake is not
+  sufficient to hold the whole firmly. After potting, no water should
+  be given for a few weeks. In fact, if the atmosphere in which the
+  plants are placed be kept a little moist, it will not be necessary to
+  water them till signs of fresh growth are perceived. For Epiphyllums
+  and Rhipsalis, water will be required earlier than this; but even
+  they are best left for a few days without water, after they have been
+  repotted. As soon as fresh growth is perceived, the plants may be
+  well watered, and from this time water may be supplied as often as
+  the soil approaches dryness. Newly-imported plants, which on arrival
+  are usually much shrivelled and rootless, should be potted in rather
+  dry soil and small pots, and treated as recommended above. Cactuses,
+  we must remember, contain an abundance of nourishment stored up in
+  their stems, and upon this they will continue to exist for a
+  considerable time without suffering; and, when their growing season
+  comes round, root action commences whether the soil is wet or dry,
+  the latter being the most favourable.</p>
+
+  <p>Plants altogether exposed to the air will push roots in due time.
+  A remarkable instance of this has been recorded by Mr. J. R. Jackson,
+  curator of the museums at Kew. A plant of <i>Pilocereus senilis,</i>
+  which had grown too tall for the house, was cut off at the base, and
+  placed in the museum as a specimen. Here it gradually dried up to
+  within 2 ft. of the top, where a fracture across the stem had been
+  made. Above this the stem remained fresh and healthy, and, on
+  examining it some months afterwards, it was found that not only had
+  the top of the stem remained green, but it had formed roots of its
+  own, which had grown down the dead lower portion of the stem, and
+  were in a perfectly healthy state. When it is remembered that all
+  this happened in the dry atmosphere of a museum, it will be apparent
+  how exceptional Cactuses are in their manner of growth, and in the
+  wonderful tenacity of life they exhibit under conditions which would
+  destroy the majority of plants in a very short time. We sometimes
+  find, when examining the bases of Cactus stems, that decay has
+  commenced; this is carefully cut out with a sharp knife, and the
+  wound exposed to the action of the air till it is perfectly dry, or,
+  as we term it, "callused."</p>
+
+  <p><b>Watering.</b>&mdash;It will have peen gathered from what has
+  been previously said in relation to the conditions under which the
+  majority of the plants of the Cactus family grow when wild, that
+  during their season of growth they require a good supply of moisture,
+  both at the root and overhead; and afterwards a somewhat lengthened
+  period of rest, that is, almost total dryness, accompanied by all the
+  sunlight possible, and generally a somewhat high temperature. The
+  growing season for all those kinds which require to be kept dry when
+  at rest is from the end of April to the middle of August, and during
+  this time they should be kept moderately moist, but not constantly
+  saturated, which, however, is not likely to occur if the water is not
+  carelessly supplied, and the drainage and soil are perfect. This
+  treatment corresponds with what happens to Cactuses in a wild state,
+  the frequent and heavy rains which occur in the earlier part of the
+  summer in the American plains supplying the amount of moisture
+  necessary to enable these plants to make fresh growth, and produce
+  their beautiful flowers and spine-clothed fruits. After August,
+  little or no rain falls, and the Cactuses assume a rather shrivelled
+  appearance, which gives them an unhealthy look, but which is really a
+  sign of ripeness, promising a plentiful crop of flowers when the
+  rainy season again returns.</p>
+
+  <p>As the sun in England is not nearly so powerful as in the hot
+  plains of Central America and the Southern States of North America,
+  where Cactuses are found in greatest abundance, it will be evident
+  that, if flowers are to be produced, we must see that our plants have
+  a sufficiency of water in early summer, and little or none during the
+  autumn and winter, whilst the whole year round they should be exposed
+  to all the sunlight possible, the temperature, of course, varying
+  with the requirements of the species, whether it is a native of
+  tropical or of temperate regions. It is important that the cultivator
+  should understand that if water is liberally supplied all through the
+  summer, the plants cannot obtain the rest which is necessary to their
+  ripening and producing flowers, as dryness at the root alone is not
+  sufficient to provide this, but must be accompanied by exposure to
+  bright sunlight, which is not possible in England during winter, so
+  that the ripening process must begin before the summer is over.</p>
+
+  <p>It is possible to preserve most Cactuses alive by keeping them
+  constantly growing; but, with very few exceptions, such treatment
+  prevents the plants from flowering. The following is what is
+  practised in the gardens where Cactuses are successfully cultivated.
+  For the genera Cereus, Echinopsis, Echinocactus, Mamillaria, Opuntia,
+  and Melocactus, a moist tropical house is provided, and in April the
+  plants are freely watered at the root, and syringed overhead both
+  morning and afternoon on all bright days. This treatment is continued
+  till the end of July, when syringing is suspended, and the water
+  supplied to the roots gradually reduced. By the end of August, the
+  plants are placed in a large light frame with a south aspect, except
+  the tall-growing kinds, which are too bulky to remove. In this frame
+  the plants are kept till the summer is over, and are watered only
+  about once a week should the sun be very powerful. The lights are
+  removed on all bright sunny days, but are kept on during wet or dull
+  weather, and at night. Under this treatment, many of the species
+  assume a reddish appearance, and the thick fleshy-stemmed kinds
+  generally shrivel somewhat. There is no occasion for alarm in the
+  coloured and shrivelled appearance of the plants: on the contrary, it
+  may be hailed as a good sign for flowers.</p>
+
+  <p>A common complaint in relation to Cacti as flowering plants is
+  that they grow all right but rarely or never flower. The explanation
+  of this is shown by the fact that the plants must be properly ripened
+  and rested before they can produce flowers. On the approach of cold
+  weather the plants which were removed to a frame to be ripened should
+  be brought back into the house for the winter, and kept quite dry at
+  the roots till the return of spring, when their flowers will be
+  developed either before or soon after the watering season again
+  commences.</p>
+
+  <p>Hitherto we have been dealing with those genera which have thick
+  fleshy stems; but there still remain the genera Rhipsalis,
+  Epiphyllum, and Phyllocactus, which are not capable of bearing the
+  long period of drought advised for the former. The last-mentioned
+  genus should, however, be kept almost dry at the root during winter,
+  and, if placed in a light, airy house till the turn of the year, the
+  branches will ripen, and set their flower buds much more readily than
+  when they are wintered in a moist, partially-shaded house. During
+  summer all the Phyllocactuses delight in plenty of water, and, when
+  growing freely, a weak solution of manure affords them good food.
+  Epiphyllums must be kept always more or less moist at the root,
+  though, of course, when growing freely, they require more water than
+  when growth has ceased for the year, which happens late in autumn.
+  The same rule applies to Rhipsalis, none of the species of which are
+  happy when kept long dry. For the several species of Opuntia and
+  Echinopsis, which are sufficiently hardy to be cultivated on a sunny
+  rockery out of doors, it will be found a wise precaution to place
+  either a pane of glass or a handlight over the plants in wet autumns
+  and during winter, not so much to serve as protection from cold as to
+  shield them from an excess of moisture at a time when it would prove
+  injurious.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Temperature.</b>&mdash;As the amount of heat required by the
+  different species of Cactus varies very considerably, and as the
+  difference between the summer and winter temperatures for them is
+  often as great as it is important, it will be as well if we mention
+  the temperature required by each when describing the species. It is
+  true that the majority of Cactuses may be kept alive in one house
+  where all would be subjected to the same temperature, but many of the
+  plants would merely exist, and could not possibly flower. It would be
+  easy to point to several instances of this unsatisfactory state of
+  things. At Kew, for example, owing to the arrangements necessary for
+  the public, it is found convenient to have the majority of the large
+  collection of Cactuses in one house, where the plants present an
+  imposing appearance, but where, as might be expected, a good number
+  of the species very rarely produce flowers. The Cactuses which
+  inhabit the plains of the Southern United States are subjected to a
+  very high summer temperature, and a winter of intense cold; whilst on
+  the other hand the species found in Central and South America do not
+  undergo nearly so wide an extreme, the difference between the summer
+  and winter temperatures of these countries being generally much less
+  marked. A word will be said under each species as to whether it is
+  tropical, temperate, or hardy, a tropical temperature for Cacti being
+  in summer 70 degs., rising to 90 degs. with sun heat, night
+  temperature 60 degs. to 70 degs., in winter 60 degs. to 65 degs.
+  Temperate: in summer 60 degs., rising to 75 degs. with sun heat,
+  night 60 degs. to 65 degs., in winter 50 degs. to 55 degs. The hardy
+  species will, of course, bear the ordinary temperatures of this
+  country; but, to enable them to withstand a very cold winter, they
+  must be kept as dry as possible. In the colder parts of England it is
+  not advisable to leave any of these plants outside during winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Insect Pests.</b>&mdash;Notwithstanding the thickness of skin
+  characteristic of almost every one of the Cactuses, they are
+  frequently attacked by various kinds of garden pests when under
+  cultivation, and more especially by mealy bug. There is, of course,
+  no difficulty in removing such insects from the species with few or
+  no spines upon their stems; but when the plants are thickly covered
+  with clusters of spines and hairs, the insects are not easily got rid
+  of. For Cactuses, as well as for other plants subject to this most
+  troublesome insect, various kinds of insecticide have been
+  recommended; but the best, cheapest, and most effectual with which we
+  are acquainted is paraffin, its only drawback being the injury it
+  does to the plants when applied carelessly, or when not sufficiently
+  diluted. A wineglassful of the oil, added to a gallon of soft water,
+  and about 2oz. of soft soap, the whole to be kept thoroughly mixed by
+  frequently stirring it, forms a solution strong enough to destroy
+  mealy bug. In applying this mixture, a syringe should be used, or, if
+  the plants are to be dipped overhead, care must be taken to have the
+  oil thoroughly diffused through the water, or the plant, when lifted
+  out, will be covered with pure paraffin, which does not mix properly
+  with water, but swims upon the surface if allowed to stand for a few
+  moments. The plants should be laid on their sides to be syringed with
+  the mixture, and after they have been thoroughly wetted, they may be
+  allowed to stand for a few minutes before being syringed with pure
+  water. Plants that are badly infested with mealy bug should be
+  syringed with the paraffin mixture once a day, for about a week. It
+  is easy to do serious harm to these plants by using a stronger
+  solution than is here recommended, and also by not properly mixing
+  the oil with the soap and water; and the amateur cannot, therefore,
+  be too careful in his use of this excellent insecticide. It would be
+  easy to recommend other insecticides, so called, for Cactuses; but
+  whilst they are less dangerous to the plants, they are often as
+  harmless as pure water to the insects.</p>
+
+  <p>For scale, which sometimes infests these plants, and which is
+  sometimes found upon them when wild, the paraffin may be used with
+  good effect.</p>
+
+  <p>Thrips attack Phyllocactus, Rhipsalis, and Epiphyllum, especially
+  when the plants are grown in less shade, or in a higher temperature,
+  than is good for them. Fumigation with tobacco, dipping in a strong
+  solution of tobacco, or sponging with a mixture of soap and water,
+  are either of them effectual when applied to plants infested with
+  thrips. The same may be said of green-fly, which sometimes attacks
+  the Epiphyllums.</p>
+
+  <p>A blight, something similar to mealy bug, now and again appears on
+  the roots of some of the varieties of Echinocactus and Cereus. This
+  may be destroyed by dipping the whole of the roots in the mixture
+  recommended for the stems when infested by mealy bug, and afterwards
+  allowing them to stand for a few minutes immersed in pure water. They
+  may then be placed where they will dry quickly, and finally, in a day
+  or two, repotted into new compost, first removing every particle of
+  the old soil from the roots.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Diseases.</b>&mdash;When wild and favourably situated as
+  regards heat and moisture, the larger kinds of Cactus are said to
+  live to a great age, some of the tree kinds, according to Humboldt,
+  bearing about them signs of having existed several hundred years. The
+  same remarkable longevity, most likely, is found in the smaller kinds
+  when wild. Under artificial cultivation there are, however, many
+  conditions more or less unfavourable to the health of plants, and, in
+  the case of Cactuses, very large specimens, when imported from their
+  native haunts to be placed in our glass houses, soon perish. At Kew,
+  there have been, at various times, very fine specimens of some of the
+  largest-growing ones, but they have never lived longer than a year or
+  so, always gradually shrinking in size till, finally, owing to the
+  absence of proper nourishment, and to other untoward conditions, they
+  have broken down and rotted. This rotting of the tissue, or flesh, of
+  these plants is the great enemy to their cultivation in England. When
+  it appears, it should be carefully cut out with a sharp knife, and
+  exposed to the influence of a perfectly dry atmosphere for a few days
+  till the wound has dried, when the plant should be potted in a sandy
+  compost and treated as for cuttings. Sometimes the decay begins in
+  the side of the stem of the plant, in which case it should be cut
+  away, and the wound exposed to a dry air. The cause of this decay at
+  the base or in the side of the stems of Cactuses is no doubt
+  debility, which is the result of the absence of some necessary
+  condition when the plants are cultivated in houses or windows in this
+  country.</p>
+
+  <p>Grafted plants, especially Epiphyllums, when worked on to Pereskia
+  stocks, are apt to grow weak and flabby through the stem wearing out,
+  or through the presence of mealy bug or insects in the crevices of
+  the part where the stock and scion join, in which case it is best to
+  prepare fresh stocks of Pereskia, and graft on to them the best of
+  the pieces of Epiphyllum from the old, debilitated plant. It is no
+  use trying to get such plants to recover, as, when once this disease
+  or weakness begins, it cannot easily be stopped.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="propag" id="propag"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>PROPAGATION.</h3>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_C.jpg" width="56" height="123" alt="C" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>ACTUSES may be multiplied from cuttings of the stems, from seeds,
+  and also by means of grafting; this last method being adopted for
+  those species which, under cultivation, are not easily kept in health
+  when growing upon their own roots, or, as in the case of Epiphyllums,
+  when it offers a means of speedily forming large and shapely
+  specimens. From seeds the plants are generally freer in growth than
+  when cuttings are used, although the seedlings are longer in growing
+  into flowering specimens than large cuttings would be. To the
+  amateur, the process of germination and development from the seedling
+  to the mature stage, is full of interest and attraction, the changes
+  from one form to another as the plant develops being very marked in
+  most of the genera.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Seeds.</b>&mdash;Good fresh seeds of Cactaceous plants
+  germinate in from two to four weeks after sowing, if placed in a warm
+  house or on a hotbed with a temperature of 80 degs. If sown in a
+  lower temperature, the time they take to vegetate is longer; but,
+  unless in a very low degree of heat, the seeds, if good, and if
+  properly managed as regards soil and water, rarely fail to germinate.
+  For all the kinds, pots or pans containing drainage to within 2 in.
+  of the top, and then filled up with finely sifted loam and sand,
+  three parts of the former to one of the latter, and pressed down
+  moderately firm, will be found to answer. If the soil be moist at the
+  time of sowing the seeds, it will not be necessary to water it for a
+  day or two. The seeds should be scattered thinly over the surface of
+  the soil, and then covered with about 1/8 in. of soil. Over this, a
+  pane of glass may be placed, and should remain till the seedlings
+  appear above the soil. Should the position where the seeds are to be
+  raised be in a room window, this pane of glass will be found very
+  useful in preventing the dry air of the room from absorbing all the
+  moisture from the soil about the seeds. For the germination of
+  Cactus, and indeed of all seeds, a certain amount of moisture must be
+  constantly present in the soil; and after a seed has commenced to
+  grow, to allow it to get dry is to run the risk of killing it.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig4.jpg" width="267" height="237" alt=
+    "SEEDLINGS OF CEREUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 4.&mdash;SEEDLINGS OF CEREUS.</p>
+  </div><i>a,</i> One month after germination. <i>b,</i> Two months
+  after germination. <i>c,</i> Three months after germination.
+  (Magnified six times).
+
+  <p>The seeds of Cactuses may be sown at anytime in the year; but it
+  is best to sow in spring, as, after germinating, the young plants
+  have the summer before them in which to attain sufficient strength to
+  enable them to pass through the winter without suffering; whereas
+  plants raised from autumn-sown seeds have often a poor chance of
+  surviving through the winter, unless treated with great care. The
+  seeds of all Cactuses are small, and therefore the seedlings are at
+  first tiny globular masses of watery flesh, very different from what
+  we find in the seedlings of ordinary garden plants. The form of the
+  seedling of a species of Cereus is shown at Fig. 4, and its
+  transition from a small globule-like mass of flesh to the
+  spine-clothed stem, which characterises this genus, is also
+  represented. At <i>a</i> we see the young plant after it has emerged
+  from the seed, the outer shell of which was attached to one of the
+  sides of the aperture at the top till about a week before the drawing
+  was made. At <i>b,</i> the further swelling and opening out, as it
+  were, of what, in botanical language, is known as the cotyledon stage
+  of development, will be seen; a month afterwards, this will have
+  assumed the shape of a very small Cereus. It is interesting to note
+  how the soft fleshy mass which first grows out of the seed is nothing
+  more than a little bag of food with a tiny growing point fixed in its
+  top, and that, as the growing point increases, the food bag
+  decreases, till finally the whole of the latter becomes absorbed into
+  the young stem, which is now capable of obtaining nourishment by
+  means of its newly-formed roots.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig5.jpg" width="219" height="240" alt=
+    "seedlings of opuntia, showing mode of germination" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 5.&mdash;SEEDLINGS OF OPUNTIA, SHOWING MODE OF
+    GERMINATION.</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>In the genus Opuntia, the cotyledon stage (see Fig. 5) of the
+  plant is different from that of the Cereus, and is more like that of
+  a cucumber. Still, though the form is different, the purpose of the
+  two cotyledons and the juicy stem in the seedling Opuntia is the same
+  as in the Cereus; and, as the growing point develops, the cotyledons
+  shrivel up and fall off, the plant food they contained having passed
+  into that part of the young seedling which was to be permanent. The
+  seedlings of these two genera serve as an illustration of the process
+  of germination from seed of all the Cactuses; and it must be evident
+  that there is much that is singular and full of interest in raising
+  these plants from seeds. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to
+  be handled, they may be planted separately in small pots, using a
+  compost similar to, but slightly coarser than, that in which the
+  seeds were sown. The soil should be kept moist till the summer is
+  over; and after that, till the return of warm sunny weather, it will
+  be found safest to keep the seedlings on the dry side, a little water
+  only to be given at intervals of a week, and only when the sun is
+  shining upon the plants.</p>
+
+  <p>To obtain seeds from cultivated plants, it is necessary, in order
+  to insure fertilisation that the top of the stigma (see Fig. 2)
+  should be dusted over with the dust-like pollen from the anthers.
+  This may be done by means of a small camel-hair brush, which should
+  be moistened in the mouth and then pushed among the anthers till
+  covered with pollen, which may then be gently rubbed on to the
+  stigma. A warm, sunny morning is the most suitable time for this
+  operation, as fertilisation takes place much more readily under the
+  influence of bright sunshine than at any other time. Some of the
+  kinds have their floral organs so arranged as to be capable of
+  self-fertilisation; still, it is always as well to give them some
+  assistance. The night-flowering species must, of course, be
+  fertilised either at night or very early in the morning. By using the
+  pollen from one kind for dusting on to the stigma of another, hybrids
+  may be obtained, and it is owing to the readiness with which the
+  plants of this family cross with each other, that so many hybrids and
+  forms of the genera Epiphyllum and Phyllocactus have been raised. It
+  would be useless to attempt such a cross as Epiphyllum with <i>Cereus
+  giganteus,</i> because of their widely different natures; but such
+  crosses as Epiphyllum with Phyllocactus, and <i>Cereus
+  flagelliformis</i> with <i>C. speciosissimus,</i> have been brought
+  about. To an enthusiast, the whole order offers a very good field for
+  operations with a view to the production of new sorts, as the
+  different kinds cross freely with each other, and the beautiful
+  colours of the flowers would most likely combine so as to present
+  some new and distinct varieties.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cuttings.</b>&mdash;No plants are more readily increased from
+  stem-cuttings than Cactuses; for, be the cutting 20 ft. high, or only
+  as large as a thimble, it strikes root readily if placed in a warm
+  temperature and kept slightly moist. We have already seen how, even
+  in the dry atmosphere of a museum, a stem of Cereus, instead of
+  perishing, emitted roots and remained healthy for a considerable
+  time, and it would be easy to add to this numerous other instances of
+  the remarkable tenacity of life possessed by these plants. At Kew, it
+  is the common practice, when the large-growing specimens get too tall
+  for the house in which they are grown, to cut off the top of the stem
+  to a length of 6 ft. or 8 ft., and plant it in a pot of soil to form
+  a new plant. The old base is kept for stock, as it often happens that
+  just below the point where the stem was severed, lateral buds are
+  developed, and these, when grown into branches, are removed and used
+  as cuttings. Large Opuntias are treated in the same way, with the
+  almost invariable result that even the largest branches root freely,
+  and are in no way injured by what appears to be exceedingly rough
+  treatment. Large cuttings striking root so freely, it must follow
+  that small cuttings will likewise soon form roots, and, so far as our
+  experience&mdash;which consists of some years with a very large
+  collection of Cactuses&mdash;goes, there is not one species in
+  cultivation which may not be easily multiplied by means of cuttings.
+  The nature of a Cactus stem is so very different from the stems of
+  most other plants, that no comparison can be made between them in
+  respect of their root-developing power; the rooting of a Cactus
+  cutting being as certain as the rooting of a bulb. The very soft,
+  fleshy stems of some of the kinds such as the Echinocactus, should be
+  exposed to the air for a time, so that the cut at the base may dry
+  before it is buried in the soil. If the base of a plant decays, all
+  that is necessary is the removal of the decayed portion, exposure of
+  the wound to the air for two or three days, and then the planting of
+  the cutting in a dry, sandy soil, and placing it in a warm moist
+  house till rooted. All cuttings of Cactuses may be treated in this
+  way. If anything proves destructive to these cuttings, it is
+  excessive moisture in the soil, which must always be carefully
+  guarded against.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Grafting.</b>&mdash;The object of grafting is generally either
+  to effect certain changes in the nature of the scion, by uniting it
+  with a stock of a character different from its own, which usually
+  results in the better production of flowers, fruit, &amp;c., or to
+  multiply those plants which are not readily increased by the more
+  ordinary methods of cuttings or seeds. In the case of Cactuses,
+  however, we resort to grafting, not because of any difficulty in
+  obtaining the kinds thus treated from either cuttings or seeds, as we
+  have already seen that all the species of Cactuses grow freely from
+  seed, or are easily raised from cuttings of their stems, nor yet to
+  effect any change in the characters of the plants thus treated, but
+  because some of the more delicate kinds, and especially the smaller
+  ones, are apt to rot at the base during the damp, foggy weather of
+  our winters; and, to prevent this, it is found a good and safe plan
+  to graft them on to stocks formed of more robust kinds, or even on to
+  plants of other genera, such as Cereus or Echinocactus. By this
+  means, the delicate plants are raised above the soil whence the
+  injury in winter usually arises, and they are also kept well supplied
+  with food by the more robust and active nature of the roots of the
+  plant upon which they are grafted. Grafting is also adopted for some
+  of the Cactuses to add to the grotesqueness of their appearance; a
+  spherical Echinocactus or Mamillaria being united to the columnar
+  stem of another kind, so as to produce the appearance of a drum
+  stick; or a large round-growing species grafted on to three such
+  stems, which may then be likened to a globe supported upon three
+  columns. As the species and genera unite freely with each other, it
+  is possible to produce, by means of grafting, some very
+  extraordinary-looking plants, and to a lover of the incongruous and
+  "queer," these plants will afford much interest and amusement.
+  Besides the above, we graft Epiphyllums, and the long drooping
+  Cereuses, such as <i>C. flagelliformis</i>, because of their pendent
+  habit, and which, therefore, are seen to better advantage when
+  growing from the tall erect stem of some stouter kind, than if
+  allowed to grow on their own roots. By growing a Pereskia on into a
+  large plant, and then cutting it into any shape desired, we may, by
+  grafting upon its spurs or branches a number of pieces of Epiphyllum,
+  obtain large flowering specimens of various shapes in a comparatively
+  short time. For general purposes, it is usual to graft Epiphyllums on
+  to stems, about 1 ft. high, of <i>Pereskia aculeata;</i> pretty
+  little standard plants being in this way formed in about a year from
+  the time of grafting, As an instance of how easily some kinds may be
+  grafted, we may note what was done with a large head of the
+  Rat's-tail Cactus which had been grown for some years on the stem of
+  <i>Cereus rostratus,</i> but which last year rotted off just below
+  the point of union. On re-grafting this head on to the Cereus a
+  little lower down, it failed to unite, and, attributing the failure
+  to possible ill-health in the stock, we determined to transfer the
+  Rat's-tail Cactus to a large stem of <i>Pereskia aculeata,</i> the
+  result being a quick union and rapid, healthy growth since. Upon the
+  same stock some grafts of Epiphyllum had previously been worked, so
+  that it is probable these two aliens will form on their nurse-stem,
+  the Pereskia, an attractive combination. In Fig. 6 we have a fine
+  example of this kind of grafting. It represents a stem of <i>Pereskia
+  Bleo</i> upon which the Rat's-tail Cactus and an Epiphyllum have been
+  grafted.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig6.jpg" width="280" height="434" alt=
+    "pereskia bleo, with epiphyllum and cereus flagelliformis grafted upon it" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 6.&mdash;PERESKIA BLEO, WITH EPIPHYLLUM AND CEREUS
+    FLAGELLIFORMIS GRAFTED UPON IT</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>For most plants the operation of grafting must be carefully and
+  skilfully performed, but in the case of Cactuses very little skill is
+  necessary if one or two rules, which apply to all kinds of grafting,
+  are observed. The period of vigorous growth, and while the sap of
+  both the stock and the scion is in motion, is the most favourable
+  time for the operation. It is then only necessary, in order to bring
+  about a speedy union, that the parts grafted should be cut so as to
+  fit each other properly, and then bound or in some way fastened
+  together so that they will remain in close contact with each other
+  till a union is effected. A close atmosphere and, if possible, a
+  little shade should be afforded the worked plants till the grafts
+  have taken. The ligature used should not be bound round the graft too
+  tightly, or it will prevent the flow of the sap; if bound tightly
+  enough to hold the parts together and to prevent their slipping, that
+  will be found quite sufficient.</p>
+
+  <p>Epiphyllums are treated as follows: Cuttings of Pereskia are
+  rooted and grown on to the required size, and in the month of
+  September they are headed down, the tops being used as cuttings.
+  Grafts of Epiphyllum are then prepared by cutting them to the
+  required length, usually about 6 in., and removing a thin slice of
+  the fleshy stem on each side so as to form a flat wedge. The stem of
+  Pereskia is then split down about 1 in. with a sharp knife, and into
+  this the wedge of the graft is inserted, and fastened either by means
+  of a small pin passed through the stem and graft about half-way up
+  the slit, or by binding round them a little worsted or matting, the
+  former being preferred. The worked plants are then placed in a close
+  handlight or propagating frame, having a temperature of about 75
+  degs., where they are kept moist by sprinkling them daily with water;
+  they must be shaded from bright sunlight. As soon as a union has been
+  effected, which will be seen by the grafts beginning to grow, the
+  ligature and pin should be removed, and the plants gradually hardened
+  off by admitting air to the box, till finally they may be removed to
+  the house where it is intended to grow them. In a cottage window this
+  operation may be successfully performed if a box with a movable glass
+  top, or a large bell glass, be used to keep the grafts close till
+  they have taken.</p>
+
+  <p>For the spherical-stemmed kinds of Mamillaria, Cereus,
+  Echinocactus, &amp;c., a different method is found to answer. Instead
+  of cutting the base of the graft to a wedge shape, it is simply cut
+  across the base horizontally, or, in other words, a portion of the
+  bottom of the graft is sliced off, and a stock procured which, when
+  cut across the top, will about fit the wound at the base of the
+  scion; the two sliced parts are placed together, and secured either
+  by passing a piece of matting a few times over the top of the graft
+  and under the pot containing the stock, or by placing three stakes
+  around it in such a way that, when tied together at the top, they
+  will hold the graft firmly in position. Another method is that of
+  cutting the base of the scion in the form of a round wedge, and then
+  scooping a hole out in the centre of the stock large enough to fit
+  this wedge; the scion is pressed into this, and then secured in the
+  manner above mentioned. To graft one spherical-stemmed kind on to
+  three columnar-stemmed ones, the latter must first be established in
+  one pot and, when ready for grafting, cut at the top into rounded
+  wedges, three holes to correspond being cut into the scion. When
+  fixed, the top should be securely fastened by tying it to the pot, or
+  by means of stakes. For this last operation, a little patience and
+  care are necessary to make the stocks and scions fit properly; but if
+  the rules that apply to grafting are properly followed, there will be
+  little fear of the operation failing. In the accompanying
+  illustrations, we have a small Mamillaria stem grafted on to the apex
+  of the tall quadrangular-stemmed, night-flowering Cereus (Fig. 7),
+  and also a cylindrical-stemmed Opuntia worked on a branch of the
+  flat, battledore-like Indian Fig (Fig. 8.)</p>
+
+  <div align="center">
+    <table width="80%" summary="side by side display of two images">
+      <tr>
+        <td align="center"><img src="images/fig7.jpg" width="89"
+        height="194" alt=
+        "graft of mamillaria recurva on cereus nycticalus" /></td>
+
+        <td align="center"><img src="images/fig8.jpg" width="80"
+        height="194" alt=
+        "graft of opuntia decipiens on o. ficus-indica" /></td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="center">FIG. 7.&mdash;GRAFT OF MAMILLARIA RECURVA ON
+        CEREUS NYCTICALUS<br /></td>
+
+        <td align="center">FIG. 8.&mdash;GRAFT OF OPUNTIA DECIPIENS ON
+        O. FICUS-INDICA<br /></td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>In the hands of a skilful cultivator, the different Cactuses may
+  be made to unite with one another almost as easily as clay under the
+  moulder's hands; whilst even to the amateur, Cactuses afford the
+  easiest of subjects for observing the results of grafting.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="epiph" id="epiph"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS EPIPHYLLUM.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>epi</i> upon, and <i>phyllon,</i> a leaf).</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_I.jpg" width="55" height="122" alt="I" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>T is now about a century since some of the most beautiful of
+  Cactaceous plants came into cultivation in this country, and amongst
+  them was the plant now known as <i>E. truncatum,</i> but then called
+  <i>Cactus Epiphyllum;</i> the name Cactus being used in a generic
+  sense, and not, as now, merely as a general term for the Natural
+  Order. Introduced so early, and at once finding great favour as a
+  curious and beautiful flowering plant, <i>E. truncatum</i> has been,
+  and is still, extensively cultivated, and numerous varieties of it
+  have, as a consequence, originated in English gardens. We do not use
+  the seeds of these plants for their propagation, unless new varieties
+  are desired, when we must begin by fertilising the flowers, and thus
+  obtain seeds, which should be sown and grown on till the plants
+  flower.</p>
+
+  <p>Epiphyllums have already "broken" from their original or wild
+  characters, and are, therefore, likely to yield distinct varieties
+  from the first sowing. In the forests which clothe the slopes of the
+  Organ Mountains, in Brazil, the Epiphyllums are found in great
+  abundance, growing upon the trunks and branches of large trees, and
+  occasionally on the ground or upon rocks, up to an elevation of 6000
+  ft. It was here that Gardner, when travelling in South America, found
+  <i>E. truncatum</i> growing in great luxuriance, and along with it
+  the species known as <i>E. Russellianum,</i> which he sent to the
+  Duke of Bedford's garden, at Woburn, in 1839. These two species are
+  the only ones now recognised by botanists, all the other cultivated
+  kinds being either varieties of, or crosses raised from, them.</p>The
+  character by which Epiphyllums are distinguished from other Cactuses,
+  is their flattened, long, slender branches, which are formed of
+  succulent, green, leaf-like branchlets, growing out of the ends of
+  each other, to a length of from 3 ft. to 4 ft. As in the majority of
+  Cactuses, the stems of Epiphyllum become woody and almost cylindrical
+  with age, the axes of the branchlets swell out, and the edges either
+  disappear or remain attached, like a pair of wings.
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.&mdash;</b>Epiphyllums require the temperature of
+  an intermediate house in winter, whilst, in summer, any position
+  where they can be kept a little close and moist, and be shaded from
+  bright sunshine, will suit them. Remembering that their habit, when
+  wild, is to grow upon the trunks of trees, where they would be
+  afforded considerable shade by the overhanging branches, we cannot be
+  wrong in shading them from direct sunshine during summer. Some
+  growers recommend placing these plants in a hot, dry house; but we
+  have never seen good specimens cultivated under such conditions. All
+  through the summer months, the plants should be syringed both morning
+  and evening; but by the end of August they will have completed their
+  growth, and should, therefore, be gradually exposed to sunshine and
+  air.</p>
+
+  <p>It is advisable to discontinue the use of the syringe from
+  September till the return of spring, but the plants should always be
+  kept supplied with a little moisture at the root and in the air about
+  them during the winter months. In this respect, these plants and the
+  Rhipsalis are exceptions among Cactuses, as all the others are safest
+  when kept dry during the cold, dull weather between September and
+  April. The soil most suitable for them is a mixture of peat, loam,
+  and sand, unless a light and fibrous loam be obtainable, which is,
+  perhaps, the best of all soils for these plants, requiring only the
+  addition of a little rotted manure or leaf-mould, silver sand, and
+  some small brick rubble. The Pereskia stock is not a stout-rooted
+  plant, and does not, therefore, require much root-room, although, by
+  putting in plenty of broken crocks as drainage, the soil space in the
+  pots may be reduced to what is considered sufficient for the plant.
+  If small pots are used, the head of the plant is apt to overbalance
+  the whole. The stems should be secured to stout stakes, and, if
+  large, umbrella-like specimens are wanted, a frame should be made in
+  the form of an umbrella, and the stem and branches fastened to it.
+  Smaller plants may be kept in position by means of a single upright
+  stake, which should be long enough to stand an inch or two above the
+  head of the plant, so that the stoutest branches may be supported by
+  attaching a piece of matting to them, and fastening it to the top of
+  the stake. In the remarks upon grafting we mentioned the large
+  pyramidal specimens of Epiphyllum which are grown by some cultivators
+  for exhibition purposes; and, although these plants are much rarer at
+  exhibitions now than they were a few years ago, yet they do sometimes
+  appear, especially in the northern towns, such as Liverpool and
+  Manchester.</p>
+
+  <p>It would not be easy to find a more beautiful object during winter
+  than an Epiphyllum, 5 ft. or 6 ft. high, and nearly the same in width
+  at the base, forming a dense pyramid of drooping, strap-like branches
+  bearing several hundreds of their bright and delicate coloured
+  blossoms all at one time, and lasting in beauty for several weeks.
+  With a little skill and patience, plants of this size may be grown by
+  any amateur who possesses a warm greenhouse; and, although it is not
+  easy to manage such large plants in a room window, handsome little
+  specimens of the same form may be grown if the window is favourably
+  situated and the room kept warm in winter. Mr. J. Wallis, gardener to
+  G.Tomline, Esq., of Ipswich, has become famous for the size and
+  health of the specimens he has produced. Writing on the cultivation
+  of Epiphyllums, Mr. Wallis gives the following details, which are
+  especially valuable as coming from one of the most successful
+  cultivators of these beautiful plants:</p>
+
+  <p>"The Epiphyllums here are grown for flowering in the conservatory,
+  and are usually gay from the first week in November till February.
+  During the remainder of the year, they occupy a three-quarter
+  span-roof house, in which an intermediate temperature is maintained.
+  All our Epiphyllums are grafted on the <i>Pereskia aculeata.</i> We
+  graft a few at intervals of two or three years, so, if any of the
+  older plants become sickly or shabby, they are thrown away, and the
+  younger ones grown on. Some of the stocks are worked to form
+  pyramids, and some to form standards. The height of the pyramids is 6
+  ft., and, to form these, six or eight scions are inserted. The heads
+  of the standards are on stems ranging in height from 4&frac12; ft.
+  down to 1&frac12; ft. To form these heads, only one scion is put on
+  the stock. Some of our oldest pyramids are 4 ft. or 5 ft. through at
+  the base, and the heads of the standards quite as much. When in
+  flower, the heads of the latter droop almost to the pots. The
+  pyramids occupy No.2 and No.4 sized pots, the standards 8's and 12's.
+  Each plant is secured to a strong iron stake, with three prongs
+  fitting the inside of the pot, and the Epiphyllum is kept well
+  supported to the stake by ties of stout wire. After the plants are
+  well established, they are easily managed, and go many years without
+  repotting; but, of course, we top-dress them annually, previously
+  removing as much of the old soil as will come away easily. We grow
+  these plants with plenty of ventilation on all favourable occasions,
+  and they are seldom shaded. During active growth, water is given
+  freely, occasionally liquid manure; they are also syringed daily.
+  After the season's growth is completed, water is given more
+  sparingly, and syringing is dispensed with."</p>
+
+  <p>When grown on their own roots, Epiphyllums are useful for planting
+  in wire baskets intended to hang near the glass; large and very
+  handsome specimens form in a few years, if young rooted plants are
+  placed rather thickly round the sides of the baskets, and grown in a
+  warm house. Epiphyllums are employed with good effect for covering
+  walls, which are first covered with peaty soil by means of wire
+  netting, and then cuttings of the Epiphyllums are stuck in at
+  intervals of about 1 ft. The effect of a wall of the drooping
+  branches of these plants is attractive even when without their
+  beautiful flowers; but when seen in winter, clothed with hundreds of
+  sparkling blossoms, they present a most beautiful picture. Large
+  plants of Pereskia may be trained over pillars in conservatories and
+  afterwards grafted with Epiphyllums; in fact, there are many ways in
+  which these plants may be effectively employed in gardens.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="etrunc" id="etrunc">E. truncatum</a></b> (jagged);
+  Bot. Mag. 2562.&mdash;Branchlets from 1 in. to 3 in. long, and 1 in.
+  wide, with two or three distinct teeth along the edges, and a toothed
+  or jagged apex (hence the specific name). The flowers are 3 in. long,
+  curved above and below, not unlike the letter S; the petals and
+  sepals reflexed, and exposing the numerous yellow anthers, through
+  which the club-headed stigma protrudes; colour, a deep rose-red, the
+  base of the petals slightly paler. The varieties differ in having
+  colours which vary from almost pure white, with purplish tips, to a
+  uniform rich purple, whilst such colours as salmon, rose, orange, and
+  scarlet, are conspicuous among them.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig9.jpg" width="288" height="260" alt=
+    "EPIPHYLLUM RUSSELLIANUM" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 9.&mdash;EPIPHYLLUM RUSSELLIANUM</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eruss" id="eruss">E. Russellianum</a></b> (Russell's);
+  Fig. 9.&mdash;This has smaller branchlets than the type plant <i>(E.
+  truncatum),</i> and is thus easily distinguished; they do not exceed
+  1 in. in length and &frac12; in. in width, whilst the edges are
+  irregularly and faintly notched, not distinctly toothed, as in <i>E.
+  truncatum.</i> The flowers are a little larger than in the older
+  kind, and are not curved, whilst the petals are narrower; their
+  colour is bright rosy-red. This species flowers rather later in the
+  year than <i>E. truncatum,</i> and may be had in blossom so late as
+  the month of May or June. There are several varieties of it which
+  have either larger and darker, or smaller and variously tinted
+  flowers. Both the species will cross with each other, and probably
+  many of the varieties enumerated by nurserymen have been obtained in
+  this way.</p>
+
+  <h3>VARIETIES.</h3>
+
+  <p>The following is a selection of the best varieties, with a short
+  description of the flowers of each:</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. bicolor</b> (two-coloured).&mdash;Tube of flower white;
+  petals purple, becoming almost white towards the base.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. Bridgesii</b> (Bridges').&mdash;Tube violet; petals dark
+  purple.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. coccineum</b> (scarlet).&mdash;Bright scarlet, paler at the
+  base of the petals.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. cruentum</b> (bloody).&mdash;Tube purplish-scarlet; petals
+  bright scarlet.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. Gaertneri</b> (Gaertner's).&mdash;This is an interesting and
+  beautiful hybrid, raised from Epiphyllum and a Cereus of some kind.
+  The branchlets are exactly the same as those of <i>E. truncatum,</i>
+  but the flowers are not like Epiphyllum at all, resembling rather
+  those of Cereus or Phyllocactus. They are brilliant scarlet in
+  colour, shaded with violet.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. magnificum</b> (magnificent).&mdash;Tube rosy-violet; petals
+  dark red.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. salmoneum</b> (salmon-coloured).&mdash;Tube and base of
+  petals white, rest salmon-red, shaded with purple.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. spectabile</b> (remarkable).&mdash;Tube and base of petals
+  white; tips of petals carmine.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. tricolor</b> (three-coloured).&mdash;Tube salmon-red; petals
+  red, centre purplish.</p>
+
+  <p><b>E. violaceum</b> (violet).&mdash;Tube white; petals carmine,
+  margined with violet-purple.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="phyllo" id="phyllo"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS PHYLLOCACTUS.</h3>
+
+  <h4>(From <i>phyllon,</i> a leaf, and <i>Cactus</i>).</h4>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_A.gif" width="54" height="113" alt="A" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>S in the case of the Epiphyllums, the principal character by which
+  the Phyllocactus is distinguished is well described by the name, the
+  difference between it and Epiphyllum being that in the former the
+  flowers are produced along the margins of the flattened branches,
+  whereas in the latter they are borne on the apices of the short,
+  truncate divisions. If we compare any of the Phyllocactuses with
+  <i>Cereus triangularis,</i> or with C. <i>speciosissimus,</i> we
+  shall find that the flowers are precisely similar both in form and
+  colour, and sometimes also in size.</p>
+
+  <p>In all the kinds the stem is compressed laterally, so as to look
+  as if it had been hammered out flat; or sometimes it is three-angled,
+  and the margins are deeply notched or serrated. These notches are
+  really the divisions between one leaf and another, for the flat,
+  fleshy portions or wings of the stems of these plants are simply
+  modified leaves&mdash;not properly separated from each other and from
+  the stem, but still to all intents and purposes leaves&mdash;which,
+  as the plant increases and matures, gradually wither away, leaving
+  the central or woody portion to assume the cylindrical stem which we
+  find in all old Phyllocactuses. It is from these notches that the
+  large, showy flowers are developed, just as in plants the flowers of
+  which are borne from the axils of the leaves.</p>
+
+  <p>Under the names "Spleenwort-leaved Indian Figs," and "Winged
+  Torch-thistles," as well as those here adopted, the most beautiful
+  perhaps of all Cactuses, and certainly the most useful in a garden
+  sense, have been cultivated in English gardens for more than 150
+  years; for it was in 1710 that the flowering of <i>E. Phyllanthus</i>
+  was first recorded in English horticulture. Philip Miller grew it
+  with many other Cactuses in the botanical garden at Chelsea which was
+  founded by Sir Hans Sloane, in 1673, to be maintained "for the
+  manifestation of the power, wisdom, and glory of God in the works of
+  creation," and which still exists as the botanical emporium of the
+  Apothecaries' Society. The majority of the gorgeous Phyllocactuses
+  which we now possess are of only recent introduction, or are the
+  result of cultivation and crossing.</p>
+
+  <p>The species are natives of various parts of tropical America,
+  chiefly Mexico and Central America, where they are found generally
+  growing, in company with Bromeliads and Orchids, upon the trunks of
+  gigantic forest-trees. Phyllocactuses are therefore epiphytes when in
+  a wild state, but under cultivation with us, they thrive best when
+  planted in pots or in baskets&mdash;the latter method being adapted
+  for one or two smaller kinds. It is easy to imagine the gorgeousness
+  of a group of these plants when seen enveloping a large tree-trunk,
+  clothing it, as it were, with balls of brilliant or pure white
+  flowers. We are told by travellers of the splendours of a Cactus
+  haunt during the flowering season, and those who have seen a
+  well-managed pot specimen of Phyllocactus when covered with large,
+  dazzling flowers, can form some idea of what wild plants are like
+  when seen by hundreds together, and surrounded by the green foliage
+  and festooning climbers which associate with them in the forests
+  where they abound.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;For the following cultural notes we are
+  indebted to a most successful grower of Cactuses in Germany, whose
+  collection of Phyllocactuses is exceptionally rich and well managed:
+  The growing season for these plants is from about the end of April,
+  or after the flowers are over, till the end of August. As soon as
+  growth commences, the plants should be repotted. A light, rich soil
+  should be used, a mixture of loam, peat, and leaf-mould, or rotten
+  manure with a little sand, being suitable. Small plants should have a
+  fair shift; larger ones only into a size of pot which just admits of
+  a thin layer of fresh soil. When pot-bound, the plants flower most
+  freely, and it is not necessary to repot large specimens more often
+  than about once every three years. When potted they should be placed
+  in a sunny position in a close house or frame, and be kept freely
+  watered. In bright weather they may be syringed overhead twice a day.
+  For the first few days after repotting it is advisable to shade the
+  plants from bright sunshine. A stove temperature is required until
+  growth is finished. After this they should be gradually ripened by
+  admitting more air and exposing to all the sunlight possible. During
+  winter very little water is needed, just sufficient to prevent
+  shrivelling being safest. Excess of moisture in winter is ruinous, as
+  it often kills the roots, and sometimes causes the plant to rot off
+  at the collar. The lowest temperature in winter should be 50 degs.,
+  lower than this being unsafe, whilst in mild weather it might be 5
+  degs. higher.</p>
+
+  <p>It is a bad plan to turn these plants round, in order, as some
+  think, to ripen the growths properly. As a matter of fact, it does no
+  good, but often does harm, by suddenly exposing the tender parts to
+  the full force of sunlight.</p>
+
+  <p>The stems may be trained either in the form of a fan or as a bush.
+  Old branches which have flowered and are shrivelling may be cut away
+  in the spring.</p>
+
+  <p>Some fine specimens have been grown in pockets on old walls inside
+  lean-to greenhouses, where the conditions have been favourable to the
+  healthy growth and flowering of most of the species. When grown in
+  this way, water must be supplied exactly as advised for plants grown
+  in pots; if the pockets are not within easy reach of the watering
+  pot, the plants can be watered by means of a heavy syringing.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;For the propagation of the Phyllocactus
+  either the whole plant may be divided at the base, or cuttings of the
+  branches may be used; the latter, after having dried by remaining
+  with their bases exposed to the air for a day or two, should be
+  planted in small pots filled with very sandy soil; they may be placed
+  on a dry, sunny shelf near the glass, and be slightly sprinkled
+  overhead daily till rooted. Seeds, which sometimes ripen on
+  cultivated plants, should be gathered as soon as the fleshy fruits
+  have turned to a purplish colour, dried for a day or so, then sown in
+  a light, porous soil, and placed in a warm frame or house to
+  germinate.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="paker" id="paker">P. Akermanni</a></b> (named after a
+  Mr. Akermann, who introduced it from Mexico in 1829); Fig.
+  10.&mdash;Stem becoming cylindrical at an early age, and clothed with
+  little clusters of spiny hairs; the branches are flattened out, and
+  form broad, rather thin, blade-like growths, with the margins
+  sinuately lobed (waved and notched). The flowers are large&mdash;over
+  6 in. in diameter&mdash;the petals, very acutely pointed and
+  undulated along the edges; flower tube 2 in. long, with a few small
+  scales scattered over its surface; stamens curved, clustered around
+  the stigma, and almost hiding it. Colour of whole flower a rich
+  scarlet, with a satin-like lustre. Flowers in June and July.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig10.jpg" width="273" height="263" alt=
+    "PHYLLOCACTUS AKERMANNI" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 10.&mdash;PHYLLOCACTUS AKERMANNI</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>This is one of the best-known kinds, having been extensively
+  cultivated as an ornamental greenhouse plant till within the last few
+  years. It was grown by several nurserymen for Covent Garden Market
+  about eight years ago; small plants, about 1 ft. high, and bearing
+  each from two to six flowers, finding much favour among the
+  costermongers, as the plants could be bought at a low price, and,
+  owing to their large, brilliant flowers, always sold well at a good
+  profit. This species has been employed by the hybridists for the
+  obtaining of new kinds, and some very handsome and distinct varieties
+  have consequently been raised. As well as crossing with other species
+  of Phyllocactus, <i>P. Akermanni</i> has been used in combination
+  with several species of Cereus, good hybrids having been the result.
+  As a compact-growing and free-flowering species, this may be
+  specially recommended.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pangu" id="pangu">P. anguliger</a></b>
+  (angle-stemmed); Fig. 11.&mdash;The branches of this kind are
+  distinguished by having the notches along their margins more like the
+  teeth of a saw than the others. The habit is rather stiff and erect.
+  The flowers are produced near the apex of the branches, and are
+  composed of a curved tube 6 in. long, spreading out at the top to a
+  width of 6 in., and surmounted by a whorl of pure white petals, in
+  the centre of which are the stamens, rather few in number, and the
+  large, ten-rayed stigma. The flowers are developed in December and
+  January, and have a powerful and delicious odour. Introduced, in
+  1837, from West Mexico, where it is said to grow in oak forests.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig11.jpg" width="285" height="362" alt=
+    "PHYLLOCACTUS ANGULIGER" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 11.&mdash;PHYLLOCACTUS ANGULIGER</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pbifo" id="pbifo">P. (Disocactus) biformis</a></b>
+  (two-formed); Fig. 12.&mdash;This is a small plant, and is
+  intermediate between this genus and the Epiphyllums. It possesses no
+  particular beauty or distinctive character such as would render it of
+  much value for garden purposes. The branches are short, rather narrow
+  and drooping, the margins notched and tinged with red. The flowers
+  are borne generally on the ends of the branches, and are drooping in
+  habit; in form they are more like the Epiphyllums than the ordinary
+  Phyllocactuses, as they have their petals arranged in a sort of tube
+  about 3 in. long. The fruit is a red berry as large as a gooseberry.
+  Honduras, 1839.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig12.jpg" width="248" height="359" alt="ORMIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 12.&mdash;PHYLLOCACTUS BIFORMIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pcren" id="pcren">P. crenatus</a></b> (toothed); Bot.
+  Reg. 3031.&mdash;A large-flowered and very beautiful species,
+  rivalling, in the size and fragrance of its blossoms, the gigantic
+  night-flowering <i>Cereus grandiflorus.</i> It grows to a height of
+  about 2 ft., with round-based branches, the upper portion flattened
+  out and the margins serrated. The flower tube is 4 in. long,
+  brownish-green, as also are the sepals; petals 4 in. long, in a
+  whorl, the points curving inwards; stamens and pistil erect, forming
+  along with the petals a large star of a pale cream-colour. The beauty
+  and fragrance of these flowers, which open in June, render them
+  specially valuable for cutting and placing in rooms, where,
+  notwithstanding their short duration, they never fail to win much
+  admiration. Introduced from Honduras, in 1839. This fine species is
+  one of the parents of the hybrids which have been raised both in this
+  country and in America, where Mr. Hovey succeeded in obtaining some
+  of the choicest as regards colour and size. Some of these latter were
+  exhibited in London two or three years ago, and were much
+  admired.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pgran" id="pgran">P. grandis</a></b>
+  (large-flowered).&mdash;The large, creamy-white flowers of this plant
+  are like those of the night-flowering Cereus; and, in addition to the
+  similarity in form and size between these two, there is a further one
+  in the time when the flowers expand, this species, along with one or
+  two others, opening its flowers after sunset; and although they
+  remain in good condition till late on in the day following, and
+  sometimes even longer, we may suppose that the proper flowering time
+  is at night. The delicious almond scent of the flowers of this fine
+  Cactus is so strong, that during the flowering period the atmosphere
+  of the large Cactus-house at Kew Gardens is permeated with it, the
+  large specimens there having usually a score or more flowers open
+  together, the effect of which is truly grand. Even this number of
+  flowers is, for this species, by no means extraordinary, specimens
+  having been grown elsewhere, in pots only 8 in. across, with as many
+  flowers open on each. From this it will be seen that <i>P.
+  grandis</i> is one of the most useful kinds, its large, sweet-scented
+  flowers, and its free-growing nature, rendering it of exceptional
+  value as a decorative plant. Its branches are broad and notched along
+  the margins, and the flowers are 1 ft. in length, including the tube,
+  whilst across the broad, spreading petals they measure almost as
+  much. Honduras. Introduced 1837 (?). Time of flowering, summer and
+  autumn.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="phook" id="phook">P. Hookeri</a></b> (Hooker's); Bot.
+  Mag. 2692, under <i>Cactus Phyllanthus.</i>&mdash;A robust-growing
+  kind, often attaining to the size of a good shrub. Its flowers expand
+  in the evening, and are sweet-scented. They are produced along the
+  margins of the broad, flat, deeply-notched branches, the serratures
+  being rounded instead of angled, as in some of the kinds. The tube of
+  the flower is long and slender, no thicker than a goose quill, and
+  covered with reddish scales; the petals are spreading, and form a cup
+  6 in. across; they are narrow, pointed, and pure white, the outer
+  whorl, as well as the sepals, being tinged on the under side with a
+  tawny colour. The stamens form a large cluster in the centre, and are
+  bright yellow, the style being red and yellow. It is probable that
+  this plant has been in cultivation for many years, as it was figured
+  in the work quoted above under the name of one of the first
+  introduced kinds of Phyllocactus, from which, however, it is
+  abundantly distinct, as will be seen by a comparison of the
+  descriptions of the two. There are, in the Kew collection, several
+  large plants of <i>P. Hookeri</i> that flower annually during the
+  summer and autumn. Brazil.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="plati" id="plati">P. latifrons</a></b>
+  (broad-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 3813.&mdash;This is another large-growing
+  species, as large at least as <i>P. Hookeri</i>, to which, indeed, it
+  bears a close resemblance, both in flowers and in habit. Like that
+  species, too, its date of introduction is not known, though it
+  appears to have been cultivated in England at an early period. It may
+  be grown so as to form a large shrub in a few years; or by cutting it
+  back annually, or growing on young plants from cuttings every two
+  years, nice little pot plants may be obtained; and as the plant
+  produces flowers freely when in a small state, it is available for
+  small greenhouses as well as for large ones. A fine specimen, such,
+  for instance, as that at Kew, which is over 8 ft. in height, and well
+  furnished with branches, is an attractive object when clothed with
+  numerous creamy-white flowers, here and there tinged with red. The
+  branches are from 4 in. to 5 in. broad, and deeply notched; the
+  flowers are about 8 in. in length, and the same across the spreading
+  petals. Mexico. Spring.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pphyl" id="pphyl">P. phyllanthus</a></b>
+  (leaf-flowering).&mdash;This species is now rarely seen in
+  cultivation. As the oldest of the garden kinds it is, however,
+  deserving of a little notice. Philip Miller grew it in his collection
+  in 1710. The branches are broad and flat, the edges waved, not
+  notched, and the flowers are composed of a thin tortuous tube, 9 in.
+  in length, bearing at the top a whorl of recurved greenish petals, 1
+  in. long, with a cluster of whitish stamens and a green, club-shaped
+  style and stigma. Brazil.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ppoid" id="ppoid">P. phyllanthoides</a></b>
+  (phyllanthus-like); Bot. Mag. 2092.&mdash;For the introduction of
+  this handsome-flowered kind we are indebted to the great travellers
+  and naturalists, Humboldt and Bonpland, who discovered it growing in
+  the woods upon the trunks of old trees around Cartagena in South
+  America. Plants of it were forwarded by them to France, where they
+  flowered for the first time in 1811. From that time till now this
+  species has been in favour as a garden plant, though it is, at the
+  present time, much less common in English gardens than it deserves to
+  be. The branches are broad, triangular when young, flat when old,
+  about 1 ft. long by 2 in. wide, with shallow incisions, the
+  serrations rather sharply angled. The height of the plant is from 2
+  ft. to 3 ft. The flowers are produced on the margins of the young
+  branches, and are composed of a short, thick tube, not more than 2
+  in. in length, and short, dark, recurved scales; the petals are
+  broad, pointed, and form a stellate cluster about 4 in. across; they
+  are of a bright rose-colour, streaked with white, and shaded here and
+  there with a darker colour of red. The stamens are numerous and pure
+  white. The flowers open in the day-time, and are scentless; they last
+  in perfection for two or three days, and may, therefore, be employed
+  as cut flowers for vases, &amp;c. Early summer.</p>
+
+  <h3>HYBRIDS AND VARIETIES.</h3>
+
+  <p>In addition to the cultivated species of Phyllocactus there are
+  numerous hybrids and varieties, many of which are beautiful and
+  distinct either in colour or in size of blossom.</p>
+
+  <p>The following is a selection of the best of them:</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. albus superbus</b> (superb white).&mdash;The most beautiful
+  of white-flowered kinds. Flowers fragrant, 6 in. across, resembling
+  those of the night-blossoming <i>Cereus grandiflorus</i>; sepals
+  greenish-white, petals pure white.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. aurantiacus superbus</b> (superb orange).&mdash;A compact
+  plant, with numerous large, brick-red flowers, 5 in. to 6 in. in
+  diameter.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Conway's Giant.</b>&mdash;Flowers full, deep scarlet, about
+  8 in. in diameter.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Cooperi</b> (Cooper's).&mdash;An English hybrid, remarkable
+  for its large, beautiful yellow flowers.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Franzi</b> (Franz's).&mdash;Flowers 3 in. to 4 in. across;
+  petals numerous, outer ones scarlet, inner violet.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. General Garibaldi.</b>&mdash;Flowers very large, scarlet,
+  tinged with orange on the reflex side.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. grandiflorus</b> (large-flowered).&mdash;Flowers
+  bell-shaped, 4 in. across; sepals narrow, scarlet; petals incurved
+  and of a fiery orange-scarlet colour.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Haagei</b> (Haage's); Fig. 13.&mdash;Flowers about 5 in.
+  across, flesh-coloured when first expanded, becoming carmine before
+  fading.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig13.jpg" width="290" height="339" alt=
+    "PHYLLOCACTUS HAAGEI" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 13.&mdash;PHYLLOCACTUS HAAGEI</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b>P. ignescens</b> (fiery).&mdash;Flowers 8 in. across, almost
+  flat when expanded; petals numerous, deep brilliant scarlet.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Jenkinsoni</b> (Jenkinson's).&mdash;Flowers medium in size,
+  colour cherry-red.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Johnstonei</b> (Johnstone's).&mdash;Flowers large, with
+  broad scarlet petals.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Kaufmanni</b> (Kaufmann's).&mdash;Flowers purplish-red, very
+  large.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. kermesina magnus</b> (large scarlet).&mdash;An
+  enormous-flowered kind, having produced blossoms which measured 10
+  in. across; petals vivid orange with a tip and central stripe of red;
+  sepals blood-red.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Pfersdorffii.</b> (Pfersdorff's).&mdash;Flowers as in
+  <i>Cereus grandiflorus</i>, 8 in. to 10 in. across, very fragrant;
+  petals white; sepals yellow, brownish outside.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Rempleri</b> (Rempler's).&mdash;Branches three-angled;
+  flowers with short, linear, incurved sepals; petals long, broad,
+  arranged like a tube, colour salmon-red.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. roseus grandiflorus</b> (large rose-flowered); Fig.
+  14.&mdash;Flowers 6 in. long and broad, nodding, white.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig14.jpg" width="296" height="390" alt=
+    "PHYLLOCACTUS ROSEUS GRANDIFLORUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 14.&mdash;PHYLLOCACTUS ROSEUS GRANDIFLORUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b>P. Schlimii</b> (Schlim's).&mdash;Branches three-angled;
+  flowers large, sepals bright purple; petals broad, purple, tinged
+  with scarlet.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. splendens</b> (splendid).&mdash;Flowers 8 in. across,
+  purple-pink.</p>
+
+  <p><b>P. Wrayi</b> (Wray's).&mdash;Flowers 5 in. long by 8 in. in
+  diameter; sepals brown on the outside, yellow inside; petals
+  yellowish-white, fragrant when first expanded.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="cereus" id="cereus"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS CEREUS.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>cereus,</i> pliant; in reference to the stems of some
+  species.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_O.jpg" width="53" height="113" alt="O" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>VER 200 distinct species of Cereus are, according to botanists,
+  distributed over the tropical and temperate regions of America and
+  the West Indies, extending to the Galapagos, or "Tortoise" Islands,
+  200 miles off the coast of Peru. It was in these islands that the
+  late Charles Darwin found several small kinds of Cereus, some of them
+  growing near the snow-line in exposed situations on the highest
+  mountains. In Mexico, <i>C. giganteus,</i> the most colossal of all
+  Cacti, is found rearing its tall, straight, columnar stems to a
+  height of 60 ft., and branching near the top, "like petrified giants
+  stretching out their arms in speechless pain, whilst others stand
+  like lonely sentinels keeping their dreary watch on the edge of
+  precipices." In the West Indies most of the night-flowering kinds are
+  common, their long, creeping stems clinging by means of aerial roots
+  to rocks, or to the exposed trunks of trees, where their enormous,
+  often fragrant, flowers are produced in great abundance, expanding
+  only after the sun has set. Between these three distinct groups we
+  find among the plants of this elegant genus great variety both in
+  size and form of the stem and in the flower characters of the
+  different species. A large proportion of the 200 kinds known are not
+  cultivated in European gardens, and perhaps for many of them it is
+  not possible for us to provide in our houses the peculiar conditions
+  they require for their healthy existence. But there are a good many
+  species of Cereus represented in gardens, even in this country, and
+  among them we shall have no difficulty in finding many useful and
+  beautiful kinds, such as may be cultivated with success in an
+  ordinary greenhouse or stove. Lemaire, a French writer on Cactuses,
+  groups a number of species under the generic name of Echinocereus;
+  but as this name is not adopted in England, it is omitted here, all
+  the kinds being included under Cereus.</p>
+
+  <h3>THE NIGHT-FLOWERING SPECIES.</h3>The most interesting group is
+  that of the climbing night-flowering kinds, on account of their
+  singular habit of expanding their flowers in the dark and of the very
+  large size and brilliant colours of their flowers. In habit the
+  plants of this set are trailers or climbers, their stems are either
+  round or angled, and grow to a length of many feet, branching freely
+  as they extend. By means of their roots, which are freely formed upon
+  the stems, and which have the power of attaching themselves to stones
+  or wood in the same way as ivy does, these kinds soon spread over and
+  cover a large space; they are, therefore, useful for training over
+  the back walls in lean-to houses, or for growing against rafters or
+  pillars&mdash;in fact, in any position exposed to bright sunlight and
+  where there is a good circulation of air. Soil does not appear to
+  play an important part with these plants, as they will grow anywhere
+  where there is a little brick rubble, gravel, or cinders for their
+  basal roots to nestle in. They have been grown in the greatest
+  luxuriance and have produced flowers in abundance with nothing more
+  than their roots buried in the crumbling foundations of an old wall,
+  upon which the stems were clinging. The chief consideration is
+  drainage, as, unless the roots are kept clear of anything like
+  stagnation, they soon perish through rot. During the summer, the
+  stems should be syringed morning and evening on all bright days,
+  whilst in winter little or no water will be required.
+
+  <p>Like all other Cactuses, these plants may be propagated by means
+  of large branches, which, if placed in a porous soil, will strike
+  root in a few weeks. We saw a very large specimen of <i>C.
+  triangularis,</i> which last autumn suddenly rotted at the base, from
+  some cause or other, and to save the specimen, a mound was built up
+  of brick rubble and soil, high enough to surround the base of the
+  plant above the rotted part. In a few weeks there was a good crop of
+  new roots formed, and the plant has since flowered most
+  satisfactorily. With almost any other plant, this course would have
+  proved futile; but Cactuses are singularly tenacious of life, the
+  largest and oldest stems being capable of forming roots as freely and
+  as quickly as the young ones.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cext" id="cext">C. extensus</a></b> (long-stemmed);
+  Bot. Mag. 4066.&mdash;This has long rope-like stems, bluntly
+  triangular, less than 1 in. thick, with very short spines, arranged
+  in pairs or threes, about 1 in. apart along the angles, and aerial
+  roots. The flowers are developed all along the stems, and are
+  composed of a thick, green, scale-clothed tube, about 3 in. long; the
+  larger scales yellow and green, tipped with red, and a spreading cup
+  formed of the long-pointed sepals and petals, the former yellow,
+  green, and red, the latter white, tinted with rose. The flower is
+  about 9 in. across. When in blossom, this plant equals in beauty the
+  finest of the climbing Cactuses, but, unfortunately, it does not
+  flower as freely as most of its kind. It is cultivated at Kew, where
+  it has flowered once during the last five years. A native of
+  Trinidad, whence it was introduced, and first flowered in August,
+  1843. Judging by the conditions under which it grows and blossoms in
+  its native haunts, no doubt its shy-flowering nature under
+  cultivation here is owing to the absence of a long continuance of
+  bright sunshine and moisture, followed by one of drought and
+  sunlight. If placed in a favourable condition as regards light, and
+  carefully treated in respect of water, it ought to flower.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cfulg" id="cfulg">C. fulgidus</a></b> (glittering);
+  Bot. Mag. 5856.&mdash;In the brilliant deep scarlet of its large
+  buds, and the bright orange-scarlet of the expanded flowers, this
+  species stands quite alone among the night-flowering,
+  scandent-stemmed Cereuses. Its one drawback is its shy-flowering
+  nature, as it is rarely seen in blossom even when liberally treated,
+  and along with the other kinds which flower so freely. The history of
+  this plant is not known; but it is supposed to be a hybrid between
+  <i>C. Pitajayi</i> or <i>variabilis</i> and one of the
+  scarlet-flowered Phyllocactuses, or, possibly, <i>C.
+  speciosissimus</i>. It first flowered at Kew, in July, 1870. Stems
+  bright green, slow-growing, three or four-angled, about 2 in. wide;
+  angles much compressed, so that a section of the stem shows a cross;
+  margins notched, with clusters of short, hair-like spines at each
+  notch. Flowers 6 in. long, and about the same across the top; tube
+  covered with soft hairs and short deep-red scales, which are enlarged
+  towards the top, where they spread out, and form, along with the
+  petals, a large rosette of several whorls, arranged as in a
+  semi-double rose, the centre being occupied by a brush-like cluster
+  of greenish stamens, with the radiating stigma standing erect in the
+  middle. It is to be regretted that the flowers are not more freely
+  produced by cultivated plants.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cgrand" id="cgrand">C. grandiflorus</a></b>
+  (large-flowered); Bot. Mag. 3381.&mdash;There is scarcely any plant
+  that makes a more magnificent appearance when in full blossom than
+  this. A strong plant will produce many flowers together, but they do
+  not remain long expanded, opening at seven or eight o'clock in the
+  evening, and fading at sunrise the next morning; nor do they ever
+  open again, even when cut and placed in warm water in a dark place.
+  The closing of the flowers may, however, be retarded for a whole day
+  by removing the bud before it is fully open and placing it in water.
+  The stems are almost cylindrical, with four to seven slight ridges,
+  or angles, which bear numerous tufts of wool and short stiff spines.
+  Roots are thrown out from all parts of the stem, even when not in
+  contact with anything. The flowers are developed on the sides of the
+  stems, principally the younger, shorter ones; the flower tube is
+  about 4 in. long by 1 in. in diameter, and is covered with short
+  brown scales and whitish hairs; the calyx is 1 ft. across, and is
+  composed of a large number of narrow sepals of a bright yellow colour
+  inside, brown on the outside; the petals are broad, pure white, and
+  arranged in a sort of cup inclosing the numerous yellow stamens and
+  the club-shaped stigma. The flower has a delicious vanilla-like
+  odour, which perfumes the air to a considerable distance. Flowers in
+  July. Native of the West Indies. Introduced 1700, at which time it is
+  said to have been cultivated in the Royal Gardens at Hampton
+  Court.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="clema" id="clema">C. Lemairii</a></b> (Lemaire's);
+  Bot. Mag. 4814.&mdash;In the size and fragrance of its blossoms, and
+  also in the brilliancy of its colours, this species rivals <i>C.
+  grandiflorus;</i> differing in the following particulars: the tube is
+  covered with large green, crimson-edged scales instead of small brown
+  scales and white hairs; the sepals do not spread out in a star-like
+  manner, as in <i>C. grandiflorus,</i> and they are tinged with
+  crimson; the stem of the plant shows a bluntly triangular section,
+  and the angles are marked with a row of distant spines instead of the
+  clusters of spines and wool in <i>C. grandiflorus.</i> In all other
+  particulars, these two species are almost identical, so that where
+  space is limited either the one or the other will be sufficient to
+  represent both. <i>C. Lemairii</i> was introduced into England
+  through Kew, whither a plant was sent in 1854 from the Royal
+  Botanical Garden of Hanover, under the name of <i>C. rostratus.</i>
+  It blossoms in the Kew collection every June, the flowers lasting for
+  several hours after sunrise. Seeds are freely ripened by this plant.
+  Native of Antigua (?)</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cmacd" id="cmacd">C. Macdonaldiae</a></b> (Mrs.
+  MacDonald's); Bot. Mag. 4707.&mdash;A magnificent Cactus, producing
+  flowers often 14 in. in diameter, with the same brilliant colours as
+  are described under <i>C. Lemairii.</i> The stems are slender,
+  cylindrical, not ridged or angled, bearing at irregular intervals
+  rather fleshy tubercles instead of spines, and branching freely. Its
+  flowers are produced on both young and old stems, several crops
+  appearing in the course of the summer when the treatment is
+  favourable. Roots are not so freely thrown out from the stems of this
+  kind, and as the latter are slender and very pliant, they may be
+  trained round a balloon trellis, so as to form handsome pot
+  specimens, which, when in flower, may be carried into the house,
+  where their large, beautiful flowers may be enjoyed. Writing of this
+  species over thirty years ago, Sir Wm. Hooker said: "Certainly, of
+  the many floral spectacles that have gratified lovers of horticulture
+  at the Royal Gardens, Kew, of late years, few have been more striking
+  than this to those who were privileged to see the blossoms in bud and
+  fully expanded. The plant was received from Honduras through the
+  favour of Mrs. MacDonald, and was planted at the back of the old
+  Cactus-house, and trained against a wall. It first showed symptoms of
+  blossoming in July, 1851. A casual observer might have passed the
+  plant as an unusually large form of the 'night-blooming Cereus'
+  <i>(C. grandiflorus),</i> but the slightest inspection of the stems
+  and flowers, the latter 14 in. in diameter by 14 in. long, shows this
+  to be a most distinct species."</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cnapol" id="cnapol">C. Napoleonis</a></b>
+  (Napoleon's); Bot. Mag. 3458.&mdash;This is very like <i>C.
+  grandiflorus</i>, and is slightly and not very agreeably perfumed.
+  The flowers sometimes open very early in the morning and fade in the
+  afternoon, so that they may be enjoyed during the day-time. The
+  flower tube is 6 in. long, curved upwards, and clothed with
+  rose-tinted scales, which become gradually larger towards the top,
+  where they widen out into a whorl of greenish-yellow sepals, above
+  which are the white petals forming a broad shallow cup, 8 in. across,
+  with a cluster of yellow stamens in the centre. The stems are
+  three-angled, light green, and bear clusters of short stiff spines
+  along the angles at intervals of 2 in. Flowers in autumn. Mexico (?),
+  1835.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cnyct" id="cnyct">C. nycticalus</a></b> (flowering at
+  night); Fig. 15.&mdash;Stems four to six-angled, 2 in. wide, dark
+  green, bearing little tufts of hair and thin white spines along the
+  angles, and a profusion of aerial roots. Flowers as large as those of
+  <i>C. grandiflorus</i>; tube covered with tufts of white hairs;
+  sepals or outer whorl of segments bright orange, the inner pure
+  white, and arranged like a cup. They open at about seven o'clock in
+  the evening, and fade at seven on the following morning. This plant
+  may still be met with in some old-fashioned gardens, but only rarely
+  as compared with its popularity a generation ago, when it was to be
+  found in almost every collection of stove plants. At that time, the
+  flowering of this Cactus was looked upon as an event, and it was
+  customary for the owner to invite his friends to meet and watch the
+  development of the flowers, and enjoy to the full their almost
+  over-powering but delicious fragrance. So bright are the colours of
+  the flowers, that a sort of luminosity seems to surround them when at
+  their best. Flowers in autumn. Mexico, 1834.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig15.jpg" width="305" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS NYCTICALUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 15.&mdash;CEREUS NYCTICALUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ctria" id="ctria">C. triangularis</a></b>
+  (three-angled); Bot. Mag. 1884.&mdash;This plant is easily recognised
+  because of its stout triangular stems, which increase at a rapid rate
+  and bear roots freely; by means of these roots they cling to almost
+  any substance with which they come in contact. There are large
+  examples of it in the Kew collection, where it bears numerous flowers
+  annually, which open in the evening and close at about eight o'clock
+  next morning. The flowers measure 1 ft. in length by about the same
+  in width of cup, and are composed of a whorl of long narrow green
+  sepals, with pale brown points, a cluster of pure white petals,
+  bright yellow stamens, and a large club-like stigma; they appear in
+  autumn. Mexico. This species was cultivated at Hampton Court in
+  1690.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cspec" id="cspec">C. speciosissimus</a></b> (most
+  beautiful).&mdash;Although not a night-flowering kind, nor yet a
+  climber, yet this species resembles in habit the above rather than
+  the columnar-stemmed ones. It is certainly the species best adapted
+  for cultivation in small greenhouses or in the windows of
+  dwelling-houses, as it grows quickly, remains healthy under ordinary
+  treatment, is dwarf in habit, and flowers freely&mdash;characters
+  which, along with the vivid colours and large size of the blossoms,
+  render it of exceptional value as a garden plant. Its stems are
+  slender, and it may be grown satisfactorily when treated as a wall
+  plant. For its cultivation, the treatment advised for Phyllocactuses
+  will be found suitable. When well grown and flowered it surpasses in
+  brilliancy of colours almost every other plant known. Specimens with
+  thirty stems each 6 ft. high, and bearing from sixty to eighty buds
+  and flowers upon them at one time, may be grown by anyone possessing
+  a warm greenhouse. The stems are three to five angled, spiny, the
+  tufts of spines set in little disks of whitish wool. The flowers are
+  as large as tea saucers, with tubes about 4 in. long, the colour
+  being an intense crimson or violet, so intense and bright as to
+  dazzle the eyes when looked at in bright sunlight. When cut and
+  placed in water they will last three or four days. April and May.
+  Mexico, 1820. "Numberless varieties have been raised from this
+  Cereus, as it seeds freely and crosses readily with other species.
+  Many years ago, Mr. D. Beaton raised scores of seedlings from crosses
+  between this and <i>C. flagelliformis,</i> and has stated that he
+  never found a barren seedling. Much attention was given to these
+  plants about fifty years ago, for Sir E. Antrobus is said to have
+  exhibited specimens with from 200 to 300 flowers each. I have been
+  informed that an extremely large plant of this Cereus, producing
+  hundreds of flowers every season, is grown on the back wall of a
+  vinery at the Grange, Barnet, the residence of Sir Charles Nicholson,
+  Bart." (L. Castle).</p>
+
+  <h3>THE SEMI-SCANDENT SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p>These are characterised by a thin, drooping or trailing stem, and,
+  though not strictly climbers, they may most fittingly be considered
+  in a group by themselves. Some botanists have made a separate genus
+  for them, viz., Cleistocactus, but for all practical purposes they
+  may be grouped under the above heading, whilst popularly they are
+  known as the Rat's-tail or Whipcord Cactuses. Two of them&mdash;viz.,
+  <i>C. flagelliformis</i> and <i>C. Mallisoni</i>&mdash;are generally
+  grafted on the stem of some erect, slender Cereus or Pereskia, or
+  they may be worked on to the stem of a climbing Cereus, such as <i>C.
+  triangularis</i>, in such a way as to hang from the roof of a house.
+  A large specimen of <i>C. flagelliformis</i>, growing from the
+  climbing stem of <i>C. rostratus</i>, was, for a long time,
+  conspicuous among the Cactuses at Kew, but owing to the decay of the
+  "stock" plant, this fine specimen no longer exists. A large Pereskia,
+  trained along the roof in the Cactus-house at Kew, has recently been
+  grafted with a number of pieces of <i>C. flagelliformis</i>, which in
+  a few years will, no doubt, form a handsome specimen. In the same
+  establishment a specimen of <i>C. Mallisoni</i> is grafted on the
+  stem of another kind, and is very attractive when in flower. <i>C.
+  serpentinus</i> thrives well upon its own roots. For the cultivation
+  of this little group, the instructions given for the climbing and
+  other kinds may be followed.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cflag" id="cflag">C. flagelliformis</a></b>
+  (whip-formed).&mdash;Stems prostrate, or, when grafted on a tall
+  stem, pendent, &frac12; in. in diameter, round, with numerous ridges
+  almost hidden by the many clusters of fine bristle-like hairs.
+  Flowers 2 in. long and 1 in. wide; colour bright rosy-red. In some
+  parts of Germany this plant is one of the commonest of window
+  ornaments, and it is so well grown by the peasants there, that the
+  whole window space is completely screened by the numerous long,
+  tail-like stems, 4 ft. or 6 ft. long, which hang from baskets. It is
+  sometimes cultivated by cottagers in England, and we have seen a very
+  fine specimen in a cottager's window in Gunnersbury. Without its
+  pretty bright-coloured flowers, this Cactus has the charm of novelty
+  in the form and habit of its stems, and as it is easily cultivated in
+  a window through which the sun shines during most of the day, it is
+  just the plant to grow for the double purpose of a screen and a
+  curiosity. If planted in baskets, it should be potted in a porous
+  loamy soil, and kept moist in the summer and perfectly dry in winter.
+  Summer. Peru. Introduced 1690.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cmall" id="cmall">C. Mallisoni</a></b> ( Mallison's);
+  Bot. Mag. 3822.&mdash;This is supposed to be of hybrid origin, a Mr.
+  Mallison having sent it to Dr. Lindley to be named, and stating that
+  he obtained it by fertilising flowers of <i>C. speciosissimus</i>
+  with pollen from <i>C. flagelliformis.</i> Whatever its origin, it is
+  a distinct kind, with stems similar to those of the last-named, but
+  thicker and slightly less spiny, and flowers 4 in. long by 4 in.
+  across the spreading petals, the whole being bright red with a
+  cluster of pale yellow stamens protruding 1 in. beyond the throat.
+  The flowers are produced from the sides of the stems, a few inches
+  from the apex, and as they are borne in abundance and last three or
+  four days each, a large specimen makes a very attractive display for
+  several weeks in the summer. The plant at Kew, a large one, is
+  grafted on the stem of <i>C. Macdonaldiae</i>, which is trained along
+  a rafter, so that the stems of <i>C. Mallisoni</i> hang conspicuously
+  from the roof.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cserp" id="cserp">C. serpentinus</a></b>
+  (serpent-like); Fig. 16.&mdash;When young, the stems of this plant
+  are erect and stout enough to support themselves; but as they
+  lengthen they fall over and grow along the ground, unless supported
+  by a stake or wire; they have numerous ridges, with clusters of
+  hair-like spines, which are usually purplish. Flowers large,
+  handsome, fragrant; tube 6in, long, green; petals and sepals
+  spreading and forming a star 3 in. in diameter, the petals purplish
+  on the outside, and pinkish-white inside; stamens arranged in a sort
+  of cup 1 in. deep. This plant rarely produces aerial roots. Small
+  specimens are ornamental even when not in flower, the bright green,
+  regularly ridged stem, with its numerous little clusters of fine
+  spines, at the base of which are short tufts of a white woolly
+  substance, being both curious and pretty. It flowers freely every
+  summer. South America, 1814.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig16.jpg" width="262" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS SERPENTINUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 16.&mdash;CEREUS SERPENTINUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <h3>THE GLOBOSE AND COLUMNAR STEMMED SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p>Many of these are unsuited for culture in ordinary plant-houses,
+  whilst others are so rare that, although cultivated in botanical
+  collections, they are not available for ordinary gardens, not being
+  known in the trade. There are, however, a good many species that may
+  be obtained from dealers in Cactuses, and to these we shall confine
+  ourselves here. At Kew, the collection of Cereuses is large and
+  diversified, some of the specimens being as tall as the house they
+  are in will allow them to be, and the appearance they present is, to
+  some eyes at least, a very attractive one. Such plants are: <i>C.
+  candicans</i>, which is a cluster-stemmed kind, very thick and
+  fleshy, and in shape like an Indian club; <i>C.
+  chilensis</i>;&mdash;with tall hedgehog-skinned stems, the numerous
+  ridges being thickly clothed with clusters of yellowish spines, which
+  become dark brown with age; <i>C. Dyckii</i>, 10 ft. high, the stems
+  thick and fleshy, with ridges 1&frac12; in. deep; <i>C. gemmatus</i>,
+  a hexagonal, almost naked-stemmed species 10 ft. high; <i>C.
+  strictus, C. peruvianus, C. geometrizans</i>, and <i>C. Jamacaru</i>,
+  which are tall, weird-looking plants, 10 ft. or more high, some of
+  them freely branched. The following is a selection of the
+  largest-flowered and handsomest kinds:</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cberl" id="cberl">C. Berlandieri</a></b>
+  (Berlandier's); Fig. 17.&mdash;A distinct and beautiful plant, of
+  dwarf, creeping habit, forming a tuft of short branchlets springing
+  from the main procumbent stems, none of which exceed 6 in. in length
+  by &frac34; in. in thickness. They are almost round when old, the
+  younger ones being slightly angled, and bearing, along the ridges,
+  little tubercles, crowned with short spines. Even old stems are very
+  soft and watery, and, on this account, it is necessary for the safety
+  of the plant, in winter, that it should be kept absolutely dry. The
+  flowers are produced on the young upright stems, and they are as much
+  as 4 in. across. They are composed of a regular ring of strap-shaped,
+  bright purple petals, springing from the erect bristly tube, and in
+  the centre a disk-like cluster of rose-coloured stamens, the stigma
+  standing well above them. In form the flowers are not unlike some of
+  the Sunflowers or <i>Mutisia decurrens</i>. They are developed in
+  summer, and on well-grown plants the display of blossom is
+  exceptionally fine. This species is sometimes known as <i>C.
+  repens</i> and <i>C. Deppii</i>. It is a native of South Texas and
+  Mexico, where it is found growing in sandy or gravelly soils, on dry,
+  sunny hill-sides. It should be grown in a cool greenhouse or frame,
+  in a position where it would get plenty of sunshine to ripen its
+  growth and induce it to flower. In winter it should be placed close
+  to the glass, where the sun can shine full on it, and where it will
+  be safe from frost. It will not thrive if wintered in a warm house.
+  In April, it should be examined, repotted if the soil is sour, and
+  kept watered as growth commences.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig17.jpg" width="338" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS BERLANDIERI" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 17.&mdash;CEREUS BERLANDIERI</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cblan" id="cblan">C. Blankii</a></b> (Blank's); Fig.
+  18.&mdash;This is very similar to the <i>C. Berlandieri</i> in habit
+  and stem characters, differing only in having longer, broader, less
+  spreading petals, a club-shaped stigma, and in the colour, which is a
+  deep rose, flushed in the throat with crimson. A comparison of the
+  figures here given will show the differences better than any
+  description. <i>C. Blankii</i> comes from Mexico at high elevations,
+  and thrives under cultivation with the same treatment as the
+  preceding. It is very common in Continental gardens, where it is
+  grown out-of-doors, being protected from cold in winter by a
+  handlight and straw. It flowers in summer.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig18.jpg" width="329" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS BLANKII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 18.&mdash;CEREUS BLANKII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ccaer" id="ccaer">C. caerulescens</a></b>
+  (blue-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 3922.&mdash;An erect-growing, tall Cactus,
+  rarely branching unless made to do so by cutting off the top of the
+  stem; furrows and ridges about eight, the ridges prominent, waved,
+  and bearing tufts of blackish wool, in which are set about a dozen
+  black spines, &frac12; in. long; the stem when young and in good
+  health is bluish in colour. Flowers springing from the ridges, about
+  8 in. long, the tube covered with reddish-grey scales, which pass
+  upwards into the sepals; petals spreading, white, the margins
+  toothed, and forming a spreading top, not unlike a large white single
+  Camellia; the stamens are arranged in a sort of cup, and are
+  yellow-anthered, with a large rayed yellow stigma in the middle. In
+  the <i>Botanical Magazine</i> it is stated that the flowers of this
+  species are equal and even superior to those of <i>C.
+  grandiflorus</i>; but we have not seen flowers such as would bear out
+  that statement. This species is too tall-stemmed to be recommended
+  for windows or small greenhouses; but where room can be afforded it,
+  the attractive colour of its stems, together with the size and beauty
+  of its flowers, should win it favour. It blossoms in summer,
+  generally about July, and is a native of Mexico. Introduced in
+  1841.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ccaes" id="ccaes">C. caespitosus</a></b> (tufted);
+  Fig. 19.&mdash;A dwarf species, the stem not more than 8 in. high by
+  about 4 in. in diameter, sometimes branched, or bearing about its
+  base a number of lateral growths, which ultimately form a cluster of
+  stems&mdash;hence the name. The bark or skin of the stem is
+  greyish-green, and the ribs, of which there are from a dozen to
+  eighteen, are thickly covered with clusters of whitish wool and
+  spines, the latter rose-tinted, and radiating in all directions. The
+  flowers are produced on the top of the stems, and are short-tubed,
+  the tube clothed with little bundles of spines; spread of the petals
+  (from thirty to forty in each flower), 4 in.; colour deep rose;
+  anthers and stigma forming an eye-like cluster, the former yellow,
+  and the latter bright green. Flowered at Kew for the first time in
+  1882, but, although new to cultivation, it is becoming plentiful.
+  Native of New Mexico and Texas. For windows or small greenhouses this
+  is a most suitable plant, as it flowers freely and keeps in good
+  health in an ordinary greenhouse temperature, always, however,
+  requiring plenty of sunlight and rest during winter. By placing it
+  upon a shelf near the glass from October to March, allowing it to
+  remain perfectly dry, and afterwards watering it freely, the flowers
+  should make their appearance early in summer. A plant with several
+  stems, each bearing a large bright rose blossom, sometimes two,
+  presents an attractive appearance.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig19.jpg" width="295" height="300" alt=
+    "CEREUS CAESPITOSUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 19.&mdash;CEREUS CAESPITOSUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ccirr" id="ccirr">C. cirrhiferus</a></b>
+  (tendril-bearing).&mdash;A prostrate, branching-stemmed,
+  small-growing kind, very proliferous, with roots along the main
+  stems; branchlets upright, five-angled, with slightly raised points,
+  or tubercles, upon which are ten short hair-like spines, arranged in
+  a star, and surrounding three or four central erect spines, all
+  whitish and transparent. Flowering branches erect, 4 in. high, by
+  about 1 in. in diameter, bearing, near the apex, the large bright red
+  flowers, nearly 4 in. in diameter, regular as a Sunflower, and
+  lasting about a week. This species was introduced from Mexico in
+  1847. It is one of the best-known and handsomest of this group. It
+  requires similar treatment to C. <i>Berlandieri</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ccten" id="ccten">C. ctenoides</a></b>
+  (comb-like);</p>
+
+  <p>Fig. 20.&mdash;Stem 3 in. to 5 in. high, and about 3 in. in
+  diameter, egg-shaped, unbranched, rarely producing offsets at the
+  base. Ribs fifteen or sixteen, spiral, with closely-set cushions of
+  stiff, whitish spines, which interlace and almost hide the stem;
+  there are from fourteen to twenty-two spines to each cushion, and
+  they are &frac14; in. long. Flowers produced on the ridges near the
+  top of the stem; tube short, spiny; petals spreading, like a
+  Convolvulus, 3 in. to 4 in. across, bright yellow; stamens yellow,
+  pistil white. The flowers expand at about 9 a.m., and close again
+  soon after noon. They are developed in June or July. This species is
+  a native of Texas, and is rare in cultivation. When not in flower it
+  might easily be mistaken for <i>Echinocactus pectinatus</i>. It
+  should be grown in a sunny position, in a warm house or pit, all
+  summer, and wintered on a shelf, near the glass, in a temperature of
+  from 45 degs. to 50 degs. during winter. Under cultivation it is apt
+  to rot suddenly at the base, more especially when old. Should this
+  happen, the rotten parts must be cut away, and the wound exposed to
+  the air in a dry house for a week or two.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig20.jpg" width="269" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS CTENOIDES" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 20.&mdash;CEREUS CTENOIDES</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cenne" id="cenne">C. enneacanthus</a></b>
+  (eight-spined); Fig. 21.&mdash;Stem seldom more than 6 in. high by
+  less than 2 in. in diameter, cylindrical in shape, bright green,
+  simple when young, tufted in old specimens. Ribs shallow, broad,
+  irregular on the top, with spine-cushions on the projecting parts;
+  spines straight, yellowish-white, semi-transparent, variable in
+  length, longest about 1 in. There are frequently as many as twelve
+  spines in a tuft, although the specific name implies eight spines
+  only. Flowers on the ridges near the top of the stem, with spiny
+  tubes, spreading petals of a deep purple colour, and yellow stamens
+  and pistil. They are developed freely in June and July. This is a
+  soft-fleshed species, from Texas; it is not easily kept in health,
+  and is therefore rarely seen. It should be treated as advised for
+  <i>C. ctenoides</i>. Neither of these plants will flower unless it is
+  grown in a sunny position as near to the roof-glass as is
+  possible.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig21.jpg" width="363" height="350" alt=
+    "CEREUS ENNEACANTHUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 21.&mdash;CEREUS ENNEACANTHUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cfend" id="cfend">C. Fendleri</a></b>
+  (Fendler's).&mdash;One of the best of the dwarf-stemmed kinds. It has
+  a pale green stem, about 6 in. high, rarely branching at the base,
+  but often found growing in clusters. Ridges nine to twelve, running
+  spirally round the stem, and bearing clusters of brown spines, some
+  of them nearly 2 in. in length. Flowers composed of a tube 1 in.
+  long, green, fleshy, and spiny, with a spreading cup-like arrangement
+  of petals and sepals, 3 in. in diameter, and of a bright purple
+  colour; stigma and anthers green. It produces its flowers in June. It
+  was introduced from the mountainous region of New Mexico about five
+  years ago, and has blossomed freely in several collections, notably
+  in that of Mr. Loder, of Northampton, who has cultivated this and
+  several other species from the same region in a sunny sheltered
+  position out of doors, where, for several years, they have withstood
+  winter's cold with no other protection than that afforded by an
+  over-hanging wall. Mr. Loder says of <i>C. Fendleri</i> that it is
+  the best of all Cactuses for cool treatment, as the flowers last more
+  than a week, closing at night, and opening only in sunshine, when its
+  rich purple colour is quite dazzling to the eye. It also blossoms
+  freely under glass; but the colour of the flowers is not so vivid as
+  when they are produced in full sunshine out of doors.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cgiga" id="cgiga">C. giganteus</a></b> (gigantic);
+  Fig. 22.&mdash;This is the most colossal of all Cactuses, in which
+  respect it is chiefly interesting. Its stem, when young, is very
+  similar to that of other dwarfer species, whilst, so far as is known,
+  its flowers have not been produced under cultivation. It grows very
+  slowly, a plant 6 in. high being eight or ten years old, so that, to
+  attain its full development, a very long time indeed is necessary.
+  When young, the stems are globose, afterwards becoming club-shaped or
+  cylindrical. It flowers at the height of 10 ft. or 12 ft., but grows
+  up to four or five times that height, when it develops lateral
+  branches, which curve upwards, and present the appearance of immense
+  candelabra. The flowers are 4 in. or 5 in. long, and about the same
+  in diameter. There is a small specimen, about 3 ft. high, in the
+  succulent collection at Kew. The appearance of a number of tall
+  specimens of this wonderful Cactus, when seen towering high above the
+  rocks and scrub with which it is associated, is described by
+  travellers as being both weird and grand. Judging by the slowness of
+  its growth, the prospect of seeing full-sized specimens of this
+  species in English gardens is a very remote one, unless full-grown
+  stems are imported, and this is hardly possible. Native of Mexico and
+  California.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig22.jpg" width="282" height="370" alt=
+    "FLOWER OF CEREUS GIGANTEUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 22.&mdash;FLOWER OF CEREUS GIGANTEUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cleea" id="cleea">C. Leeanus</a></b> (Lee's); Bot.
+  Mag. 4417.&mdash;A dwarf plant, the stems not more than 1 ft. in
+  height, and about 5 in. in diameter at the base, tapering gradually
+  towards the top, so that it forms a cone; the furrows number about a
+  dozen, and the ridges are &frac12; in. high, the angles sharp, and
+  clothed with clusters of pale brown spines, the central one 1 in.
+  long, the others much shorter. The flowers are produced on the top of
+  the stem, four or five together, and are large, handsome, brick-red
+  in colour, the tube 2 in. long, clothed with yellowish, green-tipped
+  scales, and little clusters of hair-like bristles. The arrangement of
+  the petals, and the cluster of yellow anthers in the centre, give the
+  flowers the appearance of Camellias, if looked at from above.
+  Introduced from Mexico by Mr. Lee, of Hammersmith, in 1848, and
+  flowered soon afterwards at Kew, in summer. Being a native of the
+  higher, more northerly regions of Mexico, this species needs only to
+  be protected from severe frosts; it has been known to bear a little
+  frost without injury. For windows and greenhouses it is a very
+  desirable plant.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="clept" id="clept">C. leptacanthus</a></b>
+  (slender-spined); Fig. 23.&mdash;One of the most beautiful of all
+  Cactuses, and one of the easiest to cultivate, the only drawback
+  being that it rarely flowers under cultivation. In habit it is
+  similar to C. <i>Berlandieri</i>. A plant 8 in. across bears about
+  twenty short branches, each of which, under careful cultivation will
+  produce several flowers in the months of May and June, and these,
+  when expanded, last about eight days before withering; they close
+  every afternoon, opening about ten o'clock in the morning. The petals
+  are arranged in a single series, spreading so as to form a shallow
+  cup, and are notched on the edges near the upper end. They are
+  coloured a deep purple-lilac on the upper half, the lower part being
+  white, like a large pied daisy. The stamens are pure white; the
+  anthers orange-coloured, as also is the star-shaped stigma. The plant
+  is a native of Mexico, and was introduced in 1860. It requires the
+  same treatment as the preceding kinds. The illustration is sufficient
+  to show the beauty of this little creeping Cactus, which, although so
+  long known, is not grown in English gardens, though it is common
+  enough in Continental collections.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig23.jpg" width="345" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS LEPTACANTHUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 23.&mdash;CEREUS LEPTACANTHUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cmult" id="cmult">C. multiplex</a></b> (proliferous);
+  Fig. 24.&mdash;A globose-stemmed species, becoming pear-shaped with
+  age; height 6 in., by 4 in. in diameter; ridges angled, clothed with
+  clusters of about a dozen spines, the central one longest. Flowers 6
+  in. to 8 in. long, and about the same across the spreading petals;
+  tube clothed with small, hairy scales; the sepals long and pointed;
+  petals 2 in. or more long, 1 in. wide, spreading out quite flat;
+  stamens arranged in a ring, with the whitish-rayed stigma in the
+  middle. This species flowers in autumn. It is a native of South
+  Brazil, and was introduced in 1840. It thrives best when kept in a
+  warm, sunny position in a window or heated greenhouse.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig24.jpg" width="352" height="330" alt=
+    "CEREUS MULTIPLEX" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 24.&mdash;CEREUS MULTIPLEX</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>At <a name="cmucr" id="cmucr">Fig. 25</a> is a curious variety of
+  the above, the stem being fasciated and divided into numerous
+  crumpled, flattened branches. It is remarkable as a monster form of
+  the type plant. So far as is known, neither this nor any other of the
+  monster Cactuses produces flowers.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig25.jpg" width="400" height="275" alt=
+    "CEREUS MULTIPLEX CRISTATUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 25.&mdash;CEREUS MULTIPLEX CRISTATUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cpauc" id="cpauc">C. paucispinus</a></b> (few-spined);
+  Bot. Mag. 6774.&mdash;A dwarf-stemmed species of recent introduction,
+  and one which, owing to the beauty of its flowers and the hardy
+  nature of the plant, is certain to find much favour among growers of
+  Cactuses. The stem is about 9 in. high, by 2 in. to 4 in. in
+  diameter, the base much wider than the apex, the ridges irregular,
+  very thick and rounded, giving the stem a gouty or tumid appearance.
+  Upon the prominent parts of these ridges are stellate tufts of long,
+  pale brown spines, some of them nearly 2 in. long, and each tuft
+  containing about eight spines. When young, the stems are more like
+  some of the Mamillarias than the Cereuses. The flowers are developed
+  near the top of the stem, two or three opening together; they are
+  composed of a tube 2 in. long, clothed with long spines and large,
+  green, scaly sepals below, the latter gradually enlarging till at the
+  top they become as large as the petals, which are 2 in. long, with a
+  spread of nearly 3 in., rounded at the tips, and coloured deep
+  blood-red, tinged with orange inside. The stamens are clustered
+  together sheaf-like, with the dark green stigmas protruding through
+  them. This is a native of New Mexico, whence it was introduced in
+  1883, and flowered in May. Mr. Loder, of Northampton, has
+  successfully cultivated it in a cool frame in the open air, and it
+  has also grown well in the Kew collection when treated in a similar
+  way. This suggests its hardiness and fitness for window cultivation.
+  Owing to the watery nature of the stems, it is necessary that they
+  should be kept quite dry during the winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cpent" id="cpent">C. pentalophus</a></b>
+  (five-winged); Bot. Mag. 3651.&mdash;As the name denotes, the stem of
+  this erect-growing, somewhat slender species has five very prominent
+  sharp-edged ridges, along which are little clusters of small spines
+  about &frac12; in. apart; the stem is 1 in. in diameter, and the
+  angles are wavy. The flowers are about 3 in. wide, spreading, the
+  petals, broad and overlapping, rose-coloured, except in the centre of
+  the flower, where they become almost pure white; the anthers are
+  yellow, whilst the colour of the rayed stigma is purplish-blue. A
+  native of Mexico, introduced and flowered in 1838. For its
+  cultivation, the temperature of a warm greenhouse is required, though
+  during summer it may be placed in a sunny position in a frame out of
+  doors. If grown in windows, it should be kept through the winter in a
+  room where there is a fire constantly.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cperu" id="cperu">C. peruvianus</a></b>
+  (Peruvian).&mdash;A tall-grower, the stems fleshy when young, and
+  very spiny. The ridges on the stem number from five to eight, with
+  stellate bundles, about 1 in. apart, of small, stiff black spines.
+  The flowers appear upon the upper portion of the stem, and are 5 in.
+  across, the petals pure white above, tinged with red below, and
+  forming a large saucer, in the middle of which the numerous stamens,
+  with yellow anthers, are arranged in a crown. There is something
+  incongruous in the tall, spine-clothed, pole-like stem, upon which
+  large, beautiful, water-lily-like flowers are developed, looking
+  quite out of place on such a plant. Flowers in spring and early
+  summer. It requires warm greenhouse or stove treatment. There are
+  some fine examples of this species at Kew. A variety of this species,
+  with a fasciated or monstrous habit, is sometimes cultivated.
+  Introduced in 1830.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cplei" id="cplei">C. pleiogonus</a></b>
+  (twisted-angled); Fig. 26.&mdash;An erect cylindrical-stemmed
+  species, from 6 in. to 1 ft. high by 4 in. in diameter, with from ten
+  to fourteen angles or ridges; these are somewhat tumid, and marked
+  with depressions, from which the star-like clusters of spines spring,
+  about a dozen spines in each cluster, the central one much the
+  largest. The flowers are about 8 in. long, the tube being rather
+  thick and cylinder-like, expanding at the top, so as to form a sort
+  of cup, in which the petals are arranged in several rows, with the
+  middle filled by the numerous stamens, surmounted by the club-like
+  pistil. The colour of the flowers is purple-red. This species appears
+  to have first found its way into cultivation through some Continental
+  garden, its native country being unknown. It thrives only in a warm
+  house, developing its flowers in summer.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig26.jpg" width="221" height="350" alt=
+    "CEREUS PLEIOGONUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 26.&mdash;CEREUS PLEIOGONUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cpoly" id="cpoly">C. polyacanthus</a></b>
+  (many-spined).&mdash;A newly-introduced species, from El Paso, in
+  Mexico, where it is common on the sand ridges and stony hills. Stem
+  10 in. high, 2 in. to 4 in. wide, pale green or glaucous, with about
+  eight ridges, the spines being placed along the angles in clusters of
+  half a dozen or so, and about &frac12; in. apart. The flowers are 2
+  in. to 3 in. long; the tube spiny; the petals semi-erect and concave,
+  rounded at the tip, and forming a shallow cup or wine-glass-like
+  flower; the colour of the petals is deep blood-red. This beautiful
+  Cactus is exceptional in the length of time its flowers remain
+  expanded and fresh, lasting a week or more; and as the plant is very
+  free flowering, there is usually a beautiful display of rich red
+  blossoms for about six weeks. It may be grown in a cool greenhouse or
+  window, requiring no artificial heat beyond what would be necessary
+  to insure its protection from frost. It flowers in spring.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cproc" id="cproc">C. procumbens</a></b> (trailing);
+  Fig. 27.&mdash;This is a very pretty little Cactus, with spreading
+  prostrate stems, from which upright branches grow to a height of 3
+  in. or 4 in.; they are &frac12; in. thick, generally only four-angled
+  or square, with small spines in tufts along the angles. The flowers
+  are developed on the ends of the branches, and are 3 in. long and
+  wide, the sepals spreading and recurved, as in a Paris daisy, their
+  colour being bright rose purple. The anthers form a corona-like ring,
+  inclosing the upright, rayed stigma. A native of Mexico; flowers in
+  May and June. In its native haunts we learn that this little Cactus
+  is very free-flowering, but under cultivation in this country it
+  flowers only rarely. It thrives best when grown in a dry, sunny
+  greenhouse, and kept perfectly dry during autumn and winter. If
+  allowed to get wet in that season, it is apt to rot, the stems being
+  soft and watery.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig27.jpg" width="320" height="370" alt=
+    "CEREUS PROCUMBENS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 27.&mdash;CEREUS PROCUMBENS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="credu" id="credu">C. reductus</a></b> (dingy); Bot.
+  Mag. 4443.&mdash;Stem erect, sometimes 3 ft. high, and about 4 in.
+  wide, deeply furrowed, the furrows usually numbering about fourteen;
+  the ridges tumid and irregular, and coloured a dingy glaucous-green.
+  Spines embedded in a tuft of grey wool, about a dozen spines in each
+  cluster, 1 in. long, a few of them only half that length. Flowers on
+  the top of the stem, three or four opening together, each being 3 in.
+  long and wide; the tube short and scaly, with overlapping sepals and
+  saw-edged petals, which are white, slightly tinged with rose. Stamens
+  filling the whole of the flower-cup, bright yellow. A native of
+  Mexico, introduced in 1796, flowering in summer. This species was
+  evidently a favourite many years ago, but it is rare with us now. It
+  thrives in a house where the winter temperature does not fall below
+  45 deg., requiring no water at that time, but a liberal supply in the
+  summer when growth is being made, and all the sunlight possible. When
+  without its star-shaped, handsome flowers, the stem is remarkably
+  ferocious-looking, the spines upon it being quite as thick and as
+  strong as on a hedgehog.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="crepa" id="crepa">C. repandus</a></b> (undulated);
+  Fig. 28.&mdash;Stem erect, 10 ft. or more high, unbranched, unless
+  compelled to do so by the removal of the top. Ribs eight or nine in
+  number, rounded, somewhat undulated, and bearing spine-tufts nearly 1
+  in. apart; each tuft contains about ten spines, which are almost
+  equal in length, fine, stiff, brown, and persistent; there is a
+  little cushion of white wool about the base of the spines. Flowers
+  produced on the side, within a few inches of the top of the stem;
+  they are composed of a scaly tube, 4 in. long, a circular row of
+  spreading, incurved, pale brown sepals, and two rows of broad,
+  overlapping, snow-white petals; stamens white, with yellow anthers;
+  stigma yellow. The flowers, developed in summer, are very beautiful,
+  but, unfortunately, each lasts only a few hours. A native of the West
+  Indies, and an old introduction to English gardens (1720), but rare
+  in cultivation now. It requires the treatment of a stove all the year
+  round.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig28.jpg" width="291" height="400" alt=
+    "CEREUS REPANDUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 28.&mdash;CEREUS REPANDUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="croye" id="croye">C. Royeni</a></b> (Royen's); Bot.
+  Mag. 3125.&mdash;This plant is not one of the handsomest as regards
+  flowers; but its stems are ornamental, and the form of the flowers is
+  such as would please those who admire the curious. The stem is erect,
+  several feet high, 2 in. in diameter, with about ten acute ridges,
+  along which are little tufts of white wool about the base of the
+  clustering spines, which are dark brown and 1 in. long. The
+  flower-tube is 2 in. long, thick, spineless, scaly, the scales
+  becoming large near the top of the flower, where they form a cup-like
+  whorl, enclosing the small rose-coloured petals, the stamens being
+  white. Introduced from New Grenada, in 1832. It flowers in spring and
+  summer. It should be grown in a stove.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="cvari" id="cvari">C. variabilis</a></b> (variable);
+  Bot. Mag. 4084, under the name of <i>C. pitajaya.</i>&mdash;A
+  tall-growing plant, rather straggling in habit, branching freely, the
+  stems usually four-winged, but sometimes with three, five, or more,
+  constricted at intervals, as in Phyllocactus, the wings spiny along
+  the edges; spines 1 in. long. Flowers on the sides of the stems,
+  rather low down, long-tubed; large, showy; tube 6 in. long, smooth,
+  fleshy, with a few scales near the top, and a whorl of greenish,
+  strap-shaped, pointed sepals, the petals spreading, with toothed
+  margins and a long acute point, white or cream-coloured; anthers
+  yellow. A native of various parts of South America and the West
+  Indies, but always close to the sea. It flowers in July; the flowers,
+  which open generally in the evening, remain expanded all night, and
+  close before noon the day following. This species requires tropical
+  or warm house treatment. There are some old plants of it in the Kew
+  collection, where it flowers annually. Except for large houses, this
+  species is not recommended for general cultivation, as it blossoms
+  only after attaining a good size, and the stems, when old, are not at
+  all ornamental.</p><a name="echino" id="echino"></a>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS ECHINOCACTUS.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>echinos</i>, a hedgehog, and <i>Cactus</i>.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_M.jpg" width="50" height="113" alt="M" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>ANY of the plants included in the genus Echinocactus are very
+  similar in habit and stem-characters to the Cereus. Botanists find
+  characters in the seed vessel (ovary) and in the seeds by which the
+  two genera are supposed to be easily separable; but, so far as can be
+  made out by a comparison of their more conspicuous characters, there
+  is very little indeed to enable one to distinguish the two genera
+  from each other when not in flower. A comparison of the figures given
+  in these pages will show that such is the case.</p>
+
+  <p>The name Echinocactus was given to <i>E. tenuispinus</i>, which
+  was first introduced into English gardens in 1825. The spiny
+  character of this species is surpassed by that of many of the more
+  recently introduced kinds; still it is sufficient to justify its
+  being compared to a hedgehog. Some of the kinds have spines 4 in.
+  long, broad at the base, and hooked towards the point, the hooks
+  being wonderfully strong, whilst in others the spines are long and
+  needle-like, or short and fine as the prickles on a thistle. The
+  stems vary much in size and form, being globose, or compressed, or
+  ovate, a few only being cylindrical, and attaining a height of from 5
+  ft. to 10 ft. They are almost always simple&mdash;that is, without
+  branches, unless they are compelled to form such by cutting out or
+  injuring the top of the stem; the ridges vary in number from about
+  five to ten times that number, and they are in some species very firm
+  and prominent, in others reduced to mere undulations, whilst in a
+  few, they are separated into numerous little tubercles or mammae. The
+  species are nearly all possessed of spines, which are collected in
+  bundles along the ridges of the stem. Generally, the flowers are
+  about as long as wide, and the ovary is covered with scales or
+  modified sepals. The fruit is succulent, or sometimes dry, and, when
+  ripe, is covered with the persistent calyx scales, often surrounded
+  with wool, and usually bearing upon the top the remains of the
+  withered flower. The position of the flowers is on the young part of
+  the stem, usually being perched in the centre, never on the old part,
+  as in some of the Cereuses. The flowers open only under the influence
+  of bright sunlight, generally closing soon after it leaves them.</p>
+
+  <p>The geographical distribution of the species, of which over 200
+  have been described, extends from Texas and California to Peru and
+  Brazil; they are in greatest abundance in Mexico, whence most of the
+  garden kinds have been introduced. The conditions under which they
+  grow naturally vary considerably in regard to temperature and soil;
+  but they are all found in greatest numbers and most robust health
+  where the soil is gravelly or sandy, and even where there is no
+  proper soil at all, the roots finding nourishment in the clefts or
+  crevices of the rocks. As a rule, the temperature in the lands where
+  they are native is very high during summer, and falls to the other
+  extreme in winter, some of the species being found even where frost
+  and snow are frequent; the majority of them, however, require what we
+  would call stove treatment.</p>
+
+  <p>Turning now to a consideration of those kinds known as garden
+  plants, we find that comparatively few of the species known to
+  botanists are represented in English collections, though, perhaps, we
+  may safely say that not one of the kinds known would be considered
+  unworthy of cultivation except by those who despise Cactuses of
+  whatever kind. Their flowers are conspicuous both in size and
+  brilliancy of colour; and in the curious, grotesque, and even
+  beautifully symmetrical shapes of their stems, one finds attractions
+  of no ordinary kind. The stem of <i>E. Visnaga</i> shown at Fig. 48
+  may be taken as an instance of this&mdash;apart from the cluster of
+  star-like, bright yellow flowers seen nestling upon the top of their
+  spine-protected dwelling, the whole suggesting a nest of young birds.
+  This plant is indeed one of the most remarkable of the
+  Echinocactuses, owing to the size and number of its
+  spines&mdash;which are 3 in. long, almost as firm as steel, and are
+  used by the Mexicans as toothpicks&mdash;and to the gigantic size and
+  great weight of the stem. The following account of a large specimen
+  of this species introduced to Kew in 1845, is taken from an article
+  from the pen of the late Sir Wm. Hooker in the <i>Gardeners'
+  Chronicle</i> of that year. This gigantic plant was presented to the
+  nation, in other words to Kew, by F. Staines, Esq., of San Luis
+  Potosi. Such was its striking appearance, that it was stated that, if
+  exhibited in the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, some hundreds of pounds
+  might be realised by it. In a letter from Mr. Staines, here quoted,
+  our readers will perceive how difficult it often is to obtain living
+  specimens of these plants from their native habitats. He writes: "I
+  mean to have a large specimen of <i>E. Visnaga</i> deposited in a
+  strong box, sending the box first to the mountain where the monsters
+  grow, and placing it on the springs of a carriage which I shall
+  despatch for that purpose. My monstrous friend cannot travel any
+  other way, from his stupendous size and immense ponderosity, which
+  cannot be adequately calculated for here, where the largest machine
+  for conveying weights does not exceed sixteen arrobes, or 400lb. This
+  enormous plant will require twenty men at least to place it upon the
+  vehicle, with the aid of such levers as our Indians can invent. It
+  grows in the deep ravines of our loftiest mountains, amongst huge
+  stones; the finest plants are inaccessible to wheeled vehicles, and
+  even on horseback it is difficult to reach them. I shall pack him
+  carefully in mats before applying to his roots the crowbars destined
+  to wrench him from his resting place of unknown centuries. He will
+  have to travel 300 leagues before he reaches Vera Cruz." Being too
+  large to be packed in a box, it was first surrounded with a dense
+  clothing of the Old Man's Beard or Spanish moss (<i>Tillandsia
+  usneoides</i>)&mdash;and a better covering could not have been
+  devised&mdash;and well corded. Fifteen mats, each as large and as
+  thick as an ordinary doormat, formed the exterior envelope. When
+  unpacked on its arrival at Kew, this monster Cactus was seen as
+  perfect, as green, and as uninjured as if it had been that morning
+  removed from its native rocks, its long, rope-like roots arranged in
+  coils like the cable of a ship. When placed in scales it weighed
+  713lb., its circumference at 1 ft. from the ground was 4&frac12; ft.,
+  and its total height, 8 ft. 7 in.; the number of ridges was
+  forty-four, and on each ridge were fifty bundles of spines, four
+  spines to each bundle. Thus there were 8800 spines or toothpicks,
+  enough for the supply of an army. A still larger specimen was a year
+  or so later successfully brought to Kew, and which weighed 1 ton; but
+  this, as well as the smaller one, survived only a short time. There
+  have been numerous other large specimens of this Cactus in English
+  gardens lately, all of them, however, succumbing to the unfavourable
+  conditions of our climate. Mr. Peacock, of Hammersmith, recently
+  possessed two large plants of <i>E. Visnaga,</i> one of which weighed
+  nearly 5cwt., and measured 8 ft. 6 in. in circumference.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;The soil for Echinocactuses should be
+  similar to that recommended for the Cereuses, as also should be the
+  treatment as regards sunlight and rest. It cannot be too clearly
+  understood that during the period between October and March these
+  plants should be kept perfectly dry at the root, and in a dry house,
+  where the temperature would not fall below 50 deg. There is no
+  occasion for re-potting the Echinocactuses every year, it being by
+  far the safest plan to allow them to remain in the same pots several
+  years, should the soil be fresh and the drainage perfect.</p>
+
+  <p>All the larger-stemmed kinds may be kept in health when grown on
+  their own roots; but for some of the smaller species it is a good
+  plan to graft them upon the stem of some of the Cereuses, <i>C.
+  tortuosus</i> or <i>C. colubrinus</i> being recommended for the
+  smaller kinds, and for the larger <i>C. peruvianus</i>, <i>C.
+  gemmatus</i>, or any one the stem of which is robust, and of the
+  right dimensions to bear the species of Echinocactus intended to be
+  grafted. Some growers prefer to graft all the small Echinocactuses
+  upon other kinds, find certainly, when properly grafted, they are
+  safer thus treated than if grown on their own roots. In grafting, the
+  two stems (stock and scion) must be cut so that their edges meet, and
+  in securing them two or three stakes must be placed in such a way as
+  to afford support to the graft and hold it firmly in position.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;Besides grafting, cuttings of the stems
+  may be utilised for the multiplication of Echinocactuses, first
+  removing the upper portion of the stem and putting it into soil to
+  root, and afterwards, as lateral stems develop on the old stock, they
+  may be cut away with a sharp knife, and treated in a similar manner.
+  Should a plant become sickly, and look shrivelled and cankered at the
+  base, it is always best to cut away the healthy part of the stem, and
+  induce it to form fresh roots, thus giving it a new lease of life.
+  Seeds of these plants may be obtained from dealers, more especially
+  Continental nurserymen, and to watch the gradual development of the
+  plant from the seedling is both interesting and instructive. The
+  seeds should be sown in soil, and kept moist and warm; in about a
+  month after sowing, the little pea-like, green balls will be seen
+  pushing their way through the thin covering of soil, and gradually
+  but slowly increasing in size, their spines also increasing in number
+  and strength, the ridges forming according to the character of the
+  species, till, finally, they assume the mature characters of the
+  plant, both in stem and habit. The flowers, of course, appear
+  according to the length of time it takes for the species to grow to
+  flowering size.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><a name="ebrev" id="ebrev"><b>E. brevihamatus</b></a>
+  (short-hooked).&mdash;Several kinds of Echinocactus are distinguished
+  from the rest in having the ridges divided into tubercles, which are
+  often globular and arranged in a spiral round the stem, as in the
+  genus Mamillaria; to this section the present species belongs. The
+  stem is almost sphere-shaped, from 4 in. to 6 in. high, the
+  tuberculated ridges about &frac14; in. deep, and upon each tubercle
+  is a tuft of about a dozen brown, radiating spines, with a long
+  central one hooked at the point. The flowers are borne in clusters on
+  the top of the stem, three or four opening together; they are 1 in.
+  in length, and the same across the spreading petals, which are pink,
+  shaded with deep rose. A native of the mountainous regions of South
+  Brazil; introduced about 1850. Flowers in summer. This pretty little
+  plant will thrive if placed upon a shelf in a greenhouse where it
+  will have full sunshine during the greater part of the day. It grows
+  very slowly, especially when on its own roots, but succeeds better
+  when grafted on another kind.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecent" id="ecent">E. centeterius</a></b>
+  (many-spined); Bot. Mag. 3974.&mdash;This has a conical-shaped stem,
+  6 in. high by 4 in. wide, with about fourteen ridges, which are
+  notched, and bear star-shaped clusters of pale brown spines, &frac12;
+  in. long. The blossoms are borne rather thickly on the summit of the
+  stem, from six to nine flowers being sometimes open together; and as
+  they are each nearly 3 in. across, and of good substance, they
+  present an attractive appearance. The petals are of a deep
+  straw-colour, with a reddish streak down the centre, and 1&frac12;
+  in.long, with the apex notched or toothed. The stamens are spirally
+  coiled round the stigma, which is club-shaped and white. This species
+  is probably a native of Mexico, and was first flowered in England at
+  Kew, in 1841. A cool, dry greenhouse suits it best; or it may be
+  grown in a sunny room window where frost would not be allowed to
+  reach it in winter. Unless subjected to very dry treatment during the
+  winter months, and also kept in a position where all the sunlight
+  possible would reach it&mdash;even when at rest &mdash;there is not
+  much chance of this plant producing its large flowers. It may be kept
+  alive by giving it uniform treatment all the year round, but it would
+  never flower.</p>
+
+  <p><a name="ecinn" id="ecinn"><b>E. cinnabarinus</b></a>
+  (cinnabar-flowered); Bot. Mag. 4326.&mdash;This is another of the
+  Mamillaria-like kinds, and is remarkable for the depressed form of
+  its stem, which may be likened to a sea urchin, both in size and
+  shape. Old plants are from 6 in. to 8 in. in diameter, and about 4
+  in. high; the spiral formed by the tubercles rises very gradually,
+  and each of the latter is surmounted by a tuft of strong, brown,
+  radiating spines, imbedded in a little cushion of wool. The flowers
+  spring from the outside of the depressed top of the stem, two or
+  three opening together and forming a beautiful picture, both as to
+  size and colour. The tube is short and green, with a row of long
+  green sepals at the top, and above these the petals, which are 2 in.
+  long, overlapping, recurved, the edges toothed, and the colour a
+  brilliant cinnabar-red. The stamens are in two series, very numerous,
+  and the anthers are bright yellow. Looking at the flattened, spiny
+  stem, it seems impossible that such large, handsome flowers should be
+  produced by it. A native of Bolivia; introduced about 1846. It
+  blossoms in July, and may be grown on a shelf in a cool greenhouse,
+  as advised for the <i>E. centeterius.</i></p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="econc" id="econc">E. concinnus</a></b> (neat); Fig.
+  29.&mdash;A small species with a globose stem, 2 in. high and 3 in.
+  wide, and about twenty ridges, which are rounded, rather broad, each
+  bearing about half-a-dozen little bunches of spines arranged in a
+  star. The flowers are numerous, as large as, or larger than, the
+  stem, being 3 in. long and broad, the tube covered with brown
+  hair-like spines, and having a few reddish scales, whilst the petals
+  are in several rows, overlapping, with pointed tips, and are coloured
+  dark yellow with a red streak down the centre. Several flowers are
+  sometimes developed together on a little stem, when they have the
+  appearance of being much too large for so small a plant to support.
+  The pale green of the stem and its brown spines contrast prettily
+  with the handsome yellow flowers, which are brightened by the streaks
+  of red on the petals and the clear red colour of the stigma. It is a
+  native of Mexico, and was introduced about 1840, flowering early in
+  summer. It requires a warm greenhouse temperature all the year round,
+  with, of course, plenty of sunshine. It may be grafted on the stem of
+  an erect-growing Cereus, such as <i>C. serpentinus</i> or <i>C.
+  Napoleonis</i>, the stock to be not higher than 6 in., and about as
+  wide as the plant of <i>E. concinnus</i> is at the base.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig29.jpg" width="301" height="350" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS CONCINNUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 29.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS CONCINNUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecopt" id="ecopt">E. coptonogonus</a></b>
+  (wavy-ribbed); Fig. 30.&mdash;Stem globose, seldom more than 5 in. in
+  diameter, depressed on the top, with from ten to fourteen strong,
+  sharp-edged, wavy ribs, the furrows also being wavy. Spine tufts set
+  in little depressions along the margins of the ribs, five spines in
+  each tuft, the two upper 1 in. long and four-angled, the two lower
+  flattened and shorter, the fifth, which is the longest, being placed
+  in the top of the cushion. Flowers 2 in. across, daisy-like, produced
+  in April and May; tube very short; sepals and petals linear,
+  spreading, white, with a purple stripe down the centre; stamens red,
+  with yellow anthers; pistil purple, with an eight-rayed, yellow
+  stigma. A native of Mexico. (Syn. <i>E. interruptus</i>.)</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig30.jpg" width="311" height="330" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS COPTONOGONUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 30.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS COPTONOGONUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecorn" id="ecorn">E. cornigerus</a></b>
+  (horn-bearing).&mdash;This remarkable plant, of which a portion is
+  represented at Fig. 31, has the stoutest spines of all cultivated
+  Cactuses, and their arrangement on the ridges of the stem is such as
+  would withstand the attacks of all enemies. The broad tongue-like
+  spine is purple in colour, and as strong as iron; the three erect
+  horn-like spines yellow, and as firm as the horns of an antelope, to
+  which they bear a resemblance. The stem is sphere-shaped, grey-green
+  in colour, and is divided into from fourteen to twenty-one stout wavy
+  ribs, upon which the spine tufts occur at intervals of about 2 in.
+  The arrangement of the spines is shown in the illustration, as also
+  is the position of the flowers, which are small, with narrow purple
+  petals and brown-red sepals. The plant is a native of Mexico and
+  Guatemala, and would require stove treatment. We have seen only small
+  living examples, but according to descriptions and figures, the most
+  interesting character it possesses is its spiny armament. It has been
+  called <i>Melocactus latispinus</i> and <i>Echinocactus
+  latispinus</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig31.jpg" width="357" height="206" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS CORNIGERUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 31.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS CORNIGERUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecory" id="ecory">E. corynodes</a></b> (club-like);
+  Fig. 32.&mdash;The stem of this is about as large as a Keswick Codlin
+  apple, with the broad end uppermost, and the sides cut up into about
+  a dozen and a half rather prominent sharp ridges, with bunches of
+  <i>stout</i> yellow spines arranged, at intervals of about 1 in.,
+  along the edges. The flowers, which are produced in a cluster on the
+  top of the stem, form a crown of bright yellow petals, studded with
+  scarlet eye-like stigmas. Each flower is 2 in. in diameter when fully
+  spread out, cup-shaped, and composed of two or three rows of
+  over-lapping petals. In the middle of these nestle the short stamens,
+  and projecting well beyond them is the bright scarlet stigma, forming
+  a beautiful contrast to the petals. This plant is a native of Mexico,
+  and was introduced about the year 1837. It is also known in gardens
+  under the names of <i>E. rosaceus</i> and <i>E. Sellowianus</i>.
+  There was a pretty little specimen of this flowering in the Kew
+  collection last year, and the opening and closing of the flowers, as
+  the sunlight reached or receded from them, was almost as rapid as
+  that observed in the daisy. The whole plant is so small, and, when in
+  flower, so charming, that no one could fail to admire it. It requires
+  similar treatment to <i>E. concinnus</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig32.jpg" width="320" height="317" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS CORYNODES" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 32.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS CORYNODES</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecrisp" id="ecrisp">E. crispatus</a></b> (curled);
+  Fig. 33.&mdash;The flattened, wavy or curled ridges of this species
+  are characteristic of several other kinds of Echinocactus. Its long,
+  stout, ferocious-looking spines, directed upwards, have a very
+  forbidding aspect. The stem grows to a height of about 8 in., and is
+  said to produce its large, long-tubed, purple flowers in the summer
+  months. It has been introduced by a Continental nurseryman, but, so
+  far as is known, has not yet flowered in any English collection. It
+  is apparently closely allied to <i>E. longihamatus</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig33.jpg" width="300" height="253" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS CRISPATUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 33.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS CRISPATUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecumm" id="ecumm">E. Cummingii</a></b> (Cumming's);
+  Bot. Mag. 6097.&mdash;A pretty little species, with a globose stem
+  about 3 in. in diameter, the ridges divided into tubercles, and
+  running spirally round the stem. From each tubercle springs a
+  radiating cluster of yellowish, hair-like spines. The flowers are
+  numerous, 1 in. long and wide, the scales on the tube tipped with
+  red, whilst the petals stamens, and stigma are an uniform bright
+  ochre-yellow; so that, looked at from above, they suggest the flowers
+  of the common marigold. A well-managed plant produces as many as
+  half-a-dozen of these flowers together, which open out widely under
+  the influence of bright sunlight. It is one of the hardiest of the
+  genus, thriving well in a frost-proof house or frame. During winter,
+  the atmosphere surrounding it should be as dry as possible; but in
+  summer it likes plenty of moisture, and exposure to full sunshine. A
+  variety of <i>E. Cummingii</i> was raised from seeds a few years ago
+  by Mr. Daniel, of Epsom, the flowers of which were pale almost to
+  whiteness. The type is said to attain a height of 8 in. in its native
+  country, Bolivia, whence plants were introduced to Kew in 1847, and
+  flowered in July.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecyli" id="ecyli">E. cylindraceus</a></b>
+  (cylindrical).&mdash;A large-growing kind, attaining a height of
+  several feet, very broad, and, as the name denotes, cylindrical in
+  shape. When large, the stem often develops lateral branches about its
+  base. Cultivated plants of it are 6 in. high, the sides marked with
+  about a score of ridges, upon which, arranged in a dense cluster, are
+  the stout, strong spines, the longest of them 3 in. long, hooked, and
+  projecting outwards, the shorter spreading and interlacing so as to
+  form a sort of spiny network all round the stem. The flowers are
+  yellow, 2 in. long, and are composed of a short, thick tube bearing
+  from forty to fifty fringed sepals, and about half that number of
+  petals, which are also fringed. There are as many as a dozen flowers
+  opened together on stout, aged plants; it is, however, more because
+  of the densely spinous stems than the flowers that this species has
+  found its way into cultivation. It cannot be recommended for any
+  except large collections, and where it can be grown in a stove
+  temperature. It is a native of the hot deserts of Colorado, and was
+  introduced about ten years ago. There are several healthy young
+  specimens of it in the Kew collection.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eechi" id="eechi">E. echidne</a></b> (viper; probably
+  in allusion to the fang-like spines).&mdash;This species is
+  remarkable in having a stout cylindrical stem, 12 in. high by 8 in.
+  wide, with about a dozen deep ridges; these are disposed spirally,
+  and bear tufts of rigid, broad spines, 1 in. or more long, spreading,
+  so as to interlace and form a wire-like network all round the stem.
+  It may be mentioned here that an American naturalist has recently
+  suggested that the object of these iron-like spines on the stems of
+  many Cactuses, and more especially on the majority of the Hedgehog
+  kinds, is not so much to defend the fleshy stems from browsing
+  animals as to afford protection from the scorching rays of the sun,
+  which would otherwise cause the stems to blister and shrivel; and the
+  nature of the spiny covering of <i>E. echidne</i> seems to support
+  such a view. As in many others, the clusters of spines in this plant
+  have their bases embedded in a tuft of whitish wool. The flowers are
+  developed near the centre of the top of the stem, and are of medium
+  size, bright yellow, with whitish stamens; they are produced two or
+  three together, in summer. This species is a native of Mexico; it
+  thrives in a greenhouse where frost is excluded, but only rarely
+  flowers with us under cultivation.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eemor" id="eemor">E. Emoryi</a></b> (Emory's); Fig.
+  34.&mdash;This is a very large-stemmed kind, specimens having been
+  found nearly 3 ft. in height and about 2 ft. in diameter. Smaller
+  plants, such as are in English collections, have globose stems 1 ft.
+  through, with about thirteen ribs, the ribs tuberculated, the
+  tubercles large, and rounded; the spines are borne on the apex of the
+  tubercles in star-shaped bundles of eight or nine, and are angled,
+  often flat on the top side, articulated, with hooked points, whilst
+  in length they vary from 1 in. to 4 in. The flowers are 3 in. long,
+  the tube clothed with heart-shaped scales or sepals; the petals are
+  red, with yellowish margins, spreading so as to form a beautiful,
+  large, cup-like flower, with a cluster of deep yellow stamens in the
+  centre. The flowering period is in the autumn, and the plant is a
+  native of the Lower Colorado and California. Living plants of it have
+  only recently been introduced into English collections. At Kew, it is
+  cultivated in a warm greenhouse, where it is in good health. From
+  accounts of it in its native haunts, it will, however, probably
+  prefer a cool house in winter, and as much sun and warmth as possible
+  in spring and summer; for we are told that during winter it is often
+  subjected to severe frosts and heavy snowfalls, whilst in summer the
+  fierce heat of the sun is such as to burn up all vegetation, except
+  Cactuses and other similar plants.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig34.jpg" width="320" height="311" alt=
+    "FLOWER AND SPINES OF ECHINOCACTUS EMORYI" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 34.&mdash;FLOWER AND SPINES OF ECHINOCACTUS EMORYI</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="egibb" id="egibb">E. gibbosus</a></b>
+  (humped).&mdash;A small apple-like plant, not more than 4 in. high,
+  with a depressed top, the lower part being narrowed. It has sixteen
+  ribs or ridges, composed of rows of thick fleshy tubercles, upon
+  every other of which are six or eight horny spines, 1 in. long. The
+  flowers are pushed out from the edge of the depression on the top of
+  the stem, and are large; the tube 1&frac12; in. long. The petals
+  spread to a width of 3 in., and are arranged in several rows,
+  overlapping each other, becoming smaller towards the centre of the
+  flower, as in an aster; they are pure white, except for a tinge of
+  red on the tips of the outer ones, the stamens being bright yellow.
+  Two flowers are usually developed on a plant, generally in June. This
+  species was introduced from Jamaica about 1808, by a nurseryman in
+  Hammersmith; but as no Echinocactuses are wild in the West Indian
+  Islands, it must have been introduced into Jamaica from some of the
+  Central American States, or probably from Mexico. It may be grafted
+  on to another free-growing kind with advantage, as it does not always
+  keep healthy when on its own roots. It should be grown in a cool
+  greenhouse, or in the window of a dwelling-room, always, however, in
+  a position where it would get plenty of sunlight.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ehayn" id="ehayn">E. Haynii</a></b> (Hayne's); Fig.
+  35.&mdash;An upright cylindrical-stemmed species, very much like a
+  Mamillaria in the form and position of the tubercles and the numerous
+  greyish hair-like spines arranged in a radiating ring on the top of
+  each tubercle. The flowers are much longer than in any yet described,
+  the tube being 6 in. in length, clothed with large sepals on the
+  upper portion, and the petals are semi-erect with recurved points,
+  and coloured a brilliant purple-red. A native of Peru, where it is
+  found at high elevations, growing in crevices of rocks and exposed to
+  full sunlight. With us it thrives in a warm greenhouse, producing its
+  beautiful flowers in summer. Introduced about 1850.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig35.jpg" width="245" height="350" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS HAYNII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 35.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS HAYNII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ehexa" id="ehexa">E. hexaedrophorus</a></b> (tubercles
+  six-sided); Fig. 36.&mdash;This plant is distinguished by the
+  gouty-looking tubercles into which its broad, spiral ridges are
+  divided, and which look as if they would suddenly burst like a
+  blister if pricked with a pin. It grows about 4 in. in height, and is
+  similar in form to what is shown in the accompanying figure, except
+  that the top is usually flatter than here represented. The whole stem
+  has a glaucous hue, and the spines are reddish-brown. The flowers,
+  which are produced freely in June and July, are short-tubed,
+  spreading to a width of 2 in.; the petals toothed at the tips, and
+  arranged in several rows, overlapping each other, the colour being
+  white, tinted with rose, with a disk-like cluster of yellow stamens
+  in the centre, and a white-rayed stigma. A native of North Mexico,
+  introduced about 1830. It is very slow-growing, attaining full size
+  in not less than six years from seed; indeed, it is stated that in
+  twelve years a plant of it did not grow more than 2 in. Still, slow
+  as it is, it remains in good health when kept in a sunny position on
+  a shelf in a greenhouse or in a dwelling-room, so that it may be
+  recommended for places where space is very limited. Like <i>E.
+  gibbosus</i>, it does best when grafted on to another kind. We have
+  seen perfect "drum-sticks" formed by grafting a full-grown plant of
+  this on the stem of a Cereus.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig36.jpg" width="284" height="310" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS HEXAEDROPHORUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 36.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS HEXAEDROPHORUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ehori" id="ehori">E. horizonthalonis</a></b>
+  (spreading-spined); Fig. 37.&mdash;Stem globose, usually flattened on
+  the top, and divided into eight or nine large ribs or ridges,
+  grey-green in colour. Spines in crowded star-shaped clusters along
+  the apex of the ribs, seven spines in each cluster, all of them
+  strong, slightly curved, horn-like, and marked with numerous rings;
+  they are yellow, tipped with red when young, ash-coloured when old;
+  the longest are about 2 in. in length. Flowers terminal, springing
+  from the young spine tufts, each 4 in. across, with two rows of
+  petals arranged regularly in the form of a cup; colour deep rose,
+  paler on the inside of the cup; stamens very numerous, with white
+  filaments and yellow anthers. The flowers expand at sunrise and close
+  again in the evening, each one lasting about a week; they are very
+  agreeably scented. Flowering season, May and June. The plant is a
+  native of Mexico, and was introduced in 1838. (Syns. <i>E. equitans,
+  E. horizontalis</i>.)</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig37.jpg" width="269" height="330" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS HORIZONTHALONIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 37.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS HORIZONTHALONIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eleco" id="eleco">E. Le Contei</a></b> (Le Conte's);
+  Fig. 38.&mdash;Another of the large-stemmed kinds, which have only
+  recently found their way into English gardens, although long since
+  discovered and described by American travellers. The illustration
+  represents a young plant. When full-grown, this species has a stem 5
+  ft. high by 2 ft. wide, with broad deep channels and ridges, wrinkled
+  and covered with a thick network of stout spines, which are set in
+  clusters in a cushion of whitish wool, the longest being about 3 in.
+  in length, with curved or slightly hooked points, and distinctly
+  angular. The flowers are 2 in. long, bell-shaped; the petals shining
+  lemon-yellow, with a tinge of brown on the outside, whilst the sepals
+  are like a number of fish-scales, overlapping each other down the
+  outside of the campanulate tube. The stamens and pistil are almost
+  hidden inside the flower. Flowers are borne by quite young plants,
+  whilst upon full-grown specimens they are so numerous as to form a
+  large yellow cap to the immense, prickly, conical stems. They are
+  developed in August and September. A native of Mexico, where it is
+  found wild on the rocky or gravelly plains and ravines, and often in
+  crevices of perpendicular rocks. It requires warm greenhouse
+  treatment, and plenty of water during the summer, care being taken
+  that the soil it is planted in is perfectly drained.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig38.jpg" width="320" height="249" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS LE CONTEI" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 38.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS LE CONTEI</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eleea" id="eleea">E. Leeanus</a></b> (Lee's); Bot.
+  Mag. 4184.&mdash;This species has many characters in common with
+  <i>E. hexaedrophorus</i> and <i>E. gibbosus</i>, the stem being no
+  larger than a small orange, with plump globose tubercles, bearing
+  star-shaped clusters of short brown spines. The flowers are 1&frac12;
+  in. long and wide, and are composed of a green fleshy tube, with a
+  few whitish scales, which gradually enlarge till, with the white,
+  rose-tipped petals, they form a spreading cup, the large cluster of
+  pale yellow stamens occupying the whole of the centre. This pretty
+  little Cactus was raised from seeds by Messrs. Lee, of the
+  Hammersmith Nursery, in 1840. It is a native of the Argentine
+  Provinces, and flowers in May. The treatment recommended for <i>E.
+  gibbosus</i> will be found suitable for this. It is happiest when
+  grafted on to another kind. For the amateur whose plants are grown in
+  a room window or small plant-case, these tiny Hedgehog Cactuses are
+  much more suitable than larger kinds, as they keep in health under
+  ordinary treatment, and flower annually; whereas, the larger kinds,
+  unless grown in properly-constructed houses, rarely blossom.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="elong" id="elong">E. longihamatus</a></b>
+  (long-hooked); Fig. 39.&mdash;We heartily wish all species of
+  Cactaceous plants were as readily distinguished and as easily defined
+  in words as in the present remarkably fine and handsome one
+  &mdash;remarkable in the very prominent ridges, the large and
+  regularly-arranged spines, the central one very long, flattened, and
+  usually hooked at the end, and handsome in the size and colouring of
+  its flowers, both in the bud and when fully expanded. The stem is
+  globose, 8 in. or more high; it has about thirteen prominent rounded
+  ridges with waved tumid edges, from which, about 1&frac12; in. apart,
+  spring clusters of spines, about a dozen in each cluster, dark red
+  when young, becoming brown with age. In length, these spines vary
+  from 1 in. to 6 in., the latter being the length of the central,
+  hooked one, which is broad and flattened at the base. The flowers are
+  4 in. broad and long, the tube short, green, and bearing reddish
+  scales, which gradually pass into bright yellow petals blotched with
+  red on the outside, the inner ones spreading and forming a shallow
+  cup, in the centre of which are the short yellow stamens and large
+  pistil. Plants of this species have been grown with stems 20 in.
+  high; but it takes a great number of years for the development of
+  such specimens. The flowers are produced on the apex of the stem in
+  July. This species was introduced from Mexico about 1850; it thrives
+  only when grown in a warm greenhouse, where the temperature in summer
+  may be allowed to run up to 90 degs. with sun heat. For large
+  collections it is one of the most desirable.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig39.jpg" width="262" height="350" alt=
+    "PORTION OF PLANT OF ECHINOCACTUS LONGIHAMATUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 39.&mdash;PORTION OF PLANT OF ECHINOCACTUS LONGIHAMATUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="emack" id="emack">E. Mackieanus</a></b> (Mackie's);
+  Bot. Mag. 3561.&mdash;A small plant, not more than about 5 in. high,
+  and 2 in. broad at the base, widening slightly upwards. The ridges
+  are broken up into numerous fleshy, rounded, green tubercles, crowned
+  with a tuft of thin brown spines from &frac12; in. to 1 in. long,
+  their bases set in a small pad of yellow wool: As the stem gets
+  older, it loses its tubercles at the base, which are changed into
+  brown wrinkles. The flowers are developed on the top of the stem,
+  generally two or three together, egg-shaped and scaly when in bud,
+  2&frac12; in. across when expanded; the petals white, tipped with
+  brown; the stigma green, club-shaped. This curious little Cactus is
+  one of about a dozen species found in the Chilian Andes. It was
+  introduced in 1837 by the gentleman whose name it bears, and who, at
+  that time, possessed a famous collection of Cacti. Like the rest of
+  the Chilian kinds, it should be cultivated in a cool greenhouse in
+  full sunshine, where it will produce its flowers in summer.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="emami" id="emami">E. mamillarioides</a></b>
+  (Mamillaria-like); Bot. Mag. 3558.&mdash;This is another small,
+  tubercled species, which, like the preceding, is a native of Chili.
+  Its stem is very irregular in form, owing to the crowding of the
+  tubercles, which look as if they were filled with water. The spines
+  are small, in tufts of about half a dozen, set in a little cushion of
+  yellowish wool. In size, the whole plant is like <i>E.
+  Mackieanus</i>, but it blossoms more freely, as many as sixteen
+  flowers having been borne at one time by a plant at Kew. These were
+  short-tubed, the calyx clothed with green scales, and the petals 2
+  in. long, recurved at the apex, forming a beautiful cup-like flower
+  of a bright yellow colour, with a band of red down the centre of each
+  petal; the stamens and pistil yellow. The number of flowers developed
+  on the small stem formed by this plant is quite extraordinary. It
+  grows and flowers freely in an ordinary greenhouse, and would thrive
+  in a sunny window if kept dry during the winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="emamil" id="emamil">E. mamillosus</a></b>
+  (nipple-bearing).&mdash;A short, dumpy plant, with numerous tubercled
+  ridges, bearing bunches of dark brown hair-like spines, which form a
+  close network about the stem. The flowers are developed on the top of
+  the stem, and are about 4 in. in diameter, with a thick tube; the
+  petals are spreading, bright yellow in colour, and arranged in a
+  regular, bell-like whorl. Inside this bell is a circle of purple
+  filaments or stamens, forming a pretty contrast with the clear yellow
+  of the petals. This is a recent introduction, which flowered in the
+  Kew collection for the first time in June, 1886. It is one of the
+  most beautiful of the large-flowered kinds, and, as it thrives in a
+  warm greenhouse and is very free-flowering, it may be expected to
+  become a favourite with Cactus growers. Owing to the lack of
+  information respecting the conditions under which many of the
+  Cactuses are found wild, and to the fact that little in the way of
+  experimental culture has been done by growers of this family,
+  cultivators are sometimes in the dark as regards the lowest
+  temperature in which the rarer kinds can be safely grown. Many of the
+  species of the present genus, for instance, were grown in stoves
+  years ago but are now known to thrive in a cool greenhouse where
+  frost alone is excluded.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="emult" id="emult">E. multiflorus</a></b>
+  (many-flowered); Bot. Mag. 4181.&mdash;A well-named Cactus, as its
+  small stem (seldom more than 5 in. high, and the same in width) often
+  bears a large cap-like cluster of beautiful white flowers, except for
+  a slight tinge of brown on the tips of the petals. Each flower is
+  composed of a green, scaly tube, and several rows of reflexed petals,
+  which form a shallow cup 2&frac12; in. across. The stamens are tipped
+  with orange-coloured anthers, and the stigma is rayed and snow-white.
+  The stem is ridged with rows of fleshy mammae or tubercles, which are
+  curiously humped, and each bears a cluster of spreading, brown
+  spines, 1 in. long. The number of flowers this little plant annually
+  produces seems more than could be possible without proving fatal to
+  its health; but we have seen it blossom year after year, and in no
+  way has its health appeared impaired. It may be grown on a shelf in a
+  warm greenhouse, or in the window of a heated dwelling-room.
+  Introduced, probably from Mexico, in 1845. This, like all the small,
+  globular-stemmed kinds, may be grafted on the stem of a Cereus of
+  suitable thickness. Some cultivators believe that grafting causes the
+  plants to flower more freely, but we have not observed any difference
+  in this respect between grafted and ungrafted plants.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="emyri" id="emyri">E. myriostigma.</a></b>
+  (many-dotted); Fig. 40.&mdash;In the form of the stem of this species
+  we have a good illustration of how widely a plant may differ from
+  others of the same genus in certain of its characters, for the spines
+  are almost totally suppressed, and the ridges are regular, deep, and
+  smooth. There are usually five or six ridges, a transverse section of
+  the stem revealing a form exactly like the common star-fish
+  (Astrophyton), a resemblance to which the name Astrophytum, sometimes
+  applied to this plant, owed its origin. The form of the stem is well
+  represented in the Figure. The white dots shown on the bark, and
+  which look like scales, are composed of very fine interwoven hairs,
+  which, under a microscope, are very pretty objects. This species was
+  introduced from Mexico along with the large plant of <i>E.
+  Visnaga</i> described at the beginning of this chapter, and was first
+  flowered at Kew, in July, 1845. Stems 1 ft. in length were received,
+  along with shorter ones; but only the small ones were established.
+  The flowers are daisy-like, 1&frac12; in. across, and are
+  straw-coloured, the petals being tipped with black. It thrives under
+  warm greenhouse treatment. When without its flowers, it looks more
+  like a piece of chiselled stone than a living plant.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig40.jpg" width="261" height="340" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS MYRIOSTIGMA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 40.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS MYRIOSTIGMA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eobva" id="eobva">E. obvallatus</a></b> (fortified);
+  Fig. 41.&mdash;The form of stem in this species is shown in the
+  Figure. It grows very slowly plants 4 in. through taking about ten
+  years to reach that size from seeds. The spines are stout, all
+  deflexed, and arranged along the edges of the numerous ribs into
+  which the stem is divided. The flowers are developed from the centre
+  of the plant, and are surrounded by the erect spines, which crown
+  the, as yet, undeveloped tubercles. Two or three flowers are produced
+  at about the same time, each one being composed of a short, spiny
+  tube, and a whorl of erect petals, which are pointed,
+  purple-coloured, paler at the margin, the stamens being yellow.
+  Native of Mexico. It requires a stove temperature, and flowers in
+  summer.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig41.jpg" width="300" height="286" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS OBVALLATUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 41.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS OBVALLATUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eotto" id="eotto">E. Ottonis</a></b> (Otto's); Bot.
+  Mag. 3107.&mdash;A dwarf kind, with a balloon-shaped stem, rarely
+  exceeding 4 in. in height, and divided into a dozen wide ridges with
+  sharp, regular edges, along which are clusters of small, brown
+  spines, set in little tufts of wool, and looking like an array of
+  spiders. The flowers are borne on the tops of the ridges, and are
+  pale yellow in colour, with a band of red hair-like spines
+  surrounding the calyx just below the petals, which are narrow,
+  spreading, and look not unlike the flowers of the yellow Marguerite;
+  the stigma is bright red. The symmetrical form of the stem, with its
+  rows of spider-like spines, renders this plant attractive, even when
+  without its bright and pretty flowers. It thrives only in a warm
+  stove. Introduced from Brazil in 1831, flowering in the month of
+  July. As it produces young plants about its base, it may be easily
+  propagated by removing them and planting them in soil; or they may be
+  grafted as advised for other of the small, globose-stemmed kinds.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="epect" id="epect">E. pectiniferus</a></b>
+  (comb-bearing); Bot. Mag. 4190.&mdash;One of the most striking of the
+  plants of this genus, owing to the character of its stem, and the
+  large size and beauty of its flowers. The former resembles a pear
+  with the thin end downwards; its height is from 4 in. to 6 in., and
+  it has about twenty ridges, which are sharply defined and bear along
+  their angles little cushions of white wool &frac12; in. apart, with a
+  radiating cluster of brown spines springing from each. The
+  arrangement of the spines in rows is not unlike the teeth of a comb.
+  The flowers are borne near the top of the stem, and consist of a
+  green, fleshy tube, clothed with spines and little tufts of white
+  wool; the sepals form a row beneath the petals, and are yellowish,
+  tinged with purple; petals 2 in. long, broad, with the upper margins
+  toothed and the tip acute, their colour being bright rose, tinged
+  with greenish-white at the base; stamens yellow; stigma large, green.
+  The form of the flowers is that of a cup, nearly 3 in. across.
+  Introduced from Mexico in 1845. Flowering season, April and May. It
+  requires warm-house treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="epoly" id="epoly">E. polycephalus</a></b>
+  (many-headed); Fig. 42.&mdash;Stem globose when young, becoming
+  cylindrical with age; number of ribs varying from twelve to twenty,
+  sharply defined, and bearing, at intervals of 1 in., clusters of
+  stout, reddish spines, somewhat flattened on the upper side, and
+  marked with raised rings, or, as it is termed, annulated, the central
+  ones attaining a length of over 3 in. on old plants, and sometimes
+  curved. The flowers are enveloped at the base in a dense mass of
+  white wool, which hides the tube, its spines only showing through;
+  petals narrow, 1 in. long, spreading like a saucer, and coloured
+  bright yellow; stamens numerous, yellow, as also is the large rayed
+  stigma. California and Colorado, on stony and gravelly hills. Flowers
+  in spring; introduced to Kew in 1886. This new plant is remarkable in
+  that it is often found wild with as many as twenty to thirty stems or
+  heads springing from the same base, and even young plants show early
+  a disposition to develop several heads. The largest stems are from
+  1&frac12; ft. to 2&frac12; ft. high, and have a somewhat forbidding
+  appearance, owing to the size and strength of their numerous spines.
+  For its cultivation, a warm-house temperature appears most suitable;
+  it bears a close resemblance to <i>E. texensis</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig42.jpg" width="233" height="350" alt=
+    "RIDGE, WITH SPINES, OF ECHINOCACTUS POLYCEPHALUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 42.&mdash;RIDGE, WITH SPINES, OF ECHINOCACTUS
+    POLYCEPHALUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="epott" id="epott">E. Pottsii</a></b>
+  (Potts').&mdash;The stem of this is shown in Fig. 43. Full-sized
+  plants are 1&frac12; ft. in diameter, and have about a dozen ridges
+  with acute sinuses, the ridges being rounded and even. The spines are
+  1 in. long, bristle-like, and are arranged in clusters of seven or
+  nine, with a cushion of white wool at the base of each cluster.
+  Flowers short-tubed, about 2 in. across, and coloured yellow; they
+  are produced on the top of the stem in summer, several expanding
+  together. The plant is a native of California, and was introduced
+  about 1840. Under cultivation this species proves to be a
+  shy-flowering Cactus, although in a warm house it grows freely, and
+  remains in good health. It is well adapted for grafting on to the
+  stem of some kind of Cereus, and in this way may be made to look very
+  singular, as was shown in Mr. Peacock's collection of succulents some
+  years ago, when a fine specimen, over 1 ft. across, was successfully
+  grafted on to three stems of <i>C. tortuosus</i>, and had much the
+  appearance of a melon elevated on a short tripod.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig43.jpg" width="320" height="289" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS POTTSII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 43.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS POTTSII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="erhod" id="erhod">E. rhodophthalmus</a></b>
+  (red-eyed); Bot. Mag. 4486, 4634.&mdash;Stem cone-shaped, 4 in. to 1
+  ft. high, deeply furrowed; ridges about nine, 1 in. high, the angles
+  bearing closely-set clusters of radiating spines, with a projecting
+  one in the middle of each cluster, which contains nine spines 1 in.
+  long, purple when young, becoming white when old. The flowers are
+  produced from the summit of the stem, and have a thick, green, scaly
+  calyx tube, upon which the spreading, rose-coloured petals are
+  arranged in a regular series, and form a shallow bell nearly 3 in.
+  across. The throat of the flower is coloured a deep crimson, against
+  which the little sheaf of white stamens and the star-shaped yellow
+  stigma form a pretty contrast. Three or more flowers are expanded
+  together on a plant. It is a native of Mexico; introduced in 1845. It
+  thrives in a house or frame where it is protected from frost, and
+  during summer gets plenty of sunlight and air. It flowers in August.
+  During the months of April and May, when it starts into growth, it
+  should be kept close; but by the end of June, it should be exposed to
+  the open air and allowed to ripen, so that its flowers may be
+  produced in the autumn. The plant called <i>E. v. ellipticus</i> does
+  not differ from the type, owing its name to the form of the stem of
+  the first plant that flowered at Kew.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="escop" id="escop">E. scopa.</a></b> (brush-like); Fig.
+  44.&mdash;The stem of this species, when seen covered with numerous
+  tufts of bristly spines, has been compared to a brush, a comparison
+  not, however, applicable to the form represented in the Figure. In
+  height the stems sometimes reach l&frac12; ft., with from thirty to
+  forty ribs, bearing little discs of white wool at the bases of the
+  clusters of spines. The flowers spring from the upper part of the
+  stem (the nodules shown in the illustration represent the places
+  where flowers have been developed at an earlier stage of growth),
+  from four to six being borne in the same season; they are 1&frac12;
+  in. long and wide, the tube short and brown, bristly; the petals are
+  arranged in several overlapping series, rather wide for their length,
+  toothed at the ends; their colour is a bright sulphur-yellow, as also
+  are the stamens, whilst the stigma, which is rayed, is bright
+  crimson. Native of Brazil. Introduced about 1840; it is more like a
+  Cereus, in the form of its stem, than an Echinocactus. It flowers in
+  June, and requires stove treatment. The stems, when dried carefully
+  and stuffed with wadding, form pretty ornaments.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig44.jpg" width="236" height="320" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 44.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="escopc" id="escopc">E. scopa cristata</a></b>.
+  (crested variety); Fig. 45.&mdash;This curious monstrosity owes its
+  origin to fasciation similar to what occurs in the Celosias or
+  Cockscombs, in some Echeverias, &amp;c. These monster varieties of
+  Cactuses do not flower, but they are nevertheless interesting, and
+  worth growing on account of their curious shapes. The plant shown in
+  Fig. 45 is grafted on the stem of a Cereus, and it is remarkable that
+  a portion of the crest of the Echinocactus will, if grafted on to
+  another plant, develop the abnormal form of its parent, proving that
+  the variation, whatever its cause, has become fixed.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig45.jpg" width="221" height="330" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA CRISTATA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 45.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA CRISTATA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="esimp" id="esimp">E. Simpsoni</a></b>
+  (Simpson's).&mdash;One of the smallest plants in the genus, and one
+  of the prettiest. It produces tufts of irregularly-formed stems about
+  4 in. high, and composed of numerous rounded tubercles over &frac12;
+  in. wide, bearing on the top of each a tuft of about twelve spines
+  &frac12; in. long. The flowers are borne from the apex of the young
+  tubercles, and are 1 in. wide and long, cup-shaped; petals pale
+  purple, the stamens yellow. Native of Mexico and Colorado, where it
+  is found at elevations of 8000 ft. to 10,000 ft., in great abundance,
+  forming large patches on gravelly morains, where the climate during
+  the summer is dry, whilst in winter a thick covering of snow protects
+  the plants from severe frosts. In England, this species is said to
+  have withstood 32 degs. of frost without being injured. It has been
+  grown out of doors in a garden at Northampton, where it passed
+  several winters planted in a raised border at the foot of a south
+  wall with a natural coping of ivy. In New York, where the frosts of
+  winter are severer than in England, it is cultivated out of doors. In
+  this country it is apt to be injured by excessive moisture and fogs;
+  but by protecting it with a handlight from November to March or
+  April, this is overcome. If grown in pots, it should be kept in a
+  position where it can enjoy all the sunlight possible.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="esinu" id="esinu">E. sinuatus</a></b>
+  (undulated).&mdash;Stem about 8 in. wide and long; globose, bearing
+  fourteen to sixteen ridges, the edges of which are wavy or undulated,
+  the prominent points crowned with tufts of thin, flexuous, yellow
+  spines, the longest 1&frac12; in., and hooked, the shorter &frac34;
+  in., and straight. The stem of <i>E. longihamatus</i> is very similar
+  to this. Flowers developed on the top of the stem; tube short, scaly,
+  green; petals yellow, spreading, and forming a cup 3 in. across,
+  which is greenish outside. A native of Mexico, where it flowers in
+  April. A recently-introduced kind, not yet flowered in this country.
+  It is described as being a distinct, large-flowered, handsome
+  species.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="etenu" id="etenu">E. tenuispinus</a></b>
+  (thin-spined); Bot. Mag. 3963.&mdash;Stem globular, depressed, with
+  ridges and spines similar to those of <i>E. Ottonis</i>; indeed, by
+  some these two are considered forms of the same species. In the
+  number and size of the flowers, their colour and form, and the time
+  of flowering, there is no difference between them. Native of Mexico
+  (and Brazil ?).</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="etexe" id="etexe">E. texensis</a></b> (Texan); Fig.
+  46.&mdash;A short-stemmed plant, with a thick, leathery skin and
+  broad-based ridges of irregular form, crowned with tufts of stout
+  horny spines, the central one much the longest, flattened at the
+  base, and strong as steel. The flowers are produced near the centre
+  of the top, from the tufts of whitish wool which accompany the spines
+  on the young parts of the ridges. They are 2&frac12; in. long and
+  wide; the tube short and woolly; the petals spreading, beautifully
+  fringed, and rose-coloured. Native of North-east Mexico, where it
+  grows on stony hillsides in full exposure to sunshine, and where,
+  during winter, it has to endure weather verging on to frost. It
+  thrives in a greenhouse under cultivation. Like several of the
+  stout-spined, robust-stemmed kinds, this may find favour as a garden
+  plant because of the character of its stem, and the extraordinary
+  strength of its large iron-like spines.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig46.jpg" width="350" height="218" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS TEXENSIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 46.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS TEXENSIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eturb" id="eturb">E. turbiniformis</a></b>
+  (top-shaped).&mdash;A very distinct dwarf kind, with globular stems 2
+  in. high and about 3 in. wide, clothed with spirally-arranged rows or
+  ridges of tubercles, similar to those shown in the figure of <i>E.
+  hexaedrophorus</i>, except that, in the former, there are no spines
+  on the mature tubercles, although, when young, they have each a
+  little cluster of fine spines. The flowers expand in June, several
+  together, from the top of the stem; they are round, 1 in. across, the
+  petals being numerous, pale yellow in colour, tinged with red on the
+  outside. Introduced from Mexico, 1840. This curious little plant
+  requires stove treatment, and thrives when grafted on the stem of
+  some other kind. It is sometimes known as <i>Mamillaria
+  turbinata</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eunci" id="eunci">E. uncinatus</a></b> (hooked); Fig.
+  47.&mdash;A small species, with oval stems when young, older plants
+  becoming cylindrical, as shown in the accompanying Figure. The height
+  of the largest plant does not exceed 6 in., so that, when wild, it is
+  often hidden by the long grass in which it is frequently found on
+  stony hillsides at high elevations, in Mexico. The ridges are broken
+  up into large tubercles, upon each of which is a tuft of short
+  straight spines, arranged in a circle, and a long hooked one
+  springing from the centre, and often attaining a length of about 4
+  in. In old plants the spines are almost white, whilst in young ones
+  they are purplish. The flowers are borne in a cluster on the apex of
+  the stem, and are nearly 2 in. long, the tube being short and spiny,
+  and the petals numerous, arranged in a cup, their colour dark
+  purplish-red, the tips pointed; the stamens are yellow, with orange
+  tips. The flowers expand only when the sun shines on them, closing up
+  again in dull light, but opening again, and remaining fresh for about
+  a week. Introduced in 1850. Flowers in March and April. This plant
+  may be grown in a cool, sunny greenhouse, or window, requiring only
+  protection from frost in winter, and in summer plenty of light, with
+  a moderate amount of water. There are several varieties of it
+  described, their differences being chiefly in the shape of the
+  stem.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig47.jpg" width="226" height="330" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS UNCINATUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 47.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS UNCINATUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eviri" id="eviri">E. viridescens</a></b>
+  (greenish).&mdash;Stem 1 ft. high and 9 in. across, young plants
+  being broader than high; the sides split up into about twenty ridges,
+  which are again divided into knotty tubercles or waves. The spines
+  are remarkable for their size and strength, those on large plants
+  being 4 in. long by &frac12; in. broad at the base, gradually
+  narrowing to a stiff point; there are four central spines of this
+  size, the others, of which there are about a dozen, being shorter and
+  thinner, and arranged stellately. The flowers, which are rarely
+  produced, are poor in comparison with the majority of the flowers of
+  this genus. As the name denotes, their colour is yellowish-green; and
+  they are about 1&frac12; in. wide and high. There are often as many
+  as a dozen flowers expanded together on a stem of this plant when
+  wild, and they are arranged in a circle around the growing point. The
+  interest in this species, however, centres in its spines rather than
+  its flowers. It is a native of the dry hills of California, extending
+  sometimes down to the sea-beach. There is a plant of it at Kew 6 in.
+  high and about fifteen years old; it has not been known to flower
+  there. Mr. Peacock also possesses a large plant of it.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="evisn" id="evisn">E. Visnaga.</a></b> (visnaga means a
+  toothpick among the Mexican settlers); Fig. 48.&mdash;Of the most
+  remarkable features of this truly wonderful Cactus we have already
+  spoken earlier in this Chapter. In 1846, Sir W. J. Hooker described,
+  in the <i>Illustrated London News</i>, a large plant of it, which had
+  been successfully introduced alive to Kew, and which, a year or so
+  later, flowered, and was figured in the <i>Botantical Magazine</i>
+  (4559). Its height was 9 ft., and it measured 9&frac12; ft. in
+  circumference; its weight a ton. Afterwards, it exhibited symptoms of
+  internal injury. The inside became a putrid mass, and the crust, or
+  shell, fell in by its own weight. The shape of the stem is
+  elliptical, with numerous ridges and stout brown spines arranged in
+  tufts along their edges. The flowers are freely produced from the
+  woolly apex; the tube is scaly and brown, and the petals are arranged
+  like a saucer about the cluster of orange-coloured stamens. The
+  colour of the petals is bright yellow, and the width of the flower is
+  nearly 3 in. This plant is a native of Mexico, and is usually
+  cultivated in a tropical temperature, but it would probably thrive in
+  a warm greenhouse. It flowers in summer. As we have stated, large
+  specimens do not live long in this country; and as the flowers are
+  only borne by such, the plant, except only for its stems, is not to
+  be recommended for ordinary collections.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig48.jpg" width="223" height="330" alt=
+    "ECHINOCACTUS VISNAGA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 48.&mdash;ECHINOCACTUS VISNAGA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ewill" id="ewill">E. Williamsii</a></b> (Williams's);
+  Bot. Mag. 4296.&mdash;A very distinct dwarf species, often called the
+  "Dumpling Cactus," from the puffed-out, tumid appearance of its
+  stems, which frequently branch at the base, so as to form a tuft of
+  several heads; these are turbinate, 3 in. or 4 in. high, and 2 in.
+  across the top, where the smooth, pale green flesh is divided into
+  about half-a-dozen rounded tubercles, pressed closely together, and
+  suggesting a number of small green potatoes joined by their bases.
+  Each tubercle bears several tufts of short hairs. The flowers proceed
+  from the young tubercles near the centre of the crown, their bases
+  being enveloped in pale brown wool, the petals spreading out
+  daisy-like to the width of 1 in., with a short disk of stamens in the
+  middle; they are white, tinged with rose, and are developed in the
+  summer months. Native of the rocky hills of Mexico, whence it was
+  introduced in 1845. The stems of this plant are its most distinctive
+  feature. It thrives on a shelf in a warm greenhouse, if kept
+  perfectly dry in winter, and it should be potted in a compost
+  consisting of broken brick two-thirds, loam one-third.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ewisl" id="ewisl">E. Wislizeni</a></b> (Wislizen's);
+  Fig. 49.&mdash;A large-stemmed kind, second only in size to <i>E.
+  Visnaga.</i> Young plants have depressed stems, those in older
+  specimens being cylinder-shaped. A specimen at Kew is 8 in. high by
+  18 in. in diameter, with twenty-one ridges, which are regular and
+  sharp-edged, and bear bunches of spines at regular intervals, the
+  outer and shorter ones being spreading and white, whilst from the
+  middle of each tuft arise four longer and stouter spines, three of
+  them 2 in. long, and one 3 in., with the point hooked, and as strong
+  as if made of steel. The flowers, which are developed only on large
+  plants, are greenish-yellow, about 2 in. long and wide, and expand
+  during summer and autumn. The juice of the stems is said to serve as
+  a substitute for water when the latter is scarce, and instances have
+  been known among the white trappers where the lives of men have been
+  saved by this plant. A novel use the stems are put to by the Indians
+  is that of boilers, a purpose which they are said to answer well. The
+  fleshy inside is scooped out, and the tough skin, with its iron-like
+  spine protection, is then filled with vegetables and water and placed
+  on the fire. As there is a plentiful supply of plants, the Indians do
+  not trouble to carry this "boiler" about with them, but make a fresh
+  one at every stage of their journeyings.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig49.jpg" width="350" height="256" alt=
+    "SPINES AND FLOWERS OF ECHINOCACTUS WISLIZENII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 49.&mdash;SPINES AND FLOWERS OF ECHINOCACTUS WISLIZENII</p>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="echinop" id="echinop"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS ECHINOPSIS.</h3>
+
+  <h4>(From <i>echinos</i>, a hedgehog, and <i>opsis</i>, like.)</h4>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_N.jpg" width="55" height="113" alt="N" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>O less than three sections of Cactuses, viz., the above,
+  Echinocactus, and Echinocereus, owe their names to their
+  hedgehog-like stems. From a horticultural point of view, there is
+  perhaps no good reason for keeping the above three genera and Cereus
+  separate; but we follow Kew in the arrangement adopted here. The
+  genus Echinopsis, as now recognised by most English botanists and
+  cultivators, comprises about thirty species, most of which have been,
+  or are still, in cultivation. They are distinguished from
+  Echinocactuses by the length of their flower tube, from Cereuses by
+  the form and size of their stems, and from both in the position on
+  the stem occupied by the flowers. They are remarkable for the great
+  size, length of tube, and beauty of their flowers, which, borne upon
+  generally small and dumpy stems, appear very much larger and
+  handsomer than would be expected.</p>
+
+  <p>The distribution of Echinopsis is similar to that of Echinocactus,
+  species being found in Chili, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, &amp;c.
+  They grow only in situations where the soil is sandy or gravelly, or
+  on the sides of hills in the crevices of rocks.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;The growing and resting seasons for
+  Echinopsis are the same as for Echinocactus, and we may therefore
+  refer to what is said under that genus for general hints with regard
+  to the cultivation of Echinopsis in this country. The following is
+  from the notes of the late Curator of the Royal Gardens, Kew (Mr. J.
+  Smith), as being worthy the attention of Cactus growers. Writing
+  about <i>Echinopsis cristata</i>, which he grew and flowered
+  exceptionally well, he says: "This showy plant is a native of Chili,
+  and, like its Mexican allies, thrives if potted in light loam, with a
+  little leaf mould and a few nodules of lime rubbish. The latter are
+  for the purpose of keeping the soil open; it is also necessary that
+  the soil should be well drained. In winter, water must be given very
+  sparingly, and the atmosphere of the house should be dry; the
+  temperature need not exceed 50 degs. during the night, and in very
+  cold weather it may be allowed to fall 10 degs. lower, provided a
+  higher temperature (55 degs.) be maintained during the day. As the
+  season advances, the plants should receive the full influence of the
+  increasing warmth of the sun; and during hot weather, they will be
+  benefited by frequent syringing overhead, which should be done in the
+  evening. It is, however, necessary to guard against the soil becoming
+  saturated, for the soft fibrous roots suffer if they continue in a
+  wet state for any length of time."</p>
+
+  <p>None of the species require to be grafted to grow freely and
+  remain healthy, as the stems are all robust enough and of sufficient
+  size to take care of themselves. The only danger is in keeping the
+  plants too moist in winter, for although a little water now and again
+  keeps the stems fresh and green, it deprives them of that rest which
+  is essential to the development of their large, beautiful flowers in
+  summer.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecamp" id="ecamp">E. campylacantha</a>.</b>
+  (curved-spined); Bot. Mag. 4567.&mdash;Stem 1 ft. or l&frac12; ft.
+  high, globe-shaped, with a somewhat pointed top, the sides divided
+  into from fourteen to sixteen ridges, with tubercled edges, bearing
+  clusters of about ten strong brown spines, which are stellately
+  arranged, a central one projecting outwards, then suddenly curving
+  upwards, and measuring 3 in. in length. The flowers are developed
+  from the ridges on the side of the stem; they are 6 in. long, the
+  tube shaped like a trumpet, brownish in colour, and clothed with
+  tufts of short black hairs; petals arranged in three rows, spreading
+  so as to form a limb 2&frac12; in. across, pale rose-coloured, with a
+  large cluster of yellow-tipped stamens, forming a disk-like centre.
+  This species is a native of Chili, and was introduced in 1831. It
+  blossoms in spring and summer. The long curving central spine and
+  remarkable length of the flower-tube distinguish it from the other
+  kinds. It may be grown in a cool greenhouse, where it will thrive, if
+  kept freely watered during summer and rested on a dry, sunny shelf in
+  winter. It is rare in English collections, but frequently occurs in
+  Continental gardens.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecrist" id="ecrist">E. cristata</a></b> (crested);
+  Bot. Mag. 4687.&mdash;Stem globe-shaped, 1 ft. high, slightly
+  narrowed towards the top; ridges fifteen, 1 in. deep, sharply
+  angular, the edges bearing tufts of spreading, yellowish spines, over
+  1 in. long, slightly curved, and tipped with red. Flowers
+  creamy-white, springing from the ridges on the top of the stem; tube
+  4 in. long, clothed with tufts of black hairs, and surmounted by a
+  whorl of reddish-yellow sepals, above which are two rows of
+  broad-spreading petals. The width of the flower is over 6 in., and
+  the stamens are arranged in a corona-like whorl inside the petals.
+  This very fine Cactus is a native of Bolivia, whence it was
+  introduced in 1850. When in flower, the broad, long-tubed,
+  pale-coloured blossoms equal in beauty those of the Night-flowering
+  Cereus. It blossoms in July. It thrives if kept in a warm, sunny
+  greenhouse, but must be liberally treated in summer, so as to induce
+  vigorous growth, and then be subjected to complete rest in winter in
+  full sunlight, or it will not flower.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ecrispu" id="ecrispu">E. c. purpurea</a></b> (purple
+  ).&mdash;This variety differs from the type in having deep
+  rose-coloured flowers and a slightly longer tube. It is impossible to
+  find among all the species of the Cereus section a more beautiful
+  plant than this; the size of the flowers, their rich colour, their
+  developing three or four together in the month of July, being almost
+  exceptional, even among Cactuses. A splendid example of it was
+  flowered at Kew in 1846 for the first time. It thrives under the
+  conditions recommended for <i>E. cristata.</i> This variety is often
+  made very sickly by treating it as a tropical Cactus, and, like most
+  of these plants, if once it gets into a bad condition, it remains so
+  a long time, in spite of liberal and careful treatment. So many of
+  the Cactuses found in cool regions are ruined by an excess of heat in
+  winter, and a close atmosphere during their season of growth, that
+  too much attention cannot be given to the question of temperature in
+  relation to their cultivation in English gardens.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="edeca" id="edeca">E. Decaisneanus</a></b>
+  (Decaisne's).&mdash;As represented in Fig. 50, this plant appears to
+  have a columnar stem, but this is owing to the specimen having been
+  formed by cutting off the upper portion of an old plant and striking
+  it. Naturally, the stem in this species is globular or slightly
+  egg-shaped, and bears about fourteen ridges, upon which are tufts of
+  short spines, springing from little cushions of whitish wool. The
+  position of the flowers is shown in the figure. The tube is covered
+  with tufts of hair-like spines, and the petals and sepals are broad,
+  spreading, and white, tinged with yellow, as in <i>E. cristata.</i>
+  The native country of this plant is not known; but it is a well-known
+  garden Cactus, and thrives in a warm, airy greenhouse in summer, and
+  on a dry, sunny shelf in winter. The swollen base of the tube is a
+  good example of the nature of what is usually termed the flower-stalk
+  in these plants. It is, as has been pointed out, the elongated calyx,
+  and the swollen portion is the ovary or seed vessel. If, therefore,
+  seeds are desired, the withering flowers should be allowed to remain,
+  and, in time, the upper portion of the tube will fall away, leaving
+  the base, which continues to grow till it attains the proportions of
+  a hen's egg.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig50.jpg" width="320" height="323" alt=
+    "ECHINOPSIS DECAISNEANUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 50.&mdash;ECHINOPSIS DECAISNEANUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eeyri" id="eeyri">E. Eyriesii</a></b>
+  (Eyries').&mdash;Stem no larger than an orange, with about a dozen
+  ridges, the edges sharp, and bearing little globular tufts of whitish
+  wool and red, hair-like spines. Flower exceedingly large for the size
+  of the stem, the tube being more than 6 in. long, funnel-shaped, pale
+  green, with tufts of brown hairs, which look very much like insects,
+  scattered over the surface. The petals are numerous, narrow-pointed,
+  spreading, pure white, the stamens pale yellow, and the star-like
+  stigma white. This species is a native of Mexico, and was introduced
+  by the late Sir John Lubbock, about 1830. It blossoms at various
+  seasons, generally in summer. "Independently of the large size of the
+  flowers, which rival in dimensions those of the Cereuses, it is
+  remarkable for the rich, delicate odour they exhale at night, at
+  which time its glorious blossoms expand. When young, they resemble
+  long, sooty-grey horns, covered over with a thick, shaggy hairiness,
+  and would never be suspected to conceal a form of the utmost beauty
+  and a clear and delicate complexion. When the hour of perfection has
+  arrived, and the coarse veil of hair begins to be withdrawn by the
+  expansion of the unfolding petals, one is amazed at the unexpected
+  loveliness which stands revealed in the form of this vegetable star,
+  whose rays are of the softest white" (Lindley). For its cultivation,
+  this plant requires a warm house always; but care should be taken to
+  give it plenty of fresh air and as much light as possible. The soil
+  best suited for it is a rich loam with a little sand and charcoal. It
+  likes liberal watering in summer.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eeyrifp" id="eeyrifp">E. E. flore-pleno</a></b>
+  (double-flowered); Fig. 51.&mdash;A form with several rows of petals,
+  which give the flowers a doubled appearance.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig51.jpg" width="226" height="370" alt=
+    "ECHINOPSIS EYRIESII FLORE-PLENO" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 51.&mdash;ECHINOPSIS EYRIESII FLORE-PLENO</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eeyrig" id="eeyrig">E. E. glauca</a></b> (hoary-grey).
+  This variety differs from the type in the absence of the dark brown
+  hairs from the flower-tube, which is also shorter than in <i>E.
+  Eyriesii.</i> Probably a native of Mexico.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="eoxyg" id="eoxyg">E. oxygonus</a></b>
+  (sharp-angled).&mdash;This is very similar to <i>E. Eyriesii</i>.
+  Stem globular in shape, and divided into about fourteen acute-edged
+  ridges, upon which are tufts of brown spines, varying from &frac12;
+  in. to 1&frac12; in. in length. Flower 8 in. long, the tube slightly
+  curved, covered with little scales and hairs, and coloured green and
+  red. The petals form an incurved cup, and are broad, with pointed
+  tips; their colour a bright rose, with a lighter shade towards the
+  centre of the flower. As in <i>E. Eyriesii</i>, the flowers of this
+  kind are borne several together from the ridges near the growing
+  centre of the stem. It is a native of Brazil, whence it was
+  introduced nearly half a century ago. It thrives in an intermediate
+  house, if treated as advised for <i>E. Eyriesii</i>, and its flowers
+  will develop in summer. The extraordinary size and beauty of the
+  blossoms are sufficient to compensate for their comparatively short
+  duration after expanding; it is also interesting to watch the gradual
+  development of the tiny, hairy cone, which is the first sign of the
+  flower, and which increases in length and size at a surprising
+  rate.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="epent" id="epent">E. Pentlandi</a></b> (Pentland's);
+  Fig. 52.&mdash;A pretty little species, with a globose stem 3 in. in
+  diameter, divided into about a dozen rounded ridges, which are
+  undulated or broken up into irregular tubercles, when the ridges do
+  not run parallel with each other. Each tubercle is crowned with a
+  tuft of brown, bristle-like spines, &frac12; in. or so long. The
+  flowers are large in proportion to the size of the plant, the tube
+  being 4 in. long, and trumpet-shaped; petals arranged in several
+  overlapping rows and forming a cup 2 in. across, the lowest whorl
+  turning downwards; in colour, they are a brilliant red, the stamens
+  white, and the stigmas yellow. Three or four flowers are often
+  expanded together on the same stem, springing from the side instead
+  of the top of the plant. Native of Mexico (?); introduced about 1840.
+  There are several distinct seedling or hybrid forms of this species,
+  remarkable in having the colour of their flowers either red, yellow
+  and white, or white, whilst some, such as the one known as
+  <i>flammea</i>, have flowers only 2 in. long. These kinds may all be
+  grown in a sunny greenhouse or window, as they only require
+  protection from frost. They may be placed out of doors in summer, and
+  be kept under glass only during winter, treatment which will result
+  in better growth and more flowers than if the plants were kept
+  permanently under glass.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig52.jpg" width="340" height="347" alt=
+    "ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 52.&mdash;ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="epentl" id="epentl">E. P. longispinus</a></b>
+  (long-spined); Fig. 53.&mdash;This is a long-spined form, and differs
+  also in the shape of the stem, which is oblong, rather than
+  globose.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig53.jpg" width="344" height="340" alt=
+    "ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI LONGISPINUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 53.&mdash;ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI LONGISPINUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="etubi" id="etubi">E. tubiflorus</a></b>
+  (tube-flowered).&mdash;This species has an orange-shaped stem, about
+  4 in. high, and divided into about twelve prominent, sharp-angled
+  ridges, along which are tufts of blackish spines, &frac12; in. long,
+  and set in little cushions of white wool. The flower springs from the
+  side of the stems, where it replaces a tuft of spines, and, as in
+  <i>E. Eyriesii</i>, the tube is remarkably long, whilst the size of
+  the whole flower much exceeds that of the rest of the plant, the
+  length of the tube being about 6 in., and the width of the flower
+  over 4 in. The petals are pure white, recurved, displaying the crown
+  of yellow stamens, arranged in a ring about the rather small, rayed
+  stigma. The tube is uniformly green, except that the scale-like
+  bracts are edged with long, blackish, silky hairs. A native of
+  Mexico; introduced about fifty years ago, when it was figured in the
+  <i>Botanical Magazine</i> and elsewhere as a species of Echinocactus.
+  <i>E. tubiflorus</i> may be placed along with <i>E. Eyriesii</i> and
+  <i>E. oxygonus</i>, as it requires similar treatment. The three kinds
+  here mentioned may be recommended as a trio of very fine-flowered,
+  small-stemmed Cacti, which may be grown successfully in any ordinary
+  greenhouse.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="melo" id="melo"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS MELOCACTUS.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>melon</i>, a melon, and <i>Kaktos</i>, a name applied by
+  Theophrastus to a spiny plant; the species are melon-formed, and
+  their angles are beset with tufts of spines.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>HIS genus forms a group of well-marked and curious plants, with
+  stems similar to those of the globose Echinocactuses and floral
+  characters quite distinct from all other genera. They cannot be said
+  to possess any particular beauty, as their stems are stiff and dumpy,
+  their spines large and rigid, and their flowers small and
+  unattractive. But what is wanting in beauty of form or colour is
+  atoned for in the cap which crowns the stem, and forms the
+  flower-head, growing taller and taller whilst the stem remains
+  stationary, till, under favourable circumstances, a cylindrical mass
+  of spines and hairs, not unlike a large bottle-brush, and 1 ft. or
+  more in length, is developed before the whole plant succumbs to old
+  age. This character belongs more particularly to <i>M. communis</i>,
+  the commonest species, and the one best known in English gardens.
+  Additional interest attaches to this species, from the fact of its
+  having been the first Cactus introduced into Europe, for we are
+  informed that in the year 1581 living plants of the Melon Cactus were
+  known in London. Fifty years later, Gerard, the Adam of English
+  gardening, wrote: "Who can but marvel at the care and singular
+  workmanship shown in this Thistle, the <i>Melocarduus echinatus</i>,
+  or Hedgehog Thistle? It groweth upon the cliffes and gravelly grounds
+  neere unto the seaside in the islands of the West Indies, called St.
+  Margaret's and St. John's Isle, neere unto Puerto Rico, and other
+  places in these countries, by the relation of divers that have
+  journied into these parts who have brought me the plant itself with
+  his seed, the which would not grow ill my garden, by reason of the
+  coldnesse of the clymate." After this, the plant appears to have been
+  frequently cultivated in gardens in this country, and it has only
+  been in recent years that this and similar curiosities have almost
+  disappeared from all except botanical collections.</p>
+
+  <p>The most prominent distinctive characters of Melocactus reside in
+  the cap or cluster of spines, wool, and flowers on the summit of the
+  stem. Thirty species are included in the genus, their stems ranging
+  from 1 ft. to 3 ft. in height, the ridges straight, and, as a rule,
+  large; whilst all have stiff stout spines in clusters about 1 in.
+  apart. The small flowers are succeeded by bright red, cherry- like
+  berries, containing numerous black, shining seeds. The distribution
+  of the species is over the hottest parts of some of the West Indian
+  Islands and a few places in Central and South America.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;The cultivation of the several kinds
+  known in gardens is as follows: A tropical temperature all the year
+  round, with as much sunlight as possible, and a moist atmosphere for
+  about three months during summer, when growth is most active. Very
+  little soil is required, as the largest stems have comparatively few
+  roots; indeed, imported stems have been known to live, and even make
+  growth, nearly two years without pushing a single root; but, of
+  course, this was abnormal, and was no other than the using-up of the
+  nourishment stored up in the stem before it was removed from its
+  native home. M. Louis de Smet, a well-known Ghent nurseryman, who
+  grows a fine collection of Cactuses, stated that he had kept <i>M.
+  communis</i> a long time in robust health and growth by feeding it
+  with a very weak solution of salt. Tried at Kew, this treatment did
+  not appear to make any perceptible difference; but, bearing in mind
+  that the Turk's-Cap Cactus is found in great abundance within the
+  reach of sea spray, in some of the West Indian Islands, there seems
+  much reason in M. de Smet's treatment. The same gentleman informed us
+  that he had a specimen of this Cactus bearing no less than thirteen
+  heads. There is, at the time of writing, a specimen at Kew bearing
+  four fine heads. Large imported plants are very rarely, established;
+  and even when established, they do not thrive long, owing to the fact
+  that, after the cap has commenced to form, no further stem-growth is
+  made. Young plants grow very slowly, a plant 3 ft. across taking,
+  according to Sir W. Hooker, from 200 to 300 years to reach that size.
+  It has been stated that grafting is a good plan to adopt for the
+  Melocactus, Mr. F. T. Palmer, in "Culture des Cact&eacute;es",
+  recommending the following treatment for <i>M. communis</i>: Take a
+  <i>Cereus peruvianus</i> of about the same diameter as that of the
+  base of the Melocactus, cut off the head of the former, but not so
+  low as to come upon the hard, ligneous axis, and then pare off the
+  hard epidermis and ribs for about 1 in. Then take off a slice from
+  the base of the Melocactus, also paring off about 1 in. of the
+  epidermis all round; place the two together, and bind on firmly with
+  strong worsted. In warm weather, a union should take place in about
+  two months, but it will be safest to allow the ligature to remain
+  till growth commences. The precaution of paring off the hard skin and
+  ribs is absolutely necessary, as the juicy centre contracts, and the
+  rind, or epidermis, does not. There would, therefore, be a cavity
+  formed sufficient to prevent all cohesion, be the graft tied on ever
+  so tightly.</p>
+
+  <p>Large imported stems should be kept perfectly dry for about a
+  fortnight, and, if they show any signs of rottenness, they should be
+  carefully examined and the bad portions cut away; exposure to the air
+  for a few days will generally cause these pared places to callus
+  over. At all times, even when the stems appear to be in good health,
+  a sharp look-out should be kept for patches of rottenness in the
+  stem, and especially about its base.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;This is effected by means of seeds,
+  which usually follow quickly after the flowers produced on cultivated
+  specimens. Multiplication is also possible by means of offsets, which
+  are formed about the base of the stem if the top of a growing plant
+  is cut out. The thirteen-headed plant mentioned above was the result
+  of the removal of the top of a stem which had developed these lateral
+  growths, and thus formed a family of red-capped stems; this had,
+  however, taken place before the plant was removed from its native
+  home. As the cap is the most remarkable part of <i>M. communis</i>,
+  the purchase of large imported stems, in preference to young ones
+  raised from seeds, is recommended; for, as the cap does not form till
+  the stem attains a large size, there would be small hope of seedlings
+  reaching the flowering stage during a lifetime.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mcomm" id="mcomm">M. communis</a></b> (common); Fig.
+  54.&mdash;Stem from 2 ft. to 3 ft. in diameter, globose, with from
+  twelve to twenty ridges, and armed with numerous clusters of strong,
+  short spines, the clusters placed closely together. On the summit of
+  the stem is a cylindrical crown, about 4 in. broad, and varying in
+  height from 5 in. to 12 in. This cylinder is composed of a thick pad
+  of whitish, cotton-like substance, through and beyond which a great
+  number of bristle-like red spines are developed, the whole being not
+  unlike a bottle-brush. About the top of this brush-like growth the
+  flowers are produced. These are small, red, fleshy, and tube-shaped,
+  the calyx and corolla forming a regular flower, as in a Hyacinth.
+  They are borne at various times in the year, as long as the cap is
+  growing; afterwards the latter falls off; and the stem rots. We have
+  a cap that was cast by an old plant, and which has stood as an
+  ornament on a shelf in a room for about four years, and is still in
+  perfect condition. In addition to the name of Turk's-Cap Cactus this
+  plant is also known as "Englishman's Head" and "Pope's Head." It is a
+  native of several of the islands of the West Indies, being very
+  abundant in St. Kitt's Island, where it grows in very dry, barren
+  places, often on bare porous rocks.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig54.jpg" width="300" height="311" alt=
+    "MELOCACTUS COMMUNIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 54.&mdash;MELOCACTUS COMMUNIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mdepr" id="mdepr">M. depressus</a></b> (flattened);
+  Bot. Mag. 3691.&mdash;Stem broader than high, deeply cut into about
+  ten broad furrows, along the sharp angles of which are clusters of
+  pale brown spines, from &frac12; in. to 1 in. long, arranged in a
+  star, each cluster 1 in. apart. Instead of the cylinder-like cap of
+  the Turk's-Cap species, this one has a short, broad tuft of white
+  wool and red spines, like a skull-cap. The flowers are small, and
+  soon wither, but remain attached to the oblong berries, which stand
+  erect in a dense cluster in the centre of the cap, and are of a
+  delicate rose-colour. The first introduced plant of this was sent
+  home by Mr. Gardner, who introduced the Epiphyllums and other
+  Cactuses. It flowered on the way to England, and matured its seeds
+  soon after its arrival. It is a native of Pernambuco.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mmiqu" id="mmiqu">M. Miquelii</a></b> (Miquel's); Fig.
+  55.&mdash;This species appears to have been introduced in 1838, when
+  two plants of it were sent from the West Indian Island, St. Croix, to
+  the Hamburg Botanic Gardens. The stem is oval, dark green, with
+  fourteen well-defined ribs, as regular as if they had been carved
+  with a knife. The spine-tufts are small; spines short, black-brown,
+  about nine in each tuft, one of which is central, the others
+  radiating; they are less than &frac12; in. long. The "cap" is
+  cylindrical, 3 in. high by 4 in. in diameter, and composed of layers
+  of snow-white threads, mixed with short reddish bristles.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig55.jpg" width="320" height="376" alt=
+    "MELOCACTUS MIQUELII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 55.&mdash;MELOCACTUS MIQUELII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>These three are the only species of Melocactus that have become
+  known in English gardens, although various other kinds, named <i>M.
+  Lehmanni, M. Zuccarini, M. Ellemeetii, M. Schlumbergerianus</i>,
+  &amp;c., occur in books.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="pilo" id="pilo"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS PILOCEREUS.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>pilos</i>, wool, and <i>Cereus</i>, in allusion to the
+  long hairs on the spine cushions, and the affinity of the
+  genus.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_O.jpg" width="53" height="113" alt="O" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>NE of the most striking plants in this order is the "Old Man
+  Cactus," botanically known as <i>Pilocereus senilis</i>, which is the
+  only member of this <i>&nbsp;</i>genus that has become at all known
+  in English gardens. In Continental gardens, however, more than a
+  dozen species are to be found in collections of succulent plants; and
+  of these one of the most remarkable is that represented at Fig. 56.
+  The limits of the genus Pilocereus are not definitely fixed,
+  different botanists holding different views with respect to the
+  generic characters. Recent writers, and among them the late Mr.
+  Bentham, sunk the genus under Cereus; but there are sufficiently good
+  characters to justify us in retaining, for garden purposes, the name
+  Pilocereus for the several distinct plants mentioned here. The
+  botanist who founded the genus gives the following general
+  description of its members: Stems tall, erect, thick, simple or
+  branched, fleshy, ridged; the ridges regular, slightly tubercled, and
+  placed closely together. Tubercles generally hairy, with bunches of
+  short spines; the hairs long and white, especially about the apex of
+  the stem, where they form a dense mass. Flowers on the extreme top of
+  the matured stems, and arranged in a cluster as in the Melon Cactus,
+  small, tubular; the petals united at the base, and the stamens
+  attached to the whole face of the tube thus formed, expanding only at
+  night, and fading in a few hours. These flowers have a disagreeable
+  odour, not unlike that of boiled cabbage. Fruit fleshy, round,
+  persistent, usually red when ripe. The species are natives of
+  tropical America, and are generally found in rocky gorges or the
+  steep declivities of mountainous regions.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;These plants require distinctly tropical
+  treatment. During summer, they must have all the sunlight possible,
+  and be supplied with plenty of water, both at the root and by means
+  of the syringe. Air should be given on very hot days, but the plants
+  should be encouraged to make all the growth possible before the
+  approach of winter. In winter, they may be kept quite dry, and the
+  temperature of the house where they stand should be maintained at
+  about 60 degs., rising to 65 degs. or 70 degs. in the day. In March,
+  the plants should be repotted into as small pots as convenient,
+  employing a good, loamy soil and ample drainage. Should the hairs
+  become soiled or dusty, the stems may be laid on their sides and then
+  syringed with a mixture of soft soap and warm water, to be followed
+  by a few syringefuls of pure water; this should cleanse the hairs and
+  give them the white appearance to which the plants owe their
+  attractiveness.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="phoul" id="phoul">P. Houlletianus</a></b> (Houllet's);
+  Fig. 56.&mdash;Stem robust, glaucous-green; ridges about eight,
+  broad, prominent, obscurely tubercled; spines in bundles of nine,
+  radiating, straight, less than 1 in. long, and pale yellow. Upon the
+  growing part of the stem, the spines are intermingled with long,
+  white, cottony hairs, often matted together like an unkempt head;
+  these hairs fall off as the stem matures. Flowers funnel-shaped,
+  resembling Canterbury Bells, borne in a cluster on the summit of the
+  plant; ovary short and scaly; petals joined at the base, and coloured
+  a rosy-purple, dashed with yellow; the stamens fill the whole of the
+  flower-tube and are white; style a little longer than the
+  flower-tube, and bearing a ray of about a dozen stigmas. Fruit
+  globose, as large as a plum, and coloured cherry-red. The pulp is
+  bright, crimson, and contains a few brownish seeds. In the engraving
+  the fruit is shown on the left, and a flower-bud on the right. This
+  species is often known in Continental collections as <i>P.
+  Fosterii</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig56.jpg" width="350" height="277" alt=
+    "PILOCEREUS HOULLETIANUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 56.&mdash;PILOCEREUS HOULLETIANUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pseni" id="pseni">P. senilis</a></b>
+  (Old-Man).&mdash;Stem attaining a height of 25 ft., with a diameter
+  of about 1 ft.; ridges from twenty-five to thirty on plants 4 ft.
+  high; the furrows mere slits, whilst the tufts of thin, straight
+  spines, 1 in. long, which crown each of the many tubercles into which
+  the ridges are divided, give young stems a brushy appearance. About
+  the upper portion of the stem, and especially upon the extreme top,
+  are numerous white, wiry hairs, 6 in. or more long, and gathered
+  sometimes into locks. To this character, the plant owes it name
+  Old-Man Cactus; but, by a curious inversion of what obtains in the
+  human kind, old plants are less conspicuous by their white hairs than
+  the younger ones. Some years ago, there were three fine stems of this
+  Cactus among the cultivated plants at Kew, the highest of which
+  measured 18&frac12; ft. There was also, however, a fine specimen in
+  the Oxford Botanic Gardens, with a stem 16 ft. high; and it is stated
+  that this plant has been in cultivation in England a hundred years at
+  least. A plant twenty-five years old is very small, and, from its
+  slowness of growth, as well as from the reports of the inhabitants of
+  Mexico, where this species is found wild, there is reason to believe
+  that a stem 20 ft. high would be several hundred years old. The
+  flowers of <i>P. senilis</i> are not known in English collections,
+  the plant being grown only for its shaggy hairiness.</p>
+
+  <p><a name="pbrun" id="pbrun">Other species</a> are: <i>P.
+  chrysomallus</i>, which has a branching habit, <i>P.
+  Br&uuml;nnonii</i> (Fig. 57), <i>P. Celsianus, P. columna, P.
+  tilophorus,</i> known only in a young state, and several others, all
+  very remarkable plants, but not known in English collections, unless,
+  perhaps at Kew.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig57.jpg" width="300" height="355" alt=
+    "PILOCEREUS BR&Uuml;NNONII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 57.&mdash;PILOCEREUS BR&Uuml;NNONII</p>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="mamil" id="mamil"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS MAMILLARIA.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>mamilla</i>, a little teat; in allusion to the
+  tubercles.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_S.jpg" width="56" height="118" alt="S" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>OMETHING over 300 different kinds of Mamillaria are known, but
+  only a small proportion of these may be considered as garden plants.
+  They are characterised generally by short, symmetrically-formed
+  stems, sometimes aggregated together and forming a dense tuft, but,
+  as a rule, each plant has only one stem. The generic name is
+  descriptive of the chief feature in these stems, namely, the
+  closely-set, spirally-arranged tubercles or mamillae, which vary
+  considerably in the different kinds, but are always present in some
+  form or other. Some kinds have stems only 1 in. high by 2/3 in. in
+  diameter, and the tubercles hidden from view by the star-shaped
+  cushions of reddish or white spines. In some, the spines are erect
+  and hair-like, giving the plant the appearance of tiny sea-urchins;
+  another group has the principal spines hooked at the tip, and the
+  points in these so sharp that if the hand comes in contact with them
+  they hook into it and stick like fish-hooks. The purpose of these
+  hooked spines seems doubtful; certainly, they cannot serve as any
+  protection to the plant itself, as they are so strong that the plant
+  must be torn up by the roots before the hooks will give way.</p>
+
+  <p>The spines in <i>M. macromeris</i> are straight, and measure 2 in.
+  in length; in <i>M. multiceps</i> they are in two series, the one
+  fine, white, and short, the other yellow and stout. The most marked
+  section of this genus, however, is that represented by <i>M.
+  fissurata</i> (Fig. 61), in which the tubercles are large, spreading
+  horizontally, and angular, resembling most closely the foliage and
+  habit of some of the Haworthias. No one who had not read up the
+  botany of Mamillarias would suspect that this plant belonged to them,
+  or even to the Cactus order at all. There is a good specimen of it in
+  the Kew collection. When in flower the family resemblance is easily
+  seen; but as this species does not flower freely, it will be known by
+  its remarkable foliage-like tubercles, rather than as a flowering
+  Cactus. And the same remark applies to many of the Mamillarias; their
+  stems thickly beset with tubercles and spines, always regular in
+  arrangement, and neat and attractive in appearance.</p>
+
+  <p>The following remarks made by Dr. Lindley when describing <i>M.
+  tenuis</i>, give a good idea of the singular, yet pretty, stems of
+  some of these plants: "Gentle reader, hast thou never seen in a
+  display of fireworks a crowd of wheels all in motion at once,
+  crossing and intersecting each other in every direction; and canst
+  thou fancy those wheels arrested in their motion by some magic
+  power&mdash;their rays retained, but their fires extinguished and
+  their brightness gone? Then mayst thou conceive the curious beauty of
+  this little herb&mdash;a plant so unlike all others that we would
+  fain believe it the reanimated spirit of a race that flourished in
+  former ages, with those hideous monsters whose bones alone remain to
+  tell the history of their existence." It is quite true that in the
+  cultivated Mamillarias there is nothing unsightly, or rough, or
+  unfinished. Without foliage, their stems globose, or short cylinders,
+  or arranged in little cushion-like tufts, and enveloped in silky
+  spines, like tiny red stars, always looking the same, except when in
+  flower, and never looking in the least like ordinary plants.
+  Characters such as these ought to find many admirers. In the
+  Succulent House at Kew, there is a long shelf upon which a great many
+  plants of this genus may be seen. But the flowers in some of the
+  species of Mamillaria are quite as attractive as the stems. Those of
+  <i>M. macromeris</i> are 3 in. long and wide, their colour a deep
+  rose; <i>M. Scheerii</i> has equally large flowers, and coloured
+  bright yellow, as also are the flowers of <i>M. pectinata</i>. This
+  last is remarkable on account of the clock-like regularity with which
+  its flowers expand. While fresh, they open every day between eleven
+  and twelve o'clock, and close again about one, however strong the
+  sunlight shining upon them may be. Some of the kinds (more especially
+  the small-flowered ones) are often prettily studded over with bright
+  red, coral-like berries, which are the little fruits, and contain, as
+  a rule, matured seeds capable of reproducing the parent plant.</p>
+
+  <p>The headquarters of the genus Mamillaria is Mexico, and the
+  countries immediately to the north, a few being scattered over the
+  West Indies, Bolivia, Brazil, and Chili. Many of them grow on
+  mountains where the temperature is moderate, but where the sunlight
+  is always intense. Others are found on limestone or gravelly hills,
+  among short herbage, or on grassy prairies. A small silvery-spined
+  kind has recently been found near the snow line in Chili. <i>M.
+  vivipara</i> is quite hardy in New York, as also are several other
+  kinds, whilst we learn that by planting them out in summer, and
+  protecting them by means of a frame from heavy rain, dews, fogs, and
+  sudden changes of weather, a good many species of both Mamillaria and
+  Echinocactus are successfully managed in the neighbourhood of that
+  town.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;Particulars with respect to cultivation
+  are given along with the descriptions of most of the species, but a
+  few general principles may here be noted. With only a few exceptions,
+  all the cultivated Mamillarias may be grown in a warm, sunny
+  greenhouse, or they may be placed in a frame with a south aspect,
+  during our summer, removing them into artificially heated quarters
+  for the winter. They do not like a large body of soil about their
+  roots, but always thrive best when in comparatively small pots. If a
+  sweet, new, fibry loam, mixed with broken bricks or cinders, be used
+  to pot these plants in, they may then be left undisturbed at the root
+  for several years. Much harm is often done to the more delicate kinds
+  of Cactuses by repotting them annually; the best-managed collection I
+  have seen had not been repotted for four years. This would not be
+  safe if a poor and exhausted soil were used in the first instance.
+  The pots should be well drained with crocks, and these covered with a
+  layer of fibre sifted from loam. In summer, the soil should be kept
+  moist, but never saturated; and after a bright warm day, the stems
+  may be moistened over by syringing them with tepid water. A point of
+  much importance in connection with these, and indeed all tropical and
+  extra-tropical plants, is, that the water used for watering or
+  syringing them should be rain-water if possible, and never more than
+  a degree or so colder than the plants themselves would be. Thus, a
+  plant which had been standing in the full glare of a midsummer sun
+  all day, would be much endangered by watering it with cold tap-water.
+  Where proper arrangements for water are not made in a greenhouse or
+  stove, it is a good plan to place the water wanted for the day's use
+  in the sun along with the plants. A little bag filled with soot and
+  tightly tied at the neck, and water, is a good method for rendering
+  hard tap-water suitable for watering the roots of plants. In winter,
+  Mamillarias may be kept quite dry at the roots, except in mild sunny
+  weather, when a little water may be given.</p>
+
+  <p>A collection of the most distinct kinds may be successfully
+  managed in a glass case in a room window, providing the sun shines
+  through it for a few hours in the day.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;This is usually effected by means of
+  seeds, which may be procured from Continental seedsmen as well as
+  from our own. The treatment required by the seeds is similar to what
+  has been already advised for those of other Cactuses. The tufted
+  kinds are easily multiplied by separating the stems, or even by
+  cutting off the tops and planting them in small pots of sandy
+  soil.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>The following kinds are selected from those known to
+  be in cultivation; of course, it is out of the question here to
+  enumerate all the species known.
+
+  <p><b><a name="mangu" id="mangu">M. angularis</a></b>
+  (angular-tubercled).&mdash;A robust kind, with stems 4 in. to 8 in.
+  high, and branching somewhat freely; tubercles prism-shaped, rather
+  thick at the base, and slightly angular, &frac14; in. long, their
+  tops tufted with short white spines; at the base of the tubercles are
+  little tufts of white wool. Flowers are only rarely produced by
+  cultivated plants; they are small, tubular, rosy-purple, the stamens
+  yellow. Introduced from Mexico in 1835; flowers in summer. When
+  happily situated, it forms a specimen 1 ft. in diameter, owing to its
+  freely produced arm-like branches, which spread out and curve
+  upwards. It requires a warm greenhouse temperature during winter, and
+  exposure to bright sunshine at all times.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mappl" id="mappl">M. applanata</a></b> (flattened).
+  &mdash;In this, the stem is broader than high, and has a squat
+  appearance; tubercles &frac34; in. long, cone-shaped, with stellate
+  tufts of straight, hair-like spines, white when young, yellowish when
+  aged. Flowers springing from the outside of the stem-top, white,
+  tinged with red. It is a native of Mexico, and blossoms in summer. A
+  specimen, 6 in. through at the base, may be seen at Kew, where it has
+  been for many years, without altering perceptibly in size. All the
+  larger-stemmed Mamillarias are exceedingly slow growers after they
+  have reached a certain size, although, in the seedling stage, they
+  grow freely. The treatment for this kind should resemble that advised
+  for the last.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="matra" id="matra">M. atrata</a></b>
+  (blackened).&mdash;Stem oval in shape, broad at the base, 4 in. high,
+  unbranched; tubercles swollen, &frac12; in. long, deep green,
+  cone-shaped, becoming flattened through pressure of growth. Spines
+  set in a tuft of white hairs, falling off from the lowest mammae, as
+  happens in many of the thick-stemmed kinds. Flowers numerous, and
+  developed all round the outside of the stem, stalkless, nestling
+  closely between the tubercles, and when expanded looking like starry
+  buttons of a rosy-pink colour. Native of Chili, flowering in autumn.
+  This species is rare in England, but is worth attention because of
+  the prettiness of its flowers, the attractive form of its stem, and
+  its reputed hardiness. It will thrive in a cold frame, and requires
+  protection from excessive wet only, rather than from cold. Grown in a
+  warm house, it becomes sickly, and is short-lived.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mbico" id="mbico">M. bicolor</a></b> (two-coloured).
+  &mdash;One of the commonest of the Cactuses grown in English gardens,
+  and one of the most distinct, owing to its short, silvery hair-like
+  spines, thickly crowded on the ends of the small tubercles,
+  completely hiding the stem from view. The latter is from 6 in. to 1
+  ft. high, 3 in. in diameter, cylindrical, often branching into
+  several thick arms, when it has a quaint appearance. If kept free
+  from dust, which may be done by covering the plant with a bell glass,
+  there is much beauty in the stem; indeed, it is owing to this, rather
+  than as a flowering Cactus, that this species finds favour as a
+  garden plant. The flowers are less than 1 in. in length and width,
+  stellate, their colour deep purple; they are developed in June.
+  Although a native of elevated regions in Mexico (4000-5000 ft.), this
+  plant thrives best when grown in a warm house. There are several
+  handsome and very old specimens of it in the tropical collection of
+  succulents at Kew. It is one of the easiest to manage, and will
+  thrive in a warm room-window if exposed to bright sunlight and kept
+  dry in winter. <i>M. nivea</i> and <i>M. nobilis</i> are both
+  varieties of this species.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mchlo" id="mchlo">M. chlorantha</a></b>
+  (greenish-yellow).&mdash;A newly-introduced species with erect,
+  cylinder-shaped stems, 6 in. high, clothed with numerous tubercles,
+  which are tipped with clusters of long, silvery, interlacing,
+  hair-like spines, and a few stouter blackish ones. The flowers are
+  described as greenish-yellow, so that they are not likely to add much
+  to the beauty of the plant, which is recommended because of the
+  attractiveness of its stem and spines. It is a native of Mexico and
+  Texas, whence it was introduced some two years ago. It requires
+  cool-house treatment, and should be kept free from dust, which
+  disfigures the white spines.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mcirr" id="mcirr">M. cirrhifera</a></b>
+  (twisted).&mdash;Like <i>M. bicolor</i>, this species owes its
+  frequent occurrence in gardens to the symmetry and neatly-chiselled
+  form of its stems, and not to any attraction possessed by its
+  flowers. It will thrive anywhere where the sun can shine upon it, if
+  sheltered from severe cold and wet. In a cottage window it may be
+  grown, and kept for many years, without losing health or, on the
+  other hand, increasing much in size. Its usual height is about 5 in.,
+  by 4 in. in diameter. The tubercles are angular at the base, and bear
+  tufts of yellowish spines on their pointed apices. The flowers are
+  small, and bright rose-coloured, but only rarely produced on
+  cultivated plants. Introduced from Mexico in 1835.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mclav" id="mclav">M. clava</a></b> (club-shaped); Bot.
+  Mag. 4358.&mdash;In the size of its stem, and the large,
+  brightly-coloured flowers it bears, this species may be compared with
+  some of the Echinocactuses. The stem is from 1 ft. to 1&frac12; ft.
+  high, 4 in. wide at the base, narrowing slightly upwards; the
+  tubercles are 1 in. long, and nearly as much through at the base,
+  their shape that of little pyramids, and their tips bear each from
+  eight to eleven stout, straight spines, pale brown, with a little
+  wool at the base. The flowers are borne on the top of the stem, two
+  or three of them together; the sepals are green and red, and the
+  spreading petals are straw-coloured and glossy, their edges near the
+  top being toothed. In the centre of the shallow cup formed by the
+  petals, and which measures nearly 4 in. across, the orange-coloured
+  stamens are clustered, in a kind of disk, through the middle of which
+  the yellow stigma projects. It is a native of Mexico, at an altitude
+  of 5000 ft. Introduced in 1848, when it flowered at Kew, in June, at
+  which time it flowers almost every year now. A warm greenhouse
+  affords the most suitable conditions for it; but, unless it is kept
+  in full sunshine both summer and winter, and perfectly dry during the
+  latter season, it will not produce any flowers. As a flowering plant,
+  it ranks amongst the very best of the Mamillarias. It is easily
+  propagated from seeds ripened on cultivated plants.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mdasy" id="mdasy">M. dasyacantha</a></b>
+  (thick-spined).&mdash;Stem 2 in. to 3 in. high, almost globular, and
+  covered with spiral whorls of tiny tubercles, in the grooves of which
+  is a little whitish wool, which falls away as the tubercles ripen.
+  The spines upon the tubercles are arranged in little stars, with an
+  erect central one. The flowers are small, and spring from the centre
+  of the stem. This is one of the Thimble Cactuses, and is too small to
+  have any great attractions, either in stem or flowers. It is,
+  however, a pretty plant, especially when studded with its ruby-like
+  flowers, which look like coloured Daisies growing upon a dense tuft
+  of hairs. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on high mountains
+  among short grass and other herbage.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mdisc" id="mdisc">M. discolor</a></b> (spines
+  two-coloured).&mdash;Stem globose, about 4 in. in diameter; tubercles
+  smooth, egg-shaped, their bases embedded in white wool, their tips
+  crowned with stellate tufts of short, reddish spines. Flowers
+  numerous, and borne from almost all parts of the stem, less than 1
+  in. wide, and composed of a single whorl of narrow, reflexed,
+  rose-purple petals, surrounding a large, disk-like cluster of yellow
+  stamens. The flowers are so short that they are half hidden by the
+  tubercles. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on rocks, in
+  warm, sheltered places. Under cultivation it thrives when grown on a
+  dry shelf in a warm house, and kept moist in summer, but perfectly
+  dry in winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mdoli" id="mdoli">M. dolichocentra</a></b>
+  (long-spurred); Fig. 58.&mdash;Apparently this is a variable species;
+  at all events, plants of widely different habit are found under this
+  name, one of them represented in the Figure here, another in the
+  <i>Garden,</i> Vol. XVII., whilst others are figured or described in
+  other books. What is known at Kew as the true plant is that here
+  figured. This has a stout stem, about 8 in. high and 3 in. wide, and
+  covered with smooth cone-shaped mammae, with woolly bases and
+  stellate tufts of spines on their tips. The flowers are produced
+  about 1 in. from the top of the stem, and are less than 1 in. wide;
+  they are, however, often very numerous, sometimes a closely-set ring
+  of them surrounding the stem, like a daisy chain, their colour being
+  pale purple. Below the flowers there is often a whorl of club-shaped
+  fruits, &frac34; in. long, and rose-coloured. These contain numerous
+  little black seeds, which, when ripe, may be sown in pots of very
+  sandy loam. The plant is a native of Mexico, and flowers in summer.
+  It thrives in a tropical temperature, and enjoys a daily syringing
+  overhead on bright days in summer, but in winter requires little or
+  no water.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig58.jpg" width="264" height="320" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA DOLICHOCENTRA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 58.&mdash;MAMILLARIA DOLICHOCENTRA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mechi" id="mechi">M. echinata</a></b>
+  (hedgehog-like).&mdash;A charming little plant, with very small
+  stems, clustered together in a cushion-like tuft, each stem less than
+  1 in. wide; but a well-grown specimen is composed of dozens of these,
+  packed almost one on top of the other. The tubercles are hidden by
+  the star-like spine clusters which cap them, and look like a swarm of
+  insects. Flowers very small, rose-coloured, and lasting only about a
+  day. These are succeeded by numerous currant-like red berries, so
+  numerous, in fact, that the plants look as if thickly studded all
+  over with coral beads. The central stem is sometimes about 6 in.
+  high, those surrounding it being shorter and shorter, till the
+  outside ones rise only just above the soil. A well-grown plant of
+  this is strikingly pretty, even when not in fruit. It is a native of
+  Mexico, and requires the treatment of a warm house. A few pieces of
+  broken brick should be placed upon the surface of the soil about the
+  base of the plant, as the stems like to press against, or grow upon,
+  anything in the nature of rocky ground.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mechin" id="mechin">M. echinus</a></b>
+  (hedgehog-like); Fig. 59.&mdash;A distinct and pretty little plant,
+  the largest specimen having a stem about the size and shape of a
+  small hen's-egg, completely hidden under the densely interwoven
+  radial spines, which crown the thirteen spiral rows of tubercles, and
+  are almost white when mature. The tubercles are &frac12; in. long,
+  and, in addition to these white radiating spines, they also bear each
+  a stout spike-like spine, growing from the centre of the others. This
+  spine gives the plant an appearance quite distinct from all other
+  cultivated Mamillarias. The flowers are produced two or three
+  together, on the top of the stem, and they are nearly 2 in. long,
+  cup-shaped, and coloured yellow; they usually appear about June. As
+  yet this species is rare in cultivated collections. It comes from
+  Mexico, where it is found growing on limestone hills, in hot and arid
+  localities. Under cultivation it requires a warm greenhouse
+  temperature, exposure to bright sunshine all the year round, with a
+  moderate supply of water in summer, and none at all during winter. A
+  few large pieces of broken brick or sandstone placed in the soil,
+  just under the base of the stem, afford the roots conditions suitable
+  to their healthy growth.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig59.jpg" width="223" height="350" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA ECHINUS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 59.&mdash;MAMILLARIA ECHINUS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="meleg" id="meleg">M. elegans</a></b>
+  (elegant).&mdash;A small species, grown only for the prettiness of
+  its stem, flowers rarely, if ever, being borne by it under
+  cultivation. The stem is 2 in. high and wide, globose, with small
+  conical tubercles, which, when young, are woolly at the tips. Spines
+  short and slender, about twenty, arranged in a star on each tubercle,
+  with four central ones a little longer than those which surround
+  them; the colour of the spines is whitish, with brown tips. Native
+  country Mexico, on high exposed hills; in this country it requires
+  greenhouse treatment. Introduced about 1850.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="melep" id="melep">M. elephantidens</a></b>
+  (elephant's-tooth); Fig. 60.&mdash;One of the largest and most
+  remarkable of all garden Mamillarias. Stem globose, depressed, 6 in.
+  to 8 in. in diameter, and bright shining green. Tubercles smooth,
+  round, 1&frac12; in. long, furrowed across the top, which is at first
+  filled with wool, but when old is naked. At the base of the tubercles
+  there is a dense tuft of white wool, and springing from the furrows
+  are eight radiating recurved spines, and three short central ones,
+  all strong, stiff, and ivory-white, tipped with brown. The flowers
+  are 3 in. wide, and are composed of a circle of violet-coloured
+  sepals, with white margins, and a second circle of petals which are
+  bright rose, pale purple at the base, a line of the same colour
+  extending all down the middle. The stamens are numerous, with long
+  purple filaments and yellow anthers, and the pistil is stout, erect,
+  projecting above the stamens, with a radiating stigma. Flowers in
+  autumn; native country, Paraguay. Under cultivation, it grows quicker
+  than is usual with plants of this genus, and it is also exceptional
+  in the regular and abundant production of its flowers. It has been a
+  rarity in European collections for many years, and, although easily
+  grown, it is often killed through wrong treatment. A cool greenhouse
+  or sunny frame in summer, plenty of water whilst growth is active,
+  and a light, well-drained soil, suit it best; whilst during winter it
+  must be kept perfectly dry, and protected only from frost. In a
+  tropical house, it is invariably sickly, and altogether
+  unsatisfactory.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig60.jpg" width="300" height="328" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA ELIPHANTIDENS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 60.&mdash;MAMILLARIA ELIPHANTIDENS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="melon" id="melon">M. elongata</a></b>
+  (elongated).&mdash;A small, cushion-like kind, with the stems in
+  tufts, owing to their producing offsets freely from the base, the
+  tallest of them being about as high and as thick as a man's thumb.
+  The tubercles are short, crowded, and hidden under the star-clusters
+  of reddish-yellow spines. There are no central spines in this kind.
+  The flowers are produced in the axils of the tubercles from all parts
+  of the stem, a large tuft of stems being thickly studded with circles
+  of tawny yellow petals, which are only about &frac12; in. long. The
+  berries are bright coral-red, and about the size of a date stone.
+  There are several varieties of this species, under the names of
+  <i>intertexta, rufescens, rutila, subcrocea</i>, and
+  <i>supertexta.</i> These differ only slightly either in the length or
+  thickness of the stems or in the colour of the spines. All of them
+  may be grown in a cold frame, or in a window where the sun can shine
+  upon them; or they may be grown along with tropical kinds. For small
+  cases in windows, these little Thimble Cactuses are amongst the most
+  suitable. They are natives of high mountains in Mexico, and have been
+  cultivated in Europe over forty years.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mfiss" id="mfiss">M. fissurata</a></b> (fissured);
+  Fig. 61.&mdash;In appearance, this rare species mimics some of the
+  Gasterias, and is so different from all the kinds hitherto described,
+  that very few people unacquainted with it would suspect that it
+  belonged to the same genus as <i>M. elongata</i> or <i>M.
+  dolichocentra</i>. Indeed, some botanists have made a separate genus
+  of this and several other plants of the same peculiar appearance,
+  calling them <i>Anhalonium. M. fissurata</i> is like a whip-top in
+  shape, the root being thick and woody, and the tubercles arranged in
+  a thick layer, spreading from the centre, rosette-like. A living
+  plant in the Kew collection is 2 in. high by 4 in. wide, the
+  tubercles being triangular in shape, &frac12; in. thick, wrinkled,
+  with an irregular furrow on the upper surface. The flowers grow from
+  the middle of the stem, and are 1&frac12; in. wide, and
+  rose-coloured. Native of Mexico, on hard gravel or limestone soils.
+  We know of no plant in English collections, except that at Kew, which
+  was introduced from Mexico in 1886. It flowers in September and
+  October.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig61.jpg" width="191" height="350" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA FISSURATA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 61.&mdash;MAMILLARIA FISSURATA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mflor" id="mflor">M. floribunda</a></b>
+  (free-flowering).&mdash;A French writer on Cactuses, M. Labouret,
+  calls this a species of Echinocactus, but it resembles so closely
+  another species included by him in Mamillaria, viz., <i>M.
+  atrata</i>, that we see no good reason for separating the two into
+  different genera. <i>M. floribunda</i> has an irregular conical stem,
+  about 5 in. high by 4 in. wide at the base, round nut-like tubercles
+  the size of filberts, crowned with star-tufts of spines &frac34; in.
+  long, stiff, and brown, about ten spines being set with their bases
+  in a small disc-like pad of dirty-white wool. The flowers are very
+  numerous, covering the whole of the stem-top, from which they stand
+  erect, so as to form a dense bouquet of rose-coloured petals. Each
+  flower is 2 in. long. Native of Chili; introduced about 1835. Flowers
+  in summer. This handsome kind will thrive in a window, and, if well
+  supplied with fresh air, sunshine, and sufficient water to keep the
+  soil moist, it will flower almost every year. It must have no water
+  in winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mgrac" id="mgrac">M. gracilis</a></b>
+  (slender).&mdash;A small Thimble Cactus, remarkable for its
+  proliferous stems, a single stem 2 in. high producing all round its
+  upper half numerous, offshoots, which fall to the ground and grow. In
+  this way a tuft of stems is soon developed round the first one. If
+  these offshoots are removed as they appear, the stem will grow longer
+  and stouter than it does when they are left. Tubercles small, green,
+  crowded; spines in a stellate tuft, short, curved, pale yellow or
+  white. Flowers as in <i>M. elongata</i>, to which this species is
+  closely allied. In window cases, or on a shelf in a cool greenhouse,
+  it will grow and multiply rapidly. Like the bulk of the caespitose,
+  or Thimble Cactuses, it does not make much show when in flower; and
+  it is only its stems, with their white stars of spines and clusters
+  of little offsets hanging about them, that are attractive. Native of
+  Mexico; introduced about 1850. There is a variety known as
+  <i>pulchella</i>, in which the spines are of a yellow hue.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mgrah" id="mgrah">M. Grahami</a></b>
+  (Graham's).&mdash;A pretty little species, with globose stems,
+  scarcely 3 in. high, and nearly the same in diameter, branching
+  sometimes when old; tubercles &frac14; in. long, egg-shaped, corky
+  when old, and persistent. Spines in tufts of about twenty, all
+  radiating except one in the centre, which is hooked; they are about
+  &frac12; in. long. Flowers 1 in. long, usually produced in a circle
+  round the stem. Fruit a small, oval berry, &frac12; in. long. This is
+  a native of Colorado, in mountainous regions. It is very rare in
+  cultivation. The flowers are developed in June and July.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mhaag" id="mhaag">M. Haageana</a></b> (Haage's); Fig.
+  62.&mdash;The habit of this is shown in the Figure, which is reduced
+  to about one-fourth the natural size. As the stem gets older, it
+  becomes more elongated. Tubercles small, four-sided at the base,
+  pointed at the top, where the spines are arranged in a star, about
+  twenty of them on each tubercle, with two central ones, which are
+  longer, stiffer, and much darker in colour than those on the outside;
+  flowers small, almost hidden beneath the spines, bright carmine-rose;
+  they are produced on the sides of the upper portion of the stem in
+  June. There is a close resemblance between this and <i>M.
+  cirrhifera</i>, and the treatment for both should be the same.
+  Mexico, 1835.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig62.jpg" width="300" height="280" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA HAAGEANA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 62.&mdash;MAMILLARIA HAAGEANA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mlong" id="mlong">M. longimamma</a></b>
+  (long-tubercled); Fig. 63.&mdash;A well-marked species in the size of
+  its mammae, or tubercles, which are at least 1 in. long by 1/3 in. in
+  diameter, terete, slightly curved, and narrowed to a pointed apex,
+  the texture being very soft and watery. Each tubercle bears a
+  radiating tuft of about twelve spines, one central and projecting
+  outwards; they are pale brown when old, and white when young; their
+  length is about &frac12; in. A tuft of short, white wool is developed
+  at the base of the spines on the young mammae. The stem is seldom
+  more than 4 in. in height, and it branches at the base when old.
+  Flowers large and handsome, citron-yellow; the tube short, and hidden
+  in the mammae; the petals 1&frac12; in. long, narrow, pointed, and
+  all directed upwards; stamens numerous, short. Flowering season,
+  early summer. Native country, Mexico. It requires greenhouse
+  treatment, or it may be placed in a sunny frame out of doors during
+  summer. It is not easily multiplied from seeds, but is free in the
+  production of offsets from the base of the stem.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig63.jpg" width="330" height="308" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA LONGIMAMMA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 63.&mdash;MAMILLARIA LONGIMAMMA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mmacr" id="mmacr">M. macromeris</a></b>
+  (large-flowered); Fig. 64.&mdash;Stem about 4 in. high, naked at the
+  base, woody and wrinkled when old. Tubercles as in <i>M.
+  longimamma</i>, but with curving radial spines, like needles, often 2
+  in. in length, white or rose-tinted when young, almost black when
+  old. Flowers from the centre of the stem, 3 in. long, and about the
+  same in width; the petals regular and spreading, as in the Ox-eye
+  daisy; stamens numerous, short, forming a disk; colour carmine,
+  almost purple just before fading. Flowering season, August. Native of
+  Mexico, where it is found in loose, sand on hillocks, generally about
+  the roots of Acacias. It is one of the most beautiful of all
+  Mamillarias; but it is, as yet, rare in collections. It requires the
+  same treatment as <i>M. longimamma</i>, except that, owing to the
+  woody nature of its rootstock, and its long, tap-like roots, it
+  should be planted in pans instead of pots, using a compost of rough
+  loam, mixed with lumps of broken brick or limestone.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig64.jpg" width="273" height="350" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA MACROMERIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 64.&mdash;MAMILLARIA MACROMERIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mmacrot" id="mmacrot">M. macrothele</a></b>
+  (large-nippled); Bot. Mag. 3634, as <i>M. Lehmanni</i>.&mdash;This
+  belongs to the same group as <i>M. cirrhifera</i>, but is
+  distinguished by its large mammae, which are four-angled at the base,
+  &frac34; in. long, narrowed to a point, upon which is a tuft of wool
+  and a cluster of about eight spines, &frac12; in. long, spreading,
+  reddish-brown in colour, the central one being almost black, 1 in.
+  long, and pointing downwards. In the axils of the mammae are tufts of
+  white wool. Flowers on the top of the stern, erect, spreading, about
+  1&frac12; in. across when expanded; the petals overlapping, and pale
+  yellow; the stamens red at the base, arranged in a dense cluster, and
+  the rays of the stigma spreading over them. Flowering time, early
+  summer. Native country, Mexico, on prairie lands, at high elevations.
+  This species is almost hardy in the warmer parts of this country,
+  suffering from damp rather than frost in winter. The stem is not
+  particularly handsome, but the flowers are large and bright, and they
+  are produced annually by plants which are grown in a cool, well-aired
+  greenhouse or frame, with the sun shining on them all day.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mmicr" id="mmicr">M. micromeris</a></b>
+  (small-flowered); Fig. 65.&mdash;A small, cushion-like plant, with a
+  stem never more than 1&frac12; in. across by about 1 in. in height,
+  so that it has the appearance of a small, flattened ball, with a
+  raised, disk-like portion on the top. The mammae are very small, and
+  they are completely hidden by the numerous fine, white, silky spines
+  and wool which spring in tufts from the apex of each mamma, and
+  interlace so as to form a spider-web-like net all over the stem. The
+  flowers are small, and they spring from the centre of the disk-like
+  top of the stern; they are composed of from three to five sepals, and
+  five petals, which are whitish or pink, and measure about &frac14;
+  in. across when open. Native country, Mexico, where it is found only
+  in naked places on mountain tops or sides where limestone is
+  plentiful. It requires much care under cultivation, water in excess
+  being fatal to it, and a soil of the wrong sort soon killing all its
+  roots. It is cultivated at Kew in a small pot, in a mixture of loam
+  and lime rubbish, and grown in a warm greenhouse.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig65.jpg" width="198" height="350" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA MICROMERIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 65.&mdash;MAMILLARIA MICROMERIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mmult" id="mmult">M. multiceps</a></b>
+  (many-branched).&mdash;Stem short, with numerous branches, which
+  again push forth other branches, so that a dense tuft of dumpy,
+  globose stems is formed. The mammae are small, and arranged closely
+  together, and they each bear a tuft of whitish wool, with a radiating
+  cluster of spines, which are soft, almost hair-like in texture, the
+  inner ones being stiffer, and coloured dull yellow. The flowers are
+  small, and almost hidden by the spines and tubercles; they are pale
+  yellow, with a line of red down the middle of each petal. Native
+  country, Mexico. This plant should be grown on a shelf in a cool
+  greenhouse&mdash;anything like a stove temperature being fatal to it.
+  As a flowering plant it is of no value, but the compact tuft formed
+  by its numerous stems, with their attractive spines, renders it
+  worthy of cultivation.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mneum" id="mneum">M. Neumanniana</a></b>
+  (Neumann's).&mdash;This is a member of the group with angular
+  tubercles and comparatively small flowers. It has a stem about 6 in.
+  high, cylindrical, the tubercles arranged spirally, their bases
+  compressed, four or five-angled, and with a tuft of white wool in
+  their axils. The areoles or tufts on the tops of the mammae are
+  large, and the spines are about seven in number, &frac12; in. long,
+  and of a tawny-yellow colour. The flowers are produced near the top
+  of the stem; they are about &frac12; in. long, and rose-red in
+  colour. Native country, Mexico. It requires the same treatment as
+  <i>M. cirrhifera.</i></p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="motto" id="motto">M. Ottonis</a></b> (Ottoni's); Fig.
+  66.&mdash;A very distinct and pretty plant is cultivated under the
+  name at Kew; but there are, apparently, two different species under
+  the same name&mdash;the one being spiny and large in the stem; the
+  other, which is here shown, having a small, compressed stem, 3 in.
+  across, numerous compressed tubercles, and short, hair-like spines.
+  The flowers, which are large for the size of the plant, are white,
+  and are developed in May and June. Native country, Mexico; introduced
+  in 1834. It requires similar treatment to <i>M. micromeris</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig66.jpg" width="368" height="280" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA OTTONIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 66.&mdash;MAMILLARIA OTTONIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mpect" id="mpect">M. pectinata</a></b> (comb-like);
+  Fig. 67.&mdash;Stems globose, from 2 in. to 3 in. in diameter; the
+  rootstock woody; the tubercles arranged in about thirteen spiral
+  rows, swollen at the base, and bearing each a star-like tuft of about
+  twenty-four stiff, brown, radial spines, without a central one; the
+  length varies from &frac12; in. to 1 in., and they are comb-like in
+  their regular arrangement. When not in flower, this species bears a
+  close resemblance to small plants of <i>Cereus pectinatus</i>.
+  Flowers terminal, solitary, large, their width quite 3 in. when fully
+  expanded; sepals reddish-green; petals rich sulphur-yellow; filaments
+  reddish, very numerous; the flowers open at noon, and close after
+  about two hours, even although the sun be shining full upon them.
+  Flowering season, June to August. Native country, Mexico, on slopes
+  of limestone hills. Although long since known to botanists, this
+  pretty species has only lately found its way into English gardens. It
+  is attractive even when not in flower. It requires warm greenhouse
+  treatment, with exposure to full sunshine; during late autumn it
+  should have plenty of air to ripen the new growth made whilst
+  flowering. In winter it should have a dry position near the
+  glass.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig67.jpg" width="205" height="330" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA PECTINATA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 67.&mdash;MAMILLARIA PECTINATA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mphel" id="mphel">M. phellosperma</a></b>
+  (corky-seeded).&mdash;A pretty plant, resembling <i>M. Grahami</i> in
+  all points except the seed, which, as is denoted by the name, is half
+  enveloped in a corky covering, suggesting acorns. Stems simple,
+  sometimes proliferous at the base, globose when young, afterwards
+  almost cylinder or pear-shaped, 5 in. high, 2 in. in diameter;
+  tubercles &frac12; in. long, arranged in twelve spiral rows, slightly
+  woolly in axils. Spines radiating, in two rows, about fifty on each
+  tubercle, the three or four central ones being hooked at the tips or
+  sometimes straight; length, &frac12; in. to 1&frac12; in. Flowers
+  (only seen in the dried state) 1 in. long and wide. Native of the dry
+  gravelly hills and sand ridges in California and Colorado, and,
+  therefore, requiring greenhouse treatment. This plant is cultivated
+  in the Kew collection, but it has not been known to flower there. It
+  is one of the most ornamental of the very spinous species, the radial
+  spines being almost white, whilst the central ones are black, and
+  look like tiny fish-hooks. A large proportion of these Mamillarias
+  are far more interesting in the form and arrangement of their
+  tubercles and spines than in any floral character, and it is on this
+  account that so many which are insignificant as flowering plants are
+  included here.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mpulc" id="mpulc">M. pulchra</a></b>
+  (handsome).&mdash;Stem globose when young and cylindrical when old,
+  flattened at the top; height from 4 in. to 6 in.; tubercles large,
+  egg-shaped, arranged in from eleven to thirteen spiral rows; spines
+  in compact tufts, their bases set in whitish wool, irregular in
+  length, and almost covering the whole of the stem. Flowers medium in
+  size, developed near the top of the stem from the woolly axils of the
+  tubercles; colour bright rose. Native of Mexico. Flowering season,
+  June. Introduced in 1826. A rare kind nowadays, though one of the
+  prettiest. It should always be grown in a warm house. It has been
+  also called <i>M. pulcherrima</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mpusi" id="mpusi">M. pusilla</a></b> (small).&mdash;A
+  tiny tufted plant, belonging to the group known as Thimble Cactuses.
+  It has stems 2 in. high; short, dark green tubercles, with tufts of
+  whitish wool in the axils; spines thin and bristle-like, twisted,
+  nearly 1 in. long, almost hiding the stem; they are whitish, with
+  black tips. The flowers are yellowish-white, with streaks of red.
+  Common in Mexico. Flowering season, May. It should be grown in a
+  frame in summer, and wintered on a shelf in a warm greenhouse. It
+  would, no doubt, thrive in a window if kept in a sunny position and
+  placed under a glass shade. A variety known as <i>texana</i> differs
+  in being more densely clothed with spines. We have seen it grown into
+  large clumps, covering a space 1 ft. in diameter, with dozens of
+  erect little pyramids of whitish spines.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mpycn" id="mpycn">M. pycnacantha</a></b> (densely
+  spined); Bot. Mag. 3972.&mdash;The name for this kind is rather
+  misleading, the spines being both fewer and less conspicuous than in
+  many other species of Mamillaria. Stem about 6 in. high, nearly
+  globose; tubercles&mdash;rather large, swollen, with tufts of short
+  white wool in their axils, and stellate clusters of spines springing
+  from disks of white wool on the top. The spines are &frac12; in.
+  long, slightly recurved, flattened, and pale brown. Flowers large,
+  clustered on the top of the stem, about half a dozen opening
+  together; width 2 in.; petals numerous, narrow, toothed at the tips,
+  spreading; colour a deep sulphur-yellow, anthers orange. Native of
+  Oaxaca, Mexico. Flowering season, July. Introduced 1840. This is a
+  beautiful flowering plant, more like an Echinocactus than a
+  Mamillaria. It should be grown in a warm greenhouse all the year
+  round. Old stems develop offsets from the base, by which the species
+  may be multiplied.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="msang" id="msang">M. sanguinea</a></b> (bloody); Fig.
+  68.&mdash;This is closely related to <i>M. bicolor,</i> but differs
+  in having an unbranched stem and numerous richly-coloured flowers.
+  The stem is stout, 6 in. high, and 4 in. through; tubercles crowded,
+  short, bearing stellate tufts of shortish spines, and projecting
+  longer ones, all being bristly and pale yellow, except those on the
+  youngest tubercles, which are golden. The flowers are borne in a
+  crowded circle on the top of the stem, just outside the cluster of
+  young yellow spines, a strong plant having about forty flowers open
+  together. Each flower is about &frac12; in. long and wide, and
+  coloured bright crimson, with yellow anthers. Native of Mexico.
+  Flowers in June. It should be grown along with <i>M. bicolor</i>. The
+  plant figured is a young one, showing the spines much longer than is
+  usual on mature specimens.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig68.jpg" width="330" height="300" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA SANGUINEA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 68.&mdash;MAMILLARIA SANGUINEA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="msche" id="msche">M. Scheerii</a></b>
+  (Scheer's).&mdash;Stem 7 in. high, and 5 in. in diameter at the base;
+  tubercles large, swollen, somewhat flattened, pale green, watery,
+  woolly in the axils, the tops crowned with about a dozen brown
+  spines, 1 in. long, one central, the others radial. Flowers terminal,
+  erect, with several whorls of spreading, recurved petals, the lower
+  ones tinged with crimson, the upper pale yellow, and forming a
+  shallow cup, 2 in. across; anthers forming a compact sheaf in the
+  centre. Flowers in summer. This distinct and very pretty species was
+  introduced many years ago from Mexico, where it was discovered in
+  1845 by a Mr. Potts, to whose love for these plants we are indebted
+  for a great many choice kinds collected and sent to England by him.
+  It grows naturally in a red, sandy loam, and under cultivation
+  requires warm-house treatment, except during the autumn, when it may
+  be placed in a frame and exposed to full sunshine and plenty of
+  air.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mschel" id="mschel">M. Schelhasii</a></b>
+  (Schelhas').&mdash;A pretty little tufted kind, its habit and size
+  being shown in Fig. 69. The stem produces offsets freely at the base,
+  which grow into full-sized stems, and develop young ones, till a
+  compact cushion is formed. Tubercles closely arranged, cylindrical,
+  shining green, with fifteen to twenty radial, white, hair-like
+  spines, &frac12; in. long, and three inner ones, which are thicker,
+  purplish in colour, usually only one being hooked. Flowers white,
+  with a line of rose down the middle of each petal, &frac34; in.
+  across. Flowering season, beginning of summer. Native of Mexico. It
+  may be grown out of doors in a sunny position in summer, and wintered
+  on a shelf in a greenhouse.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig69.jpg" width="314" height="330" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA SCHELHASII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 69.&mdash;MAMILLARIA SCHELHASII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mschi" id="mschi">M. Schiedeana</a></b> (Schiede's).
+  &mdash;Stem globose, 3 in. to 5 in. high, thickly clothed with long,
+  narrow, pointed tubercles, the bases of which are set in white wool,
+  whilst the apices are crowned with tiny stars of white silky spines;
+  more like the pappus of a Composite than the spines usually found on
+  Cactuses. A healthy plant has a very pretty and silky appearance
+  which cannot well be described. The flowers are small and
+  unattractive; they are succeeded by the red fruits, which remain on
+  the plant a long time, and add to its beauty. Native country, Mexico.
+  Introduced 1838. Should be grown in a greenhouse where frost is
+  excluded, and where there is plenty of sunlight at all times. It is
+  easily increased, either from seeds or by means of the offsets
+  developed at the base of old stems.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="msemp" id="msemp">M. semperviva</a></b> (ever-living);
+  Fig. 70.&mdash;Stem pear-shaped, 3 in. wide, the top slightly
+  depressed. Tubercles conical, &frac14; in. long, their bases set in a
+  cushion of white wool, their tips bearing tiny tufts of wool, and
+  four small spines, which fall away on the tubercles becoming ripe,
+  leaving two short, diverging, central spines. Flowers small, not
+  ornamental, and scantily developed near the outside of the top.
+  Native of Mexico; in meadows and thickets near Zimapan, at 5000 ft.
+  elevation. It thrives with us when grown in a frame in summer, and
+  wintered in a cool greenhouse or frame.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig70.jpg" width="320" height="336" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA SEMPERVIVA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 70.&mdash;MAMILLARIA SEMPERVIVA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mseni" id="mseni">M. senilis</a></b>
+  (hoary).&mdash;Stem about 3 in. high, spherical, unbranched, except
+  when very old, when it becomes proliferous at the base; tubercles
+  crowded, small, arranged spirally, and crowned with clusters of long,
+  radiating spines, which are almost white, hair-like, and become
+  thickly interwoven, as in the Old Man Cactus <i>(Pilocereus
+  senilis</i>). The central spine is black, and hooked at the tip.
+  Flowers on the top of the stem, near the centre; the petals toothed,
+  spreading, and forming a deep cup, with a cluster of tall stamens
+  standing erect in the middle; colour bright scarlet. The flowers,
+  which appear in summer, remain open about eight hours. Native country
+  unknown; cultivated in France in 1845. This plant is difficult to
+  preserve in health, the best method being that of grafting it on to a
+  short Cereus, or a robust kind of Mamillaria, such as <i>M.
+  cirrhifera</i>. It is a pretty plant at all times, even when dead,
+  for we have seen plants of it preserve the appearance of live
+  specimens long after they have rotted and dried up in the centre,
+  nothing remaining but the shell formed by the skin and silvery
+  spines. There is a close resemblance between this species and <i>M.
+  Grahami</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mstel" id="mstel">M. stella-aurata</a></b> (golden
+  star).&mdash;This little plant obtains its name from the rich
+  golden-yellow of its stellate clusters of spines, which are arranged
+  thickly on the tips of the small, pointed tubercles. It belongs to
+  the group called Thimble Cactuses, of which it is one of the
+  prettiest. The stems are tufted, branching freely at the base, and
+  rising to a height of about 2 in. Flowers small, whitish, and much
+  less ornamental than the berry-like fruits which succeed them, and
+  which are egg-shaped, &frac12; in. long, and a deep rose-colour.
+  <i>M. tenuis</i> is a variety of this, with almost white spines.
+  Native of Mexico. Introduced 1835. May be cultivated under a
+  bell-glass in a room window, the only danger being damp during
+  winter, which must be carefully avoided.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="msubp" id="msubp">M. sub-polyhedra</a></b> (usually
+  many-sided); Fig. 71.&mdash;Stem simple till it becomes old, when it
+  develops offsets at the base, broadly cylindrical, 8 in. high, 5 in.
+  in diameter. Tubercles four-sided at base, prism-shaped, bearing pads
+  of white wool in the corners at the base, and crowned with tufts of
+  from four to seven spines, usually all radial, sometimes one central.
+  The flowers, which usually appear in May, are arranged in a zone on
+  the top of the old stems; sepals greenish-yellow, petals bright red.
+  Fruit 1 in. long, pear-shaped, scarlet. Native of South Mexico, at
+  high elevations. It may be grown outside in summer, and wintered in a
+  heated greenhouse or frame. This is a singular-looking plant, the
+  tubercles having an appearance suggestive of carving. It is a slow
+  grower, and requires careful attention in winter, when sometimes the
+  roots all perish and the base of the stem rots.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig71.jpg" width="320" height="336" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA SUB-POLYHEDRA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 71.&mdash;MAMILLARIA SUB-POLYHEDRA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="msulc" id="msulc">M. sulcolanata</a></b>
+  (woolly-grooved); Fig. 72.&mdash;Stem simple when young, proliferous
+  at the sides when old, the young plants developing from the apices of
+  the tubercles, and not in the axils, as is usual. The tubercles are
+  nut-shaped, large, the bases surrounded by white wool, the points
+  bearing eight to ten rigid, brown spines, all radiating from a little
+  pad of wool. Flowers large, nearly 2 in. across, bright yellow,
+  poppy-scented, the spread of the petals suggesting Paris Daisies;
+  they are freely developed on the apex of the stem in June, and on
+  till August. Fruit egg-shaped, glaucous-green. Native country, South
+  Mexico; introduced 1836. This charming little plant should be grown
+  in a frame exposed to full sunshine all summer, and removed to a
+  shelf in a warm greenhouse in winter. With such treatment it grows
+  and flowers freely. Grafted on to a Cereus or Opuntia it is healthier
+  than when on its own roots.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig72.jpg" width="363" height="300" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA SULCOLANATA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 72.&mdash;MAMILLARIA SULCOLANATA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mtetr" id="mtetr">M. tetracantha</a></b>
+  (four-spined); Bot. Mag. 4060.&mdash;Stem the size and shape of an
+  ostrich's egg, thickly studded with small, conical tubercles, woolly
+  at the base, the apices bearing each four spreading spines, &frac34;
+  long, rather stout, straight, brown when young, becoming almost white
+  with age. Flowers numerous, small, arranged as in <i>M.
+  sanguinea</i>, to which and <i>M. cirrhifera</i> this species is
+  closely related. They are bright rose in colour, with orange-yellow
+  anthers, and are developed in July. Native of Mexico. Requires the
+  same treatment as <i>M. cirrhifera.</i></p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mtube" id="mtube">M. tuberculosa</a></b>
+  (tubercled).&mdash;This is a very pretty and distinct plant, of
+  recent introduction, and easily cultivated. It has a central stem, 6
+  in. high by 2 in. in diameter, conical in shape, and surrounded at
+  the base by globose branches or offsets. The tubercles are closely
+  set in numerous spiral rows, and are &frac12; in. long, rather
+  narrow, pointed, with a crown of radial spines, very slender,
+  hair-like, white, and &frac12; in. long; central spines three or
+  four, &frac12; in. long. At the base of each tubercle is a pea-like
+  tuft of white wool. In this kind the spines fall from the old
+  tubercles, which are persistent, gradually hardening to a cork-like
+  substance. The flowers are produced in the apex of the stem, and are
+  1 in. long and wide, daisy-like, pale purple in colour; they are
+  succeeded by red, oval berries, which are as pretty as the flowers.
+  About five flowers are developed on each stem annually&mdash;May and
+  June. Native of Mexico, in the mountains. It thrives when grown in an
+  ordinary greenhouse, on a shelf, in full sunshine.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mturb" id="mturb">M. turbinata</a></b> (top-shaped);
+  Bot. Mag. 3984 .&mdash;Stem globose, depressed at top, about 3 in. in
+  diameter, pale glaucous-green; tubercles quadrangular, flattened at
+  the apex, and bearing, when young, from three to five erect, slender,
+  hair-like spines, which fall off soon after the tubercles ripen,
+  exposing little depressions or umbilica, and giving the stem a bald,
+  pudding-like appearance, quite distinct from any other kind. Flowers
+  from the centre of the stem, short, about 1 in. across, pale yellow,
+  with a reddish tint outside; anthers yellow. Two or three flowers are
+  usually expanded together in the month of June. Native country,
+  Mexico.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="munci" id="munci">M. uncinata</a></b>
+  (hooked).&mdash;Stem globose, simple, about 4 in. in diameter;
+  tubercles closely pressed against each other at the base, where they
+  are four-angled; in length they are &frac14; in., and they are
+  blue-green in colour. Apex bearing four short spines, arranged
+  crosswise, and &frac14; in. long; central spine slightly longer,
+  yellow, and hooked. The flowers are 1 in. long and wide, erect, the
+  tube hidden by the young mammae, amongst which they appear in May and
+  June; they are purple in colour, a line of deeper tint running down
+  the middle of each petal. Like all the kinds with short, angular
+  tubercles, this species is easily managed, flowers freely and
+  profusely, and always ripens seeds. Native of Mexico. It may be grown
+  in a frame, or even out of doors, all through the summer, removing it
+  to a greenhouse for the winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mvetu" id="mvetu">M. vetula</a></b> (old).&mdash;One
+  of the small Thimble Cactuses, its stems seldom exceeding 3 in. in
+  height by 1&frac12; in. in diameter. Tubercles &frac14; in. long,
+  conical, with a radial crown of fine, hair-like yellow spines,
+  &frac14; in. long, and a solitary central spine, &frac12; in. in
+  length, and coloured red. Flowers terminal, just peeping above the
+  tubercles; sepals and petals acute, yellow, &frac34; in. long;
+  anthers yellow; stigma white. An old garden plant, introduced from
+  Mexico. It flowers in May and June. For its cultivation it may be
+  treated as recommended for <i>M. pusilla</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mvill" id="mvill">M. villifera</a></b>
+  (hair-bearing).&mdash;Stem similar to the last, but usually
+  proliferous at the base; tubercles angular, short, woolly in the
+  axils, and bearing four rigid, short, reddish-brown spines on the
+  apex. Flowers pale rose, with a line of purple down the middle of
+  each petal; they are developed near the top of the stem, in May.
+  Native country, Mexico. This plant thrives if treated as recommended
+  for <i>M. pusilla</i>. There are several varieties known,
+  distinguished by their paler or darker flowers, or by a difference in
+  the length and arrangement of the spines.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mviri" id="mviri">M. viridis</a></b>
+  (green).&mdash;Stem 4 in. high by 3 in. in diameter, proliferous at
+  the base; tubercles short, four-angled, crowded in spiral rows,
+  woolly at the base, bearing each five or six radiating hair-like
+  spines on the apex, and one central erect one, none more than
+  &frac14; in. long. Flowers erect, on top of stem, with recurved, pale
+  yellow petals, 1 in., long; they are produced in May and June.
+  Introduced from Mexico in 1850. It may be grown in a sunny frame out
+  of doors during summer, and on a dry, warm greenhouse shelf in
+  winter.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mvivi" id="mvivi">M. vivipara</a></b>
+  (stem&mdash;sprouting).&mdash;A tufted, free-growing Thimble Cactus,
+  producing its small stems in such profusion as to form a cluster as
+  much as 3 ft. in diameter. The small tubercles are hidden by the
+  numerous radial spines, which are in clusters of about twenty; they
+  are white, hair-like, stiff and &frac12; in. long; the central
+  spines, numbering from four to six, are a little longer. Flowers from
+  apex of stem, 1&frac12; in. long and wide, and composed of about
+  thirty fimbriated sepals and twenty-five to forty narrow petals;
+  colour bright purple. Fruit &frac12; in. long, pale green when ripe.
+  The flowers, which appear in May and June, usually expand after
+  mid-day. Native of Louisiana. In the North-West plains and Rocky
+  Mountains of North America this plant is abundant, often forming wide
+  cushion-like tufts, which, when covered with numerous purple,
+  star-like flowers, have a pretty effect. In Utah and New York it is
+  commonly cultivated as a hardy garden plant, bearing exposure to keen
+  frosts and snow without suffering; but it would not thrive out of
+  doors in winter with us, unless covered by a handlight during severe
+  weather, and protected from heavy rains in winter. It likes a strong,
+  clayey soil.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mvivir" id="mvivir">M. v. radiosa</a></b> (Fig. 73).
+  &mdash;This variety is distinguished by its larger flowers and
+  shorter spines.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig73.jpg" width="270" height="350" alt=
+    "MAMILLARIA VIVIPARA RADIOSA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 73.&mdash;MAMILLARIA VIVIPARA RADIOSA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mwild" id="mwild">M. Wildiana</a></b>
+  (Wild's).&mdash;An old garden Cactus, and one of the prettiest of the
+  tufted, small-stemmed kinds. Its largest stems are 3 in. high by
+  about 1&frac12; in. in diameter, and bear spiral rows of clavate,
+  dark green, crystallised tubercles, &frac12; in. long, with about ten
+  radial white spines, &frac12; in. long, the three upper spines,
+  together with the solitary central hooked one, being yellow. Flowers
+  small, numerous on the apices of the stems, rose-coloured, lined with
+  purple; they are developed in summer. This also forms dense tufts of
+  stems. A specimen at Kew, only a few years old, has already over
+  thirty heads. It is a native of Mexico, at an altitude of 5000 ft.,
+  growing on lava and basalt, and even on the trunks of trees. For its
+  cultivation, a shelf in a sunny greenhouse is a most suitable
+  position, both in winter and summer. Introduced 1835.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mwrig" id="mwrig">M. Wrightii</a></b>
+  (Wright's).&mdash;This is a charming little plant, of something the
+  same character as <i>M. dolichocentra</i>. It has not long been
+  cultivated in gardens, but being easy to manage, and exceptionally
+  pretty, it is sure to become a favourite as it gets known. Stem
+  rounded above, narrowed and peg-top-like at the base, the top
+  flattened, about 3 in. across, height about the same. Tubercles
+  conical, &frac12; in. long, shining green, and bearing a tuft of six
+  or eight spines, which are straight, hair-like, white, and &frac12;
+  in. long; there are two central spines, of same length, and hooked.
+  Flowers in the top of the stem, 1 in. long and wide, bright purple;
+  they are succeeded by egg-shaped, purple berries, 1 in. long, and
+  prettily arranged among the tubercles. In England a warm house seems
+  most suitable for this species. It likes plenty of moisture and
+  sunlight during the summer, whilst making new growth; but in winter,
+  when at rest, it ought to be kept on a shelf, and just moistened
+  overhead in bright weather. There are healthy examples of it at Kew.
+  Flowering season, May and June. Native country, Mexico. Introduced
+  about 1878.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="mzucc" id="mzucc">M. Zucchariniana</a></b>
+  (Zuccharini's).&mdash;Stem simple, globose, often attaining a height
+  of 10 in. by about 7 in. in diameter. Tubercles dark green, conical,
+  1/3 in. long, &frac12; in. broad at base, naked at the point, but
+  with four to six spines springing from the areole a little below the
+  point; spines ash-coloured, stiff, black-tipped. Flowers in a ring
+  about the top of the stem, length 1 in., the tube enveloped in long,
+  black, twisted hairs; sepals brown-purple; petals narrow,
+  sharp-pointed, purple-rose coloured; stamens white and yellow; stigma
+  rose-coloured. Flowers in June and July. Native of Mexico. A large,
+  handsome-stemmed kind, easily kept in health, and flowering freely if
+  grown on a shelf in a cool greenhouse in winter, and placed in a
+  warm, sunny position out of doors in summer. It produces seeds
+  freely, and pretty plants, 3 in. or more in diameter, may be obtained
+  in two years from seeds. By grafting it, when young, on the stem of a
+  Cereus or cylindrical Opuntia, a healthy, drumstick-like plant is
+  easily obtained.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="leuch" id="leuch"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS LEUCHTENBERGIA.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(Named in honour of Prince Leuchtenberg.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_A.gif" width="54" height="113" alt="A" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>MONG the many instances of plant mimicry that occur in the Cactus
+  order, the most remarkable is the plant here figured. Remove the
+  flower from Leuchtenbergia, and very few people indeed would think of
+  calling it a Cactus, but would probably consider it a short-leaved
+  Yucca. In habit, in form, in leaf, and in texture, it more resembles
+  a Yucca or an Agave than anything else, and when first introduced it
+  was considered such by the Kew authorities until it flowered. The
+  leaves, or rather tubercles, are sometimes longer and slenderer than
+  in Fig. 74. The nearest approach to this plant is <i>Mamillaria
+  longimamma</i>, in which the tubercles are 1 in. or more long,
+  finger-shaped, and crowned with a few hair-like spines. But the
+  Leuchtenbergia bears its flowers on the ends of the tubercles, and
+  not from the axils, as in all others. This peculiarity leads one to
+  infer that tubercles are modified branches, the spines representing
+  the leaves. Some species of Mamillaria and Echinocactus develop young
+  plants from the tops of their tubercles; and this also points to the
+  probability that the latter are branches. In Leuchtenbergia, the
+  tubercles fall away as the plant increases in height, leaving a bare,
+  woody stem similar to that of a Yucca.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;The Leuchtenbergia has always been
+  difficult to keep in health. It thrives best when kept in a warm,
+  sunny house during winter, and in an exposed, airy, warm position
+  under a frame during summer. It may be watered regularly whilst
+  growing&mdash;that is, from April to September&mdash;and kept quite
+  dry all winter. The soil should be well-drained loam, and the roots
+  should have plenty of room. A specimen may be seen in the Kew
+  collection.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;This may be effected from seeds, or by
+  removing the head from an old plant, putting the former in sand, and
+  placing it under a bell-glass to root, watering it only about once a
+  week till roots are formed. The old stem should be kept dry for about
+  two months, and then watered and placed in a sunny, moist position,
+  where it can be syringed once a day. A shelf in a stove is the best
+  position for it. Here it will form young buds in the axils of the
+  withered tubercles, and on the edges of the persistent parts of the
+  tubercles themselves. They first appear in the form of tiny tufts of
+  yellowish down, and gradually develop till the first leaf-like
+  tubercle appears. When large enough, the buds may be removed and
+  planted in small pots to root. If an old plant is dealt with in this
+  way in April, a batch of young ones should be developed and rooted by
+  October. Grafting does not appear to have ever been tried for this
+  plant. When sick, the plant should be carefully washed, and all
+  decayed parts cut away; it may then be planted in very sandy loam,
+  and kept under a bell-glass till rooted.</p><a name="leuchp" id=
+  "leuchp"></a>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig74.jpg" width="258" height="350" alt=
+    "LEUCHTENBERGIA PRINCIPIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 74.&mdash;LEUCHTENBERGIA PRINCIPIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b>L. principis</b> (noble); Fig. 74.&mdash;This, the only species
+  known, was introduced from Mexico to Kew in 1847, and flowered the
+  following year. The plant attains a height of 1 ft. or more, the stem
+  being erect, stout, clothed with the persistent, scale-like bases of
+  the old, fallen-away tubercles, the bases having dried up and
+  tightened round the stem. The upper part is clothed with the curved,
+  leaf-like tubercles, from 3 in. to 6 in. long, grey-green in colour,
+  succulent, with a tough skin, triangular, and gradually narrowed to a
+  blunt point, upon which are half a dozen or more thin, flexuous,
+  horny filaments, neither spines nor hairs in appearance, but almost
+  hay-like; the central one is about 5 in. long, and the others about
+  half that length. The flowers are borne on the ends of the young,
+  partly-developed tubercles, near the centre of the head; they are
+  erect, tubular, 3 in. to 4 in. long, scaly, gradually widening
+  upwards; the sepals and petals are numerous, and form a beautiful
+  flower of the ordinary Cactus type, quite 4 in. across, and of a
+  rich, clear yellow colour. The anthers, which also are yellow, form a
+  column in the centre, through which the nine-rayed stigma protrudes.
+  Strong plants sometimes produce two flowers together.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="pelec" id="pelec"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS PELECYPHORA.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(From <i>pelekyphoros</i>, hatchet-bearing; referring to the
+  shape of the tubercles.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_L.jpg" width="50" height="119" alt="L" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>IKE Leuchtenbergia, this genus is monotypic, and it is also rare,
+  difficult to cultivate, and exceptionally interesting in structure.
+  It is closely related to the Mamillarias, as may be seen, by
+  comparing the Figure here given with some of them; indeed, it was
+  once known as <i>M. asellifera</i>, having been described under that
+  name when first introduced, in 1843. From Mamillaria, however, it
+  differs in the form of its tubercles, which are hatchet-shaped, and
+  cleft at the apex, where each division is clothed with small, horny,
+  overlapping scales, not unlike the back of a woodlouse&mdash;hence
+  the specific name.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;The Hatchet Cactus grows very slowly,
+  specimens such as that represented in our Illustration being many
+  years old. We have seen healthy plants, freshly imported, grow for a
+  few months, and then suddenly die, the inside of the stem rotting
+  whilst outside it looked perfectly healthy. It is always grown on its
+  own roots, but probably it would thrive better if grafted on the stem
+  of some dwarf Cereus or Echinocactus.</p><a name="peleca" id=
+  "peleca"></a>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig75.jpg" width="269" height="320" alt=
+    "PELECYPHORA ASELLIFORMIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 75.&mdash;PELECYPHORA ASELLIFORMIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;The propagation of Pelecyphora is
+  easiest effected by means of seeds, which, however, are not always
+  procurable. It is stated by Labouret, a French writer on Cactuses,
+  that the first plants introduced arrived dead, but a few seeds were
+  found in a withered fruit on one of the dead stems, and from these
+  the first plants grown in Europe were raised. M. de Smet of Ghent,
+  had a large stock of this Cactus a few years ago, and a German
+  nurseryman, H. Hildmann, of Oranienberg, near Berlin, usually has
+  many young plants of it for sale.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b>P. aselliformis</b> (woodlouse-like); Fig. 75.&mdash;The size,
+  habit, and structure of this plant are so well represented in the
+  Figure that little description is necessary. The stems are simple
+  till they get about 3 in. high, when they develop offsets about the
+  base, which may either be removed to form new plants, or allowed to
+  remain and grow into a specimen like that in the Illustration. The
+  flowers are large for the size of the plant, and they are developed
+  freely in the apex of the stems in the early part of the summer. The
+  tube is very short, naked, and completely hidden by the young mammae;
+  sepals and petals in four series, the outer one pale purple, the
+  inner of a deep purple colour; stamens very numerous, and the stigma
+  has only four erect lobes. The plant was first described from
+  examples cultivated in Berlin in 1843, but the flowers were not known
+  till 1858. There are several varieties known, viz., <i>P. a.
+  concolor</i>, which is distinguished by the whole of the flower being
+  deep purple in colour; <i>P. a. pectinata</i> has larger scales
+  (spine-tufts); and <i>P. a. cristata</i> is, as its name denotes a
+  kind of cockscomb or crested form. They are all natives of
+  Mexico.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="opuntia" id="opuntia"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS OPUNTIA.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(The old Latin name used by Pliny, and said to have been derived
+  from the city of Opus.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>HERE are about 150 species of Opuntia known, all of them natives
+  of the American continent and the West Indies, though a considerable
+  number have become naturalised in many other parts of the world. They
+  are, with very few exceptions, easily distinguished from all other
+  Cactuses by the peculiar character of their stems and spines; they
+  are also well marked in the structure of their flowers. They vary in
+  size from small, trailing, many-branched plants, never exceeding 6
+  in. in height, to large shrubs 8 ft. to 30 ft. high. (Humboldt states
+  that he saw "Opuntias and other Cactuses 30 ft. to 40 ft. high.")
+  Generally the branches are nearly flat when young, and shaped like a
+  racquet or battledore; but in some species the branches are round
+  <i>(i.e.</i>, in <i>O. cylindrica</i>, <i>O. subulata</i>, <i>O.
+  arborescens</i>, &amp;c.). All the kinds have fleshy stems, which
+  ultimately become cylindrical and woody. At first they consist of
+  fleshy joints, superposed upon one another, the joints varying
+  considerably in size and shape. When young they bear small fleshy
+  leaves along with the spine-tufts; but the former fall off at an
+  early stage, whilst the spines are altered in length or number as the
+  joints get old. In one or two kinds the spines fall away when the
+  joints begin to harden, and in <i>O. subulata</i> the leaves are
+  large and persistent.</p>
+
+  <p>The nature of the spines of Opuntias is of a kind that is not
+  likely to be forgotten by anyone coming into contact with them. Every
+  spine, from the tiny bristles, hardly perceptible to the naked eye,
+  to the stout, needle-like spears which are found on the branches of
+  some kinds, is barbed, and they are so very sharp and penetrating
+  that even a gentle touch is sufficient to make them pierce the skin.
+  Once in they are very difficult to get out; the very fine ones can
+  only be shaved level with the skin, and left to grow out, whilst the
+  larger must be cut out if they have penetrated to any depth. This
+  horrid character in Opuntias, whilst rendering them disagreeable to
+  the gardener, has been turned to good account in many of our
+  colonies, where they are commonly used as fences. A good hedge of
+  such kinds as <i>O. Tuna</i> or <i>O. horrida</i> is absolutely
+  impassable to both man and beast, and as the stems are too watery to
+  be easily destroyed by fire, their usefulness in this way could not
+  be surpassed. As all the Opuntias will grow in the very poorest of
+  soils, and even on bare rocks, and as they grow very rapidly, they
+  have been largely employed in Africa, Australia, and India for
+  fences. It is reported that when an island in the West Indies was
+  divided between the French and English, the boundary was marked by
+  three rows of <i>O. Tuna</i>.</p>
+
+  <p>The flowers of Opuntias are not, as a rule, particularly
+  attractive. In many of the kinds they are large and well-formed, but
+  the colours are tawny-yellow, greenish-white, or dull red. These
+  plants cannot, therefore, be recommended for any floral beauty,
+  although it is probable that the same flowers, on plants of less
+  repulsive appearance than Opuntias are, as a rule, would be admired.
+  There are a few exceptions to this in such species as <i>O.
+  Rafinesquii, O. missouriensis</i>, and <i>O. basilaris</i>, which are
+  compact and dwarf, and bear numerous large, brightly-coloured
+  flowers. The fruits of Opuntias, or, at least, some of them, are
+  edible, and to some palates they are very agreeable. We have tasted
+  them, and consider they are mawkish and insipid&mdash;not much better
+  than very poor gooseberries. Sir Joseph Hooker has compared them to
+  Pumpkins. They are pear-shaped, with a thick, spine-covered rind,
+  containing green, yellow, or red pulp, with small, hard seeds
+  scattered through it.</p>
+
+  <p>The fruit of Opuntia differs in character and structure from the
+  ordinary kind of fruit, such as apples, pears, &amp;c. It consists of
+  a branch, or joint, modified in form, and bearing on its flattened
+  apex a flower, with the ovary buried in a slight depression in the
+  fleshy joint. After becoming fertilised, the ovary grows down into
+  the joint, and, ultimately the whole joint is changed into a
+  succulent, juicy, often coloured "fruit." That this is the case has
+  been proved by planting the unripe "fruit" of Opuntias in pots of
+  sandy soil, and treating them as cuttings, when they have developed
+  buds at the apex and roots at the base, ultimately forming
+  plants.</p>
+
+  <p>The vitality in the branches of most of the species is very great,
+  the smallest piece, as a rule, emitting roots and developing into a
+  plant in a comparatively short time. The branches are soft, and
+  easily broken, so that, in gathering the fruits, many pieces are
+  broken off and cast aside; these soon grow into plants, and in a
+  short time an extensive "colony" of Opuntias springs up where
+  previously only one had been. The seeds, too, are a ready means of
+  increase, being distributed by birds and other animals, which eat the
+  fruits. In consequence of this free vegetative character, the
+  Opuntias introduced into some of our colonies have become a pest
+  almost as difficult to deal with as the rabbit scourge in Australia.
+  In English gardens, however, there is no danger of Opuntias getting
+  the upper hand. The adaptability of the majority of the kinds for
+  cultivation under what may be termed adverse conditions for other
+  plants, and the ease with which they may be propagated, render the
+  management of a collection of these plants an easy matter. Amongst
+  other Cactuses, Opuntias have a striking effect, and a selection of
+  them should be grown in even the smallest collections. A few of them
+  may be recommended specially as attractive plants for a sheltered,
+  sunny rockery.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation.</b>&mdash;The cultural requirements of the
+  Opuntias may more conveniently be referred to under the description
+  of each kind.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation.</b>&mdash;This entails no exceptional treatment;
+  the numerous seeds contained in each fruit germinate freely if sown
+  in sandy soil, and placed on a shelf in a warm house; and the
+  smallest branches root quickly if planted in pots of open soil and
+  kept in the Cactus-house. Large branches root just as freely as small
+  ones. At Kew an enormous specimen, which had grown tall, and
+  developed a thicket of branches too great for the house where it
+  grew, was reduced most summarily by simply cutting off the head of
+  branches and planting it in the ground where the original specimen
+  had been. In a short time this "cutting" was well rooted, and made
+  better growth than it had before the operation was performed.</p>
+
+  <p>As stocks for grafting, many of the more robust kinds of Opuntia
+  are well adapted, and very singular-looking specimens may be obtained
+  by making the most of this fact. One of the crested or monstrous
+  forms, when grafted on a flat-stemmed kind, presents the queerest of
+  appearances, looking like a large green cockscomb growing out of the
+  top of a bladdery kind of stem. Equally odd combinations may be made
+  by grafting a flat-stemmed kind on one whose stem is cylindrical. As
+  all the kinds unite with the greatest ease, a taste for oddities
+  among plants may easily be gratified by making use of Opuntias in
+  this way. The time most favourable for the operation is
+  spring&mdash;say, the month of April. For full information on how to
+  graft Cactuses, see Chapter IV., on <a href=
+  "#propag">Propagation</a>.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p align="left"><b><a name="oarbo" id="oarbo">O. arborescens</a></b>
+  (tree-like).&mdash;This species is known as the Walking-Stick or
+  Elk-Horn Cactus, from its cylindrical, woody stems being made into
+  very curious-looking walking-sticks (examples of which may be seen in
+  the Museum at Kew), whilst the arrangement of the branches is
+  suggestive of elk horns. Habit erect; joints cylindrical, branching
+  freely, and forming trees from 8 ft. to 30 ft. high. Stems covered
+  with oblong tubercles and tufts of long, needle-like spines, which
+  give the plant a very ferocious aspect. Flowers on the ends of the
+  young branches, 2 in. to 3 in. in diameter, bright purple in colour,
+  developing in June. It is a native of Mexico, &amp;c., and requires
+  greenhouse or stove treatment. The skeletons of this species, as seen
+  scattered over the desert places where it is wild, have a very
+  singular and startling appearance. They stand in the form of trees,
+  quite devoid of leaves, spines, or flesh, and, owing to the peculiar
+  arrangement of the ligneous layers, nothing remains except a hollow
+  cylinder, perforated with mesh-like holes, indicating the points
+  where the tubercles and small branches had been. These skeletons are
+  said to stand many years.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oarbu" id="oarbu">O. arbuscula</a></b> (small tree).
+  &mdash;Another of the cylindrical kinds, with a solid, woody trunk,
+  about 4 in. through, and clothed with smooth, green bark; it grows to
+  a height of 7 ft. or 8 ft. Branches very numerous, slender, copiously
+  jointed, the ultimate joints about 3 in. long and &frac12; in. thick;
+  they are slightly tuberculated, and bear tufts of spines nearly 1 in.
+  long. Flowers 1&frac12; in. in diameter, produced in June; petals
+  few, greenish-yellow, tinged with red. It is a native of Mexico, and
+  requires stove treatment. A pretty plant, or, rather, a very
+  remarkable one, even when not in flower, the thin branches, with
+  their hundreds of long, whitish spines, being singular.
+  Unfortunately, it is not easily grown.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oaren" id="oaren">O. arenaria</a></b> (sand-loving).
+  &mdash;Stems spreading, forming a tuft 3 ft. through and about 1 ft.
+  high. Joints 1&frac12; in. to 3 in. long, and a little less in width,
+  terete, with very prominent tubercles and numerous tawny bristles;
+  upper spines 1 in. to 1&frac12; in. long, white, with a yellow point,
+  shorter ones hair-like and curled. Flowers 2 in. in diameter,
+  produced in May. Fruit 1 in. long, bearing a few short spines.
+  Mexico. A strong-rooted plant, which should be grown in very loose,
+  sandy soil. It would probably thrive best when planted out on a stage
+  near the glass in a stove.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oaube" id="oaube">O. Auberi</a></b>
+  (Auber's).&mdash;An erect-growing plant, 8 ft. or more high, not
+  unlike <i>O. Ficus-indica</i> in the form of its joints, but with
+  long spines springing from the cushions, whereas the latter has none.
+  The joints are oblong-ovate, glaucous-green, the cushions few and
+  scattered; spines white, flattened, of various lengths. Flowers tawny
+  yellow, small for the size of the plant. A native of Cuba, and
+  requiring stove treatment. Being very brittle, this plant should be
+  supported with stakes.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oaura" id="oaura">O. aurantiaca</a></b>
+  (orange).&mdash;A dwarf, cylindrical-stemmed kind, branching freely.
+  Joints short, &frac34; in. in diameter; cushions of reddish spines,
+  one about 1 in. long, the others shorter; bases of spines enveloped
+  in white wool. Flowers bright orange, 2 in. to 3 in. across. This
+  species is a native of Chili, whence it was introduced in 1824. It
+  should be grown in a warm greenhouse all winter, and placed in a
+  sunny position outside during summer.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="obasi" id="obasi">O. basilaris</a></b> (branching at
+  the base); Fig. 76.&mdash;A dwarf, compact plant, of peculiar habit.
+  Stem short, branching into a number of stout, obovate, often
+  fan-shaped joints, which usually spring from a common base, and curve
+  inwards, suggesting an open cabbage. Joints 5 in. to 8 in. long,
+  about 1 in. thick, covered all over with dot-like cushions of very
+  short, reddish spines, set in slight depressions or wrinkles. Flowers
+  of a beautiful and rich purple colour, about 2&frac12; in. in
+  diameter, and produced in May. This distinct plant is a native of
+  Mexico, and is of recent introduction. Plants of it may be seen in
+  the Kew collection. It is apparently easily kept in health in an
+  ordinary stove temperature along with other Cactuses. It varies in
+  the form of its joints and in its manner of branching, but it seems
+  never to develop the joints one on the top of the other, as do most
+  Opuntias. This species is certain to become a favourite when it
+  becomes better known.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig76.jpg" width="259" height="330" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA BASILARIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 76.&mdash;OPUNTIA BASILARIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="obige" id="obige">O. Bigelovii</a></b> (Bigelow's).
+  &mdash;A cylinder-stemmed, tall-growing plant, with a stout, woody
+  stem, bearing a dense head of branches. Joints 2 in. to 6 in. long, 1
+  in. to 2 in. in diameter, light green, covered with small tubercles
+  and little spine-cushions, with larger spines 1 in. long. When wild,
+  the young joints are often shaken off by the wind, and cover the soil
+  around, where they take root or stick to the clothes of the
+  passers-by like burrs. Flowers not known. A native of Mexico, where
+  it forms a tree 12 ft. high; it requires stove treatment. The
+  skeleton of the trunk is a hollow cylinder, perforated with numerous
+  holes, which occur in a regular spiral. The appearance of a
+  full-grown specimen is very striking, the oval joints, thickly
+  covered with long, needle-like spines, hanging in clusters, more
+  suggestive of spiny fruit than branches.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oboli" id="oboli">O. boliviana</a></b> (Bolivian);
+  Fig. 77.&mdash;Stems 1 ft. high, erect, branching, and composed of
+  roundish, pale green joints, with small, round tubercles, and long,
+  white, flexible spines, sometimes as much as 4 in. in length;
+  cushions about 1 in. apart. Flowers 1&frac12; in. across, yellowish.
+  This is a fat, gouty-looking plant, from Bolivia, requiring stove
+  treatment. It often assumes a yellow hue on the older joints, even
+  when in good health.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig77.jpg" width="280" height="300" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA BOLIVIANA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 77.&mdash;OPUNTIA BOLIVIANA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="obrac" id="obrac">O. brachyarthra</a></b>
+  (short-jointed); Fig. 78.&mdash;A dwarf-growing, singular-looking
+  plant, with short, tumid joints from 1 in. to 2 in. long and wide,
+  and nearly the same in thickness. The shortness of the joints,
+  together with their growing on the top of each other, has been not
+  inaptly compared to a jointed finger. Cushions very close together,
+  composed of short, white and yellowish bristles, and stout, terete
+  spines, 1 in. or more long, set on little tubercles. Flowers 1 in. in
+  diameter, with about five sepals, eight or nine petals, and a
+  five-rayed stigma; they are borne on the apices of the topmost
+  joints. This species is worth growing on account of its peculiar
+  stems and the length of its white spines. It is a native of New
+  Mexico, and has been recently introduced to Kew, where it is
+  cultivated among the hardy kinds, and also in the greenhouse.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig78.jpg" width="350" height="192" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA BRACHYARTHRA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 78.&mdash;OPUNTIA BRACHYARTHRA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="obraz" id="obraz">O. braziliensis</a></b>
+  (Brazilian).&mdash;The peculiar habit and mode of growth at once
+  distinguish this species. It rises with a perfectly straight, erect,
+  slender, but firm and stiff, round stem, to a height of from 10 ft.
+  to 30 ft., tapering from the base upwards, and furnished all the way
+  up with short, horizontal branches, spreading about 3 ft. all round,
+  like an immense candelabrum. Spines long, subulate, very sharp,
+  ash-coloured, in clusters. Joints broadly oblong, margins wavy; they
+  resemble leaves, or the thin, leaf-like joints of a Phyllocactus,
+  with the addition of long, whitish spines on both sides. Flowers
+  1&frac12; in. in diameter, lemon-yellow, very freely produced on the
+  younger joints during May and June. Fruit as large as a walnut,
+  spiny, yellow when ripe. This species is a native of Brazil, whence
+  it was introduced in 1816. It may be recommended for large, airy
+  houses, as it grows freely, and forms a striking object when arranged
+  with foliage and flowering plants of the ordinary kind. Its fruits
+  are edible.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ocand" id="ocand">O. candelabriformis</a></b>
+  (candelabrum-shaped).&mdash;Stems erect, 5 ft. to 8 ft. high; joints
+  flat, almost circular, about 6 in. in diameter, glaucous-green,
+  densely clothed with numerous cushions of white, bristle-like spines,
+  a few in each cushion being long and thread-like. Flowers not known
+  on cultivated plants. This sturdy species is a native of Mexico, and
+  succeeds well if planted on a little rockery or raised mound in a
+  warm house, where, properly treated, it branches freely, and forms a
+  dense mass of circular joints. It is one of the most useful of the
+  larger Opuntias for cultivation in large houses.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oclav" id="oclav">O. clavata</a></b> (club-shaped).
+  &mdash;Stem short; joints club-shaped, 2 in. long and 1 in. wide,
+  narrowed almost to a point at both ends. Cushions &frac14; in. apart,
+  composed of numerous spines, varying from short and bristle-like to 1
+  in. in length, stout, flattened, and spear-like. Leaves &frac14; in.
+  long. Flowers yellow, 1&frac12; in. across. Fruit 1&frac12; in. long,
+  lemon-yellow when ripe, and covered with stellate clusters of white,
+  bristle-like spines. New Mexico, 1854. A stove species, remarkable
+  for the strength and form of its central spines, which are spear or
+  dagger-shaped.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ococh" id="ococh">O. cochinellifera</a></b>
+  (cochineal-bearing); Bot. Mag. 2742.&mdash;An erect-growing plant,
+  attaining a height of 9 ft. or more, and branching freely, the older
+  parts of the stem and branches being woody and cylindrical; young
+  joints flat, oblong-ovate, varying in length from 4 in. to 1 ft.,
+  deep green, rather soft and watery, spineless, the cushions distant,
+  and sometimes bearing a few very short bristles. Flowers at the
+  extremities of the branches, 1&frac12; in. long, composed of numerous
+  imbricating, scale-like petals, curving inwards, and coloured
+  crimson. Fruit flat-topped, 2 in. long, red; pulp reddish; seeds
+  black. It is a native of tropical South America, whence it was
+  introduced in 1688. It requires stove treatment, and blossoms in
+  August. This is one of the most useful of the genus, on account of
+  its being the kind chiefly employed in the cultivation of cochineal.
+  It is one of the easiest to manage, requiring only a rather dry
+  atmosphere, plenty of light, and a temperature not lower than 50
+  degs. in winter. Syn. <i>Nopalea cochinellifera.</i></p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ocorr" id="ocorr">O. corrugata</a></b>
+  (wrinkled).&mdash;Stem not more than 2 ft. high; joints cylindrical,
+  wrinkled all over, about 2 in. long, covered with cushions of white
+  hair or bristle-like spines. Flowers 1&frac12; in. across,
+  reddish-yellow, produced in August. A native of Chili, whence it was
+  introduced in 1824. It may be grown in an ordinary greenhouse, on a
+  shelf near the glass, and exposed to full sunshine.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ocura" id="ocura">O. curassavica</a></b> (Curassoa);
+  Pin-pillow.&mdash;Branches spreading; joints cylindrical or
+  club-shaped, dark green, bearing numerous cushions of woolly
+  bristles, and long, white, very sharp-pointed spines. Flowers 3 in.
+  across, greenish-yellow, borne on the young joints in June.
+  Introduced from Curassoa in 1690. A free-growing plant under
+  favourable conditions, and one requiring stove treatment. It has been
+  cultivated in gardens almost as long as any species of Cactus. There
+  are several varieties of it known, differing from the type in habit,
+  length of spine, or shade of colour in the flower.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ocyli" id="ocyli">O. cylindrica</a></b>
+  (cylindrical).&mdash;Stem and joints cylindrical, the latter covered
+  with spindle-shaped tubercles, each one crowned with a tuft of fine,
+  hair-like, whitish spines, one or two in each tuft being stiff, and
+  sharp as needles. The leaves are fleshy, cylindrical, 1 in. or more
+  long, and they remain on the joints longer than is usual in Opuntias.
+  Flowers crowded on the ends of the branches, each 1 in. in diameter,
+  scarlet; they are developed in June. This plant is said to grow to a
+  height of 6 ft. or more in its native habitat, but under cultivation
+  it is rarely seen more than 3 ft. high; it was introduced in 1799. It
+  is handsome and distinct enough to be worth growing. It requires
+  stove or greenhouse treatment, but rarely flowers under
+  cultivation.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ocylic" id="ocylic">O. c. cristata</a></b>
+  (crested).&mdash;A dwarf, cockscomb-like variety, with the leaves and
+  white hairs growing all along the wrinkled top of the comb. It is a
+  very singular example of a "monster" Cactus. It requires stove
+  treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="odavi" id="odavi">O. Davisii</a></b> (Davis'); Bot.
+  Mag. 6652.&mdash;Stems somewhat horizontal, not exceeding 1&frac12;
+  ft. in height; joints 4 in. to 6 in. in length, and about &frac12;
+  in. in thickness; wood dense, and hard when old; tubercles not
+  prominent, bearing cushions of very slender bristles, forming a kind
+  of brush, from amongst which the spines spring. The longest spines
+  are 1&frac12; in., and they are covered with a loose, glistening
+  sheath. Flowers 2 in. in diameter, greenish-brown. The plant is a
+  native of New Mexico, and was introduced in 1883. It forms a compact,
+  shrubby little plant if grown in an intermediate house during winter,
+  and placed in the open in full sunshine during summer. It was
+  flowered for the first time in England in 1883, and although not what
+  we should call an attractive plant, in America it is described as
+  being "a well-marked and pretty species." It is named after Jefferson
+  Davis, the American statesman.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="odecu" id="odecu">O. decumana</a></b> (great-oblong).
+  This is the largest-growing species in cultivation. At Kew it is
+  represented by a plant 12 ft. high (it would grow still taller if the
+  house were higher). It has a hard, woody, brown-barked stem, bearing
+  an enormous head of very large, elliptical, flat joints, 12 in. to 20
+  in. long, and about 1 ft. broad, smooth, grey-green, with a few
+  scattered cushions of very tiny bristles, and sometimes, though
+  rarely, a spine or two. Flowers large, orange-coloured, produced in
+  summer. Fruit oval, 4 in. long, spiny, brownish-red, very watery when
+  ripe; flesh red, sweet. A native of Brazil, and requiring stove
+  treatment. This is said to be what is known in Malta as the Indian
+  Fig. The plant is chiefly interesting here on account of the
+  extraordinary size of the joints.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="odiad" id="odiad">O. diademata</a></b>
+  (diademed).&mdash;A small, remarkable, and extremely rare little
+  species, with a short, erect stem, composed of globose, superposed
+  joints, grey-green in colour, and very succulent. The topmost joint
+  is pear-shaped, with a tuft of whitish hair and spines on the apex,
+  out of which the new growth pushes. Cushions large, about 1 in.
+  apart, furnished with a tuft of short, grey hairs and short spines,
+  with a large one at the base. The character of this large spine is
+  exceptional, being broad, flat, cartilaginous, whitish, and curving
+  downwards. On healthy large examples these spines are 2 in. long, and
+  nearly &frac14; in. wide at the base. Flowers and fruit not known.
+  Native of Mendoza (La Plata). This little plant requires to be
+  cultivated in a warm greenhouse or stove, but it grows very slowly.
+  It is certainly a most interesting Cactus; examples of it may be seen
+  at Kew, where there is a plant which, although over ten years old, is
+  only 4 in. high. Syns. <i>O. platyacantha</i> and <i>Cereus
+  syringacanthus</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="odill" id="odill">O. Dillenii</a></b> (Dillenius');
+  Fig. 79.&mdash;An erect-growing, robust species, attaining a height
+  of 15 ft., with flattened, ovate joints, about 5 in. long by 3 in.
+  broad. Cushions composed of short, white, hair-like bristles, and
+  numerous long, stout, yellow spines. Flowers yellow, tinged with red,
+  4 in. in diameter, freely produced on the ends of the youngest joints
+  all summer. Fruits similar to those of <i>O. Ficus-indica</i>. A
+  native of the West Indies, now naturalised in all warmer parts of the
+  world. In India it is so plentiful and widespread that Roxburgh, an
+  Indian botanist, said it was a native. In India, its fruits are eaten
+  by the poor natives, and it is often planted as a hedge. It is also a
+  great pest in the open lands of that country, and large sums are
+  annually expended in cutting it down and burying it. This species,
+  which requires warm greenhouse treatment, is also employed in the
+  cultivation of cochineal.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig79.jpg" width="265" height="330" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA DILLENII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 79.&mdash;OPUNTIA DILLENII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oechi" id="oechi">O. echinocarpa</a></b>
+  (spiny-fruited).&mdash;A low, straggling shrub, not exceeding
+  1&frac12; ft. in height. Joints cylindrical, from 1 in. to 3 in.
+  long, less than 1 in. thick. Cushions of rather coarse bristles and
+  numerous spines, from &frac12; in. to 1 in. in length. Flowers 2 in.
+  in diameter, yellow, produced in summer. Fruit short, depressed,
+  almost saucer-shaped, and bearing spines nearly 1 in. long. A native
+  of Colorado, &amp;c. It requires stove treatment. The variety
+  <i>major</i> has stems 4 ft. high, joints 8 in. to 10 in. long, and
+  long, sheathed spines. This species is closely related to <i>O.
+  Bigelovii</i> and <i>O. Davisii</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oemor" id="oemor">O. Emoryi</a></b> (Emory's).&mdash;A
+  prostrate, spreading plant, less than 1&frac12; ft. high. Joints
+  cylindrical, curved, 4 in. long, 1&frac12; in. thick. Tubercles very
+  prominent, longitudinally attached to the stem, the apices crowned
+  with pea-shaped cushions of short bristles, and numerous radiating
+  spines, some of which are fully 2 in. long, very strong and
+  needle-like. Flowers 2&frac12; in. in diameter, sulphur-yellow,
+  tinged with purple, produced in August and September. Fruit 2&frac12;
+  in. long and 1 in. thick, covered with cushions of bristles and
+  spines. A native of Mexico, on dry, sandy soils, where its prostrate
+  stems, clothed with powerful spines, form a hiding-place for the
+  small animals, snakes, &amp;c. Stove or warm greenhouse treatment is
+  best for this species.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oenge" id="oenge">O. Engelmanni</a></b>
+  (Engelmann's).&mdash;A stout, coarse-looking plant, 6 ft. high, with
+  woody stems and large, flat, green joints, 1 ft. long and 9 in. in
+  diameter. Cushions 1&frac12; in. apart, composed of coarse bristles,
+  and one or two spines over 1 in. long, and pointing downwards.
+  Flowers 3 in. in diameter, yellow, produced in May and June. Fruit
+  nearly round, 2 in. long, purplish both in rind and pulp, the latter
+  rather nauseous to the taste. Mexico. This is a greenhouse plant
+  which grows freely and flowers annually under cultivation. It is very
+  similar to <i>O. monacantha</i>, a much better known species.
+  According to American botanists, it is probably the most widely
+  spread of the whole Cactus tribe.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oficu" id="oficu">O. Ficus-indica</a></b> (Indian
+  Fig); Fig. 80.&mdash;Branches erect, 8 ft. to 12 ft. high; joints
+  flat, oval or obovate, about 1 ft. long by 3 in. in width, and 1 in.
+  in thickness. Stems hard and woody with age. Cushions 1&frac12; in.
+  apart, composed of short, yellowish bristles, and very rarely one
+  spine. Flowers 3 in. to 4 in. across, sulphur-yellow, produced all
+  through the summer. Fruit 3 in. to 4 in. long, pear-shaped, covered
+  with tufts of bristles, white, yellow, or red when ripe. It is a
+  native of Central America, whence it was introduced about 300 years
+  ago. It is now widely spread, in tropical and temperate regions all
+  over the world. In many parts it is cultivated for the sake of its
+  fruits, which in some of our colonies are used for dessert. In
+  England it must be protected from damp and cold; it is, therefore,
+  best cultivated in a sunny greenhouse during winter, and placed
+  outside in a position exposed to full sunshine all summer. Tenore, an
+  Italian botanist, named this species <i>O. vulgaris</i>, and this
+  mistake has led others to consider the North American <i>O.
+  vulgaris</i> (true) and <i>O. Ficus-indica</i> as one and the same
+  species.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig80.jpg" width="311" height="320" alt=
+    "FRUITING BRANCH OF OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 80.&mdash;FRUITING BRANCH OF OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ofili" id="ofili">O. filipendula</a></b> (hanging
+  filaments); Fig. 81.&mdash;Stems prostrate, about 1 ft. high,
+  spreading; joints flat, round or oval, about 3 in. long, often less,
+  milky-green in colour. Cushions &frac12; in. apart, composed of a
+  little tuft of white woolly hair, a cluster of erect, rather long
+  bristles, like a small shaving-brush, and all pointing upwards;
+  spines usually only one in each cushion, and this is slender,
+  deflexed, white, and from 1 in. to 2 in. long. Sometimes the joints
+  are wholly spineless. Flowers 2&frac12; in. in diameter, purplish,
+  very handsome, produced in May and June. Fruit not known. The roots
+  of this species bear tubers often 1 in. in thickness, and several
+  inches in length, and these tubers will grow into plants if severed
+  and planted. It requires stove treatment. Native country, Mexico.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig81.jpg" width="340" height="283" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA FILIPENDULA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 81.&mdash;OPUNTIA FILIPENDULA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ofrut" id="ofrut">O. frutescens</a></b>
+  (shrubby).&mdash;A thin-stemmed, copiously-branched species. Joints
+  almost continuous, like ordinary branches, from 2 in. to 6 in. long,
+  the thickest not exceeding &frac14; in. Cushions on raised points or
+  tubercles, each consisting of a small tuft of hair, inclosed in a row
+  of bristles, and one long, central spine, often exceeding 2 in. in
+  length. When young, the spines are inclosed in a thin, bony sheath.
+  Flowers scattered along the younger branches, 1 in. across,
+  greenish-yellow, borne in June. Fruit 1 in. long, pear-shaped,
+  smooth, scarlet, with tufts of bristles all over it, and a depression
+  in the apex. Mexico. This forms an interesting pot-plant when
+  properly cultivated. It should be grown in a warm greenhouse.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ograh" id="ograh">O. Grahami</a></b>
+  (Graham's).&mdash;This is one of several species of Opuntia which are
+  remarkable in having thick, fleshy roots, not unlike those of the
+  Dahlia. The joints are 2 in. long and 1 in. in diameter, cylindrical,
+  with adpressed tubercles, &frac12; in. or more long, each tubercle
+  bearing a tuft of long, straight, radiating spines. Flowers 2 in.
+  across, yellow, borne on the ends of the ripened joints in June.
+  Fruits 1&frac12; in. long and &frac34; in. wide, covered with
+  stellate clusters of short, bristle-like spines. This plant is a
+  native of Mexico, and is a recent introduction. From the nature of
+  its roots, which are no doubt intended to serve as reservoirs for
+  times of extreme drought, it should be grown in well-drained, sandy
+  soil, and kept quite dry all winter. It requires stove treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ohorr" id="ohorr">O. horrida</a></b>
+  (horrid).&mdash;An erect, stout-stemmed plant, with flattened, green
+  joints, about 5 in. long by 3 in. wide. Cushions 1 in. apart,
+  composed of short, reddish bristles, and long, tawny red spines,
+  about eight in each cushion, and of a peculiarly ferocious
+  appearance&mdash;hence the specific name. The stoutest spines are 3
+  in. long, and are sharp and strong as needles. This species (which is
+  probably a native of Mexico) is deserving of a place in collections
+  of Cactuses because of the character of its spines. Probably it is
+  only a variety of <i>O. Tuna</i>. It requires warm-house
+  treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ohyst" id="ohyst">O. hystricina</a></b>
+  (porcupine-like).&mdash;This beautiful species was discovered in the
+  San Francisco Mountains mixed with <i>O. missouriensis</i>, to which
+  it is nearly allied. It is spreading in habit, the joints 3 in. to 4
+  in. long and broad; cushions &frac12; in. apart, rather large, with
+  numerous spines, varying in length from &frac12; in. to 4 in., and
+  short, yellowish bristles. Flowers large, yellow. Fruit 1 in., long,
+  spiny. This plant is not known in English collections, but it is
+  described by American botanists as being attractive and a free
+  grower. As it is found along with <i>O. missouriensis</i>, it ought
+  to prove hardy in England.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="olept" id="olept">O. leptocaulis</a></b>
+  (slender-stemmed).&mdash;This little Mexican species is chiefly
+  remarkable for its fragile, numerous, twig-like joints, thickly
+  dotted with tubercles and numerous spirally-arranged cushions of
+  reddish bristles, with long, grey spines. It does not flower under
+  cultivation. Requires stove treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oleuc" id="oleuc">O. leucotricha</a></b>
+  (white-haired).&mdash;An erect-stemmed kind, with flattened joints,
+  ovate or oblong in shape, and bearing numerous cushions, &frac12; in.
+  apart, of short bristles, with a large, central spine, and a few
+  others rather shorter. When young these spines are rigid and
+  needle-like; but as they get older they increase in length, and
+  become soft, and curled like stiff, white hair. Young plants are
+  noticeable for their small, subulate leaves of a bright red colour,
+  whilst old examples are almost as interesting as the Old Man Cactus
+  (<i>Pilocereus senilis</i>), the long, white, hair-like spines of the
+  Opuntia hanging from the older joints in much the same manner as they
+  do from the upper part of the stem of the Pilocereus. Flowers yellow,
+  produced in June. This species is a native of Mexico, and requires
+  stove treatment. Seeds of this, and, indeed, of a large proportion of
+  the cultivated Opuntias, may be procured from seedsmen, and as they
+  germinate quickly, and soon produce handsome little plants, a
+  collection of Opuntias is thus very easily obtained.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="omacr" id="omacr">O. macrocentra</a></b>
+  (large-spurred).&mdash;A flat-jointed species, growing to a height of
+  3 ft.; the joints large, almost circular, thinly compressed, and
+  usually purplish in colour. Cushions about 1 in. apart, with spines
+  often 3 in. long, of a greyish colour, and generally pointing
+  downwards. Flowers 3 in. across, bright yellow; they are developed in
+  May and June, on the upper edges of the youngest joints. This plant
+  is a native of Mexico; it is at present rare, but the unusual colour
+  of the joints, its compact, freely-branched habit, the extraordinary
+  length of its spines, and the size of its flowers, ought to win for
+  it many admirers. It is easily grown if kept in an intermediate
+  house. Plants of it may be seen in the Kew collection.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="omacro" id="omacro">O. macrorhiza</a></b>
+  (large-rooted); Figs. 82, 83.&mdash;In this Texan species we have a
+  combination of the principal characters for which the genus Opuntia
+  is remarkable: The thick, fleshy roots, which are a supposed source
+  of food, and which look like potatoes; the cylinder-shaped older
+  stems, and the flattened, battledore-like joints; the tufts of
+  bristles on the stems, and deciduous, longer spines on the joints;
+  the large, beautiful, yellow flowers; and the small leaves on the
+  newly-formed joints. In habit and flowers this kind resembles <i>O.
+  Rafinesquii</i>; and if not quite hardy in England, it is
+  nevertheless sufficiently so to thrive in any sunny position where it
+  would be protected from frost and excessive wet. The accompanying
+  illustrations represent the characters of this species so well that
+  further description is not needed. The flowers are developed in early
+  summer.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig82.jpg" width="334" height="310" alt=
+    "FLOWERING BRANCHES OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 82.&mdash;FLOWERING BRANCHES OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig83.jpg" width="330" height="267" alt=
+    "ROOTS OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 83. ROOTS OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="omicr" id="omicr">O. microdasys</a></b> (small,
+  thick).&mdash;This is a handsome little Mexican plant. Its flattened
+  joints, which are nearly circular in outline, are thickly covered
+  with little cushions of bright orange-yellow bristles, the cushions
+  being so close together that the short bristles almost hide the green
+  joints from view. The stems are semi-decumbent, and they branch
+  somewhat freely. Flowers not seen. It thrives in a warm greenhouse
+  temperature. The best examples of this pretty Opuntia are grafted on
+  a robust-growing kind, the stock being about 1 ft. long, and the
+  scion forming a compact head of pretty, healthy-looking joints.
+  Treated in this way, this species is most interesting and attractive.
+  It may also be grown on its own roots. There is a variety of it,
+  named <i>rufida</i>, in which the bristles are reddish-brown.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="omiss" id="omiss">O. missouriensis</a></b>
+  (Missouri).&mdash;A stout, prostrate kind, forming large, spreading
+  masses under favourable conditions. Joints broad, flattened, obovate,
+  about 4 in. long by 2 in. wide, light green; spine-cushions less than
+  1 in. apart, and composed of numerous small, white spines, with from
+  one to four longer ones; these latter fall away when the joints get
+  old. Leaves very short, with a little wool about their bases. Flowers
+  3 in. in diameter, appearing from May onwards; petals yellow, dashed
+  with rose, sometimes wholly rose-coloured or brick-red. Stamens deep
+  red; pistil yellow, with a conical stigma. Fruit nearly round, spiny,
+  about 2 in. long. A native of Wisconsin, and westward to the San
+  Francisco Mountains; introduced in 1814. This species is as hardy as
+  <i>O. Rafinesquii</i>, and thrives under similar treatment. It has
+  stood 22 degs. of frost without suffering, requiring only protection
+  from rain in winter. In North America it forms large, spreading
+  masses on gravelly hillsides, and is much dreaded by travellers, and
+  especially by horses; there it is usually covered with snow from
+  Christmas to the following May.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="omona" id="omona">O. monacantha</a></b>
+  (one-spined).&mdash;A tall, robust plant, not unlike <i>O.
+  Dillenii</i> in general habit. It has flat, large joints, oblong or
+  ovate in outline, rather thinly compressed, and bearing grey cushions
+  over 1 in. apart, with a solitary spine, 1&frac12; in. long,
+  springing from the centre of each cushion, and pointing downwards.
+  Flowers sulphur-yellow, 2&frac12; in. across, borne on the
+  last-ripened joints in May, and abundant on well-grown plants. Fruits
+  ovate, 2 in. long, green, with tufts of short, brown bristles; pulp
+  edible. The species is a native of Brazil, but is now common in many
+  tropical and sub-tropical countries. It is a free-growing kind, soon
+  forming a large specimen if planted in a bed of old brick-rubble, or
+  other light, well-drained soil, and kept in warm greenhouse
+  temperature.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="onigr" id="onigr">O. nigricans</a></b> (blackish);
+  Bot. Mag. 1557.&mdash;Stem stout, erect, becoming hard and woody when
+  old. Joints flat, oval in outline, 5 in. to 8 in. long. Cushions
+  1&frac12; in. apart, composed of short reddish-brown bristles and two
+  or three long stout spines, which are yellow when young, but almost
+  black when ripe. Flowers produced on the young, ripened joints,
+  orange-red, about 3 in. across and developed in August and September.
+  Fruit pear-shaped, rich crimson when ripe. Introduced from Brazil in
+  1795. This well-marked species thrives in a warm greenhouse. It
+  branches freely, and has a healthy aspect at all times. It is
+  represented at Kew by very large specimens; one of them, which was
+  recently cut down, had a stem 12 ft. high and an enormous head of
+  dark, green joints. Its head was planted as a cutting.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oocci" id="oocci">O. occidentalis</a></b> (Western).
+  &mdash;Stem stout, woody, with innumerable branches, wide-spreading,
+  often bent to the ground. Joints 9 in. to 12 in. long by about 6 in.
+  broad, flattened, as many as 100 on one plant. Cushions nearly 2 in.
+  apart, with small, closely-set bristles and straight spines from
+  &frac12; in. to l&frac12; in. long. Flowers produced in June on the
+  ripened joints, nearly 4 in. in diameter, orange-yellow. Fruit 2 in.
+  long, "very juicy, but of a sour and disagreeable taste." This is an
+  exceptionally fine plant when allowed sufficient space to develop its
+  enormous branches and joints; it is a native of the Western slopes of
+  the Californian mountains. It should be planted in a bed of rough,
+  stony soil, in a dry greenhouse. Possibly it is hardy, but it does
+  not appear to have been grown out of doors in England.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oparm" id="oparm">O. Parmentieri</a></b>
+  (Parmentier's).&mdash;Stem erect. Joints cylindrical, "like little
+  cucumbers." Cushions about 1 in. apart, arranged in spiral rows, and
+  composed of short, reddish bristles, with two or three straw-coloured
+  spines, 1 in. long. Flowers reddish, small. The plant is a native of
+  Paraguay, and is rarely heard of in cultivation. It requires stove
+  treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="oparr" id="oparr">O. Parryi</a></b>
+  (Parry's).&mdash;Stem short. Joints club-shaped, 4 in. to 6 in. long,
+  very spiny, the cushions elevated on ridge-like tubercles. Bristles
+  few, coarse, and long. Spines very numerous, varying in length from
+  &frac14; in. to 1&frac12; in.; central one in each cushion much the
+  broadest, and flattened like a knife-blade, the others being more or
+  less triangular. Flowers yellowish-green, on the terminal joints,
+  which are clothed with star-shaped clusters of bristle-like spines,
+  the flowers springing from the apex of the joint, and measuring
+  1&frac12; in. across. A native of Mexico, where it grows on gravelly
+  plains. This distinct plant is in cultivation at Kew, in a warm
+  greenhouse, but it has not yet flowered.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="orafi" id="orafi">O. Rafinesquii</a></b>
+  (Rafinesque's); Fig. 84.&mdash;A low, prostrate, spreading plant,
+  seldom exceeding 1 ft. in height, the main branches keeping along the
+  ground, the younger ones being erect. The latter are composed of
+  flat, obovate joints, 4 in. to 5 in. long by 3 in. in width, fresh
+  green in colour; spines very few, mostly only on the upper edge of
+  the last-made joints, single, or sometimes two or three from each
+  spine-cushion, 1 in. long, straight, whitish, soon falling off;
+  cushion composed of very fine reddish bristles and whitish wool;
+  leaves very small, falling early. The branches become cylindrical and
+  woody with age. Flowers 2 in. to 4 in. in diameter, bright
+  sulphur-yellow, with a reddish tint in the centre; in form they are
+  like a shallow cup, the numerous stamens occupying the middle. They
+  are produced in great abundance on the margins of the youngest
+  joints, as many as fifty open flowers having been counted on a single
+  specimen at one time. Fruit pear-shaped, 1&frac12; in. to 2 in. long,
+  naked, edible, somewhat acid and sweetish. The flowering season is
+  from July to September; the native country, Wisconsin to Kentucky,
+  and westward to Arkansas and Missouri. This species, introduced about
+  twenty years ago, has only recently been brought prominently before
+  English gardeners. It is a very ornamental and interesting plant for
+  outdoor cultivation, and when once established gives no trouble. For
+  the first year or two after planting it requires watching, as, until
+  the basal joints harden and become woody, they are liable to rot in
+  wet weather. A large-flowered form, known as <i>grandiflora</i>, is
+  cultivated in American gardens.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig84.jpg" width="350" height="195" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA RAFINESQUII" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 84.&mdash;OPUNTIA RAFINESQUII</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="orose" id="orose">O. rosea</a></b> (rose-coloured);
+  Fig. 85.&mdash;Stem erect, branching freely. Joints varying in length
+  from 2 in. to 6 in., not flattened, with ridge-like tubercles,
+  bearing on their points small cushions of very fine bristles and
+  tufts of pale yellowish spines about &frac12; in. long, and all
+  pointing upwards. Flowers on the ends of the ripened growths of the
+  year, usually clustered, 2 in. across, bright rose-coloured; they are
+  developed in June. A rare species from Brazil, and one which, as the
+  illustration shows, is both distinct and handsome enough to be
+  classed amongst the most select. It requires a stove temperature.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig85.jpg" width="246" height="350" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA ROSEA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 85.&mdash;OPUNTIA ROSEA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="osalm" id="osalm">O. Salmiana</a></b> (Prince
+  Salm-Dyck's).&mdash;Stem erect, branching freely, the branches at
+  right angles to the stem. Joints from 1 in. to 6 in. long,
+  cylindrical, smooth, &frac12; in. in diameter, clothed with small
+  cushions of soft, short bristles, and one or two longish spines.
+  Flowers produced in September, 2 in. across, yellow, streaked with
+  red, of short duration. Fruit egg-shaped, 1 in. long, crimson. This
+  species is a native of Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1850. It
+  requires to be grown in an intermediate house. It is a charming
+  little Cactus, and quite exceptional among Opuntias in the colour and
+  abundance of its flowers, and in the rich colour of its numerous
+  fruits, which usually remain on the plant several months. The plant,
+  too, has the merit of keeping dwarf and compact. The small joints
+  separate very easily from the branches, and every one of them will
+  root and grow into a plant. There is something very remarkable in the
+  development of the fruits of this kind. A small branch, or joint,
+  grows to its full length, and a flower-bud appears in the apex. If
+  examined at this stage, it will be seen that the ovary occupies only
+  a very shallow cavity in the top of the branch. After flowering, this
+  ovary grows into the branch, and ultimately the whole branch is
+  transformed into a pulpy fruit, with the seeds scattered all through
+  the pulp. This peculiarity is well shown in <i>O. salmiana</i>, and
+  the development of the fruit can be very easily watched. Many of the
+  small branches do not flower, although they change to a red colour
+  like the fruits.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ospin" id="ospin">O. spinosissima</a></b> (very
+  spiny).&mdash;Stem erect, woody. Joints very flat and thin, deep
+  green, ovate or rotund, from 6 in. to 1 ft. long. Cushions 1 in.
+  apart. Bristles very short. Spines in clusters of about five, the
+  longest 2 in. in length, brownish-yellow. Flowers reddish-orange,
+  small, usually only 2 in. across, produced in June. A native of South
+  America; naturalised in many parts of the Old World. The stem becomes
+  cylindrical with age, and sometimes is devoid of branches for about 5
+  ft. from the ground. The plant requires stove treatment. Probably
+  this kind is only a form of <i>O. Tuna</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="osubu" id="osubu">O. subulata</a></b> (awl-shaped).
+  &mdash;Stem erect, cylindrical, even below, channelled and tubercled
+  above, about 2 in. in diameter. Joints long and branch-like, with
+  tufts of short, white hair on the apices of the tubercles, and one or
+  two white, needle-like spines from &frac12; in. to 1 in. long. At the
+  base of each tuft, from the apex to 1 ft. or more down the younger
+  branches, there is a fleshy, green, awl-shaped leaf, from 2 in. to 5
+  in. long. Ultimately the leaves and spines fall away, the tubercles
+  are levelled down, and the mature stem is regular and cylindrical,
+  with tufts of white setae scattered over it. Flowers small, produced
+  in spring; sepals 2 in. long, green, deciduous; petals small, dull
+  purple, usually about eight in each flower. Fruit pear-shaped, 4 in.
+  long; seeds very large, nearly &frac12; in. long and wide. This
+  handsome South American species was the subject of an interesting
+  communication to the <i>Gardeners' Chronicle</i>, in 1884, from Dr.
+  Engelmann. It had previously been known as a Pereskia from the fact
+  of its leaves being persistent and very large. In its leaves,
+  flowers, and seeds, <i>O. subulata</i> is one of the most interesting
+  of the genus. It is easily grown in a warm greenhouse, and deserves a
+  place in all collections of Cactuses.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="otuna" id="otuna">O. Tuna</a></b> (native name); Fig.
+  86.&mdash;An erect-stemmed, flat-jointed, robust-growing species.
+  Joints ovate, 4 in. to 9 in. long, with cushions 1 in. apart,
+  composed of short, fulvous bristles, and several long, needle-shaped,
+  unequal, yellowish spines. Flowers borne on the upper edges of the
+  last-ripened joints, 3 in. across, reddish-orange, produced in July.
+  Fruit rich carmine, about 3 in. long, pear-shaped. The plant is a
+  native of the West Indies, &amp;c., and was introduced in 1731. It
+  has already been stated, under <i>O. spinosissima</i>, that there is
+  a close similarity between that species and <i>O. Tuna</i>. We
+  suspect, also, that <i>O. nigricans</i> is another near relation of
+  these two. They are much alike in all characters, and they require
+  the same treatment. <i>O. Tuna</i> has been seen as much as 20 ft. in
+  height.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig86.jpg" width="226" height="330" alt=
+    "OPUNTIA TUNA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 86.&mdash;OPUNTIA TUNA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="otuni" id="otuni">O. tunicata</a></b>
+  (coated-spined).&mdash;Stem sub-erect, cylindrical. Joints
+  club-shaped, variable in length, about 2 in. in diameter. When young
+  the surface is broken up into numerous oblong tubercles, each bearing
+  a small cushion of whitish, short hairs, and about half a dozen white
+  spines, unequal in length, the longest stout, and inclosed in a hard
+  sheath, which becomes broken and ragged when old. Flowers not known.
+  A native of Mexico, and introduced in 1840. It requires stove
+  treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="ovulg" id="ovulg">O. vulgaris</a></b> (common); Bot.
+  Mag. 2393.&mdash;A low, prostrate, spreading plant. Joints short,
+  oval, flattened, thicker than in <i>O. missouriensis</i>, 3 in. long
+  by about 2 in. broad. Spine-cushions &frac34; in. apart; tufts very
+  small, with, occasionally, a long spine. Leaves fleshy, very small.
+  Flowers 2 in. across, pale sulphur-yellow. Fruits nearly smooth,
+  1&frac12; in. long, brown when ripe, with a strong disagreeable
+  odour. The flowers are produced freely in June. The plant grows wild
+  in Mexico, and extends up to New York, usually near the coast. It is
+  now common in many parts of Europe, where it has become naturalised.
+  In Madeira it has taken possession of all waste land, and is
+  perfectly at home there. In England it was cultivated by Gerard
+  nearly 300 years ago. It grows rapidly if planted in stony soil, in a
+  position exposed to full sunshine, where it will creep along the
+  ground, and root all along its stems, which rarely get elevated more
+  than 6 in. from the ground. This species and <i>O. Ficus-indica</i>
+  are confused by some authors, owing, no doubt, to the name <i>O.
+  vulgaris</i> having been given by a botanist to the latter, which is
+  a much larger and very different-looking plant. <i>O. vulgaris</i> is
+  capable of withstanding our winters out of doors.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="owhip" id="owhip">O. Whipplei</a></b> (Captain
+  Whipple's).&mdash;Stem usually prostrate, with slender, elongated
+  branches, which are cylindrical when old, broken up into short joints
+  when young. Joints varying in length from 2 in. to 1 ft., less than 1
+  in. in diameter. Cushions small, round. Spines white, variable in
+  number, and arranged in tufts on the ends of the tubercles, one being
+  1 in. long, the others shorter. Flowers nearly 2 in. in diameter,
+  red, borne in a cluster on the ends of the last-ripened joints in
+  June. Fruit 1 in. long, with a cavity in the top. A compact, Mexican
+  species, with crowded branches, and very free-flowering. It requires
+  stove treatment. <i>O. Whipplei</i> is related to <i>O.
+  arborescens</i>, from which, however, it is easily distinguished by
+  the latter having a stout central spine and numerous radiating
+  ones.</p>
+
+  <p>Of the 150 species of Opuntia known, about one-third have been
+  selected for description here, and amongst these will be found all
+  the best-marked kinds in the genus, and most of those of which we
+  have any knowledge. Botanists find good specific characters in the
+  size and structure of the seeds, in the character of the fruits,
+  &amp;c.; but for horticultural purposes these are of little or no
+  value.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="peres" id="peres"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS PERESKIA.</h3>
+
+  <h5>(Named in honour of Nicholas F. Peresk, a botanist of
+  Provence.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>HE thirteen species included in the genus Pereskia differ so
+  markedly from all other kinds of Cactus, that at first sight one can
+  scarcely believe they are true Cactuses, closely related to Cereus
+  and Epiphyllum. They have erect or trailing stems and branches, and
+  usually form dense, large bushes; the branches are woody and thin,
+  and bear large, laurel-like leaves, which remain on the plants
+  several years&mdash;so that they may be termed evergreen. They have,
+  however, the spine-cushions, the tufts of woolly hair and stout
+  spines, and the floral characters which distinguish Cactuses from
+  other plants; they are also succulent, the leaves and young branches
+  being soft and fleshy. They appear to have the same peculiar
+  provision for enabling them to bear long periods of drought without
+  suffering that characterises the more familiar forms of Cactuses. The
+  development of the spines in this genus is different from what takes
+  place in all other spiny plants of this order. In the latter the
+  spines are stoutest and most numerous on the younger parts of the
+  plant, the older or woody parts being either spineless, through
+  having cast them, or much less spiny than when they were younger.
+  Thus, in Opuntia we find few or no spines on the old parts of the
+  stems of even such species as <i>O. horrida</i>, <i>O. nigricans</i>,
+  &amp;c. In Echinocactus, too, the spines about the base of old plants
+  are much fewer, if not entirely cast off, than on the upper part. In
+  Pereskia the contrary is the case. Taking <i>P. aculeata</i> as an
+  example, this is best known in gardens as having branches about as
+  thick as a goose-quill, with ovate leaves, at the base of which there
+  is a pair of curved spines, &frac14; in. long, and shaped like cats'
+  claws. But this plant when it gets old has a stem 3 in. in diameter,
+  and clothed down to the ground with cushions of spines fixed firmly
+  in the bark, each cushion composed of from twenty to fifty spines,
+  and each spine 1 in. or more in length. From two to six new spines
+  are developed in the centre of each healthy cushion annually. It
+  would be absolutely impossible for any animal to climb an old stem of
+  a Pereskia. In <i>P. Bleo</i> the spines are 2 in. long, and the
+  cushions are much larger.</p>
+
+  <p>The flowers of Pereskias are borne singly or in panicles, at the
+  ends of the young, ripened branches. In shape, each flower may be
+  compared to a single Rose, the petals being flat and spreading, and
+  the numerous stamens forming a compact cluster in the centre. The
+  stigma is erect, and divided at the top into four or more rays. The
+  fruit is a berry shaped like a Gooseberry, and covered with minute
+  clusters of short bristles.</p>
+
+  <p>All the species are found in tropical America and the West
+  Indies.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation</b>.&mdash;Although several of the kinds of
+  Pereskia are sufficiently ornamental to be deserving of a place in
+  gardens as flowering plants, yet they are rarely cultivated&mdash;in
+  England, at least&mdash;for any other purpose than that of forming
+  stocks upon which Epiphyllums and other Cacti are grafted. Only two
+  species are used, viz., <i>P. aculeata</i> and <i>P. Bleo</i>, the
+  former being much the more popular of the two; whilst <i>P. Bleo</i>,
+  on account of the stoutness of its stems, is employed for only the
+  most robust kinds of grafts.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation</b>.&mdash;Both the above-named species may be
+  propagated to any extent, as every bit of branch with a leaf and eye
+  attached is capable of rooting and soon forming a stock. The practice
+  among those who use Pereskias as stocks for Epiphyllums is as
+  follows: Cuttings of <i>P. aculeata</i> are planted in sandy soil, in
+  boxes, and placed on a shelf in a stove till rooted. In about a month
+  they are ready to be planted singly in 3 in. pots, any light soil
+  being used; and each plant is fastened to a stake 1 ft. long. They
+  are kept in a warm, moist house, all lateral shoots being cut away,
+  and the leader encouraged to grow as tall as possible in the year.
+  From December the plants are kept dry to induce the wood to ripen,
+  preparatory to their being used for grafting in February. Stocks 9
+  in. or 1 ft. high are thus formed. If taller stocks are required, the
+  plants must be grown on till of the required length and firmness.
+  Large plants may be trained against a wall or along the rafters in a
+  warm house; and when of the required size, the branches may be
+  spurred back, and Epiphyllums, slender Cereuses, and similar plants,
+  grafted upon them. In this way very fine masses of the latter may be
+  obtained in much less time than if they were grown from small
+  plants.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pacul" id="pacul">P. aculeata</a></b> (prickly); West
+  Indian or Barbados Gooseberry.&mdash;Stem woody, more or less erect,
+  branching freely, and forming a dense bush about 6 ft. high. Young
+  branches leafy; old ones brown, leafless, clothed with large cushions
+  of long, stout, brown spines, sometimes 2 in. in length. Leaves
+  alternate, with very short petioles, at the base of which is a pair
+  of short spines, and a small tuft of wool in the axil; blade 3 in.
+  long by 2 in. broad, soft, fleshy, shining green. Flowers
+  semi-transparent, white, in terminal panicles; sepals and petals
+  &frac34; in. long by &frac14; in. wide; stamens in a large, spreading
+  cluster, white, with yellow anthers. Ovary covered with small
+  cushions of short bristles, with sometimes a solitary spine in the
+  centre of each cushion. Fruit 1 in. long, egg-shaped, red, edible.
+  There is a large plant of this in the Succulent House at Kew which
+  flowers almost annually, but it has never ripened fruits. In the West
+  Indies it is a very common shrub, whilst at the Cape of Good Hope it
+  is used for fences&mdash;and a capital one it makes.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="paculr" id="paculr">P. a. rubescens</a></b>
+  (reddish).&mdash;This variety has narrower, longer leaves, which are
+  glaucous-green above and tinged with red below; the spines on the old
+  stems are shorter and more numerous in each cushion. This requires
+  the same treatment as the type.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pbleo" id="pbleo">P. Bleo</a></b> (native name); Fig.
+  87.&mdash;A stout, branching shrub, having an erect stem, 3 in. or
+  more in diameter, with green bark and very large cushions of spines;
+  cushion a round, hard mass of short, woolly hair, from which the
+  spines&mdash;about fifty in each cushion&mdash;radiate in all
+  directions; longest spines 2 in. or more in length; one or two new
+  ones are developed annually, and these are bright red when young,
+  almost black when ripe; young branches &frac14; in. to &frac12; in.
+  in diameter. Leaves &frac12; in. apart, 3 in. to 6 in. long by 1 in.
+  to 2 in. wide, oblong, pointed, with short petioles, and a small tuft
+  of short, brown hair, with three or more reddish spines, in the axil
+  of each. Flowers on the ends of the young, ripened branches,
+  clustered in the upper leaf-axils, each flower 2 in. across, and
+  composed of a regular circle of rosy-red petals, with a cluster of
+  whitish stamens in the centre. They remain on the plant several
+  weeks. Native of New Grenada. Probably <i>P. grandiflora</i> is the
+  same as this, or a slightly different form of it. A large specimen
+  may be obtained in a year or two by planting it in a well-drained bed
+  of loam, in a warm, sunny house. It blossoms almost all summer if
+  allowed to make strong growth. Pretty little flowering plants may be
+  had by taking ripened growths from an old plant, and treating them as
+  cuttings till rooted. In the following spring they are almost certain
+  to produce flowers. Plants 1 ft. high, bearing a cluster of flowers,
+  are thus annually obtained at Kew. Fig. 87 represents a short,
+  stunted branch, probably from a specimen grown in a pot. When planted
+  out, the leaves and spine-cushions are farther apart.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig87.jpg" width="467" height="300" alt=
+    "PERESKIA BLEO" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 87.&mdash;PERESKIA BLEO</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="pzinn" id="pzinn">P. zinniaeflora</a></b>
+  (Zinnia-flowered); Fig. 88.&mdash;Stem erect, woody, branching
+  freely, the branches bearing oval, acuminate, fleshy, wavy-edged,
+  green leaves, with short petioles, and a pair of spines in the axil
+  of each. Spine-cushions on old stems crowded with stout, brown
+  spines. Flowers rosy-red, terminal on the ripened young shoots, and
+  composed of a whorl of broad, overlapping petals, with a cluster of
+  stamens in the centre, the whole measuring nearly 2 in. across. This
+  species is a native of Mexico; it grows and flowers freely if kept in
+  a warm house.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig88.jpg" width="338" height="340" alt=
+    "PERESKIA ZINNIAEFLORA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 88.&mdash;PERESKIA ZINNIAEFLORA</p>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="rhips" id="rhips"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>THE GENUS RHIPSALIS</h3>.
+
+  <h5>(From <i>rhips</i>, a willow-branch; referring to the flexible,
+  wand-like branches of some of the kinds.)</h5>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_A.gif" width="54" height="113" alt="A" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>BOUT thirty species of Rhipsalis are known, most of them more
+  peculiar than ornamental, although everyone is in some way
+  interesting. They are remarkable for the great variety in form and
+  habit presented by the different kinds, some of them much less
+  resembling Cactuses than other plants. Thus, in <i>R. Cassytha</i>,
+  the long, fleshy, whip-like branches and white berries are very
+  similar to Mistletoe; <i>R. salicornoides</i>, with its leafless,
+  knotty branches, resembles a Salicornia, or Marsh Samphire; another
+  is like a Mesembryanthemum; and so on. The flowers are usually small,
+  and composed of numerous linear sepals and petals, arranged more or
+  less like a star, with a cluster of thin stamens in the centre, and
+  an erect, rayed stigma. In the flat-jointed kinds, the flowers are
+  developed singly, in notches along the margins of the young, ripened
+  joints; in the knotted, Samphire-like kinds, they are borne on the
+  ends of the branches; and in those with short, fleshy, leaf-like
+  joints, they are usually placed on what appear to be flower-joints.
+  Although the branches of these plants are usually altogether unlike
+  the rest of the Order, yet occasionally they develop joints which are
+  furrowed, and bear clusters of spines exactly as in the commoner
+  forms of Cactuses.</p>
+
+  <p>The geographical distribution of Rhipsalis is exceptional. It is
+  the only genus of Cactuses that has representatives in the Old World,
+  excluding, of course, those which have been introduced by man. The
+  bulk of the kinds of Rhipsalis occur in Central and South America,
+  and the West Indies; but one&mdash;viz., <i>R. Cassytha</i>&mdash;is
+  also found in Africa, Mauritius, Madagascar, and Ceylon, as well as
+  in tropical America. Several other species are found in Madagascar,
+  some of them only recent discoveries. The occurrence of similar or
+  even identical plants in tropical America and Madagascar has its
+  analogy in the Animal Kingdom as represented in the two
+  countries.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Cultivation</b>.&mdash;All the species appear to grow well and
+  flower freely under cultivation, the slowest grower being, perhaps,
+  <i>R. sarmentacea</i>. In their natural homes they are invariably
+  found either on trees or rocks, seldom or never on the ground; but in
+  greenhouses they may be grown in pots, a few being happiest when
+  suspended near the glass. They do not like bright sunshine, nor
+  should they be kept in a very shaded, moist position. There is a good
+  collection of kinds in the Succulent-house at Kew.</p>
+
+  <p><b>Propagation</b>.&mdash;Seeds of Rhipsalis ripen freely, and
+  these, if sown on sandy soil, and placed on a shelf in a warm house,
+  germinate in a few days. The development of the seedlings is
+  exceptionally interesting, as the vegetative organs of all the kinds
+  are very similar, and Cactus-like; the gradual transition from this
+  character to the diverse forms which many of the species assume when
+  mature is quite phenomenal. Cuttings will strike at almost any time,
+  if planted in sandy soil and kept in a close, warm house till rooted.
+  Some of the kinds thrive best when grafted on to a thin-stemmed
+  Cereus. Treated in this way, <i>R. sarmentacea</i> makes 6 in. of
+  growth in a season; whereas, on its own roots it would take about
+  five years to grow as much.</p>
+
+  <p>The following is a selection of the species cultivated in gardens.
+  The genus <i>Lepismium</i> is now included in Rhipsalis.</p>
+
+  <h3>SPECIES.</h3>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rcass" id="rcass">R. Cassytha</a></b> (derivation not
+  known).&mdash;A pendent shrub, 4 ft. or more high, growing on rocks
+  and the mossy trunks of trees. Branches numerous, flexuous, with
+  small branchlets or joints springing from the ends in clusters,
+  smooth, round, the thickness of whipcord, leafless, with numerous
+  brown, dot-like marks scattered over the surface; under a lens these
+  dots are seen to be tufts of very fine hairs. Flowers on the sides of
+  the young branches, small, greenish-white, short-lived; they are
+  developed in September, and are succeeded by white berries, exactly
+  like those of the Mistletoe, whence the name Mistletoe Cactus, by
+  which this species is known. An interesting and easily-grown warm
+  greenhouse plant, native of tropical America, Africa, &amp;c. It was
+  introduced in 1758.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rcomm" id="rcomm">R. commune</a></b> (common); Bot.
+  Mag. 3763.&mdash;Stem straggling, branching freely, growing to a
+  length of several feet. Branches jointed; joints varying in length,
+  triangular, the angles compressed, and notched along the margins;
+  notches regular, and bearing tufts of whitish hair. Strong plants
+  produce joints over 1 in. in width. Flowers white, tinged with
+  purple, springing singly from the notches, and composed of eight to
+  twelve sepals and petals. Stamens and stigma erect, white, the latter
+  four-rayed. This species is a native of Brazil, and was introduced in
+  1830; Flowering-season, October to December. It may be grown in a
+  warm greenhouse, and treated as a basket-plant or as a small
+  pot-shrub. Syn. <i>Lepismium commune</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rcris" id="rcris">R. crispata</a></b>
+  (curled).&mdash;Stem branching freely. Branches jointed and flat,
+  like Epiphyllum. Margins of joints notched, and slightly curled.
+  Flowers small, white, produced singly, in November and December, in
+  the notches on the younger joints. Fruits white, pea-like, rather
+  rarely ripened. A free-growing, compact stove shrub, with a bright
+  green, healthy appearance. The similarity of its branches to
+  Epiphyllum led to its being included in that genus by Haworth.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rcrisp" id="rcrisp">R. c. purpurea</a></b>
+  (purple).&mdash;This variety has larger, broader joints, which are
+  bronzy-purple in colour.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rfasc" id="rfasc">R. fasciculata</a></b>
+  (cluster-branched); Bot. Mag. 3079.&mdash;Stems terete, as thick as a
+  goose-quill. Branches usually in clusters, and sometimes jointed,
+  green, with small red dots and little tufts of fine, hair-like
+  bristles. Flowers white, produced in March, springing irregularly
+  from the older branches, small, star-like. Fruit a white berry. From
+  its habit of growing on trees, and the character of its stems and
+  fruit, this plant has been called parasitical. It is, however, only
+  indebted to the tree on which is grows for moisture, for it thrives
+  if planted in a pot or basket in ordinary soil, and kept in a stove
+  temperature. It is a native of Brazil, and was introduced in
+  1831.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rfloc" id="rfloc">R. floccosa</a></b>
+  (woolly).&mdash;Stems as in <i>R. Cassytha</i>, but thicker, longer,
+  and with the branchlets in compact clusters on the ends of the long,
+  arching branches. The dots marking the position of the microscopic
+  hair-tufts are in small depressions. Flowers and fruit as in <i>R.
+  Cassytha</i>, of which this might reasonably be called a variety.
+  This species requires warm-house temperature.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rfuna" id="rfuna">R. funalis</a></b> (cord-like); Fig.
+  89.&mdash;Stem straggling, branched. Branches numerous, composed of
+  long, terete joints, rather thicker than a goose-quill,
+  glaucous-green, slightly roughened on the surface, with depressions
+  for the dot-like cushions. Branchlets usually fascicled and
+  spreading. Flowers white, produced in spring, on the sides of the
+  young joints, 1 in. across, large for the genus. Introduced from
+  Central America about 1830. An easily-grown plant, sturdy, rather
+  straggling, but very free-flowering. In old specimens the branches
+  become semi-pendulous. It grows best when kept in a warm house. Syn.
+  <i>R. grandiflora</i>.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig89.jpg" width="313" height="350" alt=
+    "RHIPSALIS FUNALIS" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 89.&mdash;RHIPSALIS FUNALIS</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rhoul" id="rhoul">R. Houlletii</a></b> (Houllet's);
+  Bot. Mag. 6089.&mdash;Stems long, graceful, branching freely, round
+  and twig-like, or with broad wings, as in Phyllocactus. Winged or
+  flattened portions notched, and bearing a flower in each notch.
+  Flowers stalkless, with pointed, straw-coloured petals, forming a
+  shallow cup about &frac34; in. across the top. Stamens and pistil
+  white, with a tinge of red at the base. Flowering-season, November.
+  Under cultivation, this Brazilian species forms a small, straggling
+  shrub, about 3 ft. high, but in its native woods its stems are many
+  feet long, and pendulous from the branches of trees. It may be grown
+  in a warm house, in a pot, and its branches supported by a stake; or
+  its lower stems may be fastened against a piece of soft fern-stem,
+  into which its numerous stem-roots penetrate freely. In the winter it
+  should be kept almost dry. The flowers remain fresh for several days,
+  and are fragrant. A well-grown plant, when in flower, is an
+  interesting and pretty object. It is the most ornamental kind.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rknig" id="rknig">R. Knightii</a></b>
+  (Knight's).&mdash;Stems and joints as in <i>R. commune</i>. Wings of
+  joints usually broad, with red margins, and the hair in the notches
+  in a dense tuft, nearly 1 in. long, pure white, and silk-like.
+  Flowers small, white. This species, which thrives best under
+  warm-house treatment, is a native of Brazil, and is usually grown
+  only for its curious, Cereus-like stems. It forms a straggling plant
+  about 1 ft. high. Syn. <i>Lepismium Knightii, Cereus
+  Knightii</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rmese" id="rmese">R. mesembryanthemoides</a></b>
+  (Mesembryanthemum-like); Bot. Mag. 3O78.&mdash;A small, compact
+  plant, with woody stems, densely covered with little fleshy, conical
+  joints, resembling very closely the leaves of some of the
+  Mesembryanthemums. They are green, with a few red dots, each bearing
+  a very small tuft of the finest hair-like spines. The flowers are
+  developed in March, from the sides of the small joints; they are
+  &frac12; in. across, and yellowish-white. Fruit a small, white, round
+  berry. Native of South America, whence it was introduced in 1831.
+  When grown in a warm house, in a small, round, wire basket, filled
+  with peat and sphagnum, this little Cactus forms a pretty tuft, which
+  in the spring produces large numbers of white, star-like flowers.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rmyos" id="rmyos">R. myosurus</a></b> (mouse-tailed);
+  Bot. Mag. 3755.&mdash;Stems dependent, several feet long, branching
+  freely, jointed, with three or four angles or wings; the angles
+  flattened, reddish, notched in the margin, and bearing a tuft of
+  white, silky hairs in each notch. Flowers small, yellow, tinged with
+  red, springing from the notches; produced in July. Fruit not seen. A
+  native of Brazil; introduced in 1839. This species resembles some of
+  the angular-stemmed kinds of Cereus. It grows freely and flowers
+  annually, if planted in a basket of fibrous soil, and suspended near
+  the glass in a warm greenhouse or stove. It is attractive even when
+  not in flower, owing to the form of its stems and the tufts of long,
+  silky, white hair which spring from the notches. Syn. <i>Lepismium
+  myosurus</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rpach" id="rpach">R. pachyptera</a></b>
+  (thick-winged); Bot. Mag. 2820.&mdash;Stem woody; branches jointed,
+  flattened as in Phyllocactus, with deep notches; width of joints, 2
+  in. or more. Flowers small, yellowish-white, borne singly in the
+  notches in November. Fruit a small, white berry, rarely ripened. A
+  sturdy, comparatively uninteresting stove plant, introduced from
+  Brazil in 1830. Syn. <i>Cactus alatus</i>.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rpara" id="rpara">R. paradoxa</a></b>
+  (paradoxical).&mdash;Stems trailing, with numerous long branches of
+  most extraordinary form. Imagine a three-angled, fleshy branch, often
+  several feet in length, the angles winged, about &frac12; in. deep,
+  green, with smooth, reddish margins. At intervals of about 2 in. the
+  branch has the appearance of having been twisted half round. There is
+  no other plant with branches anything like these. Flowers produced in
+  November, in the apex of the interrupted angles, small, white. Fruit
+  seldom ripened. A native of Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1837.
+  There is a fine example of this trained along a rafter in the
+  Succulent-house at Kew. The numerous branches hang down several feet
+  from the rafter, and have a most extraordinary appearance. This
+  species requires stove treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rpend" id="rpend">R. penduliflora</a></b>
+  (pendulous-flowered).&mdash;A small, thin-stemmed plant, with smooth,
+  green branches, no thicker than whipcord, and numerous fascicled or
+  clustered, small joints, &frac12; in. long, green, with red dots,
+  angular when young. Flowers on the tips of the terminal joints, pale
+  yellow, &frac12; in. across, developing in August. Fruit white,
+  Mistletoe-like. This species was introduced from tropical America in
+  1877, and requires stove treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rpendl" id="rpendl">R. p. laxa</a></b>
+  (loose).&mdash;This variety has the branches curving, and more
+  pendulous; in other respects it resembles the type, and requires the
+  same treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rpent" id="rpent">R. pentaptera</a></b>
+  (five-winged).&mdash;Stems erect; branches stiff, long-jointed, with
+  five wing-like angles, slightly spiral, the angles notched at
+  intervals of 1 in. Flowers in the notches, &frac12; in. across,
+  white, produced in August. Fruit a white, Mistletoe-like berry. A
+  curious plant from Brazil, and introduced in 1836. In stove
+  temperature it forms a compact pot-shrub, 2 ft. high, and is worth
+  growing on account of its singular stems.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rrhom" id="rrhom">R. rhombea</a></b>
+  (diamond-branched).&mdash;Stems and branches as in <i>R.
+  crispata</i>, but without the wavy margins, and with more elongated
+  joints. Flowers small, white, produced in the notches of the joints
+  in November. Fruit a shining, milk-white berry. A compact plant from
+  Brazil, worth growing for its bright green, leaf-like stems. It
+  should be grown in pots, in stove temperature, and encouraged to form
+  a globose bush.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rsagl" id="rsagl">R. Saglionis</a></b> (Saglio's);
+  Bot. Mag. 4039.&mdash;A tiny plant, similar in habit to <i>R.
+  penduliflora</i>, but with brown branches, the small joints angled,
+  and bearing silky hairs. The branches and joints are set at zigzag
+  angles. Flowers pale yellow, produced in autumn on the younger
+  joints. Fruits white, Mistletoe-like. A small, delicate plant from
+  Buenos Ayres, not more than 6 in. high. This species requires stove
+  treatment.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rsali" id="rsali">R. salicornoides</a></b>
+  (Glasswort-like); Bot. Mag. 2461.&mdash;Stem woody when old, brown,
+  jointed like hens' toes, not quite as thick as a goose-quill.
+  Branches in clusters; joints &frac12; in. to 1 in. long, the lower
+  half much thinner than the upper, so that the joints look like a
+  number of superposed, miniature clubs. Flowers pretty, on the ends of
+  the terminal joints, yellow, becoming red with age. An erect plant, 3
+  ft. or more high, introduced from Brazil in 1830. The joints are
+  clustered on the upper part of the stem. When in flower in spring
+  this is an attractive and very remarkable-looking plant. It thrives
+  best in stove temperature.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rsalis" id="rsalis">R. s. stricta</a></b>
+  (straight).&mdash;This variety has the joints all pointing upwards,
+  and is much more compact than the type.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rsarm" id="rsarm">R. sarmentacea</a></b>
+  (runner-stemmed); Fig. 90.&mdash;A creeping, prostrate plant, with
+  round stems as thick as a goose-quill, and attaching themselves to
+  tree-trunks or other bodies by means of numerous adventitious roots,
+  which spring from the under side of the stems. Surface of stem
+  furrowed, and covered with numerous small clusters of short,
+  hair-like, whitish spines. Flowers 1 in. across, springing from the
+  sides of the stems, with pointed, creamy-white petals; stamens
+  spreading; stigma erect, four-lobed. Fruit small, currant-like. This
+  is a pretty little species, introduced from Brazil in 1858; it is,
+  however, a very slow grower, plants ten years old being only a few
+  inches in diameter. It should be grown in stove temperature, in a
+  basket of peat fibre, or, better still, on a piece of soft fern-stem.
+  It is always found on the branches or trunks of trees when growing
+  wild.</p>
+
+  <div class="figcenter">
+    <img src="images/fig90.jpg" width="201" height="320" alt=
+    "RHIPSALIS SARMENTACEA" />
+
+    <p>FIG. 90.&mdash;RHIPSALIS SARMENTACEA</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rswar" id="rswar">R. Swartziana</a></b>
+  (Swartz's).&mdash;Older stems three-angled, young ones flattened,
+  jointed; joints 2 in. broad, stiff with deep notches. Flowers in the
+  notches, small, white, produced in June. This species is a native of
+  Jamaica, and was introduced in 1810. A stiff, ungraceful plant, about
+  2 ft. high, very similar in its branches to a Phyllocactus. This
+  species requires the temperature of a stove.</p>
+
+  <p><b><a name="rtrig" id="rtrig">R. trigona</a></b>
+  (triangular).&mdash;Habit straggling; branches usually in forks,
+  &frac14; in. in diameter, three-angled; angles wavy or slightly
+  notched, grey-green. Flowers small, produced in spring in the notches
+  of the angles, white. Fruit a white berry. A thin, Brazilian plant,
+  not unlike a Lepismium, but without the silky hairs in the notches of
+  the angles. This species also requires to be grown in stove
+  temperature.</p>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="temp" id="temp"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>TEMPERATURES.</h3>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>O enable growers to make a selection of species according to the
+  accommodation that can be afforded for Cactuses, all that are
+  described in this book are here classified in three groups: (1)
+  Species which thrive in a cool-house or frame; (2) Species which can
+  only be successfully grown in a warm house or stove; and (3) Species
+  which are hardy in the more favoured portions of the United
+  Kingdom.</p><br />
+  <br />
+
+  <div class="toc">
+    <p>COOL-HOUSE OR FRAME.</p>
+
+    <p>Temperature: Summer, that of the open air.<br />
+    Temperature: Winter&mdash;day, 50 deg. to 60 deg.; night, 40 deg.
+    to 45 deg.</p>
+  </div><br />
+  <br />
+
+  <div align="center">
+    <table summary="List of species which can be grown in cool-house">
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus Berlandieri.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus speciosissimus</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus Blankii.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus brevihamatus</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus caespitosus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus centeterius.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus cirrhiferus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus cinnabarinus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus ctenoides.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus Cummingii.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus enneacanthus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus echidne.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus flagelliformis.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus Emoryi.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus Leeanus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus gibbosus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus leptacanthus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus hexaedrophorus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus multiplex.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus Leeanus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus paucispinus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus Mackieanus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus pentalophus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus mamillarioides.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus polyacanthus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus rhodophthalmus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus procumbens.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus texensis.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Cereus reductus.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus uncinatus.</td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+  </div><br />
+
+  <div align="center">
+    <table summary="list continued">
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinocactus viridescens.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria semperviva.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Echinopsis, all the kinds.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria stella-aurata.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria atrata.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria tuberculosa.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria chlorantha.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria uncinata.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria dasyacantha.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria viridis.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria elegans.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria Wildiana.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria elephantidens.</td>
+
+        <td align="left">Mamillaria Zucchariniana.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria elongata.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia arborescens.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria fissurata.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia aurantiaca.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria floribunda.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia corrugata.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria gracilis.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia cylindrica.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria longimamma.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia Davisii.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria macromeris.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia Engelmanni.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria macrothele.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia Ficus-indica.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria multiceps.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia hystricina.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria phellosperma.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia macrorhiza</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria Schelhasii.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Opuntia occidentalis.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td align="left" width="50%">Mamillaria Schiedeana.</td>
+
+        <td align="left" width="50%">&nbsp;</td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+  </div>
+
+  <div class="toc">
+    <p>WARM-HOUSE OR STOVE.</p>
+  </div>
+
+  <p>It is possible that some of those included in this division will
+  eventually prove hardier than is at present supposed. Many of the
+  species now classed as cool-house plants, and even some of those
+  which are hardy, were formerly grown in the stove.</p>
+
+  <div class="toc">
+    <p>Temperature: Summer-day, 70 deg. to 90 deg.; night, 65 deg. to
+    75 deg.<br />
+    Temperature: Winter-day, 60 deg. to 70 deg.; night, 55 deg. to 60
+    deg.</p>
+  </div><br />
+
+  <div align="center">
+    <table summary=
+    "List of cactus recommended for warm-house conditions">
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus caerulescens.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus cornigerus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus extensus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus corynodes.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus fulgidus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus cylindraceus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus giganteus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Haynii.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus grandiflorus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus horizonthalonis.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus Lemairii.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Le Contei.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus Macdonaldiae.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus longihamatus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus Mallisoni.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus mamillosus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus Napoleonis.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus multiflorus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus nycticalus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus myriostigma.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus peruvianus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus obvallatus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus pleiogonus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Ottonis.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus repandus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus pectiniferus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus serpentinus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus polycephalus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus Royeni.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Pottsii.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus triangularis.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus scopa.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus variabilis.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus sinuatus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus concinnus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus tenuispinus.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus coptonogonus.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus turbiniformis.</td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+  </div><br />
+
+  <div align="center">
+    <table summary=
+    "List of cactus recommended for warm-house conditions continued">
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">
+          <p align="left">Echinocactus Visnaga.</p>
+        </td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Opuntia, all not included under
+        "Cool-house or Frame."</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Williamsii.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Pelecyphora.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Wislizeni.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Pereskia, all the kinds.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Epiphyllum, all the kinds.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Phyllocactus, all the kinds.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Leuchtenbergia.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Pilocereus, all the kinds.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Mamillaria, all not mentioned
+        under " Cool-house Or Frame."</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Rhipsalis, all the kinds.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Melocactus, all the kinds.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">&nbsp;</td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+  </div><br />
+
+  <h3>OUTDOOR.</h3>
+
+  <p>The following may be grown out of doors in the more favoured parts
+  of England. For directions as to culture, <i>see</i> the chapter on
+  <a href="#cult">Cultivation</a> :&mdash;</p>
+
+  <div align="center">
+    <table summary="List of cactus recommended for outdoor conditions">
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Cereus Fendleri.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Opuntia missouriensis.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Echinocactus Simpsoni.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Opuntia Rafinesquii.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Mamillaria vivipara.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Opuntia R. arkansana.</td>
+      </tr>
+
+      <tr>
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Opuntia brachyarthra.</td>
+
+        <td width="50%" align="left">Opuntia vulgaris.</td>
+      </tr>
+    </table>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="dealers" id="dealers"></a>
+
+  <h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <h3>DEALERS IN CACTUSES.</h3>
+
+  <div class="figleft">
+    <img src="images/fancy_T.jpg" width="50" height="118" alt="T" />
+  </div><br />
+
+  <p>HE difficulty experienced by amateurs in procuring plants of many
+  kinds of Cactus has suggested to us that a list of some of the
+  principal dealers in these plants would prove of service to English
+  growers. So far as we know, there is no nurseryman in England who
+  makes a specialty of Cactuses. Plants of such well-known genera as
+  <i>Epiphyllum, Phyllocactus,</i> and <i>Cereus</i> in part, may be
+  obtained in England, but for a collection of representative kinds we
+  must perforce apply to Continental nurserymen. The most reliable of
+  these for Cactuses are:</p>
+
+  <div class="toc">
+    <h3>GERMANY.</h3>
+
+    <p>Messrs. HAAGE &amp; SCHMIDT, Erfurt.</p>
+
+    <p>Herr F. A. HAAGE, Junior, Erfurt.</p>
+
+    <p>Messrs. M&Uuml;LLER &amp; SAUBER, Kassel, Hanover.</p>
+
+    <p>Herr H. HILDMANN, Oranienburg, Brandenburg.</p>
+
+    <p>Herr ERNST BERGE, Leipsic.</p>
+
+    <h3>FRANCE.</h3>
+
+    <p>M. EBERLE, Avenue de St. Ouen, 146, Paris.</p>
+
+    <p>M. JAMIN, Rue Lafontaine, 42, &agrave; St. Ouen, Paris.</p>
+
+    <h3>BELGIUM.</h3>
+
+    <p>M. LOUIS DE SMET, Ledeberg, Ghent.</p>
+
+    <p>M. BETTES, Borgerhont, Antwerp.</p>
+
+    <p>M. F. VERMUELEN, Rue Van Peet, Antwerp.</p>
+
+    <h3>AMERICA.</h3>
+
+    <p>Mr. C. RUNGE, San Antonio, Texas.</p>
+
+    <p>Messrs. REASONER BROTHERS, Florida.</p>
+  </div>
+  <hr />
+  <a name="specind" id="specind"></a>
+
+  <h2>SPECIES INDEX</h2>
+  <hr />
+
+  <p>Species are listed alphabetically according to Watson's
+  nomenclature. The name(s) that is more likely to be recognised by
+  modern readers is listed in brackets. I have used Anderson's
+  book&mdash;<i>The Cactus Family</i> (Timber Press, 2001)&mdash;as my
+  main guide. Monographs by Craig and by Pilbeam were invaluable in
+  identifying 'Mamillarias'.</p>
+
+  <p>* Plants illustrated in the text.</p>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#cberl">Cereus Berlandieri</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    berlandieri</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cblan">Cereus Blankii</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    berlandieri</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ccaer">Cereus caerulescens</a> (<i>Cereus
+    aethiops</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ccaes">Cereus caespitosus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    reichenbachii ssp. caespitosus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ccirr">Cereus cirrhiferus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    cinerascens</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ccten">Cereus ctenoides</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    dasyacanthus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cenne">Cereus enneacanthus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    enneacanthus</i>)*</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cext">Cereus extensus</a> (<i>Selenicereus
+    sp.?</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cfend">Cereus Fendleri</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    fendleri</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cflag">Cereus flagelliformis</a> (<i>Aporocactus
+    (Disocactus) flagelliformis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cfulg">Cereus fulgidus</a> (<i>Gymnocalycium
+    gibbosum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cgiga">Cereus giganteus</a> (<i>Carnegiea
+    gigantea</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cgrand">Cereus grandiflorus</a> (<i>Selenicereus
+    grandiflorus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cleea">Cereus Leeanus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    polyacanthus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#clema">Cereus Lemairii</a> (<i>Hylocereus
+    lemairei</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#clept">Cereus leptacanthus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    pentalophus</i>)*</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cmacd">Cereus Macdonaldiae</a> (<i>Selenicereus
+    macdonaldiae</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cmall">Cereus Mallisoni</a> (X <i>Helioporus
+    smithii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cmult">Cereus multiplex</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    oxygona</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cmucr">Cereus multiplex cristatus</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    oxygona fa. cristata</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cnapol">Cereus Napoleonis</a> (<i>Hylocereus
+    trigonus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cnyct">Cereus nycticalus</a> (<i>Selenicereus
+    pteranthus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cpauc">Cereus paucispinus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    coccineus ssp. paucispinus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cpent">Cereus pentalophus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    pentalophus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cperu">Cereus peruvianus</a> (C<i>ereus
+    repandus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cplei">Cereus pleiogonus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    sp</i>.&mdash;no longer identifiable)*</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cpoly">Cereus polyacanthus</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    polyacanthus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cproc">Cereus procumbens</a> (<i>Echinocereus
+    pentalophus ssp. procumbens</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#credu">Cereus reductus</a> (Hybrid with
+    <i>Selenicereus sp</i>. as one probable parent)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#crepa">Cereus repandus</a> (<i>Cereus repandus</i>)
+    *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#croye">Cereus Royeni</a> (<i>Pilosocereus
+    royenii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cserp">Cereus serpentinus</a> (<i>Peniocereus
+    (Nyctocereus) serpentinus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cspec">Cereus speciosissimus</a> (<i>Disocactus
+    speciosus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ctria">Cereus triangularis</a> (<i>Hylocereus
+    triangularis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#cvari">Cereus variabilis</a> (<i>Acanthocereus
+    tetragonus</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#ebrev">Echinocactus brevihamatus</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) alacriportana ssp. brevihamata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecent">Echinocactus centeterius</a> (<i>Eriosyce
+    (Neoporteria) curvispina</i>&mdash;possibly?)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecinn">Echinocactus cinnabarinus</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    (Lobivia) cinnabarina</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#econc">Echinocactus concinnus</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) concinna</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecopt">Echinocactus coptonogonus</a> (<i>Stenocactus
+    (Echinofossulocactus) coptonogonus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecorn">Echinocactus cornigerus</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    latispinus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecory">Echinocactus corynodes</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) sellowii</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecrisp">Echinocactus crispatus</a> (Stenocactus
+    (Echinofossulocactus) crispatus) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecumm">Echinocactus Cummingii</a> (<i>Rebutia
+    (Weingartia) neocummingii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecyli">Echinocactus cylindraceus</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    cyclindraceus (acanthodes)</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eechi">Echinocactus echidne</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    echidne</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eemor">Echinocactus Emoryi</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    emoryi</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#egibb">Echinocactus gibbosus</a> (<i>Gymnocalycium
+    gibbosus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ehayn">Echinocactus Haynii</a> (<i>Matucana
+    haynei</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ehexa">Echinocactus hexaedrophorus</a>
+    (<i>Thelocactus hexaedrophorus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ehori">Echinocactus horizonthalonis</a>
+    (<i>Echinocactus horizonthalonius</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eleco">Echinocactus Le Contei</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    cyclindraceus (acanthodes) ssp. lecontei</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eleea">Echinocactus Leeanus</a> (<i>Gymnocalycium
+    leeanum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#elong">Echinocactus longihamatus</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    hamatacanthus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#emack">Echinocactus Mackieanus</a> (<i>Gymnocalycium
+    mackieanum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#emami">Echinocactus mamillarioides</a> (<i>Eriosyce
+    (Neoporteria) curvispina</i>&mdash;possibly?)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#emamil">Echinocactus mamillosus</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    mamillosa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#emult">Echinocactus multiflorus</a> (<i>Gymnocalycium
+    monvillei</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#emyri">Echinocactus myriostigma</a> (<i>Astrophytum
+    myriostigma</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eobva">Echinocactus obvallatus</a> (<i>Stenocactus
+    (Echinofossulocactus) obvallatus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eotto">Echinocactus Ottonis</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) ottonis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#epect">Echinocactus pectiniferus</a> (probably
+    <i>Echinocereus pectinatus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#epoly">Echinocactus polycephalus</a> (<i>Echinocactus
+    polycephalus</i>)*</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#epott">Echinocactus Pottsii</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    pottsii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#erhod">Echinocactus rhodophthalmus</a>
+    (<i>Thelocactus bicolor</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#escop">Echinocactus scopa</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) scopa</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#escopc">Echinocactus scopa cristata</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) scopa fa. cristata</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#esimp">Echinocactus Simpsonii</a> (<i>Pediocactus
+    simpsonii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#esinu">Echinocactus sinuatus</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    hamatacanthus ssp. sinuatus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#etenu">Echinocactus tenuispinus</a> (<i>Parodia
+    (Notocactus) ottonis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#etexe">Echinocactus texensis</a> (<i>Echinocactus
+    texensis</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eturb">Echinocactus turbiniformis</a>
+    (<i>Strombocactus disciformis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eunci">Echinocactus uncinatus</a> (<i>Sclerocactus
+    uncinatus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eviri">Echinocactus viridescens</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    viridescens</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#evisn">Echinocactus visnaga</a> (<i>Echinocactus
+    platyacanthus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ewill">Echinocactus Williamsii</a> (<i>Lophophora
+    williamsii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ewisl">Echinocactus Wislizenii</a> (<i>Ferocactus
+    wislizenii</i>) *</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#ecamp">Echinopsis campylacantha</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    leucantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecrist">Echinopsis cristata</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    obrepanda</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ecrispu">Echinopsis cristata purpurea</a>
+    (<i>Echinopsis obrepanda v. purprea</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#edeca">Echinopsis Decaisneanus</a> (identification
+    now uncertain) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eeyri">Echinopsis Eyriesii</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    eyriesii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eeyrifp">Echinopsis Eyriesii flore-pleno</a>
+    (<i>Echinopsis eyriesii</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eeyrig">Echinopsis Eyriesii glauca</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    eyriesii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#eoxyg">Echinopsis oxygonus</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    oxygona</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#epent">Echinopsis Pentlandi</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    (Lobivia) pentlandii</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#epentl">Echinopsis Pentlandi longispinus</a>
+    (<i>Echinopsis (Lobivia) pentlandii</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#etubi">Echinopsis tubiflorus</a> (<i>Echinopsis
+    tubiflora</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#eruss">Epiphyllum Russellianum</a> (<i>Schlumbergera
+    russelliana</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#etrunc">Epiphyllum truncatum</a> (<i>Schlumbergera
+    truncata</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#leuchp">Leuchtenbergia principis</a>
+    (<i>Leuchtenbergia principis</i>) *</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#mangu">Mamillaria angularis</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    compressa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mappl">Mamillaria applanata</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    heyderi ssp. hemisphaerica</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#matra">Mamillaria atrata</a> (<i>Eriosyce
+    (Neoporteria) subgibbosa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mbico">Mamillaria bicolor</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    geminispina</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mchlo">Mamillaria chlorantha</a> (<i>Escobaria
+    deserti</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mcirr">Mamillaria cirrhifera</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    compressa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mclav">Mamillaria clava</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    clava</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mdasy">Mamillaria dasyacantha</a> (<i>Escobaria
+    dasyacantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mdisc">Mamillaria discolor</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    discolor</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mdoli">Mamillaria dolichocentra</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    polythele</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mechi">Mamillaria echinata</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    elongata ssp. echinaria</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mechin">Mamillaria echinus</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    echinus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#meleg">Mamillaria elegans</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    haageana (elegans)</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#melep">Mamillaria elephantidens</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    elephantidens</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#melon">Mamillaria elongata</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    elongata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mfiss">Mamillaria fissurata</a> (<i>Ariocarpus
+    fissuratus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mflor">Mamillaria floribunda</a> (<i>Eriosyce
+    (Neoporteria) subgibbosa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mgrac">Mamillaria gracilis</a> (<i>Mammillaria vetula
+    ssp. gracilis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mgrah">Mamillaria Grahami</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    grahamii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mhaag">Mamillaria Haageana</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    haageana</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mlong">Mamillaria longimamma</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    longimamma</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mmacr">Mamillaria macromeris</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    macromeris</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mmacrot">Mamillaria macrothele</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    octacantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mmicr">Mamillaria micromeris</a> (<i>Epithelantha
+    micromeris</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mmult">Mamillaria multiceps</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    prolifera ssp. texana</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mneum">Mamillaria Neumanniana</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    magnimamma</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#motto">Mamillaria Ottonis</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    ottonis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mpect">Mamillaria pectinata</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    pectinifera</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mphel">Mamillaria phellosperma</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    tetrancistra</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mpulc">Mamillaria pulchra</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    rhodantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mpusi">Mamillaria pusilla</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    prolifera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mpycn">Mamillaria pycnacantha</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    pycnacantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#msang">Mamillaria sanguinea</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    spinosissima</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#msche">Mamillaria Scheerii</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    poselgeriana</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mschel">Mamillaria Schelhasii</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    crinita</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mschi">Mamillaria Schiedeana</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    schiedeana</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#msemp">Mamillaria semperviva</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    sempervivi</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mseni">Mamillaria senilis</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    senilis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mstel">Mamillaria stella-aurata</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    elongata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#msubp">Mamillaria sub-polyhedra</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    polyedra</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#msulc">Mamillaria sulcolanata</a> (<i>Coryphantha
+    sulcolanata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mtetr">Mamillaria tetracantha</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    polythele</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mtube">Mamillaria tuberculosa</a> (<i>Escobaria
+    tuberculosa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mturb">Mamillaria turbinata</a> (<i>Strombocactus
+    disciformis</i> ?)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#munci">Mamillaria uncinata</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    uncinata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mvetu">Mamillaria vetula</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    vetula</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mvill">Mamillaria villifera</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    polyedra</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mviri">Mamillaria viridis</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    karwinskiana</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mvivi">Mamillaria vivipara</a> (<i>Escobaria
+    vivipara</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mvivir">Mamillaria vivipara v. radiosa</a>
+    (<i>Escobaria vivipara</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mwild">Mamillaria Wildiana</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    crinita ssp. wildii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mwrig">Mamillaria Wrightii</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    wrightii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mzucc">Mamillaria Zucchariniana</a> (<i>Mammillaria
+    magnimamma</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mcomm">Melocactus communis</a> (<i>Melocactus
+    intortus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mdepr">Melocactus depressus</a> (<i>Melocactus
+    violaceus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#mmiqu">Melocactus Miquelii</a> (<i>Melocactus
+    intortus</i>) *</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#oarbo">Opuntia arborescens</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    imbricata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oarbu">Opuntia arbuscula</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    arbuscula</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oaren">Opuntia arenaria</a> (<i>Opuntia polyacantha
+    v. arenaria</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oaube">Opuntia Auberi</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    auberi</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oaura">Opuntia aurantiaca</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    aurantiaca</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#obasi">Opuntia basilaris</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    basilaris</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#obige">Opuntia Bigelovii</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    bigelovii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oboli">Opuntia boliviana</a> (<i>Cumulopuntia
+    boliviana</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#obrac">Opuntia brachyarthra</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    fragilis</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#obraz">Opuntia braziliensis</a> (<i>Brasiliopuntia
+    brasiliensis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ocand">Opuntia candelabriformis</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    spinulifera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oclav">Opuntia clavata</a> (<i>Grusonia
+    clavata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ococh">Opuntia cochinellifera</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    cochenillifera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ocorr">Opuntia corrugata</a> (<i>Tunilla
+    corrugata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ocura">Opuntia curassavica</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    curassavica</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ocyli">Opuntia cylindrica</a>
+    (<i>Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ocylic">Opuntia cylindrica cristata</a>
+    (<i>Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica fa. cristata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#odavi">Opuntia Davisii</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    davisii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#odecu">Opuntia decumana</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    ficus-indica</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#odiad">Opuntia diademata</a> (<i>Tephrocactus
+    articulatus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#odill">Opuntia Dillenii</a> (<i>Opuntia dillenii</i>)
+    *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oechi">Opuntia echinocarpa</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    echinocarpa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oemor">Opuntia Emoryi</a> (<i>Grusonia
+    emoryi</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oenge">Opuntia Engelmanni</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    engelmannii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oficu">Opuntia Ficus-indica</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    ficus-indica</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ofili">Opuntia filipendula</a> (<i>Opuntia macrorhiza
+    v. pottsii</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ofrut">Opuntia frutescens</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    leptocaulis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ograh">Opuntia Grahami</a> (<i>Grusonia
+    grahamii</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ohorr">Opuntia horrida</a> (<i>Opuntia tuna</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ohyst">Opuntia hystricina</a> (<i>Opuntia polyacantha
+    v. hystricina</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#olept">Opuntia leptocaulis</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    leptocaulis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oleuc">Opuntia leucotricha</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    leucotricha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#omacr">Opuntia macrocentra</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    macrocentra</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#omacro">Opuntia macrorhiza</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    macrorhiza</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#omicr">Opuntia microdasys</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    microdasys</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#omiss">Opuntia missouriensis</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    polyacantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#omona">Opuntia monacantha</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    monacantha</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#onigr">Opuntia nigricans</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    elatior</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oocci">Opuntia occidentalis</a> (<i>Opuntia X
+    occidentalis</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oparm">Opuntia Parmentieri</a> (<i>Opuntia longispina
+    var. brevispina</i>?)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#oparr">Opuntia Parryi</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    californica</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#orafi">Opuntia Rafinesquii</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    humifusa</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#orose">Opuntia rosea</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    rosea</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#osalm">Opuntia Salmiana</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    salmiana</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ospin">Opuntia spinosissima</a> (<i>Consolea
+    spinosissima</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#osubu">Opuntia subulata</a> (<i>Austrocylindropuntia
+    subulata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#otuna">Opuntia Tuna</a> (<i>Opuntia tuna</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#otuni">Opuntia tunicata</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    tunicata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ovulg">Opuntia vulgaris</a> (<i>Opuntia
+    ficus-indica</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#owhip">Opuntia Whipplei</a> (<i>Cylindropuntia
+    whipplei</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#peleca">Pelecyphora aselliformis</a> (<i>Pelecyphora
+    aselliformis</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pacul">Pereskia aculeata</a> (<i>Pereskia
+    aculeata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#paculr">Pereskia aculeata rubescens</a> (<i>Pereskia
+    aculeata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pbleo">Pereskia Bleo</a> (<i>Pereskia bleo</i>)
+    *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pzinn">Pereskia zinniaeflora</a> (<i>Pereskia
+    zinniiflora</i>) *</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#paker">Phyllocactus Ackermannii</a> (<i>Disocactus
+    ackermannii</i> or hybrid) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pangu">Phyllocactus anguliger</a> (<i>Epiphyllum
+    anguliger</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pbifo">Phyllocactus biformis</a> (<i>Disocactus
+    biformis</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pcren">Phyllocactus crenatus</a> (<i>Epiphyllum
+    crenatum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pgran">Phyllocactus grandis</a> (<i>Epiphyllum
+    oxypetalum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#phook">Phyllocactus Hookeri</a> (<i>Epiphyllum
+    hookeri</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#plati">Phyllocactus latifrons</a> (<i>Epiphyllum
+    oxypetalum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pphyl">Phyllocactus phyllanthus</a> (<i>Epiphyllum
+    phyllanthus</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#ppoid">Phyllocactus phyllanthoides</a> (<i>Disocactus
+    phyllanthoides</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#pbrun">Pilocereus Br&uuml;nnonii</a>
+    (<i>Oreocereus celsianus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#phoul">Pilocereus Houlletianus</a>
+    (<i>Pilosocereus leucocephalus</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#pseni">Pilocereus senilis</a> (<i>Cephalocereus
+    senilis</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+
+  <ul>
+    <li><a href="#rcass">Rhipsalis Cassytha</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    baccifera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rcomm">Rhipsalis commune</a> (<i>Lepismium
+    cruciforme</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rcris">Rhipsalis crispata</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    crispata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rcrisp">Rhipsalis crispata purpurea</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    crispata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rfasc">Rhipsalis fasciculata</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    baccifera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rfloc">Rhipsalis floccosa</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    floccosa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rfuna">Rhipsalis funalis</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    grandiflora</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rhoul">Rhipsalis Houlletii</a> (<i>Lepismium
+    houlletianum</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rknig">Rhipsalis Knightii</a> (<i>Lepismium
+    cruciforme</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rmese">Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides</a>
+    (<i>Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rmyos">Rhipsalis myosurus</a> (<i>Lepismium
+    cruciforme</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rpach">Rhipsalis pachyptera</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    pachyptera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rpara">Rhipsalis paradoxa</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    paradoxa</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rpend">Rhipsalis penduliflora</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    cereuscula</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rpendl">Rhipsalis penduliflora laxa</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    cereuscula</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rpent">Rhipsalis pentaptera</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    pentaptera</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rrhom">Rhipsalis rhombea</a> (identification now
+    uncertain)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rsagl">Rhipsalis Saglionis</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    cereuscula</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rsali">Rhipsalis salicornoides</a> (<i>Hatiora
+    salicornioides</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rsalis">Rhipsalis salicornoides stricta</a>
+    (<i>Hatiora salicornioides</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rsarm">Rhipsalis sarmentacea</a> (<i>Lepismium
+    lumbricoides</i>) *</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rswar">Rhipsalis Swartziana</a> (<i>Pseudorhipsalis
+    alata</i>)</li>
+
+    <li><a href="#rtrig">Rhipsalis trigona</a> (<i>Rhipsalis
+    trigona</i>)</li>
+  </ul>
+  <hr />
+  <a href="#contents">Back to Contents list</a>
+  <hr />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Cactus Culture For Amateurs, by W. Watson
+
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Cactus Culture For Amateurs, by W. Watson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Cactus Culture For Amateurs
+       Being Descriptions Of The Various Cactuses Grown In This Country,
+       With Full And Practical Instructions For Their Successful Cultivation
+
+
+Author: W. Watson
+
+Release Date: September 3, 2004 [EBook #13357]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CACTUS CULTURE FOR AMATEURS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by W. Christie and Leonard Johnson
+
+
+
+
+CACTUS CULTURE
+FOR AMATEURS:
+
+BEING
+
+DESCRIPTIONS OF THE VARIOUS CACTUSES
+GROWN IN THIS COUNTRY.
+
+with
+
+FULL AND PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR
+THEIR SUCCESSFUL CULTIVATION.
+
+By W. WATSON,
+Assistant Curator of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
+
+PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED.
+
+LONDON:
+L. UPCOTT GILL, 170, STRAND, W.C.
+
+1889.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 1.--A COLLECTION OF CACTUSES. Frontispiece.]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+The idea that Cactuses were seldom seen in English gardens, because so
+little was known about their cultivation and management, suggested to
+the Publisher of this book that a series of chapters on the best kinds,
+and how to grow them successfully, would be useful. These chapters were
+written for and published in The Bazaar, in 1885 and following years.
+Some alterations and additions have been made, and the whole is now
+offered as a thoroughly practical and descriptive work on the subject.
+
+The descriptions are as simple and complete as they could be made; the
+names here used are those adopted at Kew; and the cultural directions
+are as full and detailed as is necessary. No species or variety is
+omitted which is known to be in cultivation, or of sufficient interest
+to be introduced. The many excellent figures of Cactuses in the
+Botanical Magazine (Bot. Mag.) are referred to under each species
+described, except in those cases where a complete figure is given in
+this book. My claims to be heard as a teacher in this department are
+based on an experience of ten years in the care and cultivation of the
+large collection of Cactuses at Kew.
+
+Whatever the shortcomings of my share of the work may be, I feel certain
+that the numerous and excellent illustrations which the Publisher has
+obtained for this book cannot fail to render it attractive, and, let us
+also hope, contribute something towards bringing Cactuses into favour
+with horticulturists, professional as well as amateur.
+
+W. WATSON.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+BOTANICAL CHARACTERS
+
+CULTIVATION
+
+PROPAGATION
+
+THE GENUS EPIPHYLLUM
+
+THE GENUS PHYLLOCACTUS
+
+THE GENUS CEREUS
+
+THE GENUS ECHINOCACTUS
+
+THE GENUS ECHINOPSIS
+
+THE GENUS MELOCACTUS
+
+THE GENUS PILOCEREUS
+
+THE GENUS MAMILLARIA
+
+THE GENUS LEUCHTENBERGIA
+
+THE GENUS PELECYPHORA
+
+THE GENUS OPUNTIA
+
+THE GENUS PERESKIA
+
+THE GENUS RHIPSALIS
+
+TEMPERATURES
+
+DEALERS IN CACTUSES
+
+INDEX OF SPECIES
+
+
+
+
+
+CACTUS CULTURE
+FOR AMATEURS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+The Cactus family is not popular among English horticulturists in these
+days, scarcely half a dozen species out of about a thousand known being
+considered good enough to be included among favourite garden plants.
+Probably five hundred kinds have been, or are, in cultivation in the
+gardens of the few specialists who take an interest in Cactuses; but
+these are practically unknown in English horticulture. It is not,
+however, very many years ago that there was something like a Cactus
+mania, when rich amateurs vied with each other in procuring and growing
+large collections of the rarest and newest kinds.
+
+"About the year 1830, Cacti began to be specially patronised by several
+rich plant amateurs, of whom may be mentioned the Duke of Bedford, who
+formed a fine collection at Woburn Abbey, the Duke of Devonshire, and
+Mr. Harris, of Kingsbury. Mr. Palmer, of Shakelwell, had become
+possessed of Mr. Haworth's collection, to which he greatly added by
+purchases; he, however, found his rival in the Rev. H. Williams, of
+Hendon, who formed a fine and select collection, and, on account of the
+eagerness of growers to obtain the new and rare plants, high prices were
+given for them, ten, twelve, and even twenty and thirty guineas often
+being given for single plants of the Echinocactus. Thus private
+collectors were induced to forward from their native countries--chiefly
+from Mexico and Chili--extensive collections of Cacti." (quoting J.
+Smith. A.L.S., ex-Curator of the Royal Gardens. Kew).
+
+This reads like what might be written of the position held now in
+England by the Orchid family, and what has been written of Tulips and
+other plants whose popularity has been great at some time or other. Why
+have Cactuses gone out of favour? It is impossible to give any
+satisfactory answer to this question. No doubt they belong to that class
+of objects which is only popular whilst it pleases the eye or tickles
+the fancy; and the eye and the fancy having tired of it, look to
+something different.
+
+The general belief with respect to Cactuses is that they are all wanting
+in beauty, that they are remarkable only in that they are exceedingly
+curious in form, and as a rule very ugly. It is true that none of them
+possess any claims to gracefulness of habit or elegance of foliage, such
+as are usual in popular plants, and, when not in flower, very few of the
+Cactuses would answer to our present ideas of beauty with respect to the
+plants we cultivate. Nevertheless, the stems of many of them (see
+Frontispiece, Fig. 1) are peculiarly attractive on account of their
+strange, even fantastic, forms, their spiny clothing, the absence of
+leaves, except in very few cases, and their singular manner of growth.
+To the few who care for Cactuses there is a great deal of beauty, even
+in these characters, although perhaps the eye has to be educated up to
+it.
+
+If the stems are more curious than beautiful, the flowers of the
+majority of the species of Cactuses are unsurpassed, as regards size and
+form, and brilliancy and variety in colour, by any other family of
+plants, not even excluding Orchids. In size some of the flowers equal
+those of the Queen of Water Lilies (Victoria regia), whilst the colours
+vary from the purest white to brilliant crimson and deep yellow. Some of
+them are also deliciously fragrant. Those kinds which expand their huge
+blossoms only at night are particularly interesting; and in the early
+days of Cactus culture the flowering of one of these was a great event
+in English gardens.
+
+Of the many collections of Cactuses formed many years ago in England,
+that at Kew is the only one that still exists. This collection has
+always been rich in the number of species it contained; at the present
+time the number of kinds cultivated there is about 500. Mr. Peacock, of
+Hammersmith, also has a large collection of Cactuses, many of which he
+has at various times exhibited in public places, such as the Crystal
+Palace, and the large conservatory attached to the Royal Horticultural
+Society's Gardens at South Kensington. Other smaller collections are
+cultivated in the Botanic Gardens at Oxford, Cambridge, Glasnevin, and
+Edinburgh.
+
+A great point in favour of the plants of the Cactus family for gardens
+of small size, and even for window gardening--a modest phase of plant
+culture which has made much progress in recent years--is the simpleness
+of their requirements under cultivation. No plants give so much pleasure
+in return for so small an amount of attention as do these. Their
+peculiarly tough-skinned succulent stems enable them to go for an
+extraordinary length of time without water; indeed, it may be said that
+the treatment most suitable for many of them during the greater portion
+of the year is such as would be fatal to most other plants. Cactuses are
+children of the dry barren plains and mountain sides, living where
+scarcely any other form of vegetation could find nourishment, and
+thriving with the scorching heat of the sun over their heads, and their
+roots buried in the dry, hungry soil, or rocks which afford them
+anchorage and food.
+
+In beauty and variety of flowers, in the remarkable forms of their
+stems, in the simple nature of their requirements, and in the other
+points of special interest which characterise this family, and which
+supply the cultivator and student with an unfailing source of pleasure
+and instruction, the Cactus family is peculiarly rich.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+BOTANICAL CHARACTERS.
+
+
+
+Although strictly botanical information may be considered as falling
+outside the limits of a treatise intended only for the cultivator, yet a
+short account of the principal characters by which Cactuses are grouped
+and classified may not be without interest.
+
+From the singular form and succulent nature of the whole of the Cactus
+family, it might be inferred that, in these characters alone, we have
+reliable marks of relationship, and that it would be safe to call all
+those plants Cactuses in which such characters are manifest. A glance at
+some members of other families will, however, soon show how easily one
+might thus be mistaken. In the Euphorbias we find a number of kinds,
+especially amongst those which inhabit the dry, sandy plains of South
+Africa, which bear a striking resemblance to many of the Cactuses,
+particularly the columnar ones and the Rhipsalis. (The Euphorbias all
+have milk-like sap, which, on pricking their stems or leaves, at once
+exudes and thus reveals their true character. The sap of the Cactuses is
+watery). Amongst Stapelias, too, we meet with plants which mimic the
+stem characters of some of the smaller kinds of Cactus. Again, in the
+Cactuses themselves we have curious cases of plant mimicry; as, for
+instance, the Rhipsalis, which looks like a bunch of Mistletoe, and the
+Pereskia, the leaves and habit of which are more like what belong to,
+say, the Gooseberry family than to a form of Cactus. From this it will
+be seen that although these plants are almost all succulent, and
+curiously formed, they are by no means singular in this respect.
+
+The characters of the order are thus defined by botanists: Cactuses are
+either herbs, shrubs, or trees, with soft flesh and copious watery
+juice. Root woody, branching, with soft bark. Stem branching or simple,
+round, angular, channelled, winged, flattened, or cylindrical; sometimes
+clothed with numerous tufts of spines which vary in texture, size, and
+form very considerably; or, when spineless, the stems bear numerous
+dot-like scars, termed areoles. Leaves very minute, or entirely absent,
+falling off very early, except in the Pereskia and several of the
+Opuntias, in which they are large, fleshy, and persistent. Flowers
+solitary, except in the Pereskia, and borne on the top or side of the
+stem; they are composed of numerous parts or segments; the sepals and
+petals are not easily distinguished from each other; the calyx tube is
+joined to, or combined, with the ovary, and is often covered with
+scale-like sepals and hairs or spines; the calyx is sometimes partly
+united so as to form a tube, and the petals are spread in regular
+whorls, except in the Epiphyllum. Stamens many, springing from the side
+of the tube or throat of the calyx, sometimes joined to the petals,
+generally equal in length; anthers small and oblong. Ovary smooth, or
+covered with scales and spines, or woolly, one-celled; style simple,
+filiform or cylindrical, with a stigma of two or more spreading rays,
+upon which are small papillae. Fruit pulpy, smooth, scaly, or spiny, the
+pulp soft and juicy, sweet or acid, and full of numerous small, usually
+black, seeds.
+
+Tribe I.--Calyx tube produced beyond the Ovary. Stem covered with
+Tubercles, or Ribs, bearing Spines.
+
+1. MELOCACTUS. Stem globose; flowers in a dense cap-like head, composed
+of layers of bristly wool and slender spines, amongst which the small
+flowers are developed. The cap is persistent, and increases annually
+with the stem.
+
+2. MAMILLARIA. Stems short, usually globose, and covered with tubercles
+or mammae, rarely ridged, the apex bearing spiny cushions; flowers
+mostly in rings round the stem.
+
+3. PELECYPHORA. Stem small, club-shaped; tubercles in spiral rows, and
+flattened on the top, where are two rows of short scale-like spines.
+
+4. LEUCHTENBERGIA. Stem naked at the base; tubercles on the upper part
+large, fleshy, elongated, three-angled, bearing at the apex a tuft of
+long, thin, gristle-like spines.
+
+5. ECHINOCACTUS. Stem short, ridged, spiny; calyx tube of the flower
+large, bell-shaped; ovary and fruit scaly.
+
+6. DISCOCACTUS. Stem short; calyx tube thin, the throat filled by the
+stamens; ovary and fruit smooth.
+
+7. CEREUS. Stem often long and erect, sometimes scandent, branching,
+ridged or angular; flowers from the sides of the stem; calyx tube
+elongated and regular; stamens free.
+
+8. PHYLLOCACTUS. Stem flattened, jointed, and notched; flowers from the
+sides, large, having long, thin tubes and a regular arrangement of the
+petals.
+
+9. EPIPHYLLUM. Stem flattened, jointed; joints short; flowers from the
+apices of the joints; calyx tube short; petals irregular, almost
+bilabiate.
+
+Tribe II.--Calyx-tube not produced beyond the Ovary. Stem branching,
+jointed.
+
+10. RHIPSALIS. Stem thin and rounded, angular, or flattened, bearing
+tufts of hair when young; flowers small; petals spreading; ovary smooth;
+fruit a small pea-like berry.
+
+11. OPUNTIA. Stem jointed, joints broad and fleshy, or rounded; spines
+barbed; flowers large; fruit spinous, large, pear-like.
+
+12. PERESKIA. Stem woody, spiny, branching freely; leaves fleshy, large,
+persistent; flowers medium in size, in panicles on the ends of the
+branches.
+
+The above is a key to the genera on the plan of the most recent
+botanical arrangement, but for horticultural purposes it is necessary
+that the two genera Echinopsis and Pilocereus should be kept up. They
+come next to Cereus, and are distinguished as follows:
+
+ECHINOPSIS. Stem as in Echinocactus, but the flowers are produced low
+down from the side of the stem, and the flower tube is long and curved.
+
+PILOCEREUS. Stem tall, columnar, bearing long silky hairs as well as
+spines; flowers in a head on the top of the stem, rarely produced.
+
+With the aid of this key anyone ought to be able to make out to what
+genus a particular Cactus belongs, and by referring to the descriptions
+of the species, he may succeed in making out what the plant is.
+
+For the classification of Cactuses, botanists rely mainly on their
+floral organs and fruit. We may, therefore, take a plant of
+Phyllocactus, with which most of us are familiar, and, by observing the
+structure of its flowers, obtain some idea of the botanical characters
+of the whole order.
+
+Phyllocactus has thin woody stems and branches composed of numerous long
+leaf-like joints, growing out of one another, and resembling thick
+leaves joined by their ends. Along the sides of these joints there are
+numerous notches, springing from which are the large handsome flowers.
+On looking carefully, we perceive that the long stalk-like expansion is
+not a stalk, because it is above the seed vessel, which is, of course, a
+portion of the flower itself. It is a hollow tube, and contains the long
+style or connection between the seed vessel and the stigma, a (Fig. 2).
+This tube, then, must be the calyx, and the small scattered scale-like
+bodies, b (Fig. 2), which clothe the outside, are really calyx lobes.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 2.--FLOWER OF PHYLLOCACTUS, CUT LENGTHWISE.
+
+a, Calyx Tube. b, Calyx Lobes. c, Ditto, assuming the form of Petals. d,
+Stamens. e, Style. f, Ovary or Seed Vessel.]
+
+Nearer the top of the flower, these calyx lobes are better developed,
+until, surrounding the corolla, we find them assuming the form and
+appearance of petals, c (Fig. 2). The corolla is composed of a large
+number of long strap-shaped pointed petals, very thin and delicate,
+often beautifully coloured, and generally spreading outwards. Springing
+from the bases of these petals, we find the stamens, d (Fig. 2), a great
+number of them, forming a bunch of threads unequal in length, and
+bearing on their tips the hay-seed-like anthers, which are attached to
+the threads by one of their points. The style is a long cylindrical
+body, e (Fig. 2), which stretches from the ovary to the top of the
+flower, where it splits into a head of spreading linear rays, 1/2 in. in
+length. When the flower withers, the seed vessel, f (Fig. 2), remains on
+the plant and expands into a large succulent fruit, inside which is a
+mass of pulpy matter, inclosing the numerous, small, black, bony seeds.
+
+It must not be supposed that all the genera into which Cactuses are
+divided are characterised by large flowers such as would render their
+study as easy as the genus taken as an illustration. In some, such for
+instance as the Rhipsalis, the flowers are small, and therefore less
+easy to dissect than those of Phyllocactus.
+
+The stems of Cactuses show a very wide range of variation in size, in
+form, and in structure. In size, we have the colossal Cereus giganteus,
+whose straight stems when old are as firm as iron, and rise with many
+ascending arms or rear their tall leafless trunks like ships' masts to a
+height of 60 ft. or 70 ft. From this we descend through a multitude of
+various shapes and sizes to the tiny tufted Mamillarias, no larger than
+a lady's thimble, or the creeping Rhipsalis, which lies along the hard
+ground on which it grows, and looks like hairy caterpillars. In form,
+the variety is very remarkable. We have the Mistletoe Cactus, with the
+appearance of a bunch of Mistletoe, berries and all; the Thimble Cactus;
+the Dumpling Cactus; the Melon Cactus; the Turk's cap Cactus; the
+Rat's-tail Cactus; the Hedgehog Cactus; all having a resemblance to the
+things whose names they bear. Then there is the Indian Fig, with
+branches like battledores, joined by their ends; the Epiphyllum and
+Phyllocactus, with flattened leaf-like stems; the columnar spiny Cereus,
+with deeply channelled stems and the appearance of immense candelabra.
+Totally devoid of leaves, and often skeleton-like in appearance, these
+plants have a strange look about them, which is suggestive of some
+fossilised forms of vegetation belonging to the past ages of the
+mastodon, the elk, and the dodo, rather than to the living things of
+to-day.
+
+By far the greater part of the species of Cactuses belong to the group
+with tall or elongated stems. "It is worthy of remark that as the stems
+advance in age the angles fill up, or the articulations disappear, in
+consequence of the slow growth of the woody axis and the gradual
+development of the cellular substance; so that, at the end of a number
+of years, all the branches of Cactuses, however angular or compressed
+they originally may have been, become trunks that are either perfectly
+cylindrical, or which have scarcely any visible angles."
+
+A second large group is that of which the Melon and Hedgehog Cactuses
+are good representatives, which have sphere-shaped stems, covered with
+stout spines. We have hitherto spoken of the Cactuses as being without
+leaves, but this is only true of them when in an old or fully-developed
+state. On many of the stems we find upon their surface, or angles, small
+tubercles, which, when young, bear tiny scale-like leaves. These,
+however, soon wither and fall off, so that, to all appearance, leaves
+are never present on these plants. There is one exception, however, in
+the Barbadoes Gooseberry (Pereskia), which bears true and persistent
+leaves; but these may be considered anomalous in the order.
+
+The term "succulent" is applied to Cactuses because of the large
+proportion of cellular tissue, i.e., flesh, of their stems, as compared
+with the woody portion. In some of them, when young, the woody system
+appears to be altogether absent, and they have the appearance of a mass
+of fleshy matter, like a vegetable marrow. This succulent mass is
+protected by a tough skin, often of leather-like firmness, and almost
+without the little perforations called breathing and evaporating pores,
+which in other plants are very numerous. This enables the Cactuses to
+sustain without suffering the full ardour of the burning sun and
+parched-up nature of the soil peculiar to the countries where they are
+native. Nature has endowed Cactuses with a skin similar to what she
+clothes many succulent fruits with, such as the Apple, Plum, Peach, &c.,
+to which the sun's powerful rays are necessary for their growth and
+ripening.
+
+The spiny coat of the majority of Cactuses is no doubt intended to serve
+as a protection from the wild animals inhabiting with them the sterile
+plains of America, and to whom the cool watery flesh of the Cactus would
+otherwise fall a prey. Indeed, these spines are not sufficient to
+prevent some animals from obtaining the watery insides of these plants,
+for we read that mules and wild horses kick them open and greedily
+devour their succulent flesh. It has also been suggested that the spines
+are intended to serve the plants as a sort of shade from the powerful
+sunshine, as they often spread over and interlace about the stems.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+CULTIVATION.
+
+
+By noting the conditions in which plants are found growing in a natural
+state, we obtain some clue to their successful management, when placed
+under conditions more or less artificial; and, in the case of Cactuses,
+knowledge of this kind is of more than ordinary importance. In the
+knowledge that, with only one or two exceptions, they will not exist in
+any but sunny lands, where, during the greater part of the year, dry
+weather prevails, we perceive what conditions are likely to suit them
+when under cultivation in our plant-houses.
+
+Cactuses are all American (using this term for the whole of the New
+World) with only one or two exceptions (several species of Rhipsalis
+have been found wild in Africa, Madagascar, and Ceylon), and, broadly
+speaking, they are mostly tropical plants, not-withstanding the fact of
+their extending to the snow-line on some of the Andean Mountains of
+Chili, where several species of the Hedgehog Cactus were found by
+Humboldt on the summit of rocks whose bases were planted in snow. In
+California, in Mexico and Texas, in the provinces of Central and South
+America, as far south as Chili, and in many of the islands contiguous to
+the mainland, the Cactus family has become established wherever warmth
+and drought, such as its members delight in, allowed them to get
+established. In many of the coast lands, they occur in very large
+numbers, forming forests of strange aspect, and giving to the landscape
+a weird, picturesque appearance. Humboldt, in his "Views of Nature,"
+says: "There is hardly any physiognomical character of exotic vegetation
+that produces a more singular and ineffaceable impression on the mind of
+the traveller than an arid plain, densely covered with columnar or
+candelabra-like stems of Cactuses, similar to those near Cumana, New
+Barcelona, Cora. and in the province of Jaen de Bracamoros." This
+applies also to some of the small islands of the West Indies, the hills
+or mountains of which are crowned with these curious-looking plants,
+whose singular shapes are alone sufficient to remind the traveller that
+he has reached an American coast; for these Cactuses are as peculiar a
+feature of the New World as the Heaths are in the Old, or as Eucalypti
+are in Australia.
+
+Although the Cactus order is, in its distribution by Nature, limited to
+the regions of America, yet it is now represented in various parts of
+the Old World by plants which are apparently as wild and as much at home
+as when in their native countries.
+
+The Indian Figs are, perhaps, the most widely distributed of Cactuses in
+the Old World-a circumstance due to their having been introduced for the
+sake of their edible fruits, and more especially for the cultivation of
+the cochineal insect. In various places along the shores of the
+Mediterranean, and in South Africa, and even in Australia, the Opuntias
+have become naturalised, and appear like aboriginal inhabitants. It is,
+however, only in warm sunny regions that the naturalisation of these
+plants is possible.
+
+From these facts, we are able to form some general idea of the
+conditions suitable for Cactuses when cultivated in our greenhouses;
+for, although we seldom have, or care to have, any but diminutive
+specimens of many of these plants as compared with their appearance when
+wild, yet we know that the same conditions as regards heat, light, and
+moisture are necessary for small Cactuses as for full-grown ones.
+
+Although the places in which Cactuses naturally abound are, for the
+greater portion of the year, very dry and warm, heavy rains are more or
+less frequent during certain periods, and these, often accompanied by
+extreme warmth and bright sunshine, have an invigorating and almost
+forcing effect on the growth of Cactuses. It is during this rainy period
+that the whole of the growth is made, and new life is, as it were, given
+to the plant, its reservoir-like structure enabling it to store up a
+large amount of food and moisture, so that on the return of dry weather
+the safety of the plant is insured.
+
+It is to the management of Cactuses in a small state, such as is most
+convenient for our plant-houses, and not to the cultivation of those
+colossal species referred to above, that the instructions given here
+will be for the most part devoted; but, as in the case of almost every
+one of our cultivated plants, it is important to the cultivator to know
+something of the conditions which Nature has provided for Cactuses in
+those lands where they are native.
+
+There is nothing in the nature or the requirements of Cactuses that
+should render their successful management beyond the means of anyone who
+possesses a small, heated greenhouse, or even a window recess to which
+sunlight can be admitted during some portion of the day. In large
+establishments, such as Kew, it is possible to provide a spacious house
+specially for the cultivation of an extensive collection, where many of
+them may attain a good size before becoming too big. And it will be
+evident that where a house such as that at Kew can be afforded, much
+more satisfactory results may generally be obtained, than if plants have
+to be provided for in a house containing various other plants, or in the
+window of a dwelling-room. Apart altogether from size, it is, however,
+possible to grow a collection of Cactuses, and to grow them well, in a
+house of small dimensions--given the amount of sunlight and heat which
+are required by these plants. We sometimes see Cactuses--specimens,
+too, of choice and rare kinds--which have been reared in a cottager's
+window or in a small greenhouse, and which in health and beauty have at
+least equalled what has been accomplished in the most elaborately
+prepared houses. It may be said that these successes, under conditions
+of the most limited kind, are accidental rather than the result of
+properly understood treatment; but however they have been brought about,
+these instances of good cultivation are sufficient to show that success
+is possible, even where the means are of the simplest or most restricted
+kind. Whether it be in a large house, fitted with the best arrangements,
+or in the window of the cottager, the conditions essential to the
+successful cultivation of Cactuses are practically the same.
+
+In Wardian Cases.--Many of our readers will be acquainted with the neat
+little glass cases, like greenhouses in shape, and fitted up in much the
+same way, which are sometimes to be seen in our markets, filled with a
+collection of miniature Cactuses. To the professional gardener, these
+cases are playthings, and are looked upon by him as bearing about the
+same relation to gardening as a child's doll's house does to
+housekeeping. Not-withstanding this, they are the source of much
+interest, and even of instruction, to many of the millions to whom a
+greenhouse or serious gardening is an impossibility. In these little
+cases--for which we are indebted to Mr. Boller, a dealer in Cactaceous
+plants--it is possible to grow a collection of tiny Cactuses for years,
+if only the operations of watering, potting, ventilating, and other
+matters connected with ordinary plant growing, are properly attended to.
+
+In Window Recesses.--In the window recess larger specimens may be
+grown, and here it is possible to grow and flower successfully many of
+the plants of the Cactus family. In a window with a south aspect, and
+which lights a room where fires are kept, at least during cold weather,
+specimens of Phyllocactus, Cereus flagelliformis, Epiphyllum, and, in
+fact, of almost every kind of Cactus, are sometimes to be met with even
+in England; whilst in Germany they are as popular among the poorer
+classes as the Fuchsia, the Pelargonium, and the Musk are with us. One
+of the commonest of Cactuses in the latter country is the Rat's-tail
+Cactus (Cereus flagelliformis), and it is no unusual thing to see a
+large window of a cottager's dwelling thickly draped on the inside with
+the long, tail-like growths and handsome rose-coloured flowers of this
+plant. This is only one among dozens of species, all equally useful for
+window gardening, and all as interesting and beautiful as those above
+described.
+
+In Greenhouses.--For the greenhouse proper, Cactuses are well adapted,
+either as the sole occupants or as suitable for such positions as are
+afforded by shelves or baskets placed near the roof glass. If the
+greenhouse is not fitted with heating arrangements, then, by selecting
+only those species of Cactus that are known to thrive in a position
+where, during winter, they are kept safe out of the reach of frost (of
+which a large number are known) a good collection of these plants may be
+grown. In heated structures the selection of kinds may be made according
+to the space available, and to the conditions under which they will be
+expected to grow. Fig. 3 represents a section of a house for Cactuses,
+which will afford a good idea of the kind of structure best suited for
+them. The aspect is due south.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 3. SECTION OF HOUSE FOR CACTUSES--A,A, Hot-water
+Pipes; B,B, Ventilators.]
+
+When grown on their own roots, the Epiphyllums, as well as the
+pendent-growing kinds of Rhipsalis, and several species of Cereus, may
+be placed in baskets and suspended from the roof. The baskets should be
+lined with thin slices of fibrous peat, and the whole of the middle
+filled with the compost recommended for these plants under "Soil". When
+well managed, some very pretty objects are formed by the Epiphyllums
+grown as basket plants. The climbing Cactuses are usually planted in a
+little mound composed of loam and brick rubble, and their stems either
+trained along rafters or allowed to run up the back wall of a
+greenhouse, against which they root freely, and are generally capable of
+taking care of themselves with very little attention from the gardener.
+
+In Frames.--For cultivation in frames, the conditions are the same as
+for greenhouses. Even when grown in the latter, it will be found
+conducive to the health and flowering of the plants if, during the
+summer months, they can be placed in a frame with a south aspect,
+removing them back to the house again on the decline of summer weather.
+Wherever the place selected for Cactuses may be, whether in a large
+plant-house, or a frame, or a window, it is of vital importance to the
+plants that the position should be exposed to bright sunshine during
+most of the day. Without sunlight, they can no more thrive than a
+Pelargonium could without water. In Germany, many growers of almost all
+the kinds of Cactuses place their young plants in frames, which are
+prepared as follows: In April or May a hot-bed of manure and leaves is
+prepared, and a frame placed upon it, looking south. Six inches of soil
+is put on the top of the bed, and in this, as soon as the temperature of
+the bed has fallen to about 70 deg., the young plants are placed in
+rows. The frames are kept close even in bright weather, except when
+there is too much moisture inside, and the plants are syringed twice
+daily in dry, hot weather. The growth they make under this treatment is
+astonishing. By the autumn the plants are ready to be ripened by
+exposure to sun and air, and in September they are lifted, planted in
+pots, and sent to market for sale. This method may be adopted in
+England, and if carefully managed, the growth the plants would make
+would far exceed anything ever accomplished when they are kept
+permanently in pots.
+
+Out-of-doors.--There are some kinds which may be grown out of doors
+altogether, if planted on a sunny, sheltered position, on a rockery. The
+most successful plan is that followed at Kew, where a collection of the
+hardier species is planted in a rockery composed of brick rubble and
+stones. During summer the plants are exposed; but when cold weather and
+rains come, lights are placed permanently over the rockery, and in this
+way it is kept comparatively dry. No fire-heat or protection of any
+other kind is used, and the vigorous growth, robust health, and
+floriferousness of the several species are proofs of the fitness of the
+treatment for this class of plants.
+
+In any garden where a few square yards in a sunny, well-drained position
+can be afforded for a raised rockery, the hardy Cactuses may be easily
+managed. To make a suitable rockery, proceed as follows: Find a position
+against the south wall of a house, greenhouse, or shed, and against this
+wall construct a raised rockery of brick rubble, lime rubbish, stones
+(soft sandstone, if possible), and fibrous loam. The rockery when
+finished should be, say, 4 ft. wide, and reach along the wall as far as
+required; the back of the rockery would extend about 2 ft. above the
+ground level, and fall towards the front. Fix in the wall, 1 ft. or so
+above the rockery, a number of hooks at intervals all along, to hold in
+position lights sufficiently long to cover the rockery from the wall to
+the front, where they could be supported by short posts driven in the
+ground. The lights should be removed during summer to some shed, and
+brought out for use on the approach of winter. Treated in this manner,
+the following hardy species could not fail to be a success:
+
+Opuntia Rafinesquii and var. arkansana, O. vulgaris, O. brachyarthra, O.
+Picolominiana, O. missouriensis, O. humilis, Cereus Fendleri, C.
+Engelmanni, C. gonacanthus, C. phoeniceus, Echinocactus Simpsoni, E.
+Pentlandii, Mamillaria vivipara.
+
+Having briefly pointed out the various positions in which Cactuses may
+be cultivated successfully, we will now proceed to treat in detail the
+various operations which are considered as being of more or less
+importance in their management. These are potting, watering, and
+temperatures, after which propagation by means of seeds, cuttings, and
+grafting, hybridisation, seed saving, &c., and diseases and noxious
+insects will be treated upon.
+
+Soil.--The conditions in which plants grow naturally, are what we
+usually try to imitate for their cultivation artificially. At all
+events, such is supposed to be theoretically right, however difficult we
+may often find it to be in practice. Soil in some form or other is
+necessary to the healthy existence of all plants; and we know that the
+nature of the soil varies with that of the plants growing in it, or, in
+other words, certain soils are necessary to certain plants, whether in a
+state of nature or cultivated in gardens. But, whilst admitting that
+Nature, when intelligently followed, would not lead us far astray, we
+must be careful not to follow her too strictly when dealing with the
+management of plants in gardens. There are other circumstances besides
+the nature of the soil by which plants are influenced. Soil is only one
+of the conditions on which plants depend, and where the other conditions
+are not exactly the same in our gardens as in nature, it is often found
+necessary to employ a different soil from that in which the plants grow
+when wild.
+
+It has been stated that plants do not grow naturally in the soil best
+suited for them, and that the reason why many plants are found in
+peculiar places is not at all because they prefer them, but because they
+alone are capable of existing there, or because they take refuge there
+from the inroads of stouter neighbours who would destroy them or crowd
+them out. There are, as every gardener knows, numerous plants that
+succeed equally well in widely different soils, and a soil which may be
+suitable for a plant in one place, may prove totally unsuited in
+another. Hence it is why we find one gardener recommending one kind of
+soil, and another a different one, for the same plant, both answering
+equally well because of other conditions fitting better with each soil.
+This helps us to understand how it is that many garden subjects grow
+much better when planted in composts often quite different from those
+the plants are found in when wild. Few plants have a particular
+predilection for soil, and some have what we may call the power to adapt
+themselves to conditions often widely different.
+
+In Cactuses we have a family of plants for which special conditions are
+necessary; and, as regards soil, whether we are guided by nature or by
+gardening experience, we are led to conclude that almost all of them
+thrive only when planted in one kind, that soil being principally loam.
+Plants which are limited in nature to sandy, sun-scorched plains or the
+glaring sides of rocky hills and mountains, where scarcely any other
+form of vegetation can exist, are not likely to require much decayed
+vegetable humus, but must obtain their food from inorganic substances,
+such as loam, sand, or lime. So it is with them when grown in our
+houses. They are healthiest and longest-lived when planted in a loamy
+soil; and although they may be grown fairly well for a time when placed
+in a compost of loam and leaf mould, or loam and peat, yet the growth
+they make is generally too sappy and weak; it is simply fat without
+bone, which, when the necessary resting period comes round, either rots
+or gradually dries up. In preparing soil, therefore, for all Cactuses
+(except Epiphyllum and Rhipsalis, which will be treated separately) a
+good, rather stiff loam, with plenty of grass fibre in it, should form
+the principal ingredient, sand and, if obtainable, small brick rubble
+being added--one part of each of the latter to six parts of the former.
+The brick rubble should be pounded up so that the largest pieces are
+about the size of hazel nuts. Lime rubbish, i.e., old plaster from
+buildings, &c., is sometimes recommended for Cactuses, but it does not
+appear to be of any use except as drainage. At Kew its use has been
+discontinued, and it is now generally condemned by all good cultivators.
+Of course, the idea that lime was beneficial to Cactuses sprang from the
+knowledge that it existed in large quantities in the soil in which the
+plants grew naturally, and it is often found in abundance, in the form
+of oxalate of lime, in the old stems of the plants. But in good loam,
+lime, in the state of chalk, is always present, and this, together with
+the lime contained in the brick rubble, is sufficient to supply the
+plants with as much as they require.
+
+For Epiphyllums and Rhipsalis, both of which are epiphytal naturally,
+but which are found to thrive best in pots in our houses, a mixture of
+equal parts of peat and loam with sand and brick rubble in the same
+proportion as before recommended, will be found most suitable. Leaf
+mould is sometimes used for these plants; but unless really good it is
+best left out of the soil. The finest Epiphyllums have been grown in a
+soil which consists almost wholly of a light fibry loam, with the
+addition of a little crushed bones.
+
+Potting.--Cactuses, when healthy, are injuriously affected by frequent
+disturbance at the roots. On the arrival of the potting season, which
+for these plants is in April and May, established plants should be
+examined at the root, and if the roots are found to be in a healthy
+condition, and the soil sweet, they should be replaced in the same pots
+to continue in them another year. If the roots are decayed, or the soil
+has become sour, it should be shaken away from the roots, which must be
+examined, cutting away all decayed portions, and shortening the longest
+roots to within a few inches of the base of the plant. Cactuses are so
+tenacious of life, and appear to rely so little on their roots, that it
+will be found the wisest plan, when repotting them, to cut the roots
+thoroughly.
+
+The size of pots most suitable is what would be considered small in
+comparison with other plants, Cactuses preferring to be somewhat cramped
+in this respect. This, indeed, is how they are found when wild, the
+roots generally fixing themselves in the crevices of the rocks or stones
+about which the plants grow, so that a large specimen is often found to
+have only a few inches of space in the cleft of a rock for the whole of
+its roots. When thus limited, growth is firmer and the flowers are
+produced in much greater profusion than when a liberal amount of root
+space is afforded. The pots should be well drained-about one-fifth of
+their depth filled with drainage when intended for large, strong-growing
+kinds, and one-third for the smaller ones, such as Mamillarias. A layer
+of rough fibry material should be placed over the crocks to prevent the
+finer soil from stopping the drainage. When filling in the soil, press
+it down firmly, spreading the roots well amongst it, and keeping the
+base of the plant only an inch or so below the surface.
+
+For plants with weak stems, stakes will be necessary, and even
+stout-stemmed kinds, when their roots are not sufficient to hold them
+firmly, will do best if fastened to one or two strong stakes till they
+have made new roots and got firm hold of the soil. Epiphyllums, when
+grown as standards, should be tied to strong wire supports, those with
+three short, prong-like legs being most desirable, as, owing to the
+weight of the head of the plant, a single stake is not sufficient to
+hold the whole firmly. After potting, no water should be given for a few
+weeks. In fact, if the atmosphere in which the plants are placed be kept
+a little moist, it will not be necessary to water them till signs of
+fresh growth are perceived. For Epiphyllums and Rhipsalis, water will be
+required earlier than this; but even they are best left for a few days
+without water, after they have been repotted. As soon as fresh growth is
+perceived, the plants may be well watered, and from this time water may
+be supplied as often as the soil approaches dryness. Newly-imported
+plants, which on arrival are usually much shrivelled and rootless,
+should be potted in rather dry soil and small pots, and treated as
+recommended above. Cactuses, we must remember, contain an abundance of
+nourishment stored up in their stems, and upon this they will continue
+to exist for a considerable time without suffering; and, when their
+growing season comes round, root action commences whether the soil is
+wet or dry, the latter being the most favourable.
+
+Plants altogether exposed to the air will push roots in due time. A
+remarkable instance of this has been recorded by Mr. J. R. Jackson,
+curator of the museums at Kew. A plant of Pilocereus senilis, which had
+grown too tall for the house, was cut off at the base, and placed in the
+museum as a specimen. Here it gradually dried up to within 2 ft. of the
+top, where a fracture across the stem had been made. Above this the stem
+remained fresh and healthy, and, on examining it some months afterwards,
+it was found that not only had the top of the stem remained green, but
+it had formed roots of its own, which had grown down the dead lower
+portion of the stem, and were in a perfectly healthy state. When it is
+remembered that all this happened in the dry atmosphere of a museum, it
+will be apparent how exceptional Cactuses are in their manner of growth,
+and in the wonderful tenacity of life they exhibit under conditions
+which would destroy the majority of plants in a very short time. We
+sometimes find, when examining the bases of Cactus stems, that decay has
+commenced; this is carefully cut out with a sharp knife, and the wound
+exposed to the action of the air till it is perfectly dry, or, as we
+term it, "callused."
+
+Watering.--It will have peen gathered from what has been previously
+said in relation to the conditions under which the majority of the
+plants of the Cactus family grow when wild, that during their season of
+growth they require a good supply of moisture, both at the root and
+overhead; and afterwards a somewhat lengthened period of rest, that is,
+almost total dryness, accompanied by all the sunlight possible, and
+generally a somewhat high temperature. The growing season for all those
+kinds which require to be kept dry when at rest is from the end of April
+to the middle of August, and during this time they should be kept
+moderately moist, but not constantly saturated, which, however, is not
+likely to occur if the water is not carelessly supplied, and the
+drainage and soil are perfect. This treatment corresponds with what
+happens to Cactuses in a wild state, the frequent and heavy rains which
+occur in the earlier part of the summer in the American plains supplying
+the amount of moisture necessary to enable these plants to make fresh
+growth, and produce their beautiful flowers and spine-clothed fruits.
+After August, little or no rain falls, and the Cactuses assume a rather
+shrivelled appearance, which gives them an unhealthy look, but which is
+really a sign of ripeness, promising a plentiful crop of flowers when
+the rainy season again returns.
+
+As the sun in England is not nearly so powerful as in the hot plains of
+Central America and the Southern States of North America, where Cactuses
+are found in greatest abundance, it will be evident that, if flowers are
+to be produced, we must see that our plants have a sufficiency of water
+in early summer, and little or none during the autumn and winter, whilst
+the whole year round they should be exposed to all the sunlight
+possible, the temperature, of course, varying with the requirements of
+the species, whether it is a native of tropical or of temperate regions.
+It is important that the cultivator should understand that if water is
+liberally supplied all through the summer, the plants cannot obtain the
+rest which is necessary to their ripening and producing flowers, as
+dryness at the root alone is not sufficient to provide this, but must be
+accompanied by exposure to bright sunlight, which is not possible in
+England during winter, so that the ripening process must begin before
+the summer is over.
+
+It is possible to preserve most Cactuses alive by keeping them
+constantly growing; but, with very few exceptions, such treatment
+prevents the plants from flowering. The following is what is practised
+in the gardens where Cactuses are successfully cultivated. For the
+genera Cereus, Echinopsis, Echinocactus, Mamillaria, Opuntia, and
+Melocactus, a moist tropical house is provided, and in April the plants
+are freely watered at the root, and syringed overhead both morning and
+afternoon on all bright days. This treatment is continued till the end
+of July, when syringing is suspended, and the water supplied to the
+roots gradually reduced. By the end of August, the plants are placed in
+a large light frame with a south aspect, except the tall-growing kinds,
+which are too bulky to remove. In this frame the plants are kept till
+the summer is over, and are watered only about once a week should the
+sun be very powerful. The lights are removed on all bright sunny days,
+but are kept on during wet or dull weather, and at night. Under this
+treatment, many of the species assume a reddish appearance, and the
+thick fleshy-stemmed kinds generally shrivel somewhat. There is no
+occasion for alarm in the coloured and shrivelled appearance of the
+plants: on the contrary, it may be hailed as a good sign for flowers.
+
+A common complaint in relation to Cacti as flowering plants is that they
+grow all right but rarely or never flower. The explanation of this is
+shown by the fact that the plants must be properly ripened and rested
+before they can produce flowers. On the approach of cold weather the
+plants which were removed to a frame to be ripened should be brought
+back into the house for the winter, and kept quite dry at the roots till
+the return of spring, when their flowers will be developed either before
+or soon after the watering season again commences.
+
+Hitherto we have been dealing with those genera which have thick fleshy
+stems; but there still remain the genera Rhipsalis, Epiphyllum, and
+Phyllocactus, which are not capable of bearing the long period of
+drought advised for the former. The last-mentioned genus should,
+however, be kept almost dry at the root during winter, and, if placed in
+a light, airy house till the turn of the year, the branches will ripen,
+and set their flower buds much more readily than when they are wintered
+in a moist, partially-shaded house. During summer all the Phyllocactuses
+delight in plenty of water, and, when growing freely, a weak solution of
+manure affords them good food. Epiphyllums must be kept always more or
+less moist at the root, though, of course, when growing freely, they
+require more water than when growth has ceased for the year, which
+happens late in autumn. The same rule applies to Rhipsalis, none of the
+species of which are happy when kept long dry. For the several species
+of Opuntia and Echinopsis, which are sufficiently hardy to be cultivated
+on a sunny rockery out of doors, it will be found a wise precaution to
+place either a pane of glass or a handlight over the plants in wet
+autumns and during winter, not so much to serve as protection from cold
+as to shield them from an excess of moisture at a time when it would
+prove injurious.
+
+Temperature.--As the amount of heat required by the different species
+of Cactus varies very considerably, and as the difference between the
+summer and winter temperatures for them is often as great as it is
+important, it will be as well if we mention the temperature required by
+each when describing the species. It is true that the majority of
+Cactuses may be kept alive in one house where all would be subjected to
+the same temperature, but many of the plants would merely exist, and
+could not possibly flower. It would be easy to point to several
+instances of this unsatisfactory state of things. At Kew, for example,
+owing to the arrangements necessary for the public, it is found
+convenient to have the majority of the large collection of Cactuses in
+one house, where the plants present an imposing appearance, but where,
+as might be expected, a good number of the species very rarely produce
+flowers. The Cactuses which inhabit the plains of the Southern United
+States are subjected to a very high summer temperature, and a winter of
+intense cold; whilst on the other hand the species found in Central and
+South America do not undergo nearly so wide an extreme, the difference
+between the summer and winter temperatures of these countries being
+generally much less marked. A word will be said under each species as to
+whether it is tropical, temperate, or hardy, a tropical temperature for
+Cacti being in summer 70 degs., rising to 90 degs. with sun heat, night
+temperature 60 degs. to 70 degs., in winter 60 degs. to 65 degs. Temperate:
+in summer 60 degs., rising to 75 degs. with sun heat, night 60 degs. to
+65 degs., in winter 50 degs. to 55 degs. The hardy species will, of course,
+bear the ordinary temperatures of this country; but, to enable them to
+withstand a very cold winter, they must be kept as dry as possible. In
+the colder parts of England it is not advisable to leave any of these
+plants outside during winter.
+
+Insect Pests.--Notwithstanding the thickness of skin characteristic of
+almost every one of the Cactuses, they are frequently attacked by
+various kinds of garden pests when under cultivation, and more
+especially by mealy bug. There is, of course, no difficulty in removing
+such insects from the species with few or no spines upon their stems;
+but when the plants are thickly covered with clusters of spines and
+hairs, the insects are not easily got rid of. For Cactuses, as well as
+for other plants subject to this most troublesome insect, various kinds
+of insecticide have been recommended; but the best, cheapest, and most
+effectual with which we are acquainted is paraffin, its only drawback
+being the injury it does to the plants when applied carelessly, or when
+not sufficiently diluted. A wineglassful of the oil, added to a gallon
+of soft water, and about 2oz. of soft soap, the whole to be kept
+thoroughly mixed by frequently stirring it, forms a solution strong
+enough to destroy mealy bug. In applying this mixture, a syringe should
+be used, or, if the plants are to be dipped overhead, care must be taken
+to have the oil thoroughly diffused through the water, or the plant,
+when lifted out, will be covered with pure paraffin, which does not mix
+properly with water, but swims upon the surface if allowed to stand for
+a few moments. The plants should be laid on their sides to be syringed
+with the mixture, and after they have been thoroughly wetted, they may
+be allowed to stand for a few minutes before being syringed with pure
+water. Plants that are badly infested with mealy bug should be syringed
+with the paraffin mixture once a day, for about a week. It is easy to do
+serious harm to these plants by using a stronger solution than is here
+recommended, and also by not properly mixing the oil with the soap and
+water; and the amateur cannot, therefore, be too careful in his use of
+this excellent insecticide. It would be easy to recommend other
+insecticides, so called, for Cactuses; but whilst they are less
+dangerous to the plants, they are often as harmless as pure water to the
+insects.
+
+For scale, which sometimes infests these plants, and which is sometimes
+found upon them when wild, the paraffin may be used with good effect.
+
+Thrips attack Phyllocactus, Rhipsalis, and Epiphyllum, especially when
+the plants are grown in less shade, or in a higher temperature, than is
+good for them. Fumigation with tobacco, dipping in a strong solution of
+tobacco, or sponging with a mixture of soap and water, are either of
+them effectual when applied to plants infested with thrips. The same may
+be said of green-fly, which sometimes attacks the Epiphyllums.
+
+A blight, something similar to mealy bug, now and again appears on the
+roots of some of the varieties of Echinocactus and Cereus. This may be
+destroyed by dipping the whole of the roots in the mixture recommended
+for the stems when infested by mealy bug, and afterwards allowing them
+to stand for a few minutes immersed in pure water. They may then be
+placed where they will dry quickly, and finally, in a day or two,
+repotted into new compost, first removing every particle of the old soil
+from the roots.
+
+Diseases.--When wild and favourably situated as regards heat and
+moisture, the larger kinds of Cactus are said to live to a great age,
+some of the tree kinds, according to Humboldt, bearing about them signs
+of having existed several hundred years. The same remarkable longevity,
+most likely, is found in the smaller kinds when wild. Under artificial
+cultivation there are, however, many conditions more or less
+unfavourable to the health of plants, and, in the case of Cactuses, very
+large specimens, when imported from their native haunts to be placed in
+our glass houses, soon perish. At Kew, there have been, at various
+times, very fine specimens of some of the largest-growing ones, but they
+have never lived longer than a year or so, always gradually shrinking in
+size till, finally, owing to the absence of proper nourishment, and to
+other untoward conditions, they have broken down and rotted. This
+rotting of the tissue, or flesh, of these plants is the great enemy to
+their cultivation in England. When it appears, it should be carefully
+cut out with a sharp knife, and exposed to the influence of a perfectly
+dry atmosphere for a few days till the wound has dried, when the plant
+should be potted in a sandy compost and treated as for cuttings.
+Sometimes the decay begins in the side of the stem of the plant, in
+which case it should be cut away, and the wound exposed to a dry air.
+The cause of this decay at the base or in the side of the stems of
+Cactuses is no doubt debility, which is the result of the absence of
+some necessary condition when the plants are cultivated in houses or
+windows in this country.
+
+Grafted plants, especially Epiphyllums, when worked on to Pereskia
+stocks, are apt to grow weak and flabby through the stem wearing out, or
+through the presence of mealy bug or insects in the crevices of the part
+where the stock and scion join, in which case it is best to prepare
+fresh stocks of Pereskia, and graft on to them the best of the pieces of
+Epiphyllum from the old, debilitated plant. It is no use trying to get
+such plants to recover, as, when once this disease or weakness begins,
+it cannot easily be stopped.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+PROPAGATION.
+
+
+Cactuses may be multiplied from cuttings of the stems, from seeds, and
+also by means of grafting; this last method being adopted for those
+species which, under cultivation, are not easily kept in health when
+growing upon their own roots, or, as in the case of Epiphyllums, when it
+offers a means of speedily forming large and shapely specimens. From
+seeds the plants are generally freer in growth than when cuttings are
+used, although the seedlings are longer in growing into flowering
+specimens than large cuttings would be. To the amateur, the process of
+germination and development from the seedling to the mature stage, is
+full of interest and attraction, the changes from one form to another as
+the plant develops being very marked in most of the genera.
+
+Seeds.--Good fresh seeds of Cactaceous plants germinate in from two to
+four weeks after sowing, if placed in a warm house or on a hotbed with a
+temperature of 80 degs. If sown in a lower temperature, the time they
+take to vegetate is longer; but, unless in a very low degree of heat,
+the seeds, if good, and if properly managed as regards soil and water,
+rarely fail to germinate. For all the kinds, pots or pans containing
+drainage to within 2 in. of the top, and then filled up with finely
+sifted loam and sand, three parts of the former to one of the latter,
+and pressed down moderately firm, will be found to answer. If the soil
+be moist at the time of sowing the seeds, it will not be necessary to
+water it for a day or two. The seeds should be scattered thinly over the
+surface of the soil, and then covered with about 1/8 in. of soil. Over
+this, a pane of glass may be placed, and should remain till the
+seedlings appear above the soil. Should the position where the seeds are
+to be raised be in a room window, this pane of glass will be found very
+useful in preventing the dry air of the room from absorbing all the
+moisture from the soil about the seeds. For the germination of Cactus,
+and indeed of all seeds, a certain amount of moisture must be constantly
+present in the soil; and after a seed has commenced to grow, to allow it
+to get dry is to run the risk of killing it.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 4.--SEEDLINGS OF CEREUS. a, One month after
+ germination. b, Two months after germination. C, Three months after
+ germination. (Magnified six times,).]
+
+The seeds of Cactuses may be sown at anytime in the year; but it is best
+to sow in spring, as, after germinating, the young plants have the
+summer before them in which to attain sufficient strength to enable them
+to pass through the winter without suffering; whereas plants raised from
+autumn-sown seeds have often a poor chance of surviving through the
+winter, unless treated with great care. The seeds of all Cactuses are
+small, and therefore the seedlings are at first tiny globular masses of
+watery flesh, very different from what we find in the seedlings of
+ordinary garden plants. The form of the seedling of a species of Cereus
+is shown at Fig. 4, and its transition from a small globule-like mass of
+flesh to the spine-clothed stem, which characterises this genus, is also
+represented. At a we see the young plant after it has emerged from the
+seed, the outer shell of which was attached to one of the sides of the
+aperture at the top till about a week before the drawing was made. At b,
+the further swelling and opening out, as it were, of what, in botanical
+language, is known as the cotyledon stage of development, will be seen;
+a month afterwards, this will have assumed the shape of a very small
+Cereus. It is interesting to note how the soft fleshy mass which first
+grows out of the seed is nothing more than a little bag of food with a
+tiny growing point fixed in its top, and that, as the growing point
+increases, the food bag decreases, till finally the whole of the latter
+becomes absorbed into the young stem, which is now capable of obtaining
+nourishment by means of its newly-formed roots.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 5.--SEEDLINGS OF OPUNTIA, SHOWING MODE OF
+GERMINATION. (Magnified three times).]
+
+In the genus Opuntia, the cotyledon stage (see Fig. 5) of the plant is
+different from that of the Cereus, and is more like that of a cucumber.
+Still, though the form is different, the purpose of the two cotyledons
+and the juicy stem in the seedling Opuntia is the same as in the Cereus;
+and, as the growing point develops, the cotyledons shrivel up and fall
+off, the plant food they contained having passed into that part of the
+young seedling which was to be permanent. The seedlings of these two
+genera serve as an illustration of the process of germination from seed
+of all the Cactuses; and it must be evident that there is much that is
+singular and full of interest in raising these plants from seeds. As
+soon as the seedlings are large enough to be handled, they may be
+planted separately in small pots, using a compost similar to, but
+slightly coarser than, that in which the seeds were sown. The soil
+should be kept moist till the summer is over; and after that, till the
+return of warm sunny weather, it will be found safest to keep the
+seedlings on the dry side, a little water only to be given at intervals
+of a week, and only when the sun is shining upon the plants.
+
+To obtain seeds from cultivated plants, it is necessary, in order to
+insure fertilisation that the top of the stigma (see Fig. 2) should be
+dusted over with the dust-like pollen from the anthers. This may be done
+by means of a small camel-hair brush, which should be moistened in the
+mouth and then pushed among the anthers till covered with pollen, which
+may then be gently rubbed on to the stigma. A warm, sunny morning is the
+most suitable time for this operation, as fertilisation takes place much
+more readily under the influence of bright sunshine than at any other
+time. Some of the kinds have their floral organs so arranged as to be
+capable of self-fertilisation; still, it is always as well to give them
+some assistance. The night-flowering species must, of course, be
+fertilised either at night or very early in the morning. By using the
+pollen from one kind for dusting on to the stigma of another, hybrids
+may be obtained, and it is owing to the readiness with which the plants
+of this family cross with each other, that so many hybrids and forms of
+the genera Epiphyllum and Phyllocactus have been raised. It would be
+useless to attempt such a cross as Epiphyllum with Cereus giganteus,
+because of their widely different natures; but such crosses as
+Epiphyllum with Phyllocactus, and Cereus flagelliformis with C.
+speciosissimus, have been brought about. To an enthusiast, the whole
+order offers a very good field for operations with a view to the
+production of new sorts, as the different kinds cross freely with each
+other, and the beautiful colours of the flowers would most likely
+combine so as to present some new and distinct varieties.
+
+Cuttings.--No plants are more readily increased from stem-cuttings than
+Cactuses; for, be the cutting 20 ft. high, or only as large as a thimble,
+it strikes root readily if placed in a warm temperature and kept
+slightly moist. We have already seen how, even in the dry atmosphere of
+a museum, a stem of Cereus, instead of perishing, emitted roots and
+remained healthy for a considerable time, and it would be easy to add to
+this numerous other instances of the remarkable tenacity of life
+possessed by these plants. At Kew, it is the common practice, when the
+large-growing specimens get too tall for the house in which they are
+grown, to cut off the top of the stem to a length of 6 ft. or 8 ft., and
+plant it in a pot of soil to form a new plant. The old base is kept for
+stock, as it often happens that just below the point where the stem was
+severed, lateral buds are developed, and these, when grown into
+branches, are removed and used as cuttings. Large Opuntias are treated
+in the same way, with the almost invariable result that even the largest
+branches root freely, and are in no way injured by what appears to be
+exceedingly rough treatment. Large cuttings striking root so freely, it
+must follow that small cuttings will likewise soon form roots, and, so
+far as our experience--which consists of some years with a very large
+collection of Cactuses--goes, there is not one species in cultivation
+which may not be easily multiplied by means of cuttings. The nature of a
+Cactus stem is so very different from the stems of most other plants,
+that no comparison can be made between them in respect of their
+root-developing power; the rooting of a Cactus cutting being as certain
+as the rooting of a bulb. The very soft, fleshy stems of some of the
+kinds such as the Echinocactus, should be exposed to the air for a time,
+so that the cut at the base may dry before it is buried in the soil. If
+the base of a plant decays, all that is necessary is the removal of the
+decayed portion, exposure of the wound to the air for two or three days,
+and then the planting of the cutting in a dry, sandy soil, and placing
+it in a warm moist house till rooted. All cuttings of Cactuses may be
+treated in this way. If anything proves destructive to these cuttings,
+it is excessive moisture in the soil, which must always be carefully
+guarded against.
+
+Grafting.--The object of grafting is generally either to effect certain
+changes in the nature of the scion, by uniting it with a stock of a
+character different from its own, which usually results in the better
+production of flowers, fruit, &c., or to multiply those plants which are
+not readily increased by the more ordinary methods of cuttings or seeds.
+In the case of Cactuses, however, we resort to grafting, not because of
+any difficulty in obtaining the kinds thus treated from either cuttings
+or seeds, as we have already seen that all the species of Cactuses grow
+freely from seed, or are easily raised from cuttings of their stems, nor
+yet to effect any change in the characters of the plants thus treated,
+but because some of the more delicate kinds, and especially the smaller
+ones, are apt to rot at the base during the damp, foggy weather of our
+winters; and, to prevent this, it is found a good and safe plan to graft
+them on to stocks formed of more robust kinds, or even on to plants of
+other genera, such as Cereus or Echinocactus. By this means, the
+delicate plants are raised above the soil whence the injury in winter
+usually arises, and they are also kept well supplied with food by the
+more robust and active nature of the roots of the plant upon which they
+are grafted. Grafting is also adopted for some of the Cactuses to add to
+the grotesqueness of their appearance; a spherical Echinocactus or
+Mamillaria being united to the columnar stem of another kind, so as to
+produce the appearance of a drum stick; or a large round-growing species
+grafted on to three such stems, which may then be likened to a globe
+supported upon three columns. As the species and genera unite freely
+with each other, it is possible to produce, by means of grafting, some
+very extraordinary-looking plants, and to a lover of the incongruous and
+"queer," these plants will afford much interest and amusement. Besides
+the above, we graft Epiphyllums, and the long drooping Cereuses, such as
+C. flagelliformis, because of their pendent habit, and which, therefore,
+are seen to better advantage when growing from the tall erect stem of
+some stouter kind, than if allowed to grow on their own roots. By
+growing a Pereskia on into a large plant, and then cutting it into any
+shape desired, we may, by grafting upon its spurs or branches a number
+of pieces of Epiphyllum, obtain large flowering specimens of various
+shapes in a comparatively short time. For general purposes, it is usual
+to graft Epiphyllums on to stems, about 1 ft. high, of Pereskia aculeata;
+pretty little standard plants being in this way formed in about a year
+from the time of grafting, As an instance of how easily some kinds may
+be grafted, we may note what was done with a large head of the
+Rat's-tail Cactus which had been grown for some years on the stem of
+Cereus rostratus, but which last year rotted off just below the point of
+union. On re-grafting this head on to the Cereus a little lower down, it
+failed to unite, and, attributing the failure to possible ill-health in
+the stock, we determined to transfer the Rat's-tail Cactus to a large
+stem of Pereskia aculeata, the result being a quick union and rapid,
+healthy growth since. Upon the same stock some grafts of Epiphyllum had
+previously been worked, so that it is probable these two aliens will
+form on their nurse-stem, the Pereskia, an attractive combination. In
+Fig. 6 we have a fine example of this kind of grafting. It represents a
+stem of Pereskia Bleo upon which the Rat's-tail Cactus and an Epiphyllum
+have been grafted.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 6. PERESKIA BLEO, WITH EPIPHYLLUM AND CEREUS
+FLAGELLIFORMIS GRAFTED UPON IT.]
+
+For most plants the operation of grafting must be carefully and
+skilfully performed, but in the case of Cactuses very little skill is
+necessary if one or two rules, which apply to all kinds of grafting, are
+observed. The period of vigorous growth, and while the sap of both the
+stock and the scion is in motion, is the most favourable time for the
+operation. It is then only necessary, in order to bring about a speedy
+union, that the parts grafted should be cut so as to fit each other
+properly, and then bound or in some way fastened together so that they
+will remain in close contact with each other till a union is effected. A
+close atmosphere and, if possible, a little shade should be afforded the
+worked plants till the grafts have taken. The ligature used should not
+be bound round the graft too tightly, or it will prevent the flow of the
+sap; if bound tightly enough to hold the parts together and to prevent
+their slipping, that will be found quite sufficient.
+
+Epiphyllums are treated as follows: Cuttings of Pereskia are rooted and
+grown on to the required size, and in the month of September they are
+headed down, the tops being used as cuttings. Grafts of Epiphyllum are
+then prepared by cutting them to the required length, usually about
+6 in., and removing a thin slice of the fleshy stem on each side so as to
+form a flat wedge. The stem of Pereskia is then split down about 1 in.
+with a sharp knife, and into this the wedge of the graft is inserted,
+and fastened either by means of a small pin passed through the stem and
+graft about half-way up the slit, or by binding round them a little
+worsted or matting, the former being preferred. The worked plants are
+then placed in a close handlight or propagating frame, having a
+temperature of about 75 degs., where they are kept moist by sprinkling
+them daily with water; they must be shaded from bright sunlight. As soon
+as a union has been effected, which will be seen by the grafts beginning
+to grow, the ligature and pin should be removed, and the plants
+gradually hardened off by admitting air to the box, till finally they
+may be removed to the house where it is intended to grow them. In a
+cottage window this operation may be successfully performed if a box
+with a movable glass top, or a large bell glass, be used to keep the
+grafts close till they have taken.
+
+For the spherical-stemmed kinds of Mamillaria, Cereus, Echinocactus,
+&c., a different method is found to answer. Instead of cutting the base
+of the graft to a wedge shape, it is simply cut across the base
+horizontally, or, in other words, a portion of the bottom of the graft
+is sliced off, and a stock procured which, when cut across the top, will
+about fit the wound at the base of the scion; the two sliced parts are
+placed together, and secured either by passing a piece of matting a few
+times over the top of the graft and under the pot containing the stock,
+or by placing three stakes around it in such a way that, when tied
+together at the top, they will hold the graft firmly in position.
+Another method is that of cutting the base of the scion in the form of a
+round wedge, and then scooping a hole out in the centre of the stock
+large enough to fit this wedge; the scion is pressed into this, and then
+secured in the manner above mentioned. To graft one spherical-stemmed
+kind on to three columnar-stemmed ones, the latter must first be
+established in one pot and, when ready for grafting, cut at the top into
+rounded wedges, three holes to correspond being cut into the scion. When
+fixed, the top should be securely fastened by tying it to the pot, or by
+means of stakes. For this last operation, a little patience and care are
+necessary to make the stocks and scions fit properly; but if the rules
+that apply to grafting are properly followed, there will be little fear
+of the operation failing. In the accompanying illustrations, we have a
+small Mamillaria stem grafted on to the apex of the tall
+quadrangular-stemmed, night-flowering Cereus (Fig. 7), and also a
+cylindrical-stemmed Opuntia worked on a branch of the flat,
+battledore-like Indian Fig (Fig. 8.)
+
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 7.--GRAFT OF MAMILLARIA RECURVA ON CEREUS
+NYCTICALUS.]
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 8.--GRAFT OF OPUNTIA DECIPIENS ON O. FICUS-INDICA.]
+
+In the hands of a skilful cultivator, the different Cactuses may be made
+to unite with one another almost as easily as clay under the moulder's
+hands; whilst even to the amateur, Cactuses afford the easiest of
+subjects for observing the results of grafting.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE GENUS EPIPHYLLUM.
+
+(From epi upon, and phyllon, a leaf).
+
+
+It is now about a century since some of the most beautiful of Cactaceous
+plants came into cultivation in this country, and amongst them was the
+plant now known as E. truncatum, but then called Cactus Epiphyllum; the
+name Cactus being used in a generic sense, and not, as now, merely as a
+general term for the Natural Order. Introduced so early, and at once
+finding great favour as a curious and beautiful flowering plant, E.
+truncatum has been, and is still, extensively cultivated, and numerous
+varieties of it have, as a consequence, originated in English gardens.
+We do not use the seeds of these plants for their propagation, unless
+new varieties are desired, when we must begin by fertilising the
+flowers, and thus obtain seeds, which should be sown and grown on till
+the plants flower.
+
+Epiphyllums have already "broken" from their original or wild
+characters, and are, therefore, likely to yield distinct varieties from
+the first sowing. In the forests which clothe the slopes of the Organ
+Mountains, in Brazil, the Epiphyllums are found in great abundance,
+growing upon the trunks and branches of large trees, and occasionally on
+the ground or upon rocks, up to an elevation of 6000 ft. It was here that
+Gardner, when travelling in South America, found E. truncatum growing in
+great luxuriance, and along with it the species known as E.
+Russellianum, which he sent to the Duke of Bedford's garden, at Woburn,
+in 1839. These two species are the only ones now recognised by
+botanists, all the other cultivated kinds being either varieties of, or
+crosses raised from, them. The character by which Epiphyllums are
+distinguished from other Cactuses, is their flattened, long, slender
+branches, which are formed of succulent, green, leaf-like branchlets,
+growing out of the ends of each other, to a length of from 3 ft. to 4 ft.
+As in the majority of Cactuses, the stems of Epiphyllum become woody and
+almost cylindrical with age, the axes of the branchlets swell out, and
+the edges either disappear or remain attached, like a pair of wings.
+
+Cultivation.--Epiphyllums require the temperature of an intermediate
+house in winter, whilst, in summer, any position where they can be kept
+a little close and moist, and be shaded from bright sunshine, will suit
+them. Remembering that their habit, when wild, is to grow upon the
+trunks of trees, where they would be afforded considerable shade by the
+overhanging branches, we cannot be wrong in shading them from direct
+sunshine during summer. Some growers recommend placing these plants in a
+hot, dry house; but we have never seen good specimens cultivated under
+such conditions. All through the summer months, the plants should be
+syringed both morning and evening; but by the end of August they will
+have completed their growth, and should, therefore, be gradually exposed
+to sunshine and air.
+
+It is advisable to discontinue the use of the syringe from September
+till the return of spring, but the plants should always be kept supplied
+with a little moisture at the root and in the air about them during the
+winter months. In this respect, these plants and the Rhipsalis are
+exceptions among Cactuses, as all the others are safest when kept dry
+during the cold, dull weather between September and April. The soil most
+suitable for them is a mixture of peat, loam, and sand, unless a light
+and fibrous loam be obtainable, which is, perhaps, the best of all soils
+for these plants, requiring only the addition of a little rotted manure
+or leaf-mould, silver sand, and some small brick rubble. The Pereskia
+stock is not a stout-rooted plant, and does not, therefore, require much
+root-room, although, by putting in plenty of broken crocks as drainage,
+the soil space in the pots may be reduced to what is considered
+sufficient for the plant. If small pots are used, the head of the plant
+is apt to overbalance the whole. The stems should be secured to stout
+stakes, and, if large, umbrella-like specimens are wanted, a frame
+should be made in the form of an umbrella, and the stem and branches
+fastened to it. Smaller plants may be kept in position by means of a
+single upright stake, which should be long enough to stand an inch or
+two above the head of the plant, so that the stoutest branches may be
+supported by attaching a piece of matting to them, and fastening it to
+the top of the stake. In the remarks upon grafting we mentioned the
+large pyramidal specimens of Epiphyllum which are grown by some
+cultivators for exhibition purposes; and, although these plants are much
+rarer at exhibitions now than they were a few years ago, yet they do
+sometimes appear, especially in the northern towns, such as Liverpool
+and Manchester.
+
+It would not be easy to find a more beautiful object during winter than
+an Epiphyllum, 5 ft. or 6 ft. high, and nearly the same in width at the
+base, forming a dense pyramid of drooping, strap-like branches bearing
+several hundreds of their bright and delicate coloured blossoms all at
+one time, and lasting in beauty for several weeks. With a little skill
+and patience, plants of this size may be grown by any amateur who
+possesses a warm greenhouse; and, although it is not easy to manage such
+large plants in a room window, handsome little specimens of the same
+form may be grown if the window is favourably situated and the room kept
+warm in winter. Mr. J. Wallis, gardener to G. Tomline, Esq., of Ipswich,
+has become famous for the size and health of the specimens he has
+produced. Writing on the cultivation of Epiphyllums, Mr. Wallis gives
+the following details, which are especially valuable as coming from one
+of the most successful cultivators of these beautiful plants:
+
+"The Epiphyllums here are grown for flowering in the conservatory, and
+are usually gay from the first week in November till February. During
+the remainder of the year, they occupy a three-quarter span-roof house,
+in which an intermediate temperature is maintained. All our Epiphyllums
+are grafted on the Pereskia aculeata. We graft a few at intervals of two
+or three years, so, if any of the older plants become sickly or shabby,
+they are thrown away, and the younger ones grown on. Some of the stocks
+are worked to form pyramids, and some to form standards. The height of
+the pyramids is 6 ft., and, to form these, six or eight scions are
+inserted. The heads of the standards are on stems ranging in height from
+41/2 ft. down to 11/2 ft. To form these heads, only one scion is put on the
+stock. Some of our oldest pyramids are 4 ft. or 5 ft. through at the base,
+and the heads of the standards quite as much. When in flower, the heads
+of the latter droop almost to the pots. The pyramids occupy No.2 and
+No.4 sized pots, the standards 8's and 12's. Each plant is secured to a
+strong iron stake, with three prongs fitting the inside of the pot, and
+the Epiphyllum is kept well supported to the stake by ties of stout
+wire. After the plants are well established, they are easily managed,
+and go many years without repotting; but, of course, we top-dress them
+annually, previously removing as much of the old soil as will come away
+easily. We grow these plants with plenty of ventilation on all
+favourable occasions, and they are seldom shaded. During active growth,
+water is given freely, occasionally liquid manure; they are also
+syringed daily. After the season's growth is completed, water is given
+more sparingly, and syringing is dispensed with."
+
+When grown on their own roots, Epiphyllums are useful for planting in
+wire baskets intended to hang near the glass; large and very handsome
+specimens form in a few years, if young rooted plants are placed rather
+thickly round the sides of the baskets, and grown in a warm house.
+Epiphyllums are employed with good effect for covering walls, which are
+first covered with peaty soil by means of wire netting, and then
+cuttings of the Epiphyllums are stuck in at intervals of about 1 ft. The
+effect of a wall of the drooping branches of these plants is attractive
+even when without their beautiful flowers; but when seen in winter,
+clothed with hundreds of sparkling blossoms, they present a most
+beautiful picture. Large plants of Pereskia may be trained over pillars
+in conservatories and afterwards grafted with Epiphyllums; in fact,
+there are many ways in which these plants may be effectively employed in
+gardens.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+E. truncatum (jagged); Bot. Mag. 2562.--Branchlets from 1 in. to 3 in.
+long, and 1 in. wide, with two or three distinct teeth along the edges,
+and a toothed or jagged apex (hence the specific name). The flowers are
+3 in. long, curved above and below, not unlike the letter S; the petals
+and sepals reflexed, and exposing the numerous yellow anthers, through
+which the club-headed stigma protrudes; colour, a deep rose-red, the
+base of the petals slightly paler. The varieties differ in having
+colours which vary from almost pure white, with purplish tips, to a
+uniform rich purple, whilst such colours as salmon, rose, orange, and
+scarlet, are conspicuous among them.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 9.--EPIPHYLLUM RUSSELLIANUM.]
+
+E. Russellianum (Russell's); Fig. 9.--This has smaller branchlets than
+the type plant (E. truncatum), and is thus easily distinguished; they do
+not exceed 1 in. in length and 1/2 in. in width, whilst the edges are
+irregularly and faintly notched, not distinctly toothed, as in E.
+truncatum. The flowers are a little larger than in the older kind, and
+are not curved, whilst the petals are narrower; their colour is bright
+rosy-red. This species flowers rather later in the year than E.
+truncatum, and may be had in blossom so late as the month of May or
+June. There are several varieties of it which have either larger and
+darker, or smaller and variously tinted flowers. Both the species will
+cross with each other, and probably many of the varieties enumerated by
+nurserymen have been obtained in this way.
+
+VARIETIES.
+
+The following is a selection of the best varieties, with a short
+description of the flowers of each:
+
+E. bicolor (two-coloured).--Tube of flower white; petals purple,
+becoming almost white towards the base.
+
+E. Bridgesii (Bridges').--Tube violet; petals dark purple.
+
+E. coccineum (scarlet).--Bright scarlet, paler at the base of the
+petals.
+
+E. cruentum (bloody).--Tube purplish-scarlet; petals bright scarlet.
+
+E. Gaertneri (Gaertner's).--This is an interesting and beautiful
+hybrid, raised from Epiphyllum and a Cereus of some kind. The branchlets
+are exactly the same as those of E. truncatum, but the flowers are not
+like Epiphyllum at all, resembling rather those of Cereus or
+Phyllocactus. They are brilliant scarlet in colour, shaded with violet.
+
+E. magnificum (magnificent).--Tube rosy-violet; petals dark red.
+
+E. salmoneum (salmon-coloured).--Tube and base of petals white, rest
+salmon-red, shaded with purple.
+
+E. spectabile (remarkable).--Tube and base of petals white; tips of
+petals carmine.
+
+E. tricolor (three-coloured).--Tube salmon-red; petals red, centre
+purplish.
+
+E. violaceum (violet).--Tube white; petals carmine, margined with
+violet-purple.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE GENUS PHYLLOCACTUS.
+
+(From phyllon, a leaf, and Cactus).
+
+
+As in the case of the Epiphyllums, the principal character by which the
+Phyllocactus is distinguished is well described by the name, the
+difference between it and Epiphyllum being that in the former the
+flowers are produced along the margins of the flattened branches,
+whereas in the latter they are borne on the apices of the short,
+truncate divisions. If we compare any of the Phyllocactuses with Cereus
+triangularis, or with C. speciosissimus, we shall find that the flowers
+are precisely similar both in form and colour, and sometimes also in
+size.
+
+In all the kinds the stem is compressed laterally, so as to look as if
+it had been hammered out flat; or sometimes it is three-angled, and the
+margins are deeply notched or serrated. These notches are really the
+divisions between one leaf and another, for the flat, fleshy portions or
+wings of the stems of these plants are simply modified leaves--not
+properly separated from each other and from the stem, but still to all
+intents and purposes leaves--which, as the plant increases and matures,
+gradually wither away, leaving the central or woody portion to assume
+the cylindrical stem which we find in all old Phyllocactuses. It is from
+these notches that the large, showy flowers are developed, just as in
+plants the flowers of which are borne from the axils of the leaves.
+
+Under the names "Spleenwort-leaved Indian Figs," and "Winged
+Torch-thistles," as well as those here adopted, the most beautiful
+perhaps of all Cactuses, and certainly the most useful in a garden
+sense, have been cultivated in English gardens for more than 150 years;
+for it was in 1710 that the flowering of E. Phyllanthus was first
+recorded in English horticulture. Philip Miller grew it with many other
+Cactuses in the botanical garden at Chelsea which was founded by Sir
+Hans Sloane, in 1673, to be maintained "for the manifestation of the
+power, wisdom, and glory of God in the works of creation," and which
+still exists as the botanical emporium of the Apothecaries' Society. The
+majority of the gorgeous Phyllocactuses which we now possess are of only
+recent introduction, or are the result of cultivation and crossing.
+
+The species are natives of various parts of tropical America, chiefly
+Mexico and Central America, where they are found generally growing, in
+company with Bromeliads and Orchids, upon the trunks of gigantic
+forest-trees. Phyllocactuses are therefore epiphytes when in a wild
+state, but under cultivation with us, they thrive best when planted in
+pots or in baskets--the latter method being adapted for one or two
+smaller kinds. It is easy to imagine the gorgeousness of a group of
+these plants when seen enveloping a large tree-trunk, clothing it, as it
+were, with balls of brilliant or pure white flowers. We are told by
+travellers of the splendours of a Cactus haunt during the flowering
+season, and those who have seen a well-managed pot specimen of
+Phyllocactus when covered with large, dazzling flowers, can form some
+idea of what wild plants are like when seen by hundreds together, and
+surrounded by the green foliage and festooning climbers which associate
+with them in the forests where they abound.
+
+Cultivation.--For the following cultural notes we are indebted to a
+most successful grower of Cactuses in Germany, whose collection of
+Phyllocactuses is exceptionally rich and well managed: The growing
+season for these plants is from about the end of April, or after the
+flowers are over, till the end of August. As soon as growth commences,
+the plants should be repotted. A light, rich soil should be used, a
+mixture of loam, peat, and leaf-mould, or rotten manure with a little
+sand, being suitable. Small plants should have a fair shift; larger ones
+only into a size of pot which just admits of a thin layer of fresh soil.
+When pot-bound, the plants flower most freely, and it is not necessary
+to repot large specimens more often than about once every three years.
+When potted they should be placed in a sunny position in a close house
+or frame, and be kept freely watered. In bright weather they may be
+syringed overhead twice a day. For the first few days after repotting it
+is advisable to shade the plants from bright sunshine. A stove
+temperature is required until growth is finished. After this they should
+be gradually ripened by admitting more air and exposing to all the
+sunlight possible. During winter very little water is needed, just
+sufficient to prevent shrivelling being safest. Excess of moisture in
+winter is ruinous, as it often kills the roots, and sometimes causes the
+plant to rot off at the collar. The lowest temperature in winter should
+be 50 degs., lower than this being unsafe, whilst in mild weather it
+might be 5 degs. higher.
+
+It is a bad plan to turn these plants round, in order, as some think, to
+ripen the growths properly. As a matter of fact, it does no good, but
+often does harm, by suddenly exposing the tender parts to the full force
+of sunlight.
+
+The stems may be trained either in the form of a fan or as a bush. Old
+branches which have flowered and are shrivelling may be cut away in the
+spring.
+
+Some fine specimens have been grown in pockets on old walls inside
+lean-to greenhouses, where the conditions have been favourable to the
+healthy growth and flowering of most of the species. When grown in this
+way, water must be supplied exactly as advised for plants grown in pots;
+if the pockets are not within easy reach of the watering pot, the plants
+can be watered by means of a heavy syringing.
+
+Propagation.--For the propagation of the Phyllocactus either the whole
+plant may be divided at the base, or cuttings of the branches may be
+used; the latter, after having dried by remaining with their bases
+exposed to the air for a day or two, should be planted in small pots
+filled with very sandy soil; they may be placed on a dry, sunny shelf
+near the glass, and be slightly sprinkled overhead daily till rooted.
+Seeds, which sometimes ripen on cultivated plants, should be gathered as
+soon as the fleshy fruits have turned to a purplish colour, dried for a
+day or so, then sown in a light, porous soil, and placed in a warm frame
+or house to germinate.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+P. Akermanni (named after a Mr. Akermann, who introduced it from Mexico
+in 1829); Fig. 10.--Stem becoming cylindrical at an early age, and
+clothed with little clusters of spiny hairs; the branches are flattened
+out, and form broad, rather thin, blade-like growths, with the margins
+sinuately lobed (waved and notched). The flowers are large--over 6 in.
+in diameter--the petals, very acutely pointed and undulated along the
+edges; flower tube 2 in. long, with a few small scales scattered over its
+surface; stamens curved, clustered around the stigma, and almost hiding
+it. Colour of whole flower a rich scarlet, with a satin-like lustre.
+Flowers in June and July.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 10. PHYLLOCACTUS AKERMANNI.]
+
+This is one of the best-known kinds, having been extensively cultivated
+as an ornamental greenhouse plant till within the last few years. It was
+grown by several nurserymen for Covent Garden Market about eight years
+ago; small plants, about 1 ft. high, and bearing each from two to six
+flowers, finding much favour among the costermongers, as the plants
+could be bought at a low price, and, owing to their large, brilliant
+flowers, always sold well at a good profit. This species has been
+employed by the hybridists for the obtaining of new kinds, and some very
+handsome and distinct varieties have consequently been raised. As well
+as crossing with other species of Phyllocactus, P. Akermanni has been
+used in combination with several species of Cereus, good hybrids having
+been the result. As a compact-growing and free-flowering species, this
+may be specially recommended.
+
+P. anguliger (angle-stemmed); Fig. 11.--The branches of this kind are
+distinguished by having the notches along their margins more like the
+teeth of a saw than the others. The habit is rather stiff and erect. The
+flowers are produced near the apex of the branches, and are composed of
+a curved tube 6 in. long, spreading out at the top to a width of 6 in.,
+and surmounted by a whorl of pure white petals, in the centre of which
+are the stamens, rather few in number, and the large, ten-rayed stigma.
+The flowers are developed in December and January, and have a powerful
+and delicious odour. Introduced, in 1837, from West Mexico, where it is
+said to grow in oak forests.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 11.--PHYLLOCACTUS ANGULIGER.]
+
+P. (Disocactus) biformis (two-formed); Fig. 12.--This is a small plant,
+and is intermediate between this genus and the Epiphyllums. It possesses
+no particular beauty or distinctive character such as would render it of
+much value for garden purposes. The branches are short, rather narrow
+and drooping, the margins notched and tinged with red. The flowers are
+borne generally on the ends of the branches, and are drooping in habit;
+in form they are more like the Epiphyllums than the ordinary
+Phyllocactuses, as they have their petals arranged in a sort of tube
+about 3 in. long. The fruit is a red berry as large as a gooseberry.
+Honduras, 1839.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 12.--PHYLLOCACTUS BIFORMIS.]
+
+P. crenatus (toothed); Bot. Reg. 3031.--A large-flowered and very
+beautiful species, rivalling, in the size and fragrance of its blossoms,
+the gigantic night-flowering Cereus grandiflorus. It grows to a height
+of about 2 ft., with round-based branches, the upper portion flattened
+out and the margins serrated. The flower tube is 4 in. long,
+brownish-green, as also are the sepals; petals 4 in. long, in a whorl,
+the points curving inwards; stamens and pistil erect, forming along with
+the petals a large star of a pale cream-colour. The beauty and fragrance
+of these flowers, which open in June, render them specially valuable for
+cutting and placing in rooms, where, notwithstanding their short
+duration, they never fail to win much admiration. Introduced from
+Honduras, in 1839. This fine species is one of the parents of the
+hybrids which have been raised both in this country and in America,
+where Mr. Hovey succeeded in obtaining some of the choicest as regards
+colour and size. Some of these latter were exhibited in London two or
+three years ago, and were much admired.
+
+P. grandis (large-flowered).--The large, creamy-white flowers of this
+plant are like those of the night-flowering Cereus; and, in addition to
+the similarity in form and size between these two, there is a further
+one in the time when the flowers expand, this species, along with one or
+two others, opening its flowers after sunset; and although they remain
+in good condition till late on in the day following, and sometimes even
+longer, we may suppose that the proper flowering time is at night. The
+delicious almond scent of the flowers of this fine Cactus is so strong,
+that during the flowering period the atmosphere of the large
+Cactus-house at Kew Gardens is permeated with it, the large specimens
+there having usually a score or more flowers open together, the effect
+of which is truly grand. Even this number of flowers is, for this
+species, by no means extraordinary, specimens having been grown
+elsewhere, in pots only 8 in. across, with as many flowers open on each.
+From this it will be seen that P. grandis is one of the most useful
+kinds, its large, sweet-scented flowers, and its free-growing nature,
+rendering it of exceptional value as a decorative plant. Its branches
+are broad and notched along the margins, and the flowers are 1 ft. in
+length, including the tube, whilst across the broad, spreading petals
+they measure almost as much. Honduras. Introduced 1837 (?). Time of
+flowering, summer and autumn.
+
+P. Hookeri (Hooker's); Bot. Mag. 2692, under Cactus Phyllanthus.--A
+robust-growing kind, often attaining to the size of a good shrub. Its
+flowers expand in the evening, and are sweet-scented. They are produced
+along the margins of the broad, flat, deeply-notched branches, the
+serratures being rounded instead of angled, as in some of the kinds. The
+tube of the flower is long and slender, no thicker than a goose quill,
+and covered with reddish scales; the petals are spreading, and form a
+cup 6 in. across; they are narrow, pointed, and pure white, the outer
+whorl, as well as the sepals, being tinged on the under side with a
+tawny colour. The stamens form a large cluster in the centre, and are
+bright yellow, the style being red and yellow. It is probable that this
+plant has been in cultivation for many years, as it was figured in the
+work quoted above under the name of one of the first introduced kinds of
+Phyllocactus, from which, however, it is abundantly distinct, as will be
+seen by a comparison of the descriptions of the two. There are, in the
+Kew collection, several large plants of P. Hookeri that flower annually
+during the summer and autumn. Brazil.
+
+P. latifrons (broad-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 3813.--This is another
+large-growing species, as large at least as P. Hookeri, to which,
+indeed, it bears a close resemblance, both in flowers and in habit. Like
+that species, too, its date of introduction is not known, though it
+appears to have been cultivated in England at an early period. It may be
+grown so as to form a large shrub in a few years; or by cutting it back
+annually, or growing on young plants from cuttings every two years, nice
+little pot plants may be obtained; and as the plant produces flowers
+freely when in a small state, it is available for small greenhouses as
+well as for large ones. A fine specimen, such, for instance, as that at
+Kew, which is over 8 ft. in height, and well furnished with branches, is
+an attractive object when clothed with numerous creamy-white flowers,
+here and there tinged with red. The branches are from 4 in. to 5 in.
+broad, and deeply notched; the flowers are about 8 in. in length, and the
+same across the spreading petals. Mexico. Spring.
+
+P. phyllanthus (leaf-flowering).--This species is now rarely seen in
+cultivation. As the oldest of the garden kinds it is, however, deserving
+of a little notice. Philip Miller grew it in his collection in 1710. The
+branches are broad and flat, the edges waved, not notched, and the
+flowers are composed of a thin tortuous tube, 9 in. in length, bearing at
+the top a whorl of recurved greenish petals, 1 in. long, with a cluster
+of whitish stamens and a green, club-shaped style and stigma. Brazil.
+
+P. phyllanthoides (phyllanthus-like); Bot. Mag. 2092.--For the
+introduction of this handsome-flowered kind we are indebted to the great
+travellers and naturalists, Humboldt and Bonpland, who discovered it
+growing in the woods upon the trunks of old trees around Cartagena in
+South America. Plants of it were forwarded by them to France, where they
+flowered for the first time in 1811. From that time till now this
+species has been in favour as a garden plant, though it is, at the
+present time, much less common in English gardens than it deserves to
+be. The branches are broad, triangular when young, flat when old, about
+1 ft. long by 2 in. wide, with shallow incisions, the serrations rather
+sharply angled. The height of the plant is from 2 ft. to 3 ft. The flowers
+are produced on the margins of the young branches, and are composed of a
+short, thick tube, not more than 2 in. in length, and short, dark,
+recurved scales; the petals are broad, pointed, and form a stellate
+cluster about 4 in. across; they are of a bright rose-colour, streaked
+with white, and shaded here and there with a darker colour of red. The
+stamens are numerous and pure white. The flowers open in the day-time,
+and are scentless; they last in perfection for two or three days, and
+may, therefore, be employed as cut flowers for vases, &c. Early summer.
+
+HYBRIDS AND VARIETIES.
+
+In addition to the cultivated species of Phyllocactus there are numerous
+hybrids and varieties, many of which are beautiful and distinct either
+in colour or in size of blossom.
+
+The following is a selection of the best of them:
+
+P. albus superbus (superb white).--The most beautiful of white-flowered
+kinds. Flowers fragrant, 6 in. across, resembling those of the
+night-blossoming Cereus grandiflorus; sepals greenish-white, petals pure
+white.
+
+P. aurantiacus superbus (superb orange).--A compact plant, with
+numerous large, brick-red flowers, 5 in. to 6 in. in diameter.
+
+P. Conway's Giant.--Flowers full, deep scarlet, about 8 in. in diameter.
+
+P. Cooperi (Cooper's).--An English hybrid, remarkable for its large,
+beautiful yellow flowers.
+
+P. Franzi (Franz's).--Flowers 3 in. to 4 in. across; petals numerous,
+outer ones scarlet, inner violet.
+
+P. General Garibaldi.--Flowers very large, scarlet, tinged with orange
+on the reflex side.
+
+P. grandiflorus (large-flowered).--Flowers bell-shaped, 4 in. across;
+sepals narrow, scarlet; petals incurved and of a fiery orange-scarlet
+colour.
+
+P. Haagei (Haage's); Fig. 13.--Flowers about 5 in. across,
+flesh-coloured when first expanded, becoming carmine before fading.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 13.--PHYLLOCACTUS HAAGEI.]
+
+P. ignescens (fiery).--Flowers 8 in. across, almost flat when expanded;
+petals numerous, deep brilliant scarlet.
+
+P. Jenkinsoni (Jenkinson's).--Flowers medium in size, colour
+cherry-red.
+
+P. Johnstonei (Johnstone's).--Flowers large, with broad scarlet petals.
+
+P. Kaufmanni (Kaufmann's).--Flowers purplish-red, very large.
+
+P. kermesina magnus (large scarlet).--An enormous-flowered kind, having
+produced blossoms which measured 10 in. across; petals vivid orange with
+a tip and central stripe of red; sepals blood-red.
+
+P. Pfersdorffii. (Pfersdorff's).--Flowers as in Cereus grandiflorus,
+8 in. to 10 in. across, very fragrant; petals white; sepals yellow,
+brownish outside.
+
+P. Rempleri (Rempler's).--Branches three-angled; flowers with short,
+linear, incurved sepals; petals long, broad, arranged like a tube,
+colour salmon-red.
+
+P. roseus grandiflorus (large rose-flowered); Fig. 14.--Flowers 6 in.
+long and broad, nodding, white.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 14.--PHYLLOCACTUS ROSEUS GRANDIFLORUS.]
+
+P. Schlimii (Schlim's).--Branches three-angled; flowers large, sepals
+bright purple; petals broad, purple, tinged with scarlet.
+
+P. splendens (splendid).--Flowers 8 in. across, purple-pink.
+
+P. Wrayi (Wray's).--Flowers 5 in. long by 8 in. in diameter; sepals brown
+on the outside, yellow inside; petals yellowish-white, fragrant when
+first expanded.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE GENUS CEREUS.
+
+(From cereus, pliant; in reference to the stems of some species.)
+
+
+Over 200 distinct species of Cereus are, according to botanists,
+distributed over the tropical and temperate regions of America and the
+West Indies, extending to the Galapagos, or "Tortoise" Islands, 200
+miles off the coast of Peru. It was in these islands that the late
+Charles Darwin found several small kinds of Cereus, some of them growing
+near the snow-line in exposed situations on the highest mountains. In
+Mexico, C. giganteus, the most colossal of all Cacti, is found rearing
+its tall, straight, columnar stems to a height of 60 ft., and branching
+near the top, "like petrified giants stretching out their arms in
+speechless pain, whilst others stand like lonely sentinels keeping their
+dreary watch on the edge of precipices." In the West Indies most of the
+night-flowering kinds are common, their long, creeping stems clinging by
+means of aerial roots to rocks, or to the exposed trunks of trees, where
+their enormous, often fragrant, flowers are produced in great abundance,
+expanding only after the sun has set. Between these three distinct
+groups we find among the plants of this elegant genus great variety both
+in size and form of the stem and in the flower characters of the
+different species. A large proportion of the 200 kinds known are not
+cultivated in European gardens, and perhaps for many of them it is not
+possible for us to provide in our houses the peculiar conditions they
+require for their healthy existence. But there are a good many species
+of Cereus represented in gardens, even in this country, and among them
+we shall have no difficulty in finding many useful and beautiful kinds,
+such as may be cultivated with success in an ordinary greenhouse or
+stove. Lemaire, a French writer on Cactuses, groups a number of species
+under the generic name of Echinocereus; but as this name is not adopted
+in England, it is omitted here, all the kinds being included under
+Cereus.
+
+THE NIGHT-FLOWERING SPECIES.
+
+The most interesting group is that of the climbing night-flowering
+kinds, on account of their singular habit of expanding their flowers in
+the dark and of the very large size and brilliant colours of their
+flowers. In habit the plants of this set are trailers or climbers, their
+stems are either round or angled, and grow to a length of many feet,
+branching freely as they extend. By means of their roots, which are
+freely formed upon the stems, and which have the power of attaching
+themselves to stones or wood in the same way as ivy does, these kinds
+soon spread over and cover a large space; they are, therefore, useful
+for training over the back walls in lean-to houses, or for growing
+against rafters or pillars--in fact, in any position exposed to bright
+sunlight and where there is a good circulation of air. Soil does not
+appear to play an important part with these plants, as they will grow
+anywhere where there is a little brick rubble, gravel, or cinders for
+their basal roots to nestle in. They have been grown in the greatest
+luxuriance and have produced flowers in abundance with nothing more than
+their roots buried in the crumbling foundations of an old wall, upon
+which the stems were clinging. The chief consideration is drainage, as,
+unless the roots are kept clear of anything like stagnation, they soon
+perish through rot. During the summer, the stems should be syringed
+morning and evening on all bright days, whilst in winter little or no
+water will be required.
+
+Like all other Cactuses, these plants may be propagated by means of
+large branches, which, if placed in a porous soil, will strike root in a
+few weeks. We saw a very large specimen of C. triangularis, which last
+autumn suddenly rotted at the base, from some cause or other, and to
+save the specimen, a mound was built up of brick rubble and soil, high
+enough to surround the base of the plant above the rotted part. In a few
+weeks there was a good crop of new roots formed, and the plant has since
+flowered most satisfactorily. With almost any other plant, this course
+would have proved futile; but Cactuses are singularly tenacious of life,
+the largest and oldest stems being capable of forming roots as freely
+and as quickly as the young ones.
+
+C. extensus (long-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 4066.--This has long rope-like
+stems, bluntly triangular, less than 1 in. thick, with very short spines,
+arranged in pairs or threes, about 1 in. apart along the angles, and
+aerial roots. The flowers are developed all along the stems, and are
+composed of a thick, green, scale-clothed tube, about 3 in. long; the
+larger scales yellow and green, tipped with red, and a spreading cup
+formed of the long-pointed sepals and petals, the former yellow, green,
+and red, the latter white, tinted with rose. The flower is about 9 in.
+across. When in blossom, this plant equals in beauty the finest of the
+climbing Cactuses, but, unfortunately, it does not flower as freely as
+most of its kind. It is cultivated at Kew, where it has flowered once
+during the last five years. A native of Trinidad, whence it was
+introduced, and first flowered in August, 1843. Judging by the
+conditions under which it grows and blossoms in its native haunts, no
+doubt its shy-flowering nature under cultivation here is owing to the
+absence of a long continuance of bright sunshine and moisture, followed
+by one of drought and sunlight. If placed in a favourable condition as
+regards light, and carefully treated in respect of water, it ought to
+flower.
+
+C. fulgidus (glittering); Bot. Mag. 5856.--In the brilliant deep
+scarlet of its large buds, and the bright orange-scarlet of the expanded
+flowers, this species stands quite alone among the night-flowering,
+scandent-stemmed Cereuses. Its one drawback is its shy-flowering nature,
+as it is rarely seen in blossom even when liberally treated, and along
+with the other kinds which flower so freely. The history of this plant
+is not known; but it is supposed to be a hybrid between C. Pitajayi or
+variabilis and one of the scarlet-flowered Phyllocactuses, or, possibly,
+C. speciosissimus. It first flowered at Kew, in July, 1870. Stems bright
+green, slow-growing, three or four-angled, about 2 in. wide; angles much
+compressed, so that a section of the stem shows a cross; margins
+notched, with clusters of short, hair-like spines at each notch. Flowers
+6 in. long, and about the same across the top; tube covered with soft
+hairs and short deep-red scales, which are enlarged towards the top,
+where they spread out, and form, along with the petals, a large rosette
+of several whorls, arranged as in a semi-double rose, the centre being
+occupied by a brush-like cluster of greenish stamens, with the radiating
+stigma standing erect in the middle. It is to be regretted that the
+flowers are not more freely produced by cultivated plants.
+
+C. grandiflorus (large-flowered); Bot. Mag. 3381.--There is scarcely
+any plant that makes a more magnificent appearance when in full blossom
+than this. A strong plant will produce many flowers together, but they
+do not remain long expanded, opening at seven or eight o'clock in the
+evening, and fading at sunrise the next morning; nor do they ever open
+again, even when cut and placed in warm water in a dark place. The
+closing of the flowers may, however, be retarded for a whole day by
+removing the bud before it is fully open and placing it in water. The
+stems are almost cylindrical, with four to seven slight ridges, or
+angles, which bear numerous tufts of wool and short stiff spines. Roots
+are thrown out from all parts of the stem, even when not in contact with
+anything. The flowers are developed on the sides of the stems,
+principally the younger, shorter ones; the flower tube is about 4 in.
+long by 1 in. in diameter, and is covered with short brown scales and
+whitish hairs; the calyx is 1 ft. across, and is composed of a large
+number of narrow sepals of a bright yellow colour inside, brown on the
+outside; the petals are broad, pure white, and arranged in a sort of cup
+inclosing the numerous yellow stamens and the club-shaped stigma. The
+flower has a delicious vanilla-like odour, which perfumes the air to a
+considerable distance. Flowers in July. Native of the West Indies.
+Introduced 1700, at which time it is said to have been cultivated in the
+Royal Gardens at Hampton Court.
+
+C. Lemairii (Lemaire's); Bot. Mag. 4814.--In the size and fragrance of
+its blossoms, and also in the brilliancy of its colours, this species
+rivals C. grandiflorus; differing in the following particulars: the tube
+is covered with large green, crimson-edged scales instead of small brown
+scales and white hairs; the sepals do not spread out in a star-like
+manner, as in C. grandiflorus, and they are tinged with crimson; the
+stem of the plant shows a bluntly triangular section, and the angles are
+marked with a row of distant spines instead of the clusters of spines
+and wool in C. grandiflorus. In all other particulars, these two species
+are almost identical, so that where space is limited either the one or
+the other will be sufficient to represent both. C. Lemairii was
+introduced into England through Kew, whither a plant was sent in 1854
+from the Royal Botanical Garden of Hanover, under the name of C.
+rostratus. It blossoms in the Kew collection every June, the flowers
+lasting for several hours after sunrise. Seeds are freely ripened by
+this plant. Native of Antigua (?)
+
+C. Macdonaldiae (Mrs. MacDonald's); Bot. Mag. 4707.--A magnificent
+Cactus, producing flowers often 14 in. in diameter, with the same
+brilliant colours as are described under C. Lemairii. The stems are
+slender, cylindrical, not ridged or angled, bearing at irregular
+intervals rather fleshy tubercles instead of spines, and branching
+freely. Its flowers are produced on both young and old stems, several
+crops appearing in the course of the summer when the treatment is
+favourable. Roots are not so freely thrown out from the stems of this
+kind, and as the latter are slender and very pliant, they may be trained
+round a balloon trellis, so as to form handsome pot specimens, which,
+when in flower, may be carried into the house, where their large,
+beautiful flowers may be enjoyed. Writing of this species over thirty
+years ago, Sir Wm. Hooker said: "Certainly, of the many floral
+spectacles that have gratified lovers of horticulture at the Royal
+Gardens, Kew, of late years, few have been more striking than this to
+those who were privileged to see the blossoms in bud and fully expanded.
+The plant was received from Honduras through the favour of Mrs.
+MacDonald, and was planted at the back of the old Cactus-house, and
+trained against a wall. It first showed symptoms of blossoming in July,
+1851. A casual observer might have passed the plant as an unusually
+large form of the 'night-blooming Cereus' (C. grandiflorus), but the
+slightest inspection of the stems and flowers, the latter 14 in. in
+diameter by 14 in. long, shows this to be a most distinct species."
+
+C. Napoleonis (Napoleon's); Bot. Mag. 3458.--This is very like C.
+grandiflorus, and is slightly and not very agreeably perfumed. The
+flowers sometimes open very early in the morning and fade in the
+afternoon, so that they may be enjoyed during the day-time. The flower
+tube is 6 in. long, curved upwards, and clothed with rose-tinted scales,
+which become gradually larger towards the top, where they widen out into
+a whorl of greenish-yellow sepals, above which are the white petals
+forming a broad shallow cup, 8 in. across, with a cluster of yellow
+stamens in the centre. The stems are three-angled, light green, and bear
+clusters of short stiff spines along the angles at intervals of 2 in.
+Flowers in autumn. Mexico (?), 1835.
+
+C. nycticalus (flowering at night); Fig. 15.--Stems four to six-angled,
+2 in. wide, dark green, bearing little tufts of hair and thin white
+spines along the angles, and a profusion of aerial roots. Flowers as
+large as those of C. grandiflorus; tube covered with tufts of white
+hairs; sepals or outer whorl of segments bright orange, the inner pure
+white, and arranged like a cup. They open at about seven o'clock in the
+evening, and fade at seven on the following morning. This plant may
+still be met with in some old-fashioned gardens, but only rarely as
+compared with its popularity a generation ago, when it was to be found
+in almost every collection of stove plants. At that time, the flowering
+of this Cactus was looked upon as an event, and it was customary for the
+owner to invite his friends to meet and watch the development of the
+flowers, and enjoy to the full their almost over-powering but delicious
+fragrance. So bright are the colours of the flowers, that a sort of
+luminosity seems to surround them when at their best. Flowers in autumn.
+Mexico, 1834.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 15.--CEREUS NYCTICALUS.]
+
+C. triangularis (three-angled); Bot. Mag. 1884.--This plant is easily
+recognised because of its stout triangular stems, which increase at a
+rapid rate and bear roots freely; by means of these roots they cling to
+almost any substance with which they come in contact. There are large
+examples of it in the Kew collection, where it bears numerous flowers
+annually, which open in the evening and close at about eight o'clock
+next morning. The flowers measure 1 ft. in length by about the same in
+width of cup, and are composed of a whorl of long narrow green sepals,
+with pale brown points, a cluster of pure white petals, bright yellow
+stamens, and a large club-like stigma; they appear in autumn. Mexico.
+This species was cultivated at Hampton Court in 1690.
+
+C. speciosissimus (most beautiful).--Although not a night-flowering
+kind, nor yet a climber, yet this species resembles in habit the above
+rather than the columnar-stemmed ones. It is certainly the species best
+adapted for cultivation in small greenhouses or in the windows of
+dwelling-houses, as it grows quickly, remains healthy under ordinary
+treatment, is dwarf in habit, and flowers freely--characters which,
+along with the vivid colours and large size of the blossoms, render it
+of exceptional value as a garden plant. Its stems are slender, and it
+may be grown satisfactorily when treated as a wall plant. For its
+cultivation, the treatment advised for Phyllocactuses will be found
+suitable. When well grown and flowered it surpasses in brilliancy of
+colours almost every other plant known. Specimens with thirty stems each
+6 ft. high, and bearing from sixty to eighty buds and flowers upon them
+at one time, may be grown by anyone possessing a warm greenhouse. The
+stems are three to five angled, spiny, the tufts of spines set in little
+disks of whitish wool. The flowers are as large as tea saucers, with
+tubes about 4 in. long, the colour being an intense crimson or violet, so
+intense and bright as to dazzle the eyes when looked at in bright
+sunlight. When cut and placed in water they will last three or four
+days. April and May. Mexico, 1820. "Numberless varieties have been
+raised from this Cereus, as it seeds freely and crosses readily with
+other species. Many years ago, Mr. D. Beaton raised scores of seedlings
+from crosses between this and C. flagelliformis, and has stated that he
+never found a barren seedling. Much attention was given to these plants
+about fifty years ago, for Sir E. Antrobus is said to have exhibited
+specimens with from 200 to 300 flowers each. I have been informed that
+an extremely large plant of this Cereus, producing hundreds of flowers
+every season, is grown on the back wall of a vinery at the Grange,
+Barnet, the residence of Sir Charles Nicholson, Bart." (L. Castle).
+
+THE SEMI-SCANDENT SPECIES.
+
+These are characterised by a thin, drooping or trailing stem, and,
+though not strictly climbers, they may most fittingly be considered in a
+group by themselves. Some botanists have made a separate genus for them,
+viz., Cleistocactus, but for all practical purposes they may be grouped
+under the above heading, whilst popularly they are known as the
+Rat's-tail or Whipcord Cactuses. Two of them--viz., C. flagelliformis
+and C. Mallisoni--are generally grafted on the stem of some erect,
+slender Cereus or Pereskia, or they may be worked on to the stem of a
+climbing Cereus, such as C. triangularis, in such a way as to hang from
+the roof of a house. A large specimen of C. flagelliformis, growing from
+the climbing stem of C. rostratus, was, for a long time, conspicuous
+among the Cactuses at Kew, but owing to the decay of the "stock" plant,
+this fine specimen no longer exists. A large Pereskia, trained along the
+roof in the Cactus-house at Kew, has recently been grafted with a number
+of pieces of C. flagelliformis, which in a few years will, no doubt,
+form a handsome specimen. In the same establishment a specimen of C.
+Mallisoni is grafted on the stem of another kind, and is very attractive
+when in flower. C. serpentinus thrives well upon its own roots. For the
+cultivation of this little group, the instructions given for the
+climbing and other kinds may be followed.
+
+C. flagelliformis (whip-formed).--Stems prostrate, or, when grafted on
+a tall stem, pendent, 1/2 in. in diameter, round, with numerous ridges
+almost hidden by the many clusters of fine bristle-like hairs. Flowers
+2 in. long and 1 in. wide; colour bright rosy-red. In some parts of
+Germany this plant is one of the commonest of window ornaments, and it
+is so well grown by the peasants there, that the whole window space is
+completely screened by the numerous long, tail-like stems, 4 ft. or 6 ft.
+long, which hang from baskets. It is sometimes cultivated by cottagers
+in England, and we have seen a very fine specimen in a cottager's window
+in Gunnersbury. Without its pretty bright-coloured flowers, this Cactus
+has the charm of novelty in the form and habit of its stems, and as it
+is easily cultivated in a window through which the sun shines during
+most of the day, it is just the plant to grow for the double purpose of
+a screen and a curiosity. If planted in baskets, it should be potted in
+a porous loamy soil, and kept moist in the summer and perfectly dry in
+winter. Summer. Peru. Introduced 1690.
+
+C. Mallisoni ( Mallison's); Bot. Mag. 3822.--This is supposed to be of
+hybrid origin, a Mr. Mallison having sent it to Dr. Lindley to be named,
+and stating that he obtained it by fertilising flowers of C.
+speciosissimus with pollen from C. flagelliformis. Whatever its origin,
+it is a distinct kind, with stems similar to those of the last-named,
+but thicker and slightly less spiny, and flowers 4 in. long by 4 in.
+across the spreading petals, the whole being bright red with a cluster
+of pale yellow stamens protruding 1 in. beyond the throat. The flowers
+are produced from the sides of the stems, a few inches from the apex,
+and as they are borne in abundance and last three or four days each, a
+large specimen makes a very attractive display for several weeks in the
+summer. The plant at Kew, a large one, is grafted on the stem of C.
+Macdonaldiae, which is trained along a rafter, so that the stems of C.
+Mallisoni hang conspicuously from the roof.
+
+C. serpentinus (serpent-like); Fig. 16.--When young, the stems of this
+plant are erect and stout enough to support themselves; but as they
+lengthen they fall over and grow along the ground, unless supported by a
+stake or wire; they have numerous ridges, with clusters of hair-like
+spines, which are usually purplish. Flowers large, handsome, fragrant;
+tube 6in, long, green; petals and sepals spreading and forming a star
+3 in. in diameter, the petals purplish on the outside, and pinkish-white
+inside; stamens arranged in a sort of cup 1 in. deep. This plant rarely
+produces aerial roots. Small specimens are ornamental even when not in
+flower, the bright green, regularly ridged stem, with its numerous
+little clusters of fine spines, at the base of which are short tufts of
+a white woolly substance, being both curious and pretty. It flowers
+freely every summer. South America, 1814.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 16.--CEREUS SERPENTINUS.]
+
+THE GLOBOSE AND COLUMNAR STEMMED SPECIES.
+
+Many of these are unsuited for culture in ordinary plant-houses, whilst
+others are so rare that, although cultivated in botanical collections,
+they are not available for ordinary gardens, not being known in the
+trade. There are, however, a good many species that may be obtained from
+dealers in Cactuses, and to these we shall confine ourselves here. At
+Kew, the collection of Cereuses is large and diversified, some of the
+specimens being as tall as the house they are in will allow them to be,
+and the appearance they present is, to some eyes at least, a very
+attractive one. Such plants are: C. candicans, which is a
+cluster-stemmed kind, very thick and fleshy, and in shape like an Indian
+club; C. chilensis;--with tall hedgehog-skinned stems, the numerous
+ridges being thickly clothed with clusters of yellowish spines, which
+become dark brown with age; C. Dyckii, 10 ft. high, the stems thick and
+fleshy, with ridges 11/2  in. deep; C. gemmatus, a hexagonal, almost
+naked-stemmed species 10 ft. high; C. strictus, C. peruvianus, C.
+geometrizans, and C. Jamacaru, which are tall, weird-looking plants,
+10 ft. or more high, some of them freely branched. The following is a
+selection of the largest-flowered and handsomest kinds:
+
+C. Berlandieri (Berlandier's); Fig. 17.--A distinct and beautiful
+plant, of dwarf, creeping habit, forming a tuft of short branchlets
+springing from the main procumbent stems, none of which exceed 6  in. in
+length by 3/4 in. in thickness. They are almost round when old, the younger
+ones being slightly angled, and bearing, along the ridges, little
+tubercles, crowned with short spines. Even old stems are very soft and
+watery, and, on this account, it is necessary for the safety of the
+plant, in winter, that it should be kept absolutely dry. The flowers are
+produced on the young upright stems, and they are as much as 4 in.
+across. They are composed of a regular ring of strap-shaped, bright
+purple petals, springing from the erect bristly tube, and in the centre
+a disk-like cluster of rose-coloured stamens, the stigma standing well
+above them. In form the flowers are not unlike some of the Sunflowers or
+Mutisia decurrens. They are developed in summer, and on well-grown
+plants the display of blossom is exceptionally fine. This species is
+sometimes known as C. repens and C. Deppii. It is a native of South
+Texas and Mexico, where it is found growing in sandy or gravelly soils,
+on dry, sunny hill-sides. It should be grown in a cool greenhouse or
+frame, in a position where it would get plenty of sunshine to ripen its
+growth and induce it to flower. In winter it should be placed close to
+the glass, where the sun can shine full on it, and where it will be safe
+from frost. It will not thrive if wintered in a warm house. In April, it
+should be examined, repotted if the soil is sour, and kept watered as
+growth commences.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 17.--CEREUS BERLANDIERI.]
+
+C. Blankii (Blank's); Fig. 18.--This is very similar to the C.
+Berlandieri in habit and stem characters, differing only in having
+longer, broader, less spreading petals, a club-shaped stigma, and in the
+colour, which is a deep rose, flushed in the throat with crimson. A
+comparison of the figures here given will show the differences better
+than any description. C. Blankii comes from Mexico at high elevations,
+and thrives under cultivation with the same treatment as the preceding.
+It is very common in Continental gardens, where it is grown
+out-of-doors, being protected from cold in winter by a handlight and
+straw. It flowers in summer.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 18.--CEREUS BLANKII.]
+
+C. caerulescens (blue-stemmed); Bot. Mag. 3922.--An erect-growing, tall
+Cactus, rarely branching unless made to do so by cutting off the top of
+the stem; furrows and ridges about eight, the ridges prominent, waved,
+and bearing tufts of blackish wool, in which are set about a dozen black
+spines, 1/2 in. long; the stem when young and in good health is bluish in
+colour. Flowers springing from the ridges, about 8 in. long, the tube
+covered with reddish-grey scales, which pass upwards into the sepals;
+petals spreading, white, the margins toothed, and forming a spreading
+top, not unlike a large white single Camellia; the stamens are arranged
+in a sort of cup, and are yellow-anthered, with a large rayed yellow
+stigma in the middle. In the Botanical Magazine it is stated that the
+flowers of this species are equal and even superior to those of C.
+grandiflorus; but we have not seen flowers such as would bear out that
+statement. This species is too tall-stemmed to be recommended for
+windows or small greenhouses; but where room can be afforded it, the
+attractive colour of its stems, together with the size and beauty of its
+flowers, should win it favour. It blossoms in summer, generally about
+July, and is a native of Mexico. Introduced in 1841.
+
+C. caespitosus (tufted); Fig. 19.--A dwarf species, the stem not more
+than 8 in. high by about 4 in. in diameter, sometimes branched, or bearing
+about its base a number of lateral growths, which ultimately form a
+cluster of stems--hence the name. The bark or skin of the stem is
+greyish-green, and the ribs, of which there are from a dozen to
+eighteen, are thickly covered with clusters of whitish wool and spines,
+the latter rose-tinted, and radiating in all directions. The flowers are
+produced on the top of the stems, and are short-tubed, the tube clothed
+with little bundles of spines; spread of the petals (from thirty to
+forty in each flower), 4 in.; colour deep rose; anthers and stigma
+forming an eye-like cluster, the former yellow, and the latter bright
+green. Flowered at Kew for the first time in 1882, but, although new to
+cultivation, it is becoming plentiful. Native of New Mexico and Texas.
+For windows or small greenhouses this is a most suitable plant, as it
+flowers freely and keeps in good health in an ordinary greenhouse
+temperature, always, however, requiring plenty of sunlight and rest
+during winter. By placing it upon a shelf near the glass from October to
+March, allowing it to remain perfectly dry, and afterwards watering it
+freely, the flowers should make their appearance early in summer. A
+plant with several stems, each bearing a large bright rose blossom,
+sometimes two, presents an attractive appearance.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 19.--CEREUS CAESPITOSUS.]
+
+C. cirrhiferus (tendril-bearing).--A prostrate, branching-stemmed,
+small-growing kind, very proliferous, with roots along the main stems;
+branchlets upright, five-angled, with slightly raised points, or
+tubercles, upon which are ten short hair-like spines, arranged in a
+star, and surrounding three or four central erect spines, all whitish
+and transparent. Flowering branches erect, 4 in. high, by about 1 in. in
+diameter, bearing, near the apex, the large bright red flowers, nearly
+4 in. in diameter, regular as a Sunflower, and lasting about a week. This
+species was introduced from Mexico in 1847. It is one of the best-known
+and handsomest of this group. It requires similar treatment to C.
+Berlandieri.
+
+C. ctenoides (comb-like); Fig. 20.--Stem 3 in. to 5 in. high, and about
+3 in. in diameter, egg-shaped, unbranched, rarely producing offsets at
+the base. Ribs fifteen or sixteen, spiral, with closely-set cushions of
+stiff, whitish spines, which interlace and almost hide the stem; there
+are from fourteen to twenty-two spines to each cushion, and they are
+1/4 in. long. Flowers produced on the ridges near the top of the stem; tube
+short, spiny; petals spreading, like a Convolvulus, 3 in. to 4 in. across,
+bright yellow; stamens yellow, pistil white. The flowers expand at about
+9 a.m., and close again soon after noon. They are developed in June or
+July. This species is a native of Texas, and is rare in cultivation.
+When not in flower it might easily be mistaken for Echinocactus
+pectinatus. It should be grown in a sunny position, in a warm house or
+pit, all summer, and wintered on a shelf, near the glass, in a
+temperature of from 45 degs. to 50 degs. during winter. Under cultivation
+it is apt to rot suddenly at the base, more especially when old. Should
+this happen, the rotten parts must be cut away, and the wound exposed to
+the air in a dry house for a week or two.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 20.--CEREUS CTENOIDES.]
+
+C. enneacanthus (eight-spined); Fig. 21.--Stem seldom more than 6 in.
+high by less than 2 in. in diameter, cylindrical in shape, bright green,
+simple when young, tufted in old specimens. Ribs shallow, broad,
+irregular on the top, with spine-cushions on the projecting parts;
+spines straight, yellowish-white, semi-transparent, variable in length,
+longest about 1 in. There are frequently as many as twelve spines in a
+tuft, although the specific name implies eight spines only. Flowers on
+the ridges near the top of the stem, with spiny tubes, spreading petals
+of a deep purple colour, and yellow stamens and pistil. They are
+developed freely in June and July. This is a soft-fleshed species, from
+Texas; it is not easily kept in health, and is therefore rarely seen. It
+should be treated as advised for C. ctenoides. Neither of these plants
+will flower unless it is grown in a sunny position as near to the
+roof-glass as is possible.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 21.--CEREUS ENNEACANTHUS.]
+
+C. Fendleri (Fendler's).--One of the best of the dwarf-stemmed kinds.
+It has a pale green stem, about 6 in. high, rarely branching at the base,
+but often found growing in clusters. Ridges nine to twelve, running
+spirally round the stem, and bearing clusters of brown spines, some of
+them nearly 2 in. in length. Flowers composed of a tube 1 in. long, green,
+fleshy, and spiny, with a spreading cup-like arrangement of petals and
+sepals, 3 in. in diameter, and of a bright purple colour; stigma and
+anthers green. It produces its flowers in June. It was introduced from
+the mountainous region of New Mexico about five years ago, and has
+blossomed freely in several collections, notably in that of Mr. Loder,
+of Northampton, who has cultivated this and several other species from
+the same region in a sunny sheltered position out of doors, where, for
+several years, they have withstood winter's cold with no other
+protection than that afforded by an over-hanging wall. Mr. Loder says of
+C. Fendleri that it is the best of all Cactuses for cool treatment, as
+the flowers last more than a week, closing at night, and opening only in
+sunshine, when its rich purple colour is quite dazzling to the eye. It
+also blossoms freely under glass; but the colour of the flowers is not
+so vivid as when they are produced in full sunshine out of doors.
+
+C. giganteus (gigantic); Fig. 22.--This is the most colossal of all
+Cactuses, in which respect it is chiefly interesting. Its stem, when
+young, is very similar to that of other dwarfer species, whilst, so far
+as is known, its flowers have not been produced under cultivation. It
+grows very slowly, a plant 6 in. high being eight or ten years old, so
+that, to attain its full development, a very long time indeed is
+necessary. When young, the stems are globose, afterwards becoming
+club-shaped or cylindrical. It flowers at the height of 10 ft. or 12 ft.,
+but grows up to four or five times that height, when it develops lateral
+branches, which curve upwards, and present the appearance of immense
+candelabra. The flowers are 4 in. or 5 in. long, and about the same in
+diameter. There is a small specimen, about 3 ft. high, in the succulent
+collection at Kew. The appearance of a number of tall specimens of this
+wonderful Cactus, when seen towering high above the rocks and scrub with
+which it is associated, is described by travellers as being both weird
+and grand. Judging by the slowness of its growth, the prospect of seeing
+full-sized specimens of this species in English gardens is a very remote
+one, unless full-grown stems are imported, and this is hardly possible.
+Native of Mexico and California.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 22.--FLOWER OF CEREUS GIGANTEUS.]
+
+C. Leeanus (Lee's); Bot. Mag. 4417.--A dwarf plant, the stems not more
+than 1 ft. in height, and about 5 in. in diameter at the base, tapering
+gradually towards the top, so that it forms a cone; the furrows number
+about a dozen, and the ridges are 1/2 in. high, the angles sharp, and
+clothed with clusters of pale brown spines, the central one 1 in. long,
+the others much shorter. The flowers are produced on the top of the
+stem, four or five together, and are large, handsome, brick-red in
+colour, the tube 2 in. long, clothed with yellowish, green-tipped scales,
+and little clusters of hair-like bristles. The arrangement of the
+petals, and the cluster of yellow anthers in the centre, give the
+flowers the appearance of Camellias, if looked at from above. Introduced
+from Mexico by Mr. Lee, of Hammersmith, in 1848, and flowered soon
+afterwards at Kew, in summer. Being a native of the higher, more
+northerly regions of Mexico, this species needs only to be protected
+from severe frosts; it has been known to bear a little frost without
+injury. For windows and greenhouses it is a very desirable plant.
+
+C. leptacanthus (slender-spined); Fig. 23.--One of the most beautiful
+of all Cactuses, and one of the easiest to cultivate, the only drawback
+being that it rarely flowers under cultivation. In habit it is similar
+to C. Berlandieri. A plant 8 in. across bears about twenty short
+branches, each of which, under careful cultivation will produce several
+flowers in the months of May and June, and these, when expanded, last
+about eight days before withering; they close every afternoon, opening
+about ten o'clock in the morning. The petals are arranged in a single
+series, spreading so as to form a shallow cup, and are notched on the
+edges near the upper end. They are coloured a deep purple-lilac on the
+upper half, the lower part being white, like a large pied daisy. The
+stamens are pure white; the anthers orange-coloured, as also is the
+star-shaped stigma. The plant is a native of Mexico, and was introduced
+in 1860. It requires the same treatment as the preceding kinds. The
+illustration is sufficient to show the beauty of this little creeping
+Cactus, which, although so long known, is not grown in English gardens,
+though it is common enough in Continental collections.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 23.--CEREUS LEPTACANTHUS.]
+
+C. multiplex (proliferous); Fig. 24.--A globose-stemmed species,
+becoming pear-shaped with age; height 6 in., by 4 in. in diameter; ridges
+angled, clothed with clusters of about a dozen spines, the central one
+longest. Flowers 6 in. to 8 in. long, and about the same across the
+spreading petals; tube clothed with small, hairy scales; the sepals long
+and pointed; petals 2 in. or more long, 1 in. wide, spreading out quite
+flat; stamens arranged in a ring, with the whitish-rayed stigma in the
+middle. This species flowers in autumn. It is a native of South Brazil,
+and was introduced in 1840. It thrives best when kept in a warm, sunny
+position in a window or heated greenhouse.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 24.--CEREUS MULTIPLEX.]
+
+At Fig. 25 is a curious variety of the above, the stem being fasciated
+and divided into numerous crumpled, flattened branches. It is remarkable
+as a monster form of the type plant. So far as is known, neither this
+nor any other of the monster Cactuses produces flowers.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 25.--CEREUS MULTIPLEX CRISTATUS.]
+
+C. paucispinus (few-spined); Bot. Mag. 6774.--A dwarf-stemmed species
+of recent introduction, and one which, owing to the beauty of its
+flowers and the hardy nature of the plant, is certain to find much
+favour among growers of Cactuses. The stem is about 9 in. high, by 2 in.
+to 4 in. in diameter, the base much wider than the apex, the ridges
+irregular, very thick and rounded, giving the stem a gouty or tumid
+appearance. Upon the prominent parts of these ridges are stellate tufts
+of long, pale brown spines, some of them nearly 2 in. long, and each tuft
+containing about eight spines. When young, the stems are more like some
+of the Mamillarias than the Cereuses. The flowers are developed near the
+top of the stem, two or three opening together; they are composed of a
+tube 2 in. long, clothed with long spines and large, green, scaly sepals
+below, the latter gradually enlarging till at the top they become as
+large as the petals, which are 2 in. long, with a spread of nearly 3 in.,
+rounded at the tips, and coloured deep blood-red, tinged with orange
+inside. The stamens are clustered together sheaf-like, with the dark
+green stigmas protruding through them. This is a native of New Mexico,
+whence it was introduced in 1883, and flowered in May. Mr. Loder, of
+Northampton, has successfully cultivated it in a cool frame in the open
+air, and it has also grown well in the Kew collection when treated in a
+similar way. This suggests its hardiness and fitness for window
+cultivation. Owing to the watery nature of the stems, it is necessary
+that they should be kept quite dry during the winter.
+
+C. pentalophus (five-winged); Bot. Mag. 3651.--As the name denotes, the
+stem of this erect-growing, somewhat slender species has five very
+prominent sharp-edged ridges, along which are little clusters of small
+spines about 1/2 in. apart; the stem is 1 in. in diameter, and the angles
+are wavy. The flowers are about 3 in. wide, spreading, the petals, broad
+and overlapping, rose-coloured, except in the centre of the flower,
+where they become almost pure white; the anthers are yellow, whilst the
+colour of the rayed stigma is purplish-blue. A native of Mexico,
+introduced and flowered in 1838. For its cultivation, the temperature of
+a warm greenhouse is required, though during summer it may be placed in
+a sunny position in a frame out of doors. If grown in windows, it should
+be kept through the winter in a room where there is a fire constantly.
+
+C. peruvianus (Peruvian).--A tall-grower, the stems fleshy when young,
+and very spiny. The ridges on the stem number from five to eight, with
+stellate bundles, about 1 in. apart, of small, stiff black spines. The
+flowers appear upon the upper portion of the stem, and are 5 in. across,
+the petals pure white above, tinged with red below, and forming a large
+saucer, in the middle of which the numerous stamens, with yellow
+anthers, are arranged in a crown. There is something incongruous in the
+tall, spine-clothed, pole-like stem, upon which large, beautiful,
+water-lily-like flowers are developed, looking quite out of place on
+such a plant. Flowers in spring and early summer. It requires warm
+greenhouse or stove treatment. There are some fine examples of this
+species at Kew. A variety of this species, with a fasciated or monstrous
+habit, is sometimes cultivated. Introduced in 1830.
+
+C. pleiogonus (twisted-angled); Fig. 26.--An erect cylindrical-stemmed
+species, from 6 in. to 1 ft. high by 4 in. in diameter, with from ten to
+fourteen angles or ridges; these are somewhat tumid, and marked with
+depressions, from which the star-like clusters of spines spring, about a
+dozen spines in each cluster, the central one much the largest. The
+flowers are about 8 in. long, the tube being rather thick and
+cylinder-like, expanding at the top, so as to form a sort of cup, in
+which the petals are arranged in several rows, with the middle filled by
+the numerous stamens, surmounted by the club-like pistil. The colour of
+the flowers is purple-red. This species appears to have first found its
+way into cultivation through some Continental garden, its native country
+being unknown. It thrives only in a warm house, developing its flowers
+in summer.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 26.--CEREUS PLEIOGONUS.]
+
+C. polyacanthus (many-spined).--A newly-introduced species, from El
+Paso, in Mexico, where it is common on the sand ridges and stony hills.
+Stem 10 in. high, 2 in. to 4 in. wide, pale green or glaucous, with about
+eight ridges, the spines being placed along the angles in clusters of
+half a dozen or so, and about 1/2 in. apart. The flowers are 2 in. to 3 in.
+long; the tube spiny; the petals semi-erect and concave, rounded at the
+tip, and forming a shallow cup or wine-glass-like flower; the colour of
+the petals is deep blood-red. This beautiful Cactus is exceptional in
+the length of time its flowers remain expanded and fresh, lasting a week
+or more; and as the plant is very free flowering, there is usually a
+beautiful display of rich red blossoms for about six weeks. It may be
+grown in a cool greenhouse or window, requiring no artificial heat
+beyond what would be necessary to insure its protection from frost. It
+flowers in spring.
+
+C. procumbens (trailing); Fig. 27.--This is a very pretty little
+Cactus, with spreading prostrate stems, from which upright branches grow
+to a height of 3 in. or 4 in.; they are 1/2 in. thick, generally only
+four-angled or square, with small spines in tufts along the angles. The
+flowers are developed on the ends of the branches, and are 3 in. long and
+wide, the sepals spreading and recurved, as in a Paris daisy, their
+colour being bright rose purple. The anthers form a corona-like ring,
+inclosing the upright, rayed stigma. A native of Mexico; flowers in May
+and June. In its native haunts we learn that this little Cactus is very
+free-flowering, but under cultivation in this country it flowers only
+rarely. It thrives best when grown in a dry, sunny greenhouse, and kept
+perfectly dry during autumn and winter. If allowed to get wet in that
+season, it is apt to rot, the stems being soft and watery.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 27.--CEREUS PROCUMBENS.]
+
+C. reductus (dingy); Bot. Mag. 4443.--Stem erect, sometimes 3 ft. high,
+and about 4 in. wide, deeply furrowed, the furrows usually numbering
+about fourteen; the ridges tumid and irregular, and coloured a dingy
+glaucous-green. Spines embedded in a tuft of grey wool, about a dozen
+spines in each cluster, 1 in. long, a few of them only half that length.
+Flowers on the top of the stem, three or four opening together, each
+being 3 in. long and wide; the tube short and scaly, with overlapping
+sepals and saw-edged petals, which are white, slightly tinged with rose.
+Stamens filling the whole of the flower-cup, bright yellow. A native of
+Mexico, introduced in 1796, flowering in summer. This species was
+evidently a favourite many years ago, but it is rare with us now. It
+thrives in a house where the winter temperature does not fall below
+45 deg., requiring no water at that time, but a liberal supply in the
+summer when growth is being made, and all the sunlight possible. When
+without its star-shaped, handsome flowers, the stem is remarkably
+ferocious-looking, the spines upon it being quite as thick and as strong
+as on a hedgehog.
+
+C. repandus (undulated); Fig. 28.--Stem erect, 10 ft. or more high,
+unbranched, unless compelled to do so by the removal of the top. Ribs
+eight or nine in number, rounded, somewhat undulated, and bearing
+spine-tufts nearly 1 in. apart; each tuft contains about ten spines,
+which are almost equal in length, fine, stiff, brown, and persistent;
+there is a little cushion of white wool about the base of the spines.
+Flowers produced on the side, within a few inches of the top of the
+stem; they are composed of a scaly tube, 4 in. long, a circular row of
+spreading, incurved, pale brown sepals, and two rows of broad,
+overlapping, snow-white petals; stamens white, with yellow anthers;
+stigma yellow. The flowers, developed in summer, are very beautiful,
+but, unfortunately, each lasts only a few hours. A native of the West
+Indies, and an old introduction to English gardens (1720), but rare in
+cultivation now. It requires the treatment of a stove all the year
+round.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 28.--CEREUS REPANDUS.]
+
+C. Royeni (Royen's); Bot. Mag. 3125.--This plant is not one of the
+handsomest as regards flowers; but its stems are ornamental, and the
+form of the flowers is such as would please those who admire the
+curious. The stem is erect, several feet high, 2 in. in diameter, with
+about ten acute ridges, along which are little tufts of white wool about
+the base of the clustering spines, which are dark brown and 1 in. long.
+The flower-tube is 2 in. long, thick, spineless, scaly, the scales
+becoming large near the top of the flower, where they form a cup-like
+whorl, enclosing the small rose-coloured petals, the stamens being
+white. Introduced from New Grenada, in 1832. It flowers in spring and
+summer. It should be grown in a stove.
+
+C. variabilis (variable); Bot. Mag. 4084, under the name of C. pitajaya.
+--A tall-growing plant, rather straggling in habit, branching freely,
+the stems usually four-winged, but sometimes with three, five, or more,
+constricted at intervals, as in Phyllocactus, the wings spiny along the
+edges; spines 1 in. long. Flowers on the sides of the stems, rather low
+down, long-tubed; large, showy; tube 6 in. long, smooth, fleshy, with a
+few scales near the top, and a whorl of greenish, strap-shaped, pointed
+sepals, the petals spreading, with toothed margins and a long acute
+point, white or cream-coloured; anthers yellow. A native of various
+parts of South America and the West Indies, but always close to the sea.
+It flowers in July; the flowers, which open generally in the evening,
+remain expanded all night, and close before noon the day following. This
+species requires tropical or warm house treatment. There are some old
+plants of it in the Kew collection, where it flowers annually. Except
+for large houses, this species is not recommended for general
+cultivation, as it blossoms only after attaining a good size, and the
+stems, when old, are not at all ornamental.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE GENUS ECHINOCACTUS.
+
+(From echinos, a hedgehog, and Cactus.)
+
+
+Many of the plants included in the genus Echinocactus are very similar
+in habit and stem-characters to the Cereus. Botanists find characters in
+the seed vessel (ovary) and in the seeds by which the two genera are
+supposed to be easily separable; but, so far as can be made out by a
+comparison of their more conspicuous characters, there is very little
+indeed to enable one to distinguish the two genera from each other when
+not in flower. A comparison of the figures given in these pages will
+show that such is the case.
+
+The name Echinocactus was given to E. tenuispinus, which was first
+introduced into English gardens in 1825. The spiny character of this
+species is surpassed by that of many of the more recently introduced
+kinds; still it is sufficient to justify its being compared to a
+hedgehog. Some of the kinds have spines 4 in. long, broad at the base,
+and hooked towards the point, the hooks being wonderfully strong, whilst
+in others the spines are long and needle-like, or short and fine as the
+prickles on a thistle. The stems vary much in size and form, being
+globose, or compressed, or ovate, a few only being cylindrical, and
+attaining a height of from 5 ft. to 10 ft. They are almost always
+simple--that is, without branches, unless they are compelled to form
+such by cutting out or injuring the top of the stem; the ridges vary in
+number from about five to ten times that number, and they are in some
+species very firm and prominent, in others reduced to mere undulations,
+whilst in a few, they are separated into numerous little tubercles or
+mammae. The species are nearly all possessed of spines, which are
+collected in bundles along the ridges of the stem. Generally, the
+flowers are about as long as wide, and the ovary is covered with scales
+or modified sepals. The fruit is succulent, or sometimes dry, and, when
+ripe, is covered with the persistent calyx scales, often surrounded with
+wool, and usually bearing upon the top the remains of the withered
+flower. The position of the flowers is on the young part of the stem,
+usually being perched in the centre, never on the old part, as in some
+of the Cereuses. The flowers open only under the influence of bright
+sunlight, generally closing soon after it leaves them.
+
+The geographical distribution of the species, of which over 200 have
+been described, extends from Texas and California to Peru and Brazil;
+they are in greatest abundance in Mexico, whence most of the garden
+kinds have been introduced. The conditions under which they grow
+naturally vary considerably in regard to temperature and soil; but they
+are all found in greatest numbers and most robust health where the soil
+is gravelly or sandy, and even where there is no proper soil at all, the
+roots finding nourishment in the clefts or crevices of the rocks. As a
+rule, the temperature in the lands where they are native is very high
+during summer, and falls to the other extreme in winter, some of the
+species being found even where frost and snow are frequent; the majority
+of them, however, require what we would call stove treatment.
+
+Turning now to a consideration of those kinds known as garden plants, we
+find that comparatively few of the species known to botanists are
+represented in English collections, though, perhaps, we may safely say
+that not one of the kinds known would be considered unworthy of
+cultivation except by those who despise Cactuses of whatever kind. Their
+flowers are conspicuous both in size and brilliancy of colour; and in
+the curious, grotesque, and even beautifully symmetrical shapes of their
+stems, one finds attractions of no ordinary kind. The stem of E. Visnaga
+shown at Fig. 48 may be taken as an instance of this--apart from the
+cluster of star-like, bright yellow flowers seen nestling upon the top
+of their spine-protected dwelling, the whole suggesting a nest of young
+birds. This plant is indeed one of the most remarkable of the
+Echinocactuses, owing to the size and number of its spines--which are
+3 in. long, almost as firm as steel, and are used by the Mexicans as
+toothpicks--and to the gigantic size and great weight of the stem. The
+following account of a large specimen of this species introduced to Kew
+in 1845, is taken from an article from the pen of the late Sir Wm.
+Hooker in the Gardeners' Chronicle of that year. This gigantic plant was
+presented to the nation, in other words to Kew, by F. Staines, Esq., of
+San Luis Potosi. Such was its striking appearance, that it was stated
+that, if exhibited in the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, some hundreds of
+pounds might be realised by it. In a letter from Mr. Staines, here
+quoted, our readers will perceive how difficult it often is to obtain
+living specimens of these plants from their native habitats. He writes:
+"I mean to have a large specimen of E. Visnaga deposited in a strong
+box, sending the box first to the mountain where the monsters grow, and
+placing it on the springs of a carriage which I shall despatch for that
+purpose. My monstrous friend cannot travel any other way, from his
+stupendous size and immense ponderosity, which cannot be adequately
+calculated for here, where the largest machine for conveying weights
+does not exceed sixteen arrobes, or 400lb. This enormous plant will
+require twenty men at least to place it upon the vehicle, with the aid
+of such levers as our Indians can invent. It grows in the deep ravines
+of our loftiest mountains, amongst huge stones; the finest plants are
+inaccessible to wheeled vehicles, and even on horseback it is difficult
+to reach them. I shall pack him carefully in mats before applying to his
+roots the crowbars destined to wrench him from his resting place of
+unknown centuries. He will have to travel 300 leagues before he reaches
+Vera Cruz." Being too large to be packed in a box, it was first
+surrounded with a dense clothing of the Old Man's Beard or Spanish moss
+(Tillandsia usneoides)--and a better covering could not have been
+devised--and well corded. Fifteen mats, each as large and as thick as
+an ordinary doormat, formed the exterior envelope. When unpacked on its
+arrival at Kew, this monster Cactus was seen as perfect, as green, and
+as uninjured as if it had been that morning removed from its native
+rocks, its long, rope-like roots arranged in coils like the cable of a
+ship. When placed in scales it weighed 713lb., its circumference at 1 ft.
+from the ground was 41/2 ft., and its total height, 8 ft. 7 in.; the number
+of ridges was forty-four, and on each ridge were fifty bundles of
+spines, four spines to each bundle. Thus there were 8800 spines or
+toothpicks, enough for the supply of an army. A still larger specimen
+was a year or so later successfully brought to Kew, and which weighed 1
+ton; but this, as well as the smaller one, survived only a short time.
+There have been numerous other large specimens of this Cactus in English
+gardens lately, all of them, however, succumbing to the unfavourable
+conditions of our climate. Mr. Peacock, of Hammersmith, recently
+possessed two large plants of E. Visnaga, one of which weighed nearly
+5cwt., and measured 8 ft. 6 in. in circumference.
+
+Cultivation.--The soil for Echinocactuses should be similar to that
+recommended for the Cereuses, as also should be the treatment as regards
+sunlight and rest. It cannot be too clearly understood that during the
+period between October and March these plants should be kept perfectly
+dry at the root, and in a dry house, where the temperature would not
+fall below 50 deg. There is no occasion for re-potting the Echinocactuses
+every year, it being by far the safest plan to allow them to remain in
+the same pots several years, should the soil be fresh and the drainage
+perfect.
+
+All the larger-stemmed kinds may be kept in health when grown on their
+own roots; but for some of the smaller species it is a good plan to
+graft them upon the stem of some of the Cereuses, C. tortuosus or C.
+colubrinus being recommended for the smaller kinds, and for the larger
+C. peruvianus, C. gemmatus, or any one the stem of which is robust, and
+of the right dimensions to bear the species of Echinocactus intended to
+be grafted. Some growers prefer to graft all the small Echinocactuses
+upon other kinds, find certainly, when properly grafted, they are safer
+thus treated than if grown on their own roots. In grafting, the two
+stems (stock and scion) must be cut so that their edges meet, and in
+securing them two or three stakes must be placed in such a way as to
+afford support to the graft and hold it firmly in position.
+
+Propagation.--Besides grafting, cuttings of the stems may be utilised
+for the multiplication of Echinocactuses, first removing the upper
+portion of the stem and putting it into soil to root, and afterwards, as
+lateral stems develop on the old stock, they may be cut away with a
+sharp knife, and treated in a similar manner. Should a plant become
+sickly, and look shrivelled and cankered at the base, it is always best
+to cut away the healthy part of the stem, and induce it to form fresh
+roots, thus giving it a new lease of life. Seeds of these plants may be
+obtained from dealers, more especially Continental nurserymen, and to
+watch the gradual development of the plant from the seedling is both
+interesting and instructive. The seeds should be sown in soil, and kept
+moist and warm; in about a month after sowing, the little pea-like,
+green balls will be seen pushing their way through the thin covering of
+soil, and gradually but slowly increasing in size, their spines also
+increasing in number and strength, the ridges forming according to the
+character of the species, till, finally, they assume the mature
+characters of the plant, both in stem and habit. The flowers, of course,
+appear according to the length of time it takes for the species to grow
+to flowering size.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+E. brevihamatus (short-hooked).--Several kinds of Echinocactus are
+distinguished from the rest in having the ridges divided into tubercles,
+which are often globular and arranged in a spiral round the stem, as in
+the genus Mamillaria; to this section the present species belongs. The
+stem is almost sphere-shaped, from 4 in. to 6 in. high, the tuberculated
+ridges about 1/4 in. deep, and upon each tubercle is a tuft of about a
+dozen brown, radiating spines, with a long central one hooked at the
+point. The flowers are borne in clusters on the top of the stem, three
+or four opening together; they are 1 in. in length, and the same across
+the spreading petals, which are pink, shaded with deep rose. A native of
+the mountainous regions of South Brazil; introduced about 1850. Flowers
+in summer. This pretty little plant will thrive if placed upon a shelf
+in a greenhouse where it will have full sunshine during the greater part
+of the day. It grows very slowly, especially when on its own roots, but
+succeeds better when grafted on another kind.
+
+E. centeterius (many-spined); Bot. Mag. 3974.--This has a
+conical-shaped stem, 6 in. high by 4 in. wide, with about fourteen ridges,
+which are notched, and bear star-shaped clusters of pale brown spines,
+1/2 in. long. The blossoms are borne rather thickly on the summit of the
+stem, from six to nine flowers being sometimes open together; and as
+they are each nearly 3 in. across, and of good substance, they present an
+attractive appearance. The petals are of a deep straw-colour, with a
+reddish streak down the centre, and 11/2 in. long, with the apex notched or
+toothed. The stamens are spirally coiled round the stigma, which is
+club-shaped and white. This species is probably a native of Mexico, and
+was first flowered in England at Kew, in 1841. A cool, dry greenhouse
+suits it best; or it may be grown in a sunny room window where frost
+would not be allowed to reach it in winter. Unless subjected to very dry
+treatment during the winter months, and also kept in a position where
+all the sunlight possible would reach it--even when at rest--there is
+not much chance of this plant producing its large flowers. It may be
+kept alive by giving it uniform treatment all the year round, but it
+would never flower.
+
+E. cinnabarinus (cinnabar-flowered); Bot. Mag. 4326.--This is another
+of the Mamillaria-like kinds, and is remarkable for the depressed form
+of its stem, which may be likened to a sea urchin, both in size and
+shape. Old plants are from 6 in. to 8 in. in diameter, and about 4 in.
+high; the spiral formed by the tubercles rises very gradually, and each
+of the latter is surmounted by a tuft of strong, brown, radiating
+spines, imbedded in a little cushion of wool. The flowers spring from
+the outside of the depressed top of the stem, two or three opening
+together and forming a beautiful picture, both as to size and colour.
+The tube is short and green, with a row of long green sepals at the top,
+and above these the petals, which are 2 in. long, overlapping, recurved,
+the edges toothed, and the colour a brilliant cinnabar-red. The stamens
+are in two series, very numerous, and the anthers are bright yellow.
+Looking at the flattened, spiny stem, it seems impossible that such
+large, handsome flowers should be produced by it. A native of Bolivia;
+introduced about 1846. It blossoms in July, and may be grown on a shelf
+in a cool greenhouse, as advised for the E. centeterius.
+
+E. concinnus (neat); Fig. 29.--A small species with a globose stem,
+2 in. high and 3 in. wide, and about twenty ridges, which are rounded,
+rather broad, each bearing about half-a-dozen little bunches of spines
+arranged in a star. The flowers are numerous, as large as, or larger
+than, the stem, being 3 in. long and broad, the tube covered with brown
+hair-like spines, and having a few reddish scales, whilst the petals are
+in several rows, overlapping, with pointed tips, and are coloured dark
+yellow with a red streak down the centre. Several flowers are sometimes
+developed together on a little stem, when they have the appearance of
+being much too large for so small a plant to support. The pale green of
+the stem and its brown spines contrast prettily with the handsome yellow
+flowers, which are brightened by the streaks of red on the petals and
+the clear red colour of the stigma. It is a native of Mexico, and was
+introduced about 1840, flowering early in summer. It requires a warm
+greenhouse temperature all the year round, with, of course, plenty of
+sunshine. It may be grafted on the stem of an erect-growing Cereus, such
+as C. serpentinus or C. Napoleonis, the stock to be not higher than
+6 in., and about as wide as the plant of E. concinnus is at the base.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 29.--ECHINOCACTUS CONCINNUS.]
+
+E. coptonogonus (wavy-ribbed); Fig. 30.--Stem globose, seldom more than
+5 in. in diameter, depressed on the top, with from ten to fourteen
+strong, sharp-edged, wavy ribs, the furrows also being wavy. Spine tufts
+set in little depressions along the margins of the ribs, five spines in
+each tuft, the two upper 1 in. long and four-angled, the two lower
+flattened and shorter, the fifth, which is the longest, being placed in
+the top of the cushion. Flowers 2 in. across, daisy-like, produced in
+April and May; tube very short; sepals and petals linear, spreading,
+white, with a purple stripe down the centre; stamens red, with yellow
+anthers; pistil purple, with an eight-rayed, yellow stigma. A native of
+Mexico. (Syn. E. interruptus.)
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 30.--ECHINOCACTUS COPTONOGONUS.]
+
+E. cornigerus (horn-bearing).--This remarkable plant, of which a
+portion is represented at Fig. 31, has the stoutest spines of all
+cultivated Cactuses, and their arrangement on the ridges of the stem is
+such as would withstand the attacks of all enemies. The broad
+tongue-like spine is purple in colour, and as strong as iron; the three
+erect horn-like spines yellow, and as firm as the horns of an antelope,
+to which they bear a resemblance. The stem is sphere-shaped, grey-green
+in colour, and is divided into from fourteen to twenty-one stout wavy
+ribs, upon which the spine tufts occur at intervals of about 2 in. The
+arrangement of the spines is shown in the illustration, as also is the
+position of the flowers, which are small, with narrow purple petals and
+brown-red sepals. The plant is a native of Mexico and Guatemala, and
+would require stove treatment. We have seen only small living examples,
+but according to descriptions and figures, the most interesting
+character it possesses is its spiny armament. It has been called
+Melocactus latispinus and Echinocactus latispinus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 31.--ECHINOCACTUS CORNIGERUS.]
+
+E. corynodes (club-like); Fig. 32.--The stem of this is about as large
+as a Keswick Codlin apple, with the broad end uppermost, and the sides
+cut up into about a dozen and a half rather prominent sharp ridges, with
+bunches of stout yellow spines arranged, at intervals of about 1 in.,
+along the edges. The flowers, which are produced in a cluster on the top
+of the stem, form a crown of bright yellow petals, studded with scarlet
+eye-like stigmas. Each flower is 2 in. in diameter when fully spread out,
+cup-shaped, and composed of two or three rows of over-lapping petals. In
+the middle of these nestle the short stamens, and projecting well beyond
+them is the bright scarlet stigma, forming a beautiful contrast to the
+petals. This plant is a native of Mexico, and was introduced about the
+year 1837. It is also known in gardens under the names of E. rosaceus
+and E. Sellowianus. There was a pretty little specimen of this flowering
+in the Kew collection last year, and the opening and closing of the
+flowers, as the sunlight reached or receded from them, was almost as
+rapid as that observed in the daisy. The whole plant is so small, and,
+when in flower, so charming, that no one could fail to admire it. It
+requires similar treatment to E. concinnus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 32.--ECHINOCACTUS CORYNODES.]
+
+E. crispatus (curled); Fig. 33.--The flattened, wavy or curled ridges
+of this species are characteristic of several other kinds of
+Echinocactus. Its long, stout, ferocious-looking spines, directed
+upwards, have a very forbidding aspect. The stem grows to a height of
+about 8 in., and is said to produce its large, long-tubed, purple flowers
+in the summer months. It has been introduced by a Continental
+nurseryman, but, so far as is known, has not yet flowered in any English
+collection. It is apparently closely allied to E. longihamatus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 33.--ECHINOCACTUS CRISPATUS.]
+
+E. Cummingii (Cumming's); Bot. Mag. 6097.--A pretty little species,
+with a globose stem about 3 in. in diameter, the ridges divided into
+tubercles, and running spirally round the stem. From each tubercle
+springs a radiating cluster of yellowish, hair-like spines. The flowers
+are numerous, 1 in. long and wide, the scales on the tube tipped with
+red, whilst the petals stamens, and stigma are an uniform bright
+ochre-yellow; so that, looked at from above, they suggest the flowers of
+the common marigold. A well-managed plant produces as many as
+half-a-dozen of these flowers together, which open out widely under the
+influence of bright sunlight. It is one of the hardiest of the genus,
+thriving well in a frost-proof house or frame. During winter, the
+atmosphere surrounding it should be as dry as possible; but in summer it
+likes plenty of moisture, and exposure to full sunshine. A variety of E.
+Cummingii was raised from seeds a few years ago by Mr. Daniel, of Epsom,
+the flowers of which were pale almost to whiteness. The type is said to
+attain a height of 8 in. in its native country, Bolivia, whence plants
+were introduced to Kew in 1847, and flowered in July.
+
+E. cylindraceus (cylindrical).--A large-growing kind, attaining a
+height of several feet, very broad, and, as the name denotes,
+cylindrical in shape. When large, the stem often develops lateral
+branches about its base. Cultivated plants of it are 6 in. high, the
+sides marked with about a score of ridges, upon which, arranged in a
+dense cluster, are the stout, strong spines, the longest of them 3 in.
+long, hooked, and projecting outwards, the shorter spreading and
+interlacing so as to form a sort of spiny network all round the stem.
+The flowers are yellow, 2 in. long, and are composed of a short, thick
+tube bearing from forty to fifty fringed sepals, and about half that
+number of petals, which are also fringed. There are as many as a dozen
+flowers opened together on stout, aged plants; it is, however, more
+because of the densely spinous stems than the flowers that this species
+has found its way into cultivation. It cannot be recommended for any
+except large collections, and where it can be grown in a stove
+temperature. It is a native of the hot deserts of Colorado, and was
+introduced about ten years ago. There are several healthy young
+specimens of it in the Kew collection.
+
+E. echidne (viper; probably in allusion to the fang-like spines).--This
+species is remarkable in having a stout cylindrical stem, 12 in. high by
+8 in. wide, with about a dozen deep ridges; these are disposed spirally,
+and bear tufts of rigid, broad spines, 1 in. or more long, spreading, so
+as to interlace and form a wire-like network all round the stem. It may
+be mentioned here that an American naturalist has recently suggested
+that the object of these iron-like spines on the stems of many Cactuses,
+and more especially on the majority of the Hedgehog kinds, is not so
+much to defend the fleshy stems from browsing animals as to afford
+protection from the scorching rays of the sun, which would otherwise
+cause the stems to blister and shrivel; and the nature of the spiny
+covering of E. echidne seems to support such a view. As in many others,
+the clusters of spines in this plant have their bases embedded in a tuft
+of whitish wool. The flowers are developed near the centre of the top of
+the stem, and are of medium size, bright yellow, with whitish stamens;
+they are produced two or three together, in summer. This species is a
+native of Mexico; it thrives in a greenhouse where frost is excluded,
+but only rarely flowers with us under cultivation.
+
+E. Emoryi (Emory's); Fig. 34.--This is a very large-stemmed kind,
+specimens having been found nearly 3 ft. in height and about 2 ft. in
+diameter. Smaller plants, such as are in English collections, have
+globose stems 1 ft. through, with about thirteen ribs, the ribs
+tuberculated, the tubercles large, and rounded; the spines are borne on
+the apex of the tubercles in star-shaped bundles of eight or nine, and
+are angled, often flat on the top side, articulated, with hooked points,
+whilst in length they vary from 1 in. to 4 in. The flowers are 3 in. long,
+the tube clothed with heart-shaped scales or sepals; the petals are red,
+with yellowish margins, spreading so as to form a beautiful, large,
+cup-like flower, with a cluster of deep yellow stamens in the centre.
+The flowering period is in the autumn, and the plant is a native of the
+Lower Colorado and California. Living plants of it have only recently
+been introduced into English collections. At Kew, it is cultivated in a
+warm greenhouse, where it is in good health. From accounts of it in its
+native haunts, it will, however, probably prefer a cool house in winter,
+and as much sun and warmth as possible in spring and summer; for we are
+told that during winter it is often subjected to severe frosts and heavy
+snowfalls, whilst in summer the fierce heat of the sun is such as to
+burn up all vegetation, except Cactuses and other similar plants.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 34.--FLOWER AND SPINES OF ECHINOCACTUS EMORYI.]
+
+E. gibbosus (humped).--A small apple-like plant, not more than 4 in.
+high, with a depressed top, the lower part being narrowed. It has
+sixteen ribs or ridges, composed of rows of thick fleshy tubercles, upon
+every other of which are six or eight horny spines, 1 in. long. The
+flowers are pushed out from the edge of the depression on the top of the
+stem, and are large; the tube 11/2 in. long. The petals spread to a width
+of 3 in., and are arranged in several rows, overlapping each other,
+becoming smaller towards the centre of the flower, as in an aster; they
+are pure white, except for a tinge of red on the tips of the outer ones,
+the stamens being bright yellow. Two flowers are usually developed on a
+plant, generally in June. This species was introduced from Jamaica about
+1808, by a nurseryman in Hammersmith; but as no Echinocactuses are wild
+in the West Indian Islands, it must have been introduced into Jamaica
+from some of the Central American States, or probably from Mexico. It
+may be grafted on to another free-growing kind with advantage, as it
+does not always keep healthy when on its own roots. It should be grown
+in a cool greenhouse, or in the window of a dwelling-room, always,
+however, in a position where it would get plenty of sunlight.
+
+E. Haynii (Hayne's); Fig. 35.--An upright cylindrical-stemmed species,
+very much like a Mamillaria in the form and position of the tubercles
+and the numerous greyish hair-like spines arranged in a radiating ring
+on the top of each tubercle. The flowers are much longer than in any yet
+described, the tube being 6 in. in length, clothed with large sepals on
+the upper portion, and the petals are semi-erect with recurved points,
+and coloured a brilliant purple-red. A native of Peru, where it is found
+at high elevations, growing in crevices of rocks and exposed to full
+sunlight. With us it thrives in a warm greenhouse, producing its
+beautiful flowers in summer. Introduced about 1850.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 35.--ECHINOCACTUS HAYNII.]
+
+E. hexaedrophorus (tubercles six-sided); Fig. 36.--This plant is
+distinguished by the gouty-looking tubercles into which its broad,
+spiral ridges are divided, and which look as if they would suddenly
+burst like a blister if pricked with a pin. It grows about 4 in. in
+height, and is similar in form to what is shown in the accompanying
+figure, except that the top is usually flatter than here represented.
+The whole stem has a glaucous hue, and the spines are reddish-brown. The
+flowers, which are produced freely in June and July, are short-tubed,
+spreading to a width of 2 in.; the petals toothed at the tips, and
+arranged in several rows, overlapping each other, the colour being
+white, tinted with rose, with a disk-like cluster of yellow stamens in
+the centre, and a white-rayed stigma. A native of North Mexico,
+introduced about 1830. It is very slow-growing, attaining full size in
+not less than six years from seed; indeed, it is stated that in twelve
+years a plant of it did not grow more than 2 in. Still, slow as it is, it
+remains in good health when kept in a sunny position on a shelf in a
+greenhouse or in a dwelling-room, so that it may be recommended for
+places where space is very limited. Like E. gibbosus, it does best when
+grafted on to another kind. We have seen perfect "drum-sticks" formed by
+grafting a full-grown plant of this on the stem of a Cereus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 36.--ECHINOCACTUS HEXAEDROPHORUS.] E.
+horizonthalonis (spreading-spined); Fig. 37.--Stem globose, usually
+flattened on the top, and divided into eight or nine large ribs or
+ridges, grey-green in colour. Spines in crowded star-shaped clusters
+along the apex of the ribs, seven spines in each cluster, all of them
+strong, slightly curved, horn-like, and marked with numerous rings; they
+are yellow, tipped with red when young, ash-coloured when old; the
+longest are about 2 in. in length. Flowers terminal, springing from the
+young spine tufts, each 4 in. across, with two rows of petals arranged
+regularly in the form of a cup; colour deep rose, paler on the inside of
+the cup; stamens very numerous, with white filaments and yellow anthers.
+The flowers expand at sunrise and close again in the evening, each one
+lasting about a week; they are very agreeably scented. Flowering season,
+May and June. The plant is a native of Mexico, and was introduced in
+1838. (Syns. E. equitans, E. horizontalis.)
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 37.--ECHINOCACTUS HORIZONTHALONIS.]
+
+E. Le Contei (Le Conte's); Fig. 38.--Another of the large-stemmed
+kinds, which have only recently found their way into English gardens,
+although long since discovered and described by American travellers. The
+illustration represents a young plant. When full-grown, this species has
+a stem 5 ft. high by 2 ft. wide, with broad deep channels and ridges,
+wrinkled and covered with a thick network of stout spines, which are set
+in clusters in a cushion of whitish wool, the longest being about 3 in.
+in length, with curved or slightly hooked points, and distinctly
+angular. The flowers are 2 in. long, bell-shaped; the petals shining
+lemon-yellow, with a tinge of brown on the outside, whilst the sepals
+are like a number of fish-scales, overlapping each other down the
+outside of the campanulate tube. The stamens and pistil are almost
+hidden inside the flower. Flowers are borne by quite young plants,
+whilst upon full-grown specimens they are so numerous as to form a large
+yellow cap to the immense, prickly, conical stems. They are developed in
+August and September. A native of Mexico, where it is found wild on the
+rocky or gravelly plains and ravines, and often in crevices of
+perpendicular rocks. It requires warm greenhouse treatment, and plenty
+of water during the summer, care being taken that the soil it is planted
+in is perfectly drained.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 38.--ECHINOCACTUS LE CONTEI.]
+
+E. Leeanus (Lee's); Bot. Mag. 4184.--This species has many characters
+in common with E. hexaedrophorus and E. gibbosus, the stem being no
+larger than a small orange, with plump globose tubercles, bearing
+star-shaped clusters of short brown spines. The flowers are 11/2 in. long
+and wide, and are composed of a green fleshy tube, with a few whitish
+scales, which gradually enlarge till, with the white, rose-tipped
+petals, they form a spreading cup, the large cluster of pale yellow
+stamens occupying the whole of the centre. This pretty little Cactus was
+raised from seeds by Messrs. Lee, of the Hammersmith Nursery, in 1840.
+It is a native of the Argentine Provinces, and flowers in May. The
+treatment recommended for E. gibbosus will be found suitable for this.
+It is happiest when grafted on to another kind. For the amateur whose
+plants are grown in a room window or small plant-case, these tiny
+Hedgehog Cactuses are much more suitable than larger kinds, as they keep
+in health under ordinary treatment, and flower annually; whereas, the
+larger kinds, unless grown in properly-constructed houses, rarely
+blossom.
+
+E. longihamatus (long-hooked); Fig. 39.--We heartily wish all species
+of Cactaceous plants were as readily distinguished and as easily defined
+in words as in the present remarkably fine and handsome one--remarkable
+in the very prominent ridges, the large and regularly-arranged spines,
+the central one very long, flattened, and usually hooked at the end, and
+handsome in the size and colouring of its flowers, both in the bud and
+when fully expanded. The stem is globose, 8 in. or more high; it has
+about thirteen prominent rounded ridges with waved tumid edges, from
+which, about 11/2 in. apart, spring clusters of spines, about a dozen in
+each cluster, dark red when young, becoming brown with age. In length,
+these spines vary from 1 in. to 6 in., the latter being the length of the
+central, hooked one, which is broad and flattened at the base. The
+flowers are 4 in. broad and long, the tube short, green, and bearing
+reddish scales, which gradually pass into bright yellow petals blotched
+with red on the outside, the inner ones spreading and forming a shallow
+cup, in the centre of which are the short yellow stamens and large
+pistil. Plants of this species have been grown with stems 20 in. high;
+but it takes a great number of years for the development of such
+specimens. The flowers are produced on the apex of the stem in July.
+This species was introduced from Mexico about 1850; it thrives only when
+grown in a warm greenhouse, where the temperature in summer may be
+allowed to run up to 90 degs. with sun heat. For large collections it is
+one of the most desirable.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 39.--PORTION OF PLANT OF ECHINOCACTUS
+LONGIHAMATUS.]
+
+E. Mackieanus (Mackie's); Bot. Mag. 3561.--A small plant, not more than
+about 5 in. high, and 2 in. broad at the base, widening slightly upwards.
+The ridges are broken up into numerous fleshy, rounded, green tubercles,
+crowned with a tuft of thin brown spines from 1/2 in. to 1 in. long, their
+bases set in a small pad of yellow wool: As the stem gets older, it
+loses its tubercles at the base, which are changed into brown wrinkles.
+The flowers are developed on the top of the stem, generally two or three
+together, egg-shaped and scaly when in bud, 21/2 in. across when expanded;
+the petals white, tipped with brown; the stigma green, club-shaped. This
+curious little Cactus is one of about a dozen species found in the
+Chilian Andes. It was introduced in 1837 by the gentleman whose name it
+bears, and who, at that time, possessed a famous collection of Cacti.
+Like the rest of the Chilian kinds, it should be cultivated in a cool
+greenhouse in full sunshine, where it will produce its flowers in
+summer.
+
+E. mamillarioides (Mamillaria-like); Bot. Mag. 3558.--This is another
+small, tubercled species, which, like the preceding, is a native of
+Chili. Its stem is very irregular in form, owing to the crowding of the
+tubercles, which look as if they were filled with water. The spines are
+small, in tufts of about half a dozen, set in a little cushion of
+yellowish wool. In size, the whole plant is like E. Mackieanus, but it
+blossoms more freely, as many as sixteen flowers having been borne at
+one time by a plant at Kew. These were short-tubed, the calyx clothed
+with green scales, and the petals 2 in. long, recurved at the apex,
+forming a beautiful cup-like flower of a bright yellow colour, with a
+band of red down the centre of each petal; the stamens and pistil
+yellow. The number of flowers developed on the small stem formed by this
+plant is quite extraordinary. It grows and flowers freely in an ordinary
+greenhouse, and would thrive in a sunny window if kept dry during the
+winter.
+
+E. mamillosus (nipple-bearing).--A short, dumpy plant, with numerous
+tubercled ridges, bearing bunches of dark brown hair-like spines, which
+form a close network about the stem. The flowers are developed on the
+top of the stem, and are about 4 in. in diameter, with a thick tube; the
+petals are spreading, bright yellow in colour, and arranged in a
+regular, bell-like whorl. Inside this bell is a circle of purple
+filaments or stamens, forming a pretty contrast with the clear yellow of
+the petals. This is a recent introduction, which flowered in the Kew
+collection for the first time in June, 1886. It is one of the most
+beautiful of the large-flowered kinds, and, as it thrives in a warm
+greenhouse and is very free-flowering, it may be expected to become a
+favourite with Cactus growers. Owing to the lack of information
+respecting the conditions under which many of the Cactuses are found
+wild, and to the fact that little in the way of experimental culture has
+been done by growers of this family, cultivators are sometimes in the
+dark as regards the lowest temperature in which the rarer kinds can be
+safely grown. Many of the species of the present genus, for instance,
+were grown in stoves years ago but are now known to thrive in a cool
+greenhouse where frost alone is excluded.
+
+E. multiflorus (many-flowered); Bot. Mag. 4181.--A well-named Cactus,
+as its small stem (seldom more than 5 in. high, and the same in width)
+often bears a large cap-like cluster of beautiful white flowers, except
+for a slight tinge of brown on the tips of the petals. Each flower is
+composed of a green, scaly tube, and several rows of reflexed petals,
+which form a shallow cup 21/2 in. across. The stamens are tipped with
+orange-coloured anthers, and the stigma is rayed and snow-white. The
+stem is ridged with rows of fleshy mammae or tubercles, which are
+curiously humped, and each bears a cluster of spreading, brown spines,
+1 in. long. The number of flowers this little plant annually produces
+seems more than could be possible without proving fatal to its health;
+but we have seen it blossom year after year, and in no way has its
+health appeared impaired. It may be grown on a shelf in a warm
+greenhouse, or in the window of a heated dwelling-room. Introduced,
+probably from Mexico, in 1845. This, like all the small,
+globular-stemmed kinds, may be grafted on the stem of a Cereus of
+suitable thickness. Some cultivators believe that grafting causes the
+plants to flower more freely, but we have not observed any difference in
+this respect between grafted and ungrafted plants.
+
+E. myriostigma. (many-dotted); Fig. 40.--In the form of the stem of
+this species we have a good illustration of how widely a plant may
+differ from others of the same genus in certain of its characters, for
+the spines are almost totally suppressed, and the ridges are regular,
+deep, and smooth. There are usually five or six ridges, a transverse
+section of the stem revealing a form exactly like the common star-fish
+(Astrophyton), a resemblance to which the name Astrophytum, sometimes
+applied to this plant, owed its origin. The form of the stem is well
+represented in the Figure. The white dots shown on the bark, and which
+look like scales, are composed of very fine interwoven hairs, which,
+under a microscope, are very pretty objects. This species was introduced
+from Mexico along with the large plant of E. Visnaga described at the
+beginning of this chapter, and was first flowered at Kew, in July, 1845.
+Stems 1 ft. in length were received, along with shorter ones; but only
+the small ones were established. The flowers are daisy-like, 11/2 in.
+across, and are straw-coloured, the petals being tipped with black. It
+thrives under warm greenhouse treatment. When without its flowers, it
+looks more like a piece of chiselled stone than a living plant.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 40.--ECHINOCACTUS MYRIOSTIGMA.]
+
+E. obvallatus (fortified); Fig. 41.--The form of stem in this species
+is shown in the Figure. It grows very slowly plants 4 in. through taking
+about ten years to reach that size from seeds. The spines are stout, all
+deflexed, and arranged along the edges of the numerous ribs into which
+the stem is divided. The flowers are developed from the centre of the
+plant, and are surrounded by the erect spines, which crown the, as yet,
+undeveloped tubercles. Two or three flowers are produced at about the
+same time, each one being composed of a short, spiny tube, and a whorl
+of erect petals, which are pointed, purple-coloured, paler at the
+margin, the stamens being yellow. Native of Mexico. It requires a stove
+temperature, and flowers in summer.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 41.--ECHINOCACTUS OBVALLATUS.]
+
+E. Ottonis (Otto's); Bot. Mag. 3107.--A dwarf kind, with a
+balloon-shaped stem, rarely exceeding 4 in. in height, and divided into a
+dozen wide ridges with sharp, regular edges, along which are clusters of
+small, brown spines, set in little tufts of wool, and looking like an
+array of spiders. The flowers are borne on the tops of the ridges, and
+are pale yellow in colour, with a band of red hair-like spines
+surrounding the calyx just below the petals, which are narrow,
+spreading, and look not unlike the flowers of the yellow Marguerite; the
+stigma is bright red. The symmetrical form of the stem, with its rows of
+spider-like spines, renders this plant attractive, even when without its
+bright and pretty flowers. It thrives only in a warm stove. Introduced
+from Brazil in 1831, flowering in the month of July. As it produces
+young plants about its base, it may be easily propagated by removing
+them and planting them in soil; or they may be grafted as advised for
+other of the small, globose-stemmed kinds.
+
+E. pectiniferus (comb-bearing); Bot. Mag. 4190.--One of the most
+striking of the plants of this genus, owing to the character of its
+stem, and the large size and beauty of its flowers. The former resembles
+a pear with the thin end downwards; its height is from 4 in. to 6 in., and
+it has about twenty ridges, which are sharply defined and bear along
+their angles little cushions of white wool 1/2 in. apart, with a radiating
+cluster of brown spines springing from each. The arrangement of the
+spines in rows is not unlike the teeth of a comb. The flowers are borne
+near the top of the stem, and consist of a green, fleshy tube, clothed
+with spines and little tufts of white wool; the sepals form a row
+beneath the petals, and are yellowish, tinged with purple; petals 2 in.
+long, broad, with the upper margins toothed and the tip acute, their
+colour being bright rose, tinged with greenish-white at the base;
+stamens yellow; stigma large, green. The form of the flowers is that of
+a cup, nearly 3 in. across. Introduced from Mexico in 1845. Flowering
+season, April and May. It requires warm-house treatment.
+
+E. polycephalus (many-headed); Fig. 42.--Stem globose when young,
+becoming cylindrical with age; number of ribs varying from twelve to
+twenty, sharply defined, and bearing, at intervals of 1 in., clusters of
+stout, reddish spines, somewhat flattened on the upper side, and marked
+with raised rings, or, as it is termed, annulated, the central ones
+attaining a length of over 3 in. on old plants, and sometimes curved. The
+flowers are enveloped at the base in a dense mass of white wool, which
+hides the tube, its spines only showing through; petals narrow, 1 in.
+long, spreading like a saucer, and coloured bright yellow; stamens
+numerous, yellow, as also is the large rayed stigma. California and
+Colorado, on stony and gravelly hills. Flowers in spring; introduced to
+Kew in 1886. This new plant is remarkable in that it is often found wild
+with as many as twenty to thirty stems or heads springing from the same
+base, and even young plants show early a disposition to develop several
+heads. The largest stems are from 11/2 ft. to 21/2 ft. high, and have a
+somewhat forbidding appearance, owing to the size and strength of their
+numerous spines. For its cultivation, a warm-house temperature appears
+most suitable; it bears a close resemblance to E. texensis.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 42.--RIDGE, WITH SPINES, OF ECHINOCACTUS
+POLYCEPHALUS.]
+
+E. Pottsii (Potts').--The stem of this is shown in Fig. 43. Full-sized
+plants are 11/2 ft. in diameter, and have about a dozen ridges with acute
+sinuses, the ridges being rounded and even. The spines are 1 in. long,
+bristle-like, and are arranged in clusters of seven or nine, with a
+cushion of white wool at the base of each cluster. Flowers short-tubed,
+about 2 in. across, and coloured yellow; they are produced on the top of
+the stem in summer, several expanding together. The plant is a native of
+California, and was introduced about 1840. Under cultivation this
+species proves to be a shy-flowering Cactus, although in a warm house it
+grows freely, and remains in good health. It is well adapted for
+grafting on to the stem of some kind of Cereus, and in this way may be
+made to look very singular, as was shown in Mr. Peacock's collection of
+succulents some years ago, when a fine specimen, over 1 ft. across, was
+successfully grafted on to three stems of C. tortuosus, and had much the
+appearance of a melon elevated on a short tripod.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 43.--ECHINOCACTUS POTTSII.]
+
+E. rhodophthalmus (red-eyed); Bot. Mag. 4486, 4634.--Stem cone-shaped,
+4 in. to 1 ft. high, deeply furrowed; ridges about nine, 1 in. high, the
+angles bearing closely-set clusters of radiating spines, with a
+projecting one in the middle of each cluster, which contains nine spines
+1 in. long, purple when young, becoming white when old. The flowers are
+produced from the summit of the stem, and have a thick, green, scaly
+calyx tube, upon which the spreading, rose-coloured petals are arranged
+in a regular series, and form a shallow bell nearly 3 in. across. The
+throat of the flower is coloured a deep crimson, against which the
+little sheaf of white stamens and the star-shaped yellow stigma form a
+pretty contrast. Three or more flowers are expanded together on a plant.
+It is a native of Mexico; introduced in 1845. It thrives in a house or
+frame where it is protected from frost, and during summer gets plenty of
+sunlight and air. It flowers in August. During the months of April and
+May, when it starts into growth, it should be kept close; but by the end
+of June, it should be exposed to the open air and allowed to ripen, so
+that its flowers may be produced in the autumn. The plant called E. v.
+ellipticus does not differ from the type, owing its name to the form of
+the stem of the first plant that flowered at Kew.
+
+E. scopa. (brush-like); Fig. 44.--The stem of this species, when seen
+covered with numerous tufts of bristly spines, has been compared to a
+brush, a comparison not, however, applicable to the form represented in
+the Figure. In height the stems sometimes reach l1/2 ft., with from thirty
+to forty ribs, bearing little discs of white wool at the bases of the
+clusters of spines. The flowers spring from the upper part of the stem
+(the nodules shown in the illustration represent the places where
+flowers have been developed at an earlier stage of growth), from four to
+six being borne in the same season; they are 11/2 in. long and wide, the
+tube short and brown, bristly; the petals are arranged in several
+overlapping series, rather wide for their length, toothed at the ends;
+their colour is a bright sulphur-yellow, as also are the stamens, whilst
+the stigma, which is rayed, is bright crimson. Native of Brazil.
+Introduced about 1840; it is more like a Cereus, in the form of its
+stem, than an Echinocactus. It flowers in June, and requires stove
+treatment. The stems, when dried carefully and stuffed with wadding,
+form pretty ornaments.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 44.--ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA.]
+
+E. scopa cristata. (crested variety); Fig. 45.--This curious
+monstrosity owes its origin to fasciation similar to what occurs in the
+Celosias or Cockscombs, in some Echeverias, &c. These monster varieties
+of Cactuses do not flower, but they are nevertheless interesting, and
+worth growing on account of their curious shapes. The plant shown in
+Fig. 45 is grafted on the stem of a Cereus, and it is remarkable that a
+portion of the crest of the Echinocactus will, if grafted on to another
+plant, develop the abnormal form of its parent, proving that the
+variation, whatever its cause, has become fixed.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 45.--ECHINOCACTUS SCOPA CRISTATA.]
+
+E. Simpsoni (Simpson's).--One of the smallest plants in the genus, and
+one of the prettiest. It produces tufts of irregularly-formed stems
+about 4 in. high, and composed of numerous rounded tubercles over 1/2 in.
+wide, bearing on the top of each a tuft of about twelve spines 1/2 in.
+long. The flowers are borne from the apex of the young tubercles, and
+are 1 in. wide and long, cup-shaped; petals pale purple, the stamens
+yellow. Native of Mexico and Colorado, where it is found at elevations
+of 8000 ft. to 10,000 ft., in great abundance, forming large patches on
+gravelly morains, where the climate during the summer is dry, whilst in
+winter a thick covering of snow protects the plants from severe frosts.
+In England, this species is said to have withstood 32 degs. of frost
+without being injured. It has been grown out of doors in a garden at
+Northampton, where it passed several winters planted in a raised border
+at the foot of a south wall with a natural coping of ivy. In New York,
+where the frosts of winter are severer than in England, it is cultivated
+out of doors. In this country it is apt to be injured by excessive
+moisture and fogs; but by protecting it with a handlight from November
+to March or April, this is overcome. If grown in pots, it should be kept
+in a position where it can enjoy all the sunlight possible.
+
+E. sinuatus (undulated).--Stem about 8 in. wide and long; globose,
+bearing fourteen to sixteen ridges, the edges of which are wavy or
+undulated, the prominent points crowned with tufts of thin, flexuous,
+yellow spines, the longest 11/2 in., and hooked, the shorter 3/4 in., and
+straight. The stem of E. longihamatus is very similar to this. Flowers
+developed on the top of the stem; tube short, scaly, green; petals
+yellow, spreading, and forming a cup 3 in. across, which is greenish
+outside. A native of Mexico, where it flowers in April. A
+recently-introduced kind, not yet flowered in this country. It is
+described as being a distinct, large-flowered, handsome species.
+
+E. tenuispinus (thin-spined); Bot. Mag. 3963.--Stem globular,
+depressed, with ridges and spines similar to those of E. Ottonis;
+indeed, by some these two are considered forms of the same species. In
+the number and size of the flowers, their colour and form, and the time
+of flowering, there is no difference between them. Native of Mexico (and
+Brazil ?).
+
+E. texensis (Texan); Fig. 46.--A short-stemmed plant, with a thick,
+leathery skin and broad-based ridges of irregular form, crowned with
+tufts of stout horny spines, the central one much the longest, flattened
+at the base, and strong as steel. The flowers are produced near the
+centre of the top, from the tufts of whitish wool which accompany the
+spines on the young parts of the ridges. They are 21/2 in. long and wide;
+the tube short and woolly; the petals spreading, beautifully fringed,
+and rose-coloured. Native of North-east Mexico, where it grows on stony
+hillsides in full exposure to sunshine, and where, during winter, it has
+to endure weather verging on to frost. It thrives in a greenhouse under
+cultivation. Like several of the stout-spined, robust-stemmed kinds,
+this may find favour as a garden plant because of the character of its
+stem, and the extraordinary strength of its large iron-like spines.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 46.--ECHINOCACTUS TEXENSIS.]
+
+E. turbiniformis (top-shaped).--A very distinct dwarf kind, with
+globular stems 2 in. high and about 3 in. wide, clothed with
+spirally-arranged rows or ridges of tubercles, similar to those shown in
+the figure of E. hexaedrophorus, except that, in the former, there are
+no spines on the mature tubercles, although, when young, they have each
+a little cluster of fine spines. The flowers expand in June, several
+together, from the top of the stem; they are round, 1 in. across, the
+petals being numerous, pale yellow in colour, tinged with red on the
+outside. Introduced from Mexico, 1840. This curious little plant
+requires stove treatment, and thrives when grafted on the stem of some
+other kind. It is sometimes known as Mamillaria turbinata.
+
+E. uncinatus (hooked); Fig. 47.--A small species, with oval stems when
+young, older plants becoming cylindrical, as shown in the accompanying
+Figure. The height of the largest plant does not exceed 6 in., so that,
+when wild, it is often hidden by the long grass in which it is
+frequently found on stony hillsides at high elevations, in Mexico. The
+ridges are broken up into large tubercles, upon each of which is a tuft
+of short straight spines, arranged in a circle, and a long hooked one
+springing from the centre, and often attaining a length of about 4 in. In
+old plants the spines are almost white, whilst in young ones they are
+purplish. The flowers are borne in a cluster on the apex of the stem,
+and are nearly 2 in. long, the tube being short and spiny, and the petals
+numerous, arranged in a cup, their colour dark purplish-red, the tips
+pointed; the stamens are yellow, with orange tips. The flowers expand
+only when the sun shines on them, closing up again in dull light, but
+opening again, and remaining fresh for about a week. Introduced in 1850.
+Flowers in March and April. This plant may be grown in a cool, sunny
+greenhouse, or window, requiring only protection from frost in winter,
+and in summer plenty of light, with a moderate amount of water. There
+are several varieties of it described, their differences being chiefly
+in the shape of the stem.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 47.--ECHINOCACTUS UNCINATUS.]
+
+E. viridescens (greenish).--Stem 1 ft. high and 9 in. across, young
+plants being broader than high; the sides split up into about twenty
+ridges, which are again divided into knotty tubercles or waves. The
+spines are remarkable for their size and strength, those on large plants
+being 4 in. long by 1/2 in. broad at the base, gradually narrowing to a
+stiff point; there are four central spines of this size, the others, of
+which there are about a dozen, being shorter and thinner, and arranged
+stellately. The flowers, which are rarely produced, are poor in
+comparison with the majority of the flowers of this genus. As the name
+denotes, their colour is yellowish-green; and they are about 11/2 in. wide
+and high. There are often as many as a dozen flowers expanded together
+on a stem of this plant when wild, and they are arranged in a circle
+around the growing point. The interest in this species, however, centres
+in its spines rather than its flowers. It is a native of the dry hills
+of California, extending sometimes down to the sea-beach. There is a
+plant of it at Kew 6 in. high and about fifteen years old; it has not
+been known to flower there. Mr. Peacock also possesses a large plant of
+it.
+
+E. Visnaga. (visnaga means a toothpick among the Mexican settlers); Fig.
+48.--Of the most remarkable features of this truly wonderful Cactus we
+have already spoken earlier in this Chapter. In 1846, Sir W. J. Hooker
+described, in the Illustrated London News, a large plant of it, which
+had been successfully introduced alive to Kew, and which, a year or so
+later, flowered, and was figured in the Botantical Magazine (4559). Its
+height was 9 ft., and it measured 91/2 ft. in circumference; its weight a
+ton. Afterwards, it exhibited symptoms of internal injury. The inside
+became a putrid mass, and the crust, or shell, fell in by its own
+weight. The shape of the stem is elliptical, with numerous ridges and
+stout brown spines arranged in tufts along their edges. The flowers are
+freely produced from the woolly apex; the tube is scaly and brown, and
+the petals are arranged like a saucer about the cluster of
+orange-coloured stamens. The colour of the petals is bright yellow, and
+the width of the flower is nearly 3 in. This plant is a native of Mexico,
+and is usually cultivated in a tropical temperature, but it would
+probably thrive in a warm greenhouse. It flowers in summer. As we have
+stated, large specimens do not live long in this country; and as the
+flowers are only borne by such, the plant, except only for its stems, is
+not to be recommended for ordinary collections.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 48.--ECHINOCACTUS VISNAGA.]
+
+E. Williamsii (Williams's); Bot. Mag. 4296.--A very distinct dwarf
+species, often called the "Dumpling Cactus," from the puffed-out, tumid
+appearance of its stems, which frequently branch at the base, so as to
+form a tuft of several heads; these are turbinate, 3 in. or 4 in. high,
+and 2 in. across the top, where the smooth, pale green flesh is divided
+into about half-a-dozen rounded tubercles, pressed closely together, and
+suggesting a number of small green potatoes joined by their bases. Each
+tubercle bears several tufts of short hairs. The flowers proceed from
+the young tubercles near the centre of the crown, their bases being
+enveloped in pale brown wool, the petals spreading out daisy-like to the
+width of 1 in., with a short disk of stamens in the middle; they are
+white, tinged with rose, and are developed in the summer months. Native
+of the rocky hills of Mexico, whence it was introduced in 1845. The
+stems of this plant are its most distinctive feature. It thrives on a
+shelf in a warm greenhouse, if kept perfectly dry in winter, and it
+should be potted in a compost consisting of broken brick two-thirds,
+loam one-third.
+
+E. Wislizeni (Wislizen's); Fig. 49.--A large-stemmed kind, second only
+in size to E. Visnaga. Young plants have depressed stems, those in older
+specimens being cylinder-shaped. A specimen at Kew is 8 in. high by 18 in.
+in diameter, with twenty-one ridges, which are regular and sharp-edged,
+and bear bunches of spines at regular intervals, the outer and shorter
+ones being spreading and white, whilst from the middle of each tuft
+arise four longer and stouter spines, three of them 2 in. long, and one
+3 in., with the point hooked, and as strong as if made of steel. The
+flowers, which are developed only on large plants, are greenish-yellow,
+about 2 in. long and wide, and expand during summer and autumn. The juice
+of the stems is said to serve as a substitute for water when the latter
+is scarce, and instances have been known among the white trappers where
+the lives of men have been saved by this plant. A novel use the stems
+are put to by the Indians is that of boilers, a purpose which they are
+said to answer well. The fleshy inside is scooped out, and the tough
+skin, with its iron-like spine protection, is then filled with
+vegetables and water and placed on the fire. As there is a plentiful
+supply of plants, the Indians do not trouble to carry this "boiler"
+about with them, but make a fresh one at every stage of their
+journeyings.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 49.--SPINES AND FLOWERS OF ECHINOCACTUS
+WISLIZENII.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE GENUS ECHINOPSIS.
+
+(From echinos, a hedgehog, and opsis, like.)
+
+
+No less than three sections of Cactuses, viz., the above, Echinocactus,
+and Echinocereus, owe their names to their hedgehog-like stems. From a
+horticultural point of view, there is perhaps no good reason for keeping
+the above three genera and Cereus separate; but we follow Kew in the
+arrangement adopted here. The genus Echinopsis, as now recognised by
+most English botanists and cultivators, comprises about thirty species,
+most of which have been, or are still, in cultivation. They are
+distinguished from Echinocactuses by the length of their flower tube,
+from Cereuses by the form and size of their stems, and from both in the
+position on the stem occupied by the flowers. They are remarkable for
+the great size, length of tube, and beauty of their flowers, which,
+borne upon generally small and dumpy stems, appear very much larger and
+handsomer than would be expected.
+
+The distribution of Echinopsis is similar to that of Echinocactus,
+species being found in Chili, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, &c. They
+grow only in situations where the soil is sandy or gravelly, or on the
+sides of hills in the crevices of rocks.
+
+Cultivation.--The growing and resting seasons for Echinopsis are the
+same as for Echinocactus, and we may therefore refer to what is said
+under that genus for general hints with regard to the cultivation of
+Echinopsis in this country. The following is from the notes of the late
+Curator of the Royal Gardens, Kew (Mr. J. Smith), as being worthy the
+attention of Cactus growers. Writing about Echinopsis cristata, which he
+grew and flowered exceptionally well, he says: "This showy plant is a
+native of Chili, and, like its Mexican allies, thrives if potted in
+light loam, with a little leaf mould and a few nodules of lime rubbish.
+The latter are for the purpose of keeping the soil open; it is also
+necessary that the soil should be well drained. In winter, water must be
+given very sparingly, and the atmosphere of the house should be dry; the
+temperature need not exceed 50 degs. during the night, and in very cold
+weather it may be allowed to fall 10 degs. lower, provided a higher
+temperature (55 degs.) be maintained during the day. As the season
+advances, the plants should receive the full influence of the increasing
+warmth of the sun; and during hot weather, they will be benefited by
+frequent syringing overhead, which should be done in the evening. It is,
+however, necessary to guard against the soil becoming saturated, for the
+soft fibrous roots suffer if they continue in a wet state for any length
+of time."
+
+None of the species require to be grafted to grow freely and remain
+healthy, as the stems are all robust enough and of sufficient size to
+take care of themselves. The only danger is in keeping the plants too
+moist in winter, for although a little water now and again keeps the
+stems fresh and green, it deprives them of that rest which is essential
+to the development of their large, beautiful flowers in summer.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+E. campylacantha. (curved-spined); Bot. Mag. 4567.--Stem 1 ft. or l1/2 ft.
+high, globe-shaped, with a somewhat pointed top, the sides divided into
+from fourteen to sixteen ridges, with tubercled edges, bearing clusters
+of about ten strong brown spines, which are stellately arranged, a
+central one projecting outwards, then suddenly curving upwards, and
+measuring 3 in. in length. The flowers are developed from the ridges on
+the side of the stem; they are 6 in. long, the tube shaped like a
+trumpet, brownish in colour, and clothed with tufts of short black
+hairs; petals arranged in three rows, spreading so as to form a limb
+21/2 in. across, pale rose-coloured, with a large cluster of yellow-tipped
+stamens, forming a disk-like centre. This species is a native of Chili,
+and was introduced in 1831. It blossoms in spring and summer. The long
+curving central spine and remarkable length of the flower-tube
+distinguish it from the other kinds. It may be grown in a cool
+greenhouse, where it will thrive, if kept freely watered during summer
+and rested on a dry, sunny shelf in winter. It is rare in English
+collections, but frequently occurs in Continental gardens.
+
+E. cristata (crested); Bot. Mag. 4687.--Stem globe-shaped, 1 ft. high,
+slightly narrowed towards the top; ridges fifteen, 1 in. deep, sharply
+angular, the edges bearing tufts of spreading, yellowish spines, over
+1 in. long, slightly curved, and tipped with red. Flowers creamy-white,
+springing from the ridges on the top of the stem; tube 4 in. long,
+clothed with tufts of black hairs, and surmounted by a whorl of
+reddish-yellow sepals, above which are two rows of broad-spreading
+petals. The width of the flower is over 6 in., and the stamens are
+arranged in a corona-like whorl inside the petals. This very fine Cactus
+is a native of Bolivia, whence it was introduced in 1850. When in
+flower, the broad, long-tubed, pale-coloured blossoms equal in beauty
+those of the Night-flowering Cereus. It blossoms in July. It thrives if
+kept in a warm, sunny greenhouse, but must be liberally treated in
+summer, so as to induce vigorous growth, and then be subjected to
+complete rest in winter in full sunlight, or it will not flower.
+
+E. c. purpurea (purple ).--This variety differs from the type in having
+deep rose-coloured flowers and a slightly longer tube. It is impossible
+to find among all the species of the Cereus section a more beautiful
+plant than this; the size of the flowers, their rich colour, their
+developing three or four together in the month of July, being almost
+exceptional, even among Cactuses. A splendid example of it was flowered
+at Kew in 1846 for the first time. It thrives under the conditions
+recommended for E. cristata. This variety is often made very sickly by
+treating it as a tropical Cactus, and, like most of these plants, if
+once it gets into a bad condition, it remains so a long time, in spite
+of liberal and careful treatment. So many of the Cactuses found in cool
+regions are ruined by an excess of heat in winter, and a close
+atmosphere during their season of growth, that too much attention cannot
+be given to the question of temperature in relation to their cultivation
+in English gardens.
+
+E. Decaisneanus (Decaisne's).--As represented in Fig. 50, this plant
+appears to have a columnar stem, but this is owing to the specimen
+having been formed by cutting off the upper portion of an old plant and
+striking it. Naturally, the stem in this species is globular or slightly
+egg-shaped, and bears about fourteen ridges, upon which are tufts of
+short spines, springing from little cushions of whitish wool. The
+position of the flowers is shown in the figure. The tube is covered with
+tufts of hair-like spines, and the petals and sepals are broad,
+spreading, and white, tinged with yellow, as in E. cristata. The native
+country of this plant is not known; but it is a well-known garden
+Cactus, and thrives in a warm, airy greenhouse in summer, and on a dry,
+sunny shelf in winter. The swollen base of the tube is a good example of
+the nature of what is usually termed the flower-stalk in these plants.
+It is, as has been pointed out, the elongated calyx, and the swollen
+portion is the ovary or seed vessel. If, therefore, seeds are desired,
+the withering flowers should be allowed to remain, and, in time, the
+upper portion of the tube will fall away, leaving the base, which
+continues to grow till it attains the proportions of a hen's egg.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 50.--ECHINOPSIS DECAISNEANUS.]
+
+E. Eyriesii (Eyries').--Stem no larger than an orange, with about a
+dozen ridges, the edges sharp, and bearing little globular tufts of
+whitish wool and red, hair-like spines. Flower exceedingly large for the
+size of the stem, the tube being more than 6 in. long, funnel-shaped,
+pale green, with tufts of brown hairs, which look very much like
+insects, scattered over the surface. The petals are numerous,
+narrow-pointed, spreading, pure white, the stamens pale yellow, and the
+star-like stigma white. This species is a native of Mexico, and was
+introduced by the late Sir John Lubbock, about 1830. It blossoms at
+various seasons, generally in summer. "Independently of the large size
+of the flowers, which rival in dimensions those of the Cereuses, it is
+remarkable for the rich, delicate odour they exhale at night, at which
+time its glorious blossoms expand. When young, they resemble long,
+sooty-grey horns, covered over with a thick, shaggy hairiness, and would
+never be suspected to conceal a form of the utmost beauty and a clear
+and delicate complexion. When the hour of perfection has arrived, and
+the coarse veil of hair begins to be withdrawn by the expansion of the
+unfolding petals, one is amazed at the unexpected loveliness which
+stands revealed in the form of this vegetable star, whose rays are of
+the softest white" (Lindley). For its cultivation, this plant requires a
+warm house always; but care should be taken to give it plenty of fresh
+air and as much light as possible. The soil best suited for it is a rich
+loam with a little sand and charcoal. It likes liberal watering in
+summer.
+
+E. E. flore-pleno (double-flowered); Fig. 51.--A form with several rows
+of petals, which give the flowers a doubled appearance.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 51.--ECHINOPSIS EYRIESII FLORE-PLENO.]
+
+E. E. glauca (hoary-grey). This variety differs from the type in the
+absence of the dark brown hairs from the flower-tube, which is also
+shorter than in E. Eyriesii. Probably a native of Mexico.
+
+E. oxygonus (sharp-angled).--This is very similar to E. Eyriesii. Stem
+globular in shape, and divided into about fourteen acute-edged ridges,
+upon which are tufts of brown spines, varying from 1/2 in. to 11/2 in. in
+length. Flower 8 in. long, the tube slightly curved, covered with little
+scales and hairs, and coloured green and red. The petals form an
+incurved cup, and are broad, with pointed tips; their colour a bright
+rose, with a lighter shade towards the centre of the flower. As in E.
+Eyriesii, the flowers of this kind are borne several together from the
+ridges near the growing centre of the stem. It is a native of Brazil,
+whence it was introduced nearly half a century ago. It thrives in an
+intermediate house, if treated as advised for E. Eyriesii, and its
+flowers will develop in summer. The extraordinary size and beauty of the
+blossoms are sufficient to compensate for their comparatively short
+duration after expanding; it is also interesting to watch the gradual
+development of the tiny, hairy cone, which is the first sign of the
+flower, and which increases in length and size at a surprising rate.
+
+E. Pentlandi (Pentland's); Fig. 52.--A pretty little species, with a
+globose stem 3 in. in diameter, divided into about a dozen rounded
+ridges, which are undulated or broken up into irregular tubercles, when
+the ridges do not run parallel with each other. Each tubercle is crowned
+with a tuft of brown, bristle-like spines, 1/2 in. or so long. The flowers
+are large in proportion to the size of the plant, the tube being 4 in.
+long, and trumpet-shaped; petals arranged in several overlapping rows
+and forming a cup 2 in. across, the lowest whorl turning downwards; in
+colour, they are a brilliant red, the stamens white, and the stigmas
+yellow. Three or four flowers are often expanded together on the same
+stem, springing from the side instead of the top of the plant. Native of
+Mexico (?); introduced about 1840. There are several distinct seedling
+or hybrid forms of this species, remarkable in having the colour of
+their flowers either red, yellow and white, or white, whilst some, such
+as the one known as flammea, have flowers only 2 in. long. These kinds
+may all be grown in a sunny greenhouse or window, as they only require
+protection from frost. They may be placed out of doors in summer, and be
+kept under glass only during winter, treatment which will result in
+better growth and more flowers than if the plants were kept permanently
+under glass.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 52.--ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI.]
+
+E. P. longispinus (long-spined); Fig. 53.--This is a long-spined form,
+and differs also in the shape of the stem, which is oblong, rather than
+globose.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 53.--ECHINOPSIS PENTLANDI LONGISPINUS.]
+
+E. tubiflorus (tube-flowered).--This species has an orange-shaped stem,
+about 4 in. high, and divided into about twelve prominent, sharp-angled
+ridges, along which are tufts of blackish spines, 1/2 in. long, and set in
+little cushions of white wool. The flower springs from the side of the
+stems, where it replaces a tuft of spines, and, as in E. Eyriesii, the
+tube is remarkably long, whilst the size of the whole flower much
+exceeds that of the rest of the plant, the length of the tube being
+about 6 in., and the width of the flower over 4 in. The petals are pure
+white, recurved, displaying the crown of yellow stamens, arranged in a
+ring about the rather small, rayed stigma. The tube is uniformly green,
+except that the scale-like bracts are edged with long, blackish, silky
+hairs. A native of Mexico; introduced about fifty years ago, when it was
+figured in the Botanical Magazine and elsewhere as a species of
+Echinocactus. E. tubiflorus may be placed along with E. Eyriesii and E.
+oxygonus, as it requires similar treatment. The three kinds here
+mentioned may be recommended as a trio of very fine-flowered,
+small-stemmed Cacti, which may be grown successfully in any ordinary
+greenhouse.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE GENUS MELOCACTUS.
+
+(From melon, a melon, and Kaktos, a name applied by Theophrastus to a
+spiny plant; the species are melon-formed, and their angles are beset
+with tufts of spines.)
+
+
+This genus forms a group of well-marked and curious plants, with stems
+similar to those of the globose Echinocactuses and floral characters
+quite distinct from all other genera. They cannot be said to possess any
+particular beauty, as their stems are stiff and dumpy, their spines
+large and rigid, and their flowers small and unattractive. But what is
+wanting in beauty of form or colour is atoned for in the cap which
+crowns the stem, and forms the flower-head, growing taller and taller
+whilst the stem remains stationary, till, under favourable
+circumstances, a cylindrical mass of spines and hairs, not unlike a
+large bottle-brush, and 1 ft. or more in length, is developed before the
+whole plant succumbs to old age. This character belongs more
+particularly to M. communis, the commonest species, and the one best
+known in English gardens. Additional interest attaches to this species,
+from the fact of its having been the first Cactus introduced into
+Europe, for we are informed that in the year 1581 living plants of the
+Melon Cactus were known in London. Fifty years later, Gerard, the Adam
+of English gardening, wrote: "Who can but marvel at the care and
+singular workmanship shown in this Thistle, the Melocarduus echinatus,
+or Hedgehog Thistle? It groweth upon the cliffes and gravelly grounds
+neere unto the seaside in the islands of the West Indies, called St.
+Margaret's and St. John's Isle, neere unto Puerto Rico, and other places
+in these countries, by the relation of divers that have journied into
+these parts who have brought me the plant itself with his seed, the
+which would not grow ill my garden, by reason of the coldnesse of the
+clymate." After this, the plant appears to have been frequently
+cultivated in gardens in this country, and it has only been in recent
+years that this and similar curiosities have almost disappeared from all
+except botanical collections.
+
+The most prominent distinctive characters of Melocactus reside in the
+cap or cluster of spines, wool, and flowers on the summit of the stem.
+Thirty species are included in the genus, their stems ranging from 1 ft.
+to 3 ft. in height, the ridges straight, and, as a rule, large; whilst
+all have stiff stout spines in clusters about 1 in. apart. The small
+flowers are succeeded by bright red, cherry-like berries, containing
+numerous black, shining seeds. The distribution of the species is over
+the hottest parts of some of the West Indian Islands and a few places in
+Central and South America.
+
+Cultivation.--The cultivation of the several kinds known in gardens is
+as follows: A tropical temperature all the year round, with as much
+sunlight as possible, and a moist atmosphere for about three months
+during summer, when growth is most active. Very little soil is required,
+as the largest stems have comparatively few roots; indeed, imported
+stems have been known to live, and even make growth, nearly two years
+without pushing a single root; but, of course, this was abnormal, and
+was no other than the using-up of the nourishment stored up in the stem
+before it was removed from its native home. M. Louis de Smet, a
+well-known Ghent nurseryman, who grows a fine collection of Cactuses,
+stated that he had kept M. communis a long time in robust health and
+growth by feeding it with a very weak solution of salt. Tried at Kew,
+this treatment did not appear to make any perceptible difference; but,
+bearing in mind that the Turk's-Cap Cactus is found in great abundance
+within the reach of sea spray, in some of the West Indian Islands, there
+seems much reason in M. de Smet's treatment. The same gentleman informed
+us that he had a specimen of this Cactus bearing no less than thirteen
+heads. There is, at the time of writing, a specimen at Kew bearing four
+fine heads. Large imported plants are very rarely, established; and even
+when established, they do not thrive long, owing to the fact that, after
+the cap has commenced to form, no further stem-growth is made. Young
+plants grow very slowly, a plant 3 ft. across taking, according to Sir W.
+Hooker, from 200 to 300 years to reach that size. It has been stated
+that grafting is a good plan to adopt for the Melocactus, Mr. F. T.
+Palmer, in "Culture des Cactees", recommending the following treatment
+for M. communis: Take a Cereus peruvianus of about the same diameter as
+that of the base of the Melocactus, cut off the head of the former, but
+not so low as to come upon the hard, ligneous axis, and then pare off
+the hard epidermis and ribs for about 1 in. Then take off a slice from
+the base of the Melocactus, also paring off about 1 in. of the epidermis
+all round; place the two together, and bind on firmly with strong
+worsted. In warm weather, a union should take place in about two months,
+but it will be safest to allow the ligature to remain till growth
+commences. The precaution of paring off the hard skin and ribs is
+absolutely necessary, as the juicy centre contracts, and the rind, or
+epidermis, does not. There would, therefore, be a cavity formed
+sufficient to prevent all cohesion, be the graft tied on ever so
+tightly.
+
+Large imported stems should be kept perfectly dry for about a fortnight,
+and, if they show any signs of rottenness, they should be carefully
+examined and the bad portions cut away; exposure to the air for a few
+days will generally cause these pared places to callus over. At all
+times, even when the stems appear to be in good health, a sharp look-out
+should be kept for patches of rottenness in the stem, and especially
+about its base.
+
+Propagation.--This is effected by means of seeds, which usually follow
+quickly after the flowers produced on cultivated specimens.
+Multiplication is also possible by means of offsets, which are formed
+about the base of the stem if the top of a growing plant is cut out. The
+thirteen-headed plant mentioned above was the result of the removal of
+the top of a stem which had developed these lateral growths, and thus
+formed a family of red-capped stems; this had, however, taken place
+before the plant was removed from its native home. As the cap is the
+most remarkable part of M. communis, the purchase of large imported
+stems, in preference to young ones raised from seeds, is recommended;
+for, as the cap does not form till the stem attains a large size, there
+would be small hope of seedlings reaching the flowering stage during a
+lifetime.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+M. communis (common); Fig. 54.--Stem from 2 ft. to 3 ft. in diameter,
+globose, with from twelve to twenty ridges, and armed with numerous
+clusters of strong, short spines, the clusters placed closely together.
+On the summit of the stem is a cylindrical crown, about 4 in. broad, and
+varying in height from 5 in. to 12 in. This cylinder is composed of a
+thick pad of whitish, cotton-like substance, through and beyond which a
+great number of bristle-like red spines are developed, the whole being
+not unlike a bottle-brush. About the top of this brush-like growth the
+flowers are produced. These are small, red, fleshy, and tube-shaped, the
+calyx and corolla forming a regular flower, as in a Hyacinth. They are
+borne at various times in the year, as long as the cap is growing;
+afterwards the latter falls off; and the stem rots. We have a cap that
+was cast by an old plant, and which has stood as an ornament on a shelf
+in a room for about four years, and is still in perfect condition. In
+addition to the name of Turk's-Cap Cactus this plant is also known as
+"Englishman's Head" and "Pope's Head." It is a native of several of the
+islands of the West Indies, being very abundant in St. Kitt's Island,
+where it grows in very dry, barren places, often on bare porous rocks.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 54. MELOCACTUS COMMUNIS.]
+
+M. depressus (flattened); Bot. Mag. 3691.--Stem broader than high,
+deeply cut into about ten broad furrows, along the sharp angles of which
+are clusters of pale brown spines, from 1/2 in. to 1 in. long, arranged in a
+star, each cluster 1 in. apart. Instead of the cylinder-like cap of the
+Turk's-Cap species, this one has a short, broad tuft of white wool and
+red spines, like a skull-cap. The flowers are small, and soon wither,
+but remain attached to the oblong berries, which stand erect in a dense
+cluster in the centre of the cap, and are of a delicate rose-colour. The
+first introduced plant of this was sent home by Mr. Gardner, who
+introduced the Epiphyllums and other Cactuses. It flowered on the way to
+England, and matured its seeds soon after its arrival. It is a native of
+Pernambuco.
+
+M. Miquelii (Miquel's); Fig. 55.--This species appears to have been
+introduced in 1838, when two plants of it were sent from the West Indian
+Island, St. Croix, to the Hamburg Botanic Gardens. The stem is oval,
+dark green, with fourteen well-defined ribs, as regular as if they had
+been carved with a knife. The spine-tufts are small; spines short,
+black-brown, about nine in each tuft, one of which is central, the
+others radiating; they are less than 1/2 in. long. The "cap" is cylindrical,
+3 in. high by 4 in. in diameter, and composed of layers of snow-white
+threads, mixed with short reddish bristles.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 55. MELOCACTUS MIQUELII.]
+
+These three are the only species of Melocactus that have become known in
+English gardens, although various other kinds, named M. Lehmanni, M.
+Zuccarini, M. Ellemeetii, M. Schlumbergerianus, &c., occur in books.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE GENUS PILOCEREUS.
+
+(From pilos, wool, and Cereus, in allusion to the long hairs on the
+spine cushions, and the affinity of the genus.)
+
+
+One of the most striking plants in this order is the "Old Man Cactus,"
+botanically known as Pilocereus senilis, which is the only member of
+this  genus that has become at all known in English gardens. In
+Continental gardens, however, more than a dozen species are to be found
+in collections of succulent plants; and of these one of the most
+remarkable is that represented at Fig. 56. The limits of the genus
+Pilocereus are not definitely fixed, different botanists holding
+different views with respect to the generic characters. Recent writers,
+and among them the late Mr. Bentham, sunk the genus under Cereus; but
+there are sufficiently good characters to justify us in retaining, for
+garden purposes, the name Pilocereus for the several distinct plants
+mentioned here. The botanist who founded the genus gives the following
+general description of its members: Stems tall, erect, thick, simple or
+branched, fleshy, ridged; the ridges regular, slightly tubercled, and
+placed closely together. Tubercles generally hairy, with bunches of
+short spines; the hairs long and white, especially about the apex of the
+stem, where they form a dense mass. Flowers on the extreme top of the
+matured stems, and arranged in a cluster as in the Melon Cactus, small,
+tubular; the petals united at the base, and the stamens attached to the
+whole face of the tube thus formed, expanding only at night, and fading
+in a few hours. These flowers have a disagreeable odour, not unlike that
+of boiled cabbage. Fruit fleshy, round, persistent, usually red when
+ripe. The species are natives of tropical America, and are generally
+found in rocky gorges or the steep declivities of mountainous regions.
+
+Cultivation.--These plants require distinctly tropical treatment.
+During summer, they must have all the sunlight possible, and be supplied
+with plenty of water, both at the root and by means of the syringe. Air
+should be given on very hot days, but the plants should be encouraged to
+make all the growth possible before the approach of winter. In winter,
+they may be kept quite dry, and the temperature of the house where they
+stand should be maintained at about 60 degs., rising to 65 degs. or
+70 degs. in the day. In March, the plants should be repotted into as
+small pots as convenient, employing a good, loamy soil and ample
+drainage. Should the hairs become soiled or dusty, the stems may be laid
+on their sides and then syringed with a mixture of soft soap and warm
+water, to be followed by a few syringefuls of pure water; this should
+cleanse the hairs and give them the white appearance to which the plants
+owe their attractiveness.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+P. Houlletianus (Houllet's); Fig. 56.--Stem robust, glaucous-green;
+ridges about eight, broad, prominent, obscurely tubercled; spines in
+bundles of nine, radiating, straight, less than 1 in. long, and pale
+yellow. Upon the growing part of the stem, the spines are intermingled
+with long, white, cottony hairs, often matted together like an unkempt
+head; these hairs fall off as the stem matures. Flowers funnel-shaped,
+resembling Canterbury Bells, borne in a cluster on the summit of the
+plant; ovary short and scaly; petals joined at the base, and coloured a
+rosy-purple, dashed with yellow; the stamens fill the whole of the
+flower-tube and are white; style a little longer than the flower-tube,
+and bearing a ray of about a dozen stigmas. Fruit globose, as large as a
+plum, and coloured cherry-red. The pulp is bright, crimson, and contains
+a few brownish seeds. In the engraving the fruit is shown on the left,
+and a flower-bud on the right. This species is often known in
+Continental collections as P. Fosterii.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 56. PILOCEREUS HOULLETIANUS.]
+
+P. senilis (Old-Man).--Stem attaining a height of 25 ft., with a diameter
+of about 1 ft.; ridges from twenty-five to thirty on plants 4 ft. high;
+the furrows mere slits, whilst the tufts of thin, straight spines, 1 in.
+long, which crown each of the many tubercles into which the ridges are
+divided, give young stems a brushy appearance. About the upper portion
+of the stem, and especially upon the extreme top, are numerous white,
+wiry hairs, 6 in. or more long, and gathered sometimes into locks. To
+this character, the plant owes it name Old-Man Cactus; but, by a curious
+inversion of what obtains in the human kind, old plants are less
+conspicuous by their white hairs than the younger ones. Some years ago,
+there were three fine stems of this Cactus among the cultivated plants
+at Kew, the highest of which measured 181/2 ft. There was also, however, a
+fine specimen in the Oxford Botanic Gardens, with a stem 16 ft. high; and
+it is stated that this plant has been in cultivation in England a
+hundred years at least. A plant twenty-five years old is very small,
+and, from its slowness of growth, as well as from the reports of the
+inhabitants of Mexico, where this species is found wild, there is reason
+to believe that a stem 20 ft. high would be several hundred years old.
+The flowers of P. senilis are not known in English collections, the
+plant being grown only for its shaggy hairiness.
+
+Other species are: P. chrysomallus, which has a branching habit, P.
+Bruennonii (Fig. 57), P. Celsianus, P. columna, P. tilophorus, known only
+in a young state, and several others, all very remarkable plants, but
+not known in English collections, unless, perhaps at Kew.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 57. PILOCEREUS BRUeNNONII.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE GENUS MAMILLARIA.
+
+(From mamilla, a little teat; in allusion to the tubercles.)
+
+
+Something over 300 different kinds of Mamillaria are known, but only a
+small proportion of these may be considered as garden plants. They are
+characterised generally by short, symmetrically-formed stems, sometimes
+aggregated together and forming a dense tuft, but, as a rule, each plant
+has only one stem. The generic name is descriptive of the chief feature
+in these stems, namely, the closely-set, spirally-arranged tubercles or
+mamillae, which vary considerably in the different kinds, but are always
+present in some form or other. Some kinds have stems only 1 in. high by
+2/3 in. in diameter, and the tubercles hidden from view by the
+star-shaped cushions of reddish or white spines. In some, the spines are
+erect and hair-like, giving the plant the appearance of tiny
+sea-urchins; another group has the principal spines hooked at the tip,
+and the points in these so sharp that if the hand comes in contact with
+them they hook into it and stick like fish-hooks. The purpose of these
+hooked spines seems doubtful; certainly, they cannot serve as any
+protection to the plant itself, as they are so strong that the plant
+must be torn up by the roots before the hooks will give way.
+
+The spines in M. macromeris are straight, and measure 2 in. in length; in
+M. multiceps they are in two series, the one fine, white, and short, the
+other yellow and stout. The most marked section of this genus, however,
+is that represented by M. fissurata (Fig. 61), in which the tubercles
+are large, spreading horizontally, and angular, resembling most closely
+the foliage and habit of some of the Haworthias. No one who had not read
+up the botany of Mamillarias would suspect that this plant belonged to
+them, or even to the Cactus order at all. There is a good specimen of it
+in the Kew collection. When in flower the family resemblance is easily
+seen; but as this species does not flower freely, it will be known by
+its remarkable foliage-like tubercles, rather than as a flowering
+Cactus. And the same remark applies to many of the Mamillarias; their
+stems thickly beset with tubercles and spines, always regular in
+arrangement, and neat and attractive in appearance.
+
+The following remarks made by Dr. Lindley when describing M. tenuis,
+give a good idea of the singular, yet pretty, stems of some of these
+plants: "Gentle reader, hast thou never seen in a display of fireworks a
+crowd of wheels all in motion at once, crossing and intersecting each
+other in every direction; and canst thou fancy those wheels arrested in
+their motion by some magic power--their rays retained, but their fires
+extinguished and their brightness gone? Then mayst thou conceive the
+curious beauty of this little herb--a plant so unlike all others that
+we would fain believe it the reanimated spirit of a race that flourished
+in former ages, with those hideous monsters whose bones alone remain to
+tell the history of their existence." It is quite true that in the
+cultivated Mamillarias there is nothing unsightly, or rough, or
+unfinished. Without foliage, their stems globose, or short cylinders, or
+arranged in little cushion-like tufts, and enveloped in silky spines,
+like tiny red stars, always looking the same, except when in flower, and
+never looking in the least like ordinary plants. Characters such as
+these ought to find many admirers. In the Succulent House at Kew, there
+is a long shelf upon which a great many plants of this genus may be
+seen. But the flowers in some of the species of Mamillaria are quite as
+attractive as the stems. Those of M. macromeris are 3 in. long and wide,
+their colour a deep rose; M. Scheerii has equally large flowers, and
+coloured bright yellow, as also are the flowers of M. pectinata. This
+last is remarkable on account of the clock-like regularity with which
+its flowers expand. While fresh, they open every day between eleven and
+twelve o'clock, and close again about one, however strong the sunlight
+shining upon them may be. Some of the kinds (more especially the
+small-flowered ones) are often prettily studded over with bright red,
+coral-like berries, which are the little fruits, and contain, as a rule,
+matured seeds capable of reproducing the parent plant.
+
+The headquarters of the genus Mamillaria is Mexico, and the countries
+immediately to the north, a few being scattered over the West Indies,
+Bolivia, Brazil, and Chili. Many of them grow on mountains where the
+temperature is moderate, but where the sunlight is always intense.
+Others are found on limestone or gravelly hills, among short herbage, or
+on grassy prairies. A small silvery-spined kind has recently been found
+near the snow line in Chili. M. vivipara is quite hardy in New York, as
+also are several other kinds, whilst we learn that by planting them out
+in summer, and protecting them by means of a frame from heavy rain,
+dews, fogs, and sudden changes of weather, a good many species of both
+Mamillaria and Echinocactus are successfully managed in the
+neighbourhood of that town.
+
+Cultivation.--Particulars with respect to cultivation are given along
+with the descriptions of most of the species, but a few general
+principles may here be noted. With only a few exceptions, all the
+cultivated Mamillarias may be grown in a warm, sunny greenhouse, or they
+may be placed in a frame with a south aspect, during our summer,
+removing them into artificially heated quarters for the winter. They do
+not like a large body of soil about their roots, but always thrive best
+when in comparatively small pots. If a sweet, new, fibry loam, mixed
+with broken bricks or cinders, be used to pot these plants in, they may
+then be left undisturbed at the root for several years. Much harm is
+often done to the more delicate kinds of Cactuses by repotting them
+annually; the best-managed collection I have seen had not been repotted
+for four years. This would not be safe if a poor and exhausted soil were
+used in the first instance. The pots should be well drained with crocks,
+and these covered with a layer of fibre sifted from loam. In summer, the
+soil should be kept moist, but never saturated; and after a bright warm
+day, the stems may be moistened over by syringing them with tepid water.
+A point of much importance in connection with these, and indeed all
+tropical and extra-tropical plants, is, that the water used for watering
+or syringing them should be rain-water if possible, and never more than
+a degree or so colder than the plants themselves would be. Thus, a plant
+which had been standing in the full glare of a midsummer sun all day,
+would be much endangered by watering it with cold tap-water. Where
+proper arrangements for water are not made in a greenhouse or stove, it
+is a good plan to place the water wanted for the day's use in the sun
+along with the plants. A little bag filled with soot and tightly tied at
+the neck, and water, is a good method for rendering hard tap-water
+suitable for watering the roots of plants. In winter, Mamillarias may be
+kept quite dry at the roots, except in mild sunny weather, when a little
+water may be given.
+
+A collection of the most distinct kinds may be successfully managed in a
+glass case in a room window, providing the sun shines through it for a
+few hours in the day.
+
+Propagation.--This is usually effected by means of seeds, which may be
+procured from Continental seedsmen as well as from our own. The
+treatment required by the seeds is similar to what has been already
+advised for those of other Cactuses. The tufted kinds are easily
+multiplied by separating the stems, or even by cutting off the tops and
+planting them in small pots of sandy soil.
+
+SPECIES. The following kinds are selected from those known to be in
+cultivation; of course, it is out of the question here to enumerate all
+the species known.
+
+M. angularis (angular-tubercled).--A robust kind, with stems 4 in. to
+8 in. high, and branching somewhat freely; tubercles prism-shaped, rather
+thick at the base, and slightly angular, 1/4 in. long, their tops tufted
+with short white spines; at the base of the tubercles are little tufts
+of white wool. Flowers are only rarely produced by cultivated plants;
+they are small, tubular, rosy-purple, the stamens yellow. Introduced
+from Mexico in 1835; flowers in summer. When happily situated, it forms
+a specimen 1 ft. in diameter, owing to its freely produced arm-like
+branches, which spread out and curve upwards. It requires a warm
+greenhouse temperature during winter, and exposure to bright sunshine at
+all times.
+
+M. applanata (flattened).--In this, the stem is broader than high, and
+has a squat appearance; tubercles 3/4 in. long, cone-shaped, with stellate
+tufts of straight, hair-like spines, white when young, yellowish when
+aged. Flowers springing from the outside of the stem-top, white, tinged
+with red. It is a native of Mexico, and blossoms in summer. A specimen,
+6 in. through at the base, may be seen at Kew, where it has been for many
+years, without altering perceptibly in size. All the larger-stemmed
+Mamillarias are exceedingly slow growers after they have reached a
+certain size, although, in the seedling stage, they grow freely. The
+treatment for this kind should resemble that advised for the last.
+
+M. atrata (blackened).--Stem oval in shape, broad at the base, 4 in.
+high, unbranched; tubercles swollen, 1/2 in. long, deep green, cone-shaped,
+becoming flattened through pressure of growth. Spines set in a tuft of
+white hairs, falling off from the lowest mammae, as happens in many of
+the thick-stemmed kinds. Flowers numerous, and developed all round the
+outside of the stem, stalkless, nestling closely between the tubercles,
+and when expanded looking like starry buttons of a rosy-pink colour.
+Native of Chili, flowering in autumn. This species is rare in England,
+but is worth attention because of the prettiness of its flowers, the
+attractive form of its stem, and its reputed hardiness. It will thrive
+in a cold frame, and requires protection from excessive wet only, rather
+than from cold. Grown in a warm house, it becomes sickly, and is
+short-lived.
+
+M. bicolor (two-coloured).--One of the commonest of the Cactuses grown
+in English gardens, and one of the most distinct, owing to its short,
+silvery hair-like spines, thickly crowded on the ends of the small
+tubercles, completely hiding the stem from view. The latter is from 6 in.
+to 1 ft. high, 3 in. in diameter, cylindrical, often branching into
+several thick arms, when it has a quaint appearance. If kept free from
+dust, which may be done by covering the plant with a bell glass, there
+is much beauty in the stem; indeed, it is owing to this, rather than as
+a flowering Cactus, that this species finds favour as a garden plant.
+The flowers are less than 1 in. in length and width, stellate, their
+colour deep purple; they are developed in June. Although a native of
+elevated regions in Mexico (4000-5000 ft.), this plant thrives best when
+grown in a warm house. There are several handsome and very old specimens
+of it in the tropical collection of succulents at Kew. It is one of the
+easiest to manage, and will thrive in a warm room-window if exposed to
+bright sunlight and kept dry in winter. M. nivea and M. nobilis are both
+varieties of this species.
+
+M. chlorantha (greenish-yellow).--A newly-introduced species with
+erect, cylinder-shaped stems, 6 in. high, clothed with numerous
+tubercles, which are tipped with clusters of long, silvery, interlacing,
+hair-like spines, and a few stouter blackish ones. The flowers are
+described as greenish-yellow, so that they are not likely to add much to
+the beauty of the plant, which is recommended because of the
+attractiveness of its stem and spines. It is a native of Mexico and
+Texas, whence it was introduced some two years ago. It requires
+cool-house treatment, and should be kept free from dust, which
+disfigures the white spines.
+
+M. cirrhifera (twisted).--Like M. bicolor, this species owes its
+frequent occurrence in gardens to the symmetry and neatly-chiselled form
+of its stems, and not to any attraction possessed by its flowers. It
+will thrive anywhere where the sun can shine upon it, if sheltered from
+severe cold and wet. In a cottage window it may be grown, and kept for
+many years, without losing health or, on the other hand, increasing much
+in size. Its usual height is about 5 in., by 4 in. in diameter. The
+tubercles are angular at the base, and bear tufts of yellowish spines on
+their pointed apices. The flowers are small, and bright rose-coloured,
+but only rarely produced on cultivated plants. Introduced from Mexico in
+1835.
+
+M. clava (club-shaped); Bot. Mag. 4358.--In the size of its stem, and
+the large, brightly-coloured flowers it bears, this species may be
+compared with some of the Echinocactuses. The stem is from 1 ft. to 11/2 ft.
+high, 4 in. wide at the base, narrowing slightly upwards; the tubercles
+are 1 in. long, and nearly as much through at the base, their shape that
+of little pyramids, and their tips bear each from eight to eleven stout,
+straight spines, pale brown, with a little wool at the base. The flowers
+are borne on the top of the stem, two or three of them together; the
+sepals are green and red, and the spreading petals are straw-coloured
+and glossy, their edges near the top being toothed. In the centre of the
+shallow cup formed by the petals, and which measures nearly 4 in. across,
+the orange-coloured stamens are clustered, in a kind of disk, through
+the middle of which the yellow stigma projects. It is a native of
+Mexico, at an altitude of 5000 ft. Introduced in 1848, when it flowered
+at Kew, in June, at which time it flowers almost every year now. A warm
+greenhouse affords the most suitable conditions for it; but, unless it
+is kept in full sunshine both summer and winter, and perfectly dry
+during the latter season, it will not produce any flowers. As a
+flowering plant, it ranks amongst the very best of the Mamillarias. It
+is easily propagated from seeds ripened on cultivated plants.
+
+M. dasyacantha (thick-spined).--Stem 2 in. to 3 in. high, almost
+globular, and covered with spiral whorls of tiny tubercles, in the
+grooves of which is a little whitish wool, which falls away as the
+tubercles ripen. The spines upon the tubercles are arranged in little
+stars, with an erect central one. The flowers are small, and spring from
+the centre of the stem. This is one of the Thimble Cactuses, and is too
+small to have any great attractions, either in stem or flowers. It is,
+however, a pretty plant, especially when studded with its ruby-like
+flowers, which look like coloured Daisies growing upon a dense tuft of
+hairs. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on high mountains among
+short grass and other herbage.
+
+M. discolor (spines two-coloured).--Stem globose, about 4 in. in
+diameter; tubercles smooth, egg-shaped, their bases embedded in white
+wool, their tips crowned with stellate tufts of short, reddish spines.
+Flowers numerous, and borne from almost all parts of the stem, less than
+1 in. wide, and composed of a single whorl of narrow, reflexed,
+rose-purple petals, surrounding a large, disk-like cluster of yellow
+stamens. The flowers are so short that they are half hidden by the
+tubercles. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on rocks, in warm,
+sheltered places. Under cultivation it thrives when grown on a dry shelf
+in a warm house, and kept moist in summer, but perfectly dry in winter.
+
+M. dolichocentra (long-spurred); Fig. 58.--Apparently this is a
+variable species; at all events, plants of widely different habit are
+found under this name, one of them represented in the Figure here,
+another in the Garden, Vol. XVII., whilst others are figured or
+described in other books. What is known at Kew as the true plant is that
+here figured. This has a stout stem, about 8 in. high and 3 in. wide, and
+covered with smooth cone-shaped mammae, with woolly bases and stellate
+tufts of spines on their tips. The flowers are produced about 1 in. from
+the top of the stem, and are less than 1 in. wide; they are, however,
+often very numerous, sometimes a closely-set ring of them surrounding
+the stem, like a daisy chain, their colour being pale purple. Below the
+flowers there is often a whorl of club-shaped fruits, 3/4 in. long, and
+rose-coloured. These contain numerous little black seeds, which, when
+ripe, may be sown in pots of very sandy loam. The plant is a native of
+Mexico, and flowers in summer. It thrives in a tropical temperature, and
+enjoys a daily syringing overhead on bright days in summer, but in
+winter requires little or no water.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 58. MAMILLARIA DOLICHOCENTRA.]
+
+M. echinata (hedgehog-like).--A charming little plant, with very small
+stems, clustered together in a cushion-like tuft, each stem less than
+1 in. wide; but a well-grown specimen is composed of dozens of these,
+packed almost one on top of the other. The tubercles are hidden by the
+star-like spine clusters which cap them, and look like a swarm of
+insects. Flowers very small, rose-coloured, and lasting only about a
+day. These are succeeded by numerous currant-like red berries, so
+numerous, in fact, that the plants look as if thickly studded all over
+with coral beads. The central stem is sometimes about 6 in. high, those
+surrounding it being shorter and shorter, till the outside ones rise
+only just above the soil. A well-grown plant of this is strikingly
+pretty, even when not in fruit. It is a native of Mexico, and requires
+the treatment of a warm house. A few pieces of broken brick should be
+placed upon the surface of the soil about the base of the plant, as the
+stems like to press against, or grow upon, anything in the nature of
+rocky ground.
+
+M. echinus (hedgehog-like); Fig. 59.--A distinct and pretty little
+plant, the largest specimen having a stem about the size and shape of a
+small hen's-egg, completely hidden under the densely interwoven radial
+spines, which crown the thirteen spiral rows of tubercles, and are
+almost white when mature. The tubercles are 1/2 in. long, and, in addition
+to these white radiating spines, they also bear each a stout spike-like
+spine, growing from the centre of the others. This spine gives the plant
+an appearance quite distinct from all other cultivated Mamillarias. The
+flowers are produced two or three together, on the top of the stem, and
+they are nearly 2 in. long, cup-shaped, and coloured yellow; they usually
+appear about June. As yet this species is rare in cultivated
+collections. It comes from Mexico, where it is found growing on
+limestone hills, in hot and arid localities. Under cultivation it
+requires a warm greenhouse temperature, exposure to bright sunshine all
+the year round, with a moderate supply of water in summer, and none at
+all during winter. A few large pieces of broken brick or sandstone
+placed in the soil, just under the base of the stem, afford the roots
+conditions suitable to their healthy growth.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 59. MAMILLARIA ECHINUS.]
+
+M. elegans (elegant).--A small species, grown only for the prettiness
+of its stem, flowers rarely, if ever, being borne by it under
+cultivation. The stem is 2 in. high and wide, globose, with small conical
+tubercles, which, when young, are woolly at the tips. Spines short and
+slender, about twenty, arranged in a star on each tubercle, with four
+central ones a little longer than those which surround them; the colour
+of the spines is whitish, with brown tips. Native country Mexico, on
+high exposed hills; in this country it requires greenhouse treatment.
+Introduced about 1850.
+
+M. elephantidens (elephant's-tooth); Fig. 60.--One of the largest and
+most remarkable of all garden Mamillarias. Stem globose, depressed, 6 in.
+to 8 in. in diameter, and bright shining green. Tubercles smooth, round,
+11/2 in. long, furrowed across the top, which is at first filled with wool,
+but when old is naked. At the base of the tubercles there is a dense
+tuft of white wool, and springing from the furrows are eight radiating
+recurved spines, and three short central ones, all strong, stiff, and
+ivory-white, tipped with brown. The flowers are 3 in. wide, and are
+composed of a circle of violet-coloured sepals, with white margins, and
+a second circle of petals which are bright rose, pale purple at the
+base, a line of the same colour extending all down the middle. The
+stamens are numerous, with long purple filaments and yellow anthers, and
+the pistil is stout, erect, projecting above the stamens, with a
+radiating stigma. Flowers in autumn; native country, Paraguay. Under
+cultivation, it grows quicker than is usual with plants of this genus,
+and it is also exceptional in the regular and abundant production of its
+flowers. It has been a rarity in European collections for many years,
+and, although easily grown, it is often killed through wrong treatment.
+A cool greenhouse or sunny frame in summer, plenty of water whilst
+growth is active, and a light, well-drained soil, suit it best; whilst
+during winter it must be kept perfectly dry, and protected only from
+frost. In a tropical house, it is invariably sickly, and altogether
+unsatisfactory.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 60. MAMILLARIA ELIPHANTIDENS.]
+
+M. elongata (elongated).--A small, cushion-like kind, with the stems in
+tufts, owing to their producing offsets freely from the base, the
+tallest of them being about as high and as thick as a man's thumb. The
+tubercles are short, crowded, and hidden under the star-clusters of
+reddish-yellow spines. There are no central spines in this kind. The
+flowers are produced in the axils of the tubercles from all parts of the
+stem, a large tuft of stems being thickly studded with circles of tawny
+yellow petals, which are only about 1/2 in. long. The berries are bright
+coral-red, and about the size of a date stone. There are several
+varieties of this species, under the names of intertexta, rufescens,
+rutila, subcrocea, and supertexta. These differ only slightly either in
+the length or thickness of the stems or in the colour of the spines. All
+of them may be grown in a cold frame, or in a window where the sun can
+shine upon them; or they may be grown along with tropical kinds. For
+small cases in windows, these little Thimble Cactuses are amongst the
+most suitable. They are natives of high mountains in Mexico, and have
+been cultivated in Europe over forty years.
+
+M. fissurata (fissured); Fig. 61.--In appearance, this rare species
+mimics some of the Gasterias, and is so different from all the kinds
+hitherto described, that very few people unacquainted with it would
+suspect that it belonged to the same genus as M. elongata or M.
+dolichocentra. Indeed, some botanists have made a separate genus of this
+and several other plants of the same peculiar appearance, calling them
+Anhalonium. M. fissurata is like a whip-top in shape, the root being
+thick and woody, and the tubercles arranged in a thick layer, spreading
+from the centre, rosette-like. A living plant in the Kew collection is
+2 in. high by 4 in. wide, the tubercles being triangular in shape, 1/2 in.
+thick, wrinkled, with an irregular furrow on the upper surface. The
+flowers grow from the middle of the stem, and are 11/2 in. wide, and
+rose-coloured. Native of Mexico, on hard gravel or limestone soils. We
+know of no plant in English collections, except that at Kew, which was
+introduced from Mexico in 1886. It flowers in September and October.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 61. MAMILLARIA FISSURATA.]
+
+M. floribunda (free-flowering).--A French writer on Cactuses, M.
+Labouret, calls this a species of Echinocactus, but it resembles so
+closely another species included by him in Mamillaria, viz., M. atrata,
+that we see no good reason for separating the two into different genera.
+M. floribunda has an irregular conical stem, about 5 in. high by 4 in.
+wide at the base, round nut-like tubercles the size of filberts, crowned
+with star-tufts of spines 3/4 in. long, stiff, and brown, about ten spines
+being set with their bases in a small disc-like pad of dirty-white wool.
+The flowers are very numerous, covering the whole of the stem-top, from
+which they stand erect, so as to form a dense bouquet of rose-coloured
+petals. Each flower is 2 in. long. Native of Chili; introduced about
+1835. Flowers in summer. This handsome kind will thrive in a window,
+and, if well supplied with fresh air, sunshine, and sufficient water to
+keep the soil moist, it will flower almost every year. It must have no
+water in winter.
+
+M. gracilis (slender).--A small Thimble Cactus, remarkable for its
+proliferous stems, a single stem 2 in. high producing all round its upper
+half numerous, offshoots, which fall to the ground and grow. In this way
+a tuft of stems is soon developed round the first one. If these
+offshoots are removed as they appear, the stem will grow longer and
+stouter than it does when they are left. Tubercles small, green,
+crowded; spines in a stellate tuft, short, curved, pale yellow or white.
+Flowers as in M. elongata, to which this species is closely allied. In
+window cases, or on a shelf in a cool greenhouse, it will grow and
+multiply rapidly. Like the bulk of the caespitose, or Thimble Cactuses,
+it does not make much show when in flower; and it is only its stems,
+with their white stars of spines and clusters of little offsets hanging
+about them, that are attractive. Native of Mexico; introduced about
+1850. There is a variety known as pulchella, in which the spines are of
+a yellow hue.
+
+M. Grahami (Graham's).--A pretty little species, with globose stems,
+scarcely 3 in. high, and nearly the same in diameter, branching sometimes
+when old; tubercles 1/4 in. long, egg-shaped, corky when old, and
+persistent. Spines in tufts of about twenty, all radiating except one in
+the centre, which is hooked; they are about 1/2 in. long. Flowers 1 in.
+long, usually produced in a circle round the stem. Fruit a small, oval
+berry, 1/2 in. long. This is a native of Colorado, in mountainous regions.
+It is very rare in cultivation. The flowers are developed in June and
+July.
+
+M. Haageana (Haage's); Fig. 62.--The habit of this is shown in the
+Figure, which is reduced to about one-fourth the natural size. As the
+stem gets older, it becomes more elongated. Tubercles small, four-sided
+at the base, pointed at the top, where the spines are arranged in a
+star, about twenty of them on each tubercle, with two central ones,
+which are longer, stiffer, and much darker in colour than those on the
+outside; flowers small, almost hidden beneath the spines, bright
+carmine-rose; they are produced on the sides of the upper portion of the
+stem in June. There is a close resemblance between this and M.
+cirrhifera, and the treatment for both should be the same. Mexico, 1835.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 62. MAMILLARIA HAAGEANA.]
+
+M. longimamma (long-tubercled); Fig. 63.--A well-marked species in the
+size of its mammae, or tubercles, which are at least 1 in. long by 1/3 in.
+in diameter, terete, slightly curved, and narrowed to a pointed apex,
+the texture being very soft and watery. Each tubercle bears a radiating
+tuft of about twelve spines, one central and projecting outwards; they
+are pale brown when old, and white when young; their length is about
+1/2 in. A tuft of short, white wool is developed at the base of the spines
+on the young mammae. The stem is seldom more than 4 in. in height, and it
+branches at the base when old. Flowers large and handsome,
+citron-yellow; the tube short, and hidden in the mammae; the petals
+11/2 in. long, narrow, pointed, and all directed upwards; stamens numerous,
+short. Flowering season, early summer. Native country, Mexico. It
+requires greenhouse treatment, or it may be placed in a sunny frame out
+of doors during summer. It is not easily multiplied from seeds, but is
+free in the production of offsets from the base of the stem.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 63. MAMILLARIA LONGIMAMMA.]
+
+M. macromeris (large-flowered); Fig. 64.--Stem about 4 in. high, naked
+at the base, woody and wrinkled when old. Tubercles as in M. longimamma,
+but with curving radial spines, like needles, often 2 in. in length,
+white or rose-tinted when young, almost black when old. Flowers from the
+centre of the stem, 3 in. long, and about the same in width; the petals
+regular and spreading, as in the Ox-eye daisy; stamens numerous, short,
+forming a disk; colour carmine, almost purple just before fading.
+Flowering season, August. Native of Mexico, where it is found in loose,
+sand on hillocks, generally about the roots of Acacias. It is one of the
+most beautiful of all Mamillarias; but it is, as yet, rare in
+collections. It requires the same treatment as M. longimamma, except
+that, owing to the woody nature of its rootstock, and its long, tap-like
+roots, it should be planted in pans instead of pots, using a compost of
+rough loam, mixed with lumps of broken brick or limestone.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 64. MAMILLARIA MACROMERIS.]
+
+M. macrothele (large-nippled); Bot. Mag. 3634, as M. Lehmanni.--This
+belongs to the same group as M. cirrhifera, but is distinguished by its
+large mammae, which are four-angled at the base, 3/4 in. long, narrowed to
+a point, upon which is a tuft of wool and a cluster of about eight
+spines, 1/2 in. long, spreading, reddish-brown in colour, the central one
+being almost black, 1 in. long, and pointing downwards. In the axils of
+the mammae are tufts of white wool. Flowers on the top of the stern,
+erect, spreading, about 11/2 in. across when expanded; the petals
+overlapping, and pale yellow; the stamens red at the base, arranged in a
+dense cluster, and the rays of the stigma spreading over them. Flowering
+time, early summer. Native country, Mexico, on prairie lands, at high
+elevations. This species is almost hardy in the warmer parts of this
+country, suffering from damp rather than frost in winter. The stem is
+not particularly handsome, but the flowers are large and bright, and
+they are produced annually by plants which are grown in a cool,
+well-aired greenhouse or frame, with the sun shining on them all day.
+
+M. micromeris (small-flowered); Fig. 65.--A small, cushion-like plant,
+with a stem never more than 11/2 in. across by about 1 in. in height, so
+that it has the appearance of a small, flattened ball, with a raised,
+disk-like portion on the top. The mammae are very small, and they are
+completely hidden by the numerous fine, white, silky spines and wool
+which spring in tufts from the apex of each mamma, and interlace so as
+to form a spider-web-like net all over the stem. The flowers are small,
+and they spring from the centre of the disk-like top of the stern; they
+are composed of from three to five sepals, and five petals, which are
+whitish or pink, and measure about 1/4 in. across when open. Native
+country, Mexico, where it is found only in naked places on mountain tops
+or sides where limestone is plentiful. It requires much care under
+cultivation, water in excess being fatal to it, and a soil of the wrong
+sort soon killing all its roots. It is cultivated at Kew in a small pot,
+in a mixture of loam and lime rubbish, and grown in a warm greenhouse.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 65. MAMILLARIA MICROMERIS.]
+
+M. multiceps (many-branched).--Stem short, with numerous branches,
+which again push forth other branches, so that a dense tuft of dumpy,
+globose stems is formed. The mammae are small, and arranged closely
+together, and they each bear a tuft of whitish wool, with a radiating
+cluster of spines, which are soft, almost hair-like in texture, the
+inner ones being stiffer, and coloured dull yellow. The flowers are
+small, and almost hidden by the spines and tubercles; they are pale
+yellow, with a line of red down the middle of each petal. Native
+country, Mexico. This plant should be grown on a shelf in a cool
+greenhouse--anything like a stove temperature being fatal to it. As a
+flowering plant it is of no value, but the compact tuft formed by its
+numerous stems, with their attractive spines, renders it worthy of
+cultivation.
+
+M. Neumanniana (Neumann's).--This is a member of the group with angular
+tubercles and comparatively small flowers. It has a stem about 6 in.
+high, cylindrical, the tubercles arranged spirally, their bases
+compressed, four or five-angled, and with a tuft of white wool in their
+axils. The areoles or tufts on the tops of the mammae are large, and the
+spines are about seven in number, 1/2 in. long, and of a tawny-yellow
+colour. The flowers are produced near the top of the stem; they are
+about 1/2 in. long, and rose-red in colour. Native country, Mexico. It
+requires the same treatment as M. cirrhifera.
+
+M. Ottonis (Ottoni's); Fig. 66.--A very distinct and pretty plant is
+cultivated under the name at Kew; but there are, apparently, two
+different species under the same name--the one being spiny and large in
+the stem; the other, which is here shown, having a small, compressed
+stem, 3 in. across, numerous compressed tubercles, and short, hair-like
+spines. The flowers, which are large for the size of the plant, are
+white, and are developed in May and June. Native country, Mexico;
+introduced in 1834. It requires similar treatment to M. micromeris.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 66. MAMILLARIA OTTONIS.]
+
+M. pectinata (comb-like); Fig. 67.--Stems globose, from 2 in. to 3 in. in
+diameter; the rootstock woody; the tubercles arranged in about thirteen
+spiral rows, swollen at the base, and bearing each a star-like tuft of
+about twenty-four stiff, brown, radial spines, without a central one;
+the length varies from 1/2 in. to 1 in., and they are comb-like in their
+regular arrangement. When not in flower, this species bears a close
+resemblance to small plants of Cereus pectinatus. Flowers terminal,
+solitary, large, their width quite 3 in. when fully expanded; sepals
+reddish-green; petals rich sulphur-yellow; filaments reddish, very
+numerous; the flowers open at noon, and close after about two hours,
+even although the sun be shining full upon them. Flowering season, June
+to August. Native country, Mexico, on slopes of limestone hills.
+Although long since known to botanists, this pretty species has only
+lately found its way into English gardens. It is attractive even when
+not in flower. It requires warm greenhouse treatment, with exposure to
+full sunshine; during late autumn it should have plenty of air to ripen
+the new growth made whilst flowering. In winter it should have a dry
+position near the glass.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 67. MAMILLARIA PECTINATA.]
+
+M. phellosperma (corky-seeded).--A pretty plant, resembling M. Grahami
+in all points except the seed, which, as is denoted by the name, is half
+enveloped in a corky covering, suggesting acorns. Stems simple,
+sometimes proliferous at the base, globose when young, afterwards almost
+cylinder or pear-shaped, 5 in. high, 2 in. in diameter; tubercles 1/2 in.
+long, arranged in twelve spiral rows, slightly woolly in axils. Spines
+radiating, in two rows, about fifty on each tubercle, the three or four
+central ones being hooked at the tips or sometimes straight; length,
+1/2 in. to 11/2 in. Flowers (only seen in the dried state) 1 in. long and wide.
+Native of the dry gravelly hills and sand ridges in California and
+Colorado, and, therefore, requiring greenhouse treatment. This plant is
+cultivated in the Kew collection, but it has not been known to flower
+there. It is one of the most ornamental of the very spinous species, the
+radial spines being almost white, whilst the central ones are black, and
+look like tiny fish-hooks. A large proportion of these Mamillarias are
+far more interesting in the form and arrangement of their tubercles and
+spines than in any floral character, and it is on this account that so
+many which are insignificant as flowering plants are included here.
+
+M. pulchra (handsome).--Stem globose when young and cylindrical when
+old, flattened at the top; height from 4 in. to 6 in.; tubercles large,
+egg-shaped, arranged in from eleven to thirteen spiral rows; spines in
+compact tufts, their bases set in whitish wool, irregular in length, and
+almost covering the whole of the stem. Flowers medium in size, developed
+near the top of the stem from the woolly axils of the tubercles; colour
+bright rose. Native of Mexico. Flowering season, June. Introduced in
+1826. A rare kind nowadays, though one of the prettiest. It should
+always be grown in a warm house. It has been also called M. pulcherrima.
+
+M. pusilla (small).--A tiny tufted plant, belonging to the group known
+as Thimble Cactuses. It has stems 2 in. high; short, dark green
+tubercles, with tufts of whitish wool in the axils; spines thin and
+bristle-like, twisted, nearly 1 in. long, almost hiding the stem; they
+are whitish, with black tips. The flowers are yellowish-white, with
+streaks of red. Common in Mexico. Flowering season, May. It should be
+grown in a frame in summer, and wintered on a shelf in a warm
+greenhouse. It would, no doubt, thrive in a window if kept in a sunny
+position and placed under a glass shade. A variety known as texana
+differs in being more densely clothed with spines. We have seen it grown
+into large clumps, covering a space 1 ft. in diameter, with dozens of
+erect little pyramids of whitish spines.
+
+M. pycnacantha (densely spined); Bot. Mag. 3972.--The name for this
+kind is rather misleading, the spines being both fewer and less
+conspicuous than in many other species of Mamillaria. Stem about 6 in.
+high, nearly globose; tubercles--rather large, swollen, with tufts of
+short white wool in their axils, and stellate clusters of spines
+springing from disks of white wool on the top. The spines are 1/2 in. long,
+slightly recurved, flattened, and pale brown. Flowers large, clustered
+on the top of the stem, about half a dozen opening together; width 2 in.;
+petals numerous, narrow, toothed at the tips, spreading; colour a deep
+sulphur-yellow, anthers orange. Native of Oaxaca, Mexico. Flowering
+season, July. Introduced 1840. This is a beautiful flowering plant, more
+like an Echinocactus than a Mamillaria. It should be grown in a warm
+greenhouse all the year round. Old stems develop offsets from the base,
+by which the species may be multiplied.
+
+M. sanguinea (bloody); Fig. 68.--This is closely related to M. bicolor,
+but differs in having an unbranched stem and numerous richly-coloured
+flowers. The stem is stout, 6 in. high, and 4 in. through; tubercles
+crowded, short, bearing stellate tufts of shortish spines, and
+projecting longer ones, all being bristly and pale yellow, except those
+on the youngest tubercles, which are golden. The flowers are borne in a
+crowded circle on the top of the stem, just outside the cluster of young
+yellow spines, a strong plant having about forty flowers open together.
+Each flower is about 1/2 in. long and wide, and coloured bright crimson,
+with yellow anthers. Native of Mexico. Flowers in June. It should be
+grown along with M. bicolor. The plant figured is a young one, showing
+the spines much longer than is usual on mature specimens.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 68. MAMILLARIA SANGUINEA.]
+
+M. Scheerii (Scheer's).--Stem 7 in. high, and 5 in. in diameter at the
+base; tubercles large, swollen, somewhat flattened, pale green, watery,
+woolly in the axils, the tops crowned with about a dozen brown spines,
+1 in. long, one central, the others radial. Flowers terminal, erect, with
+several whorls of spreading, recurved petals, the lower ones tinged with
+crimson, the upper pale yellow, and forming a shallow cup, 2 in. across;
+anthers forming a compact sheaf in the centre. Flowers in summer. This
+distinct and very pretty species was introduced many years ago from
+Mexico, where it was discovered in 1845 by a Mr. Potts, to whose love
+for these plants we are indebted for a great many choice kinds collected
+and sent to England by him. It grows naturally in a red, sandy loam, and
+under cultivation requires warm-house treatment, except during the
+autumn, when it may be placed in a frame and exposed to full sunshine
+and plenty of air.
+
+M. Schelhasii (Schelhas').--A pretty little tufted kind, its habit and
+size being shown in Fig. 69. The stem produces offsets freely at the
+base, which grow into full-sized stems, and develop young ones, till a
+compact cushion is formed. Tubercles closely arranged, cylindrical,
+shining green, with fifteen to twenty radial, white, hair-like spines,
+1/2 in. long, and three inner ones, which are thicker, purplish in colour,
+usually only one being hooked. Flowers white, with a line of rose down
+the middle of each petal, 3/4 in. across. Flowering season, beginning of
+summer. Native of Mexico. It may be grown out of doors in a sunny
+position in summer, and wintered on a shelf in a greenhouse.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 69. MAMILLARIA SCHELHASII.]
+
+M. Schiedeana (Schiede's).--Stem globose, 3 in. to 5 in. high, thickly
+clothed with long, narrow, pointed tubercles, the bases of which are set
+in white wool, whilst the apices are crowned with tiny stars of white
+silky spines; more like the pappus of a Composite than the spines
+usually found on Cactuses. A healthy plant has a very pretty and silky
+appearance which cannot well be described. The flowers are small and
+unattractive; they are succeeded by the red fruits, which remain on the
+plant a long time, and add to its beauty. Native country, Mexico.
+Introduced 1838. Should be grown in a greenhouse where frost is
+excluded, and where there is plenty of sunlight at all times. It is
+easily increased, either from seeds or by means of the offsets developed
+at the base of old stems.
+
+M. semperviva (ever-living); Fig. 70.--Stem pear-shaped, 3 in. wide, the
+top slightly depressed. Tubercles conical, 1/4 in. long, their bases set in
+a cushion of white wool, their tips bearing tiny tufts of wool, and four
+small spines, which fall away on the tubercles becoming ripe, leaving
+two short, diverging, central spines. Flowers small, not ornamental, and
+scantily developed near the outside of the top. Native of Mexico; in
+meadows and thickets near Zimapan, at 5000 ft. elevation. It thrives with
+us when grown in a frame in summer, and wintered in a cool greenhouse or
+frame.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 70. MAMILLARIA SEMPERVIVA.]
+
+M. senilis (hoary).--Stem about 3 in. high, spherical, unbranched,
+except when very old, when it becomes proliferous at the base; tubercles
+crowded, small, arranged spirally, and crowned with clusters of long,
+radiating spines, which are almost white, hair-like, and become thickly
+interwoven, as in the Old Man Cactus (Pilocereus senilis). The central
+spine is black, and hooked at the tip. Flowers on the top of the stem,
+near the centre; the petals toothed, spreading, and forming a deep cup,
+with a cluster of tall stamens standing erect in the middle; colour
+bright scarlet. The flowers, which appear in summer, remain open about
+eight hours. Native country unknown; cultivated in France in 1845. This
+plant is difficult to preserve in health, the best method being that of
+grafting it on to a short Cereus, or a robust kind of Mamillaria, such
+as M. cirrhifera. It is a pretty plant at all times, even when dead, for
+we have seen plants of it preserve the appearance of live specimens long
+after they have rotted and dried up in the centre, nothing remaining but
+the shell formed by the skin and silvery spines. There is a close
+resemblance between this species and M. Grahami.
+
+M. stella-aurata (golden star).--This little plant obtains its name
+from the rich golden-yellow of its stellate clusters of spines, which
+are arranged thickly on the tips of the small, pointed tubercles. It
+belongs to the group called Thimble Cactuses, of which it is one of the
+prettiest. The stems are tufted, branching freely at the base, and
+rising to a height of about 2 in. Flowers small, whitish, and much less
+ornamental than the berry-like fruits which succeed them, and which are
+egg-shaped, 1/2 in. long, and a deep rose-colour. M. tenuis is a variety of
+this, with almost white spines. Native of Mexico. Introduced 1835. May
+be cultivated under a bell-glass in a room window, the only danger being
+damp during winter, which must be carefully avoided.
+
+M. sub-polyhedra (usually many-sided); Fig. 71.--Stem simple till it
+becomes old, when it develops offsets at the base, broadly cylindrical,
+8 in. high, 5 in. in diameter. Tubercles four-sided at base, prism-shaped,
+bearing pads of white wool in the corners at the base, and crowned with
+tufts of from four to seven spines, usually all radial, sometimes one
+central. The flowers, which usually appear in May, are arranged in a
+zone on the top of the old stems; sepals greenish-yellow, petals bright
+red. Fruit 1 in. long, pear-shaped, scarlet. Native of South Mexico, at
+high elevations. It may be grown outside in summer, and wintered in a
+heated greenhouse or frame. This is a singular-looking plant, the
+tubercles having an appearance suggestive of carving. It is a slow
+grower, and requires careful attention in winter, when sometimes the
+roots all perish and the base of the stem rots.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 71. MAMILLARIA SUB-POLYHEDRA.]
+
+M. sulcolanata (woolly-grooved); Fig. 72.--Stem simple when young,
+proliferous at the sides when old, the young plants developing from the
+apices of the tubercles, and not in the axils, as is usual. The
+tubercles are nut-shaped, large, the bases surrounded by white wool, the
+points bearing eight to ten rigid, brown spines, all radiating from a
+little pad of wool. Flowers large, nearly 2 in. across, bright yellow,
+poppy-scented, the spread of the petals suggesting Paris Daisies; they
+are freely developed on the apex of the stem in June, and on till
+August. Fruit egg-shaped, glaucous-green. Native country, South Mexico;
+introduced 1836. This charming little plant should be grown in a frame
+exposed to full sunshine all summer, and removed to a shelf in a warm
+greenhouse in winter. With such treatment it grows and flowers freely.
+Grafted on to a Cereus or Opuntia it is healthier than when on its own
+roots.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 72. MAMILLARIA SULCOLANATA.]
+
+M. tetracantha (four-spined); Bot. Mag. 4060.--Stem the size and shape
+of an ostrich's egg, thickly studded with small, conical tubercles,
+woolly at the base, the apices bearing each four spreading spines, 3/4 in.
+long, rather stout, straight, brown when young, becoming almost white
+with age. Flowers numerous, small, arranged as in M. sanguinea, to which
+and M. cirrhifera this species is closely related. They are bright rose
+in colour, with orange-yellow anthers, and are developed in July. Native
+of Mexico. Requires the same treatment as M. cirrhifera.
+
+M. tuberculosa (tubercled).--This is a very pretty and distinct plant,
+of recent introduction, and easily cultivated. It has a central stem,
+6 in. high by 2 in. in diameter, conical in shape, and surrounded at the
+base by globose branches or offsets. The tubercles are closely set in
+numerous spiral rows, and are 1/2 in. long, rather narrow, pointed, with a
+crown of radial spines, very slender, hair-like, white, and 1/2 in. long;
+central spines three or four, 1/2 in. long. At the base of each tubercle is
+a pea-like tuft of white wool. In this kind the spines fall from the old
+tubercles, which are persistent, gradually hardening to a cork-like
+substance. The flowers are produced in the apex of the stem, and are
+1 in. long and wide, daisy-like, pale purple in colour; they are
+succeeded by red, oval berries, which are as pretty as the flowers.
+About five flowers are developed on each stem annually--May and June.
+Native of Mexico, in the mountains. It thrives when grown in an ordinary
+greenhouse, on a shelf, in full sunshine.
+
+M. turbinata (top-shaped); Bot. Mag. 3984.--Stem globose, depressed at
+top, about 3 in. in diameter, pale glaucous-green; tubercles
+quadrangular, flattened at the apex, and bearing, when young, from three
+to five erect, slender, hair-like spines, which fall off soon after the
+tubercles ripen, exposing little depressions or umbilica, and giving the
+stem a bald, pudding-like appearance, quite distinct from any other
+kind. Flowers from the centre of the stem, short, about 1 in. across,
+pale yellow, with a reddish tint outside; anthers yellow. Two or three
+flowers are usually expanded together in the month of June. Native
+country, Mexico.
+
+M. uncinata (hooked).--Stem globose, simple, about 4 in. in diameter;
+tubercles closely pressed against each other at the base, where they are
+four-angled; in length they are 1/4 in., and they are blue-green in colour.
+Apex bearing four short spines, arranged crosswise, and 1/4 in. long;
+central spine slightly longer, yellow, and hooked. The flowers are 1 in.
+long and wide, erect, the tube hidden by the young mammae, amongst
+which they appear in May and June; they are purple in colour, a line of
+deeper tint running down the middle of each petal. Like all the kinds
+with short, angular tubercles, this species is easily managed, flowers
+freely and profusely, and always ripens seeds. Native of Mexico. It may
+be grown in a frame, or even out of doors, all through the summer,
+removing it to a greenhouse for the winter.
+
+M. vetula (old).--One of the small Thimble Cactuses, its stems seldom
+exceeding 3 in. in height by 11/2 in. in diameter. Tubercles 1/4 in. long,
+conical, with a radial crown of fine, hair-like yellow spines, 1/4 in.
+long, and a solitary central spine, 1/2 in. in length, and coloured red.
+Flowers terminal, just peeping above the tubercles; sepals and petals
+acute, yellow, 3/4 in. long; anthers yellow; stigma white. An old garden
+plant, introduced from Mexico. It flowers in May and June. For its
+cultivation it may be treated as recommended for M. pusilla.
+
+M. villifera (hair-bearing).--Stem similar to the last, but usually
+proliferous at the base; tubercles angular, short, woolly in the axils,
+and bearing four rigid, short, reddish-brown spines on the apex. Flowers
+pale rose, with a line of purple down the middle of each petal; they are
+developed near the top of the stem, in May. Native country, Mexico. This
+plant thrives if treated as recommended for M. pusilla. There are
+several varieties known, distinguished by their paler or darker flowers,
+or by a difference in the length and arrangement of the spines.
+
+M. viridis (green).--Stem 4 in. high by 3 in. in diameter, proliferous at
+the base; tubercles short, four-angled, crowded in spiral rows, woolly
+at the base, bearing each five or six radiating hair-like spines on the
+apex, and one central erect one, none more than 1/4 in. long. Flowers
+erect, on top of stem, with recurved, pale yellow petals, 1  in., long;
+they are produced in May and June. Introduced from Mexico in 1850. It
+may be grown in a sunny frame out of doors during summer, and on a dry,
+warm greenhouse shelf in winter.
+
+M. vivipara (stem--sprouting).--A tufted, free-growing Thimble Cactus,
+producing its small stems in such profusion as to form a cluster as much
+as 3 ft. in diameter. The small tubercles are hidden by the numerous
+radial spines, which are in clusters of about twenty; they are white,
+hair-like, stiff and 1/2 in. long; the central spines, numbering from four
+to six, are a little longer. Flowers from apex of stem, 11/2 in. long and
+wide, and composed of about thirty fimbriated sepals and twenty-five to
+forty narrow petals; colour bright purple. Fruit 1/2 in. long, pale green
+when ripe. The flowers, which appear in May and June, usually expand
+after mid-day. Native of Louisiana. In the North-West plains and Rocky
+Mountains of North America this plant is abundant, often forming wide
+cushion-like tufts, which, when covered with numerous purple, star-like
+flowers, have a pretty effect. In Utah and New York it is commonly
+cultivated as a hardy garden plant, bearing exposure to keen frosts and
+snow without suffering; but it would not thrive out of doors in winter
+with us, unless covered by a handlight during severe weather, and
+protected from heavy rains in winter. It likes a strong, clayey soil.
+
+M. v. radiosa (Fig. 73).--This variety is distinguished by its larger
+flowers and shorter spines.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 73. MAMILLARIA VIVIPARA RADIOSA.]
+
+M. Wildiana (Wild's).--An old garden Cactus, and one of the prettiest
+of the tufted, small-stemmed kinds. Its largest stems are 3 in. high by
+about 11/2 in. in diameter, and bear spiral rows of clavate, dark green,
+crystallised tubercles, 1/2 in. long, with about ten radial white spines,
+1/2 in. long, the three upper spines, together with the solitary central
+hooked one, being yellow. Flowers small, numerous on the apices of the
+stems, rose-coloured, lined with purple; they are developed in summer.
+This also forms dense tufts of stems. A specimen at Kew, only a few
+years old, has already over thirty heads. It is a native of Mexico, at
+an altitude of 5000 ft., growing on lava and basalt, and even on the
+trunks of trees. For its cultivation, a shelf in a sunny greenhouse is a
+most suitable position, both in winter and summer. Introduced 1835.
+
+M. Wrightii (Wright's).--This is a charming little plant, of something
+the same character as M. dolichocentra. It has not long been cultivated
+in gardens, but being easy to manage, and exceptionally pretty, it is
+sure to become a favourite as it gets known. Stem rounded above,
+narrowed and peg-top-like at the base, the top flattened, about 3 in.
+across, height about the same. Tubercles conical, 1/2 in. long, shining
+green, and bearing a tuft of six or eight spines, which are straight,
+hair-like, white, and 1/2 in. long; there are two central spines, of same
+length, and hooked. Flowers in the top of the stem, 1 in. long and wide,
+bright purple; they are succeeded by egg-shaped, purple berries, 1 in.
+long, and prettily arranged among the tubercles. In England a warm house
+seems most suitable for this species. It likes plenty of moisture and
+sunlight during the summer, whilst making new growth; but in winter,
+when at rest, it ought to be kept on a shelf, and just moistened
+overhead in bright weather. There are healthy examples of it at Kew.
+Flowering season, May and June. Native country, Mexico. Introduced about
+1878.
+
+M. Zucchariniana (Zuccharini's).--Stem simple, globose, often attaining
+a height of 10 in. by about 7 in. in diameter. Tubercles dark green,
+conical, 1/3 in. long, 1/2 in. broad at base, naked at the point, but with
+four to six spines springing from the areole a little below the point;
+spines ash-coloured, stiff, black-tipped. Flowers in a ring about the
+top of the stem, length 1 in., the tube enveloped in long, black, twisted
+hairs; sepals brown-purple; petals narrow, sharp-pointed, purple-rose
+coloured; stamens white and yellow; stigma rose-coloured. Flowers in
+June and July. Native of Mexico. A large, handsome-stemmed kind, easily
+kept in health, and flowering freely if grown on a shelf in a cool
+greenhouse in winter, and placed in a warm, sunny position out of doors
+in summer. It produces seeds freely, and pretty plants, 3 in. or more in
+diameter, may be obtained in two years from seeds. By grafting it, when
+young, on the stem of a Cereus or cylindrical Opuntia, a healthy,
+drumstick-like plant is easily obtained.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE GENUS LEUCHTENBERGIA.
+
+(Named in honour of Prince Leuchtenberg.)
+
+
+Among the many instances of plant mimicry that occur in the Cactus
+order, the most remarkable is the plant here figured. Remove the flower
+from Leuchtenbergia, and very few people indeed would think of calling
+it a Cactus, but would probably consider it a short-leaved Yucca. In
+habit, in form, in leaf, and in texture, it more resembles a Yucca or an
+Agave than anything else, and when first introduced it was considered
+such by the Kew authorities until it flowered. The leaves, or rather
+tubercles, are sometimes longer and slenderer than in Fig. 74. The
+nearest approach to this plant is Mamillaria longimamma, in which the
+tubercles are 1 in. or more long, finger-shaped, and crowned with a few
+hair-like spines. But the Leuchtenbergia bears its flowers on the ends
+of the tubercles, and not from the axils, as in all others. This
+peculiarity leads one to infer that tubercles are modified branches, the
+spines representing the leaves. Some species of Mamillaria and
+Echinocactus develop young plants from the tops of their tubercles; and
+this also points to the probability that the latter are branches. In
+Leuchtenbergia, the tubercles fall away as the plant increases in
+height, leaving a bare, woody stem similar to that of a Yucca.
+
+Cultivation.--The Leuchtenbergia has always been difficult to keep in
+health. It thrives best when kept in a warm, sunny house during winter,
+and in an exposed, airy, warm position under a frame during summer. It
+may be watered regularly whilst growing--that is, from April to
+September--and kept quite dry all winter. The soil should be
+well-drained loam, and the roots should have plenty of room. A specimen
+may be seen in the Kew collection.
+
+Propagation.--This may be effected from seeds, or by removing the head
+from an old plant, putting the former in sand, and placing it under a
+bell-glass to root, watering it only about once a week till roots are
+formed. The old stem should be kept dry for about two months, and then
+watered and placed in a sunny, moist position, where it can be syringed
+once a day. A shelf in a stove is the best position for it. Here it will
+form young buds in the axils of the withered tubercles, and on the edges
+of the persistent parts of the tubercles themselves. They first appear
+in the form of tiny tufts of yellowish down, and gradually develop till
+the first leaf-like tubercle appears. When large enough, the buds may be
+removed and planted in small pots to root. If an old plant is dealt with
+in this way in April, a batch of young ones should be developed and
+rooted by October. Grafting does not appear to have ever been tried for
+this plant. When sick, the plant should be carefully washed, and all
+decayed parts cut away; it may then be planted in very sandy loam, and
+kept under a bell-glass till rooted.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 74. LEUCHTENBERGIA PRINCIPIS.]
+
+SPECIES.
+
+L. principis (noble); Fig. 74.--This, the only species known, was
+introduced from Mexico to Kew in 1847, and flowered the following year.
+The plant attains a height of 1 ft. or more, the stem being erect, stout,
+clothed with the persistent, scale-like bases of the old, fallen-away
+tubercles, the bases having dried up and tightened round the stem. The
+upper part is clothed with the curved, leaf-like tubercles, from 3 in. to
+6 in. long, grey-green in colour, succulent, with a tough skin,
+triangular, and gradually narrowed to a blunt point, upon which are half
+a dozen or more thin, flexuous, horny filaments, neither spines nor
+hairs in appearance, but almost hay-like; the central one is about 5 in.
+long, and the others about half that length. The flowers are borne on
+the ends of the young, partly-developed tubercles, near the centre of
+the head; they are erect, tubular, 3 in. to 4 in. long, scaly, gradually
+widening upwards; the sepals and petals are numerous, and form a
+beautiful flower of the ordinary Cactus type, quite 4 in. across, and of
+a rich, clear yellow colour. The anthers, which also are yellow, form a
+column in the centre, through which the nine-rayed stigma protrudes.
+Strong plants sometimes produce two flowers together.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE GENUS PELECYPHORA.
+
+(From pelekyphoros, hatchet-bearing; referring to the shape of the
+tubercles.)
+
+
+IKE Leuchtenbergia, this genus is monotypic, and it is also rare,
+difficult to cultivate, and exceptionally interesting in structure. It
+is closely related to the Mamillarias, as may be seen, by comparing the
+Figure here given with some of them; indeed, it was once known as M.
+asellifera, having been described under that name when first introduced,
+in 1843. From Mamillaria, however, it differs in the form of its
+tubercles, which are hatchet-shaped, and cleft at the apex, where each
+division is clothed with small, horny, overlapping scales, not unlike
+the back of a woodlouse--hence the specific name.
+
+Cultivation.--The Hatchet Cactus grows very slowly, specimens such as
+that represented in our Illustration being many years old. We have seen
+healthy plants, freshly imported, grow for a few months, and then
+suddenly die, the inside of the stem rotting whilst outside it looked
+perfectly healthy. It is always grown on its own roots, but probably it
+would thrive better if grafted on the stem of some dwarf Cereus or
+Echinocactus.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 75. PELECYPHORA ASELLIFORMIS.]
+
+Propagation.--The propagation of Pelecyphora is easiest effected by
+means of seeds, which, however, are not always procurable. It is stated
+by Labouret, a French writer on Cactuses, that the first plants
+introduced arrived dead, but a few seeds were found in a withered fruit
+on one of the dead stems, and from these the first plants grown in
+Europe were raised. M. de Smet of Ghent, had a large stock of this
+Cactus a few years ago, and a German nurseryman, H. Hildmann, of
+Oranienberg, near Berlin, usually has many young plants of it for sale.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+P. aselliformis (woodlouse-like); Fig. 75.--The size, habit, and
+structure of this plant are so well represented in the Figure that
+little description is necessary. The stems are simple till they get
+about 3 in. high, when they develop offsets about the base, which may
+either be removed to form new plants, or allowed to remain and grow into
+a specimen like that in the Illustration. The flowers are large for the
+size of the plant, and they are developed freely in the apex of the
+stems in the early part of the summer. The tube is very short, naked,
+and completely hidden by the young mammae; sepals and petals in four
+series, the outer one pale purple, the inner of a deep purple colour;
+stamens very numerous, and the stigma has only four erect lobes. The
+plant was first described from examples cultivated in Berlin in 1843,
+but the flowers were not known till 1858. There are several varieties
+known, viz., P. a. concolor, which is distinguished by the whole of the
+flower being deep purple in colour; P. a. pectinata has larger scales
+(spine-tufts); and P. a. cristata is, as its name denotes a kind of
+cockscomb or crested form. They are all natives of Mexico.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE GENUS OPUNTIA.
+
+(The old Latin name used by Pliny, and said to have been derived from
+the city of Opus.)
+
+
+There are about 150 species of Opuntia known, all of them natives of the
+American continent and the West Indies, though a considerable number
+have become naturalised in many other parts of the world. They are, with
+very few exceptions, easily distinguished from all other Cactuses by the
+peculiar character of their stems and spines; they are also well marked
+in the structure of their flowers. They vary in size from small,
+trailing, many-branched plants, never exceeding 6 in. in height, to large
+shrubs 8 ft. to 30 ft. high. (Humboldt states that he saw "Opuntias and
+other Cactuses 30 ft. to 40 ft. high.") Generally the branches are nearly
+flat when young, and shaped like a racquet or battledore; but in some
+species the branches are round (i.e., in O. cylindrica, O. subulata, O.
+arborescens, &c.). All the kinds have fleshy stems, which ultimately
+become cylindrical and woody. At first they consist of fleshy joints,
+superposed upon one another, the joints varying considerably in size and
+shape. When young they bear small fleshy leaves along with the
+spine-tufts; but the former fall off at an early stage, whilst the
+spines are altered in length or number as the joints get old. In one or
+two kinds the spines fall away when the joints begin to harden, and in
+O. subulata the leaves are large and persistent.
+
+The nature of the spines of Opuntias is of a kind that is not likely to
+be forgotten by anyone coming into contact with them. Every spine, from
+the tiny bristles, hardly perceptible to the naked eye, to the stout,
+needle-like spears which are found on the branches of some kinds, is
+barbed, and they are so very sharp and penetrating that even a gentle
+touch is sufficient to make them pierce the skin. Once in they are very
+difficult to get out; the very fine ones can only be shaved level with
+the skin, and left to grow out, whilst the larger must be cut out if
+they have penetrated to any depth. This horrid character in Opuntias,
+whilst rendering them disagreeable to the gardener, has been turned to
+good account in many of our colonies, where they are commonly used as
+fences. A good hedge of such kinds as O. Tuna or O. horrida is
+absolutely impassable to both man and beast, and as the stems are too
+watery to be easily destroyed by fire, their usefulness in this way
+could not be surpassed. As all the Opuntias will grow in the very
+poorest of soils, and even on bare rocks, and as they grow very rapidly,
+they have been largely employed in Africa, Australia, and India for
+fences. It is reported that when an island in the West Indies was
+divided between the French and English, the boundary was marked by three
+rows of O. Tuna.
+
+The flowers of Opuntias are not, as a rule, particularly attractive. In
+many of the kinds they are large and well-formed, but the colours are
+tawny-yellow, greenish-white, or dull red. These plants cannot,
+therefore, be recommended for any floral beauty, although it is probable
+that the same flowers, on plants of less repulsive appearance than
+Opuntias are, as a rule, would be admired. There are a few exceptions to
+this in such species as O. Rafinesquii, O. missouriensis, and O.
+basilaris, which are compact and dwarf, and bear numerous large,
+brightly-coloured flowers. The fruits of Opuntias, or, at least, some of
+them, are edible, and to some palates they are very agreeable. We have
+tasted them, and consider they are mawkish and insipid--not much better
+than very poor gooseberries. Sir Joseph Hooker has compared them to
+Pumpkins. They are pear-shaped, with a thick, spine-covered rind,
+containing green, yellow, or red pulp, with small, hard seeds scattered
+through it.
+
+The fruit of Opuntia differs in character and structure from the
+ordinary kind of fruit, such as apples, pears, &c. It consists of a
+branch, or joint, modified in form, and bearing on its flattened apex a
+flower, with the ovary buried in a slight depression in the fleshy
+joint. After becoming fertilised, the ovary grows down into the joint,
+and, ultimately the whole joint is changed into a succulent, juicy,
+often coloured "fruit." That this is the case has been proved by
+planting the unripe "fruit" of Opuntias in pots of sandy soil, and
+treating them as cuttings, when they have developed buds at the apex and
+roots at the base, ultimately forming plants.
+
+The vitality in the branches of most of the species is very great, the
+smallest piece, as a rule, emitting roots and developing into a plant in
+a comparatively short time. The branches are soft, and easily broken, so
+that, in gathering the fruits, many pieces are broken off and cast
+aside; these soon grow into plants, and in a short time an extensive
+"colony" of Opuntias springs up where previously only one had been. The
+seeds, too, are a ready means of increase, being distributed by birds
+and other animals, which eat the fruits. In consequence of this free
+vegetative character, the Opuntias introduced into some of our colonies
+have become a pest almost as difficult to deal with as the rabbit
+scourge in Australia. In English gardens, however, there is no danger of
+Opuntias getting the upper hand. The adaptability of the majority of the
+kinds for cultivation under what may be termed adverse conditions for
+other plants, and the ease with which they may be propagated, render the
+management of a collection of these plants an easy matter. Amongst other
+Cactuses, Opuntias have a striking effect, and a selection of them
+should be grown in even the smallest collections. A few of them may be
+recommended specially as attractive plants for a sheltered, sunny
+rockery.
+
+Cultivation.--The cultural requirements of the Opuntias may more
+conveniently be referred to under the description of each kind.
+
+Propagation.--This entails no exceptional treatment; the numerous seeds
+contained in each fruit germinate freely if sown in sandy soil, and
+placed on a shelf in a warm house; and the smallest branches root
+quickly if planted in pots of open soil and kept in the Cactus-house.
+Large branches root just as freely as small ones. At Kew an enormous
+specimen, which had grown tall, and developed a thicket of branches too
+great for the house where it grew, was reduced most summarily by simply
+cutting off the head of branches and planting it in the ground where the
+original specimen had been. In a short time this "cutting" was well
+rooted, and made better growth than it had before the operation was
+performed.
+
+As stocks for grafting, many of the more robust kinds of Opuntia are
+well adapted, and very singular-looking specimens may be obtained by
+making the most of this fact. One of the crested or monstrous forms,
+when grafted on a flat-stemmed kind, presents the queerest of
+appearances, looking like a large green cockscomb growing out of the top
+of a bladdery kind of stem. Equally odd combinations may be made by
+grafting a flat-stemmed kind on one whose stem is cylindrical. As all
+the kinds unite with the greatest ease, a taste for oddities among
+plants may easily be gratified by making use of Opuntias in this way.
+The time most favourable for the operation is spring-say, the month of
+April. For full information on how to graft Cactuses, see Chapter IV.,
+on Propagation.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+O. arborescens (tree-like).--This species is known as the Walking-Stick
+or Elk-Horn Cactus, from its cylindrical, woody stems being made into
+very curious-looking walking-sticks (examples of which may be seen in
+the Museum at Kew), whilst the arrangement of the branches is suggestive
+of elk horns. Habit erect; joints cylindrical, branching freely, and
+forming trees from 8 ft. to 30 ft. high. Stems covered with oblong
+tubercles and tufts of long, needle-like spines, which give the plant a
+very ferocious aspect. Flowers on the ends of the young branches, 2 in.
+to 3 in. in diameter, bright purple in colour, developing in June. It is
+a native of Mexico, &c., and requires greenhouse or stove treatment. The
+skeletons of this species, as seen scattered over the desert places
+where it is wild, have a very singular and startling appearance. They
+stand in the form of trees, quite devoid of leaves, spines, or flesh,
+and, owing to the peculiar arrangement of the ligneous layers, nothing
+remains except a hollow cylinder, perforated with mesh-like holes,
+indicating the points where the tubercles and small branches had been.
+These skeletons are said to stand many years.
+
+O. arbuscula (small tree).--Another of the cylindrical kinds, with a
+solid, woody trunk, about 4 in. through, and clothed with smooth, green
+bark; it grows to a height of 7 ft. or 8 ft. Branches very numerous,
+slender, copiously jointed, the ultimate joints about 3 in. long and 1/2 in.
+thick; they are slightly tuberculated, and bear tufts of spines nearly
+1 in. long. Flowers 11/2 in. in diameter, produced in June; petals few,
+greenish-yellow, tinged with red. It is a native of Mexico, and requires
+stove treatment. A pretty plant, or, rather, a very remarkable one, even
+when not in flower, the thin branches, with their hundreds of long,
+whitish spines, being singular. Unfortunately, it is not easily grown.
+
+O. arenaria (sand-loving).--Stems spreading, forming a tuft 3 ft.
+through and about 1 ft. high. Joints 11/2 in. to 3 in. long, and a little
+less in width, terete, with very prominent tubercles and numerous tawny
+bristles; upper spines 1 in. to 11/2 in. long, white, with a yellow point,
+shorter ones hair-like and curled. Flowers 2 in. in diameter, produced in
+May. Fruit 1 in. long, bearing a few short spines. Mexico. A
+strong-rooted plant, which should be grown in very loose, sandy soil. It
+would probably thrive best when planted out on a stage near the glass in
+a stove.
+
+O. Auberi (Auber's).--An erect-growing plant, 8 ft. or more high, not
+unlike O. Ficus-indica in the form of its joints, but with long spines
+springing from the cushions, whereas the latter has none. The joints are
+oblong-ovate, glaucous-green, the cushions few and scattered; spines
+white, flattened, of various lengths. Flowers tawny yellow, small for
+the size of the plant. A native of Cuba, and requiring stove treatment.
+Being very brittle, this plant should be supported with stakes.
+
+O. aurantiaca (orange).--A dwarf, cylindrical-stemmed kind, branching
+freely. Joints short, 3/4 in. in diameter; cushions of reddish spines, one
+about 1 in. long, the others shorter; bases of spines enveloped in white
+wool. Flowers bright orange, 2 in. to 3 in. across. This species is a
+native of Chili, whence it was introduced in 1824. It should be grown in
+a warm greenhouse all winter, and placed in a sunny position outside
+during summer.
+
+O. basilaris (branching at the base); Fig. 76.--A dwarf, compact plant,
+of peculiar habit. Stem short, branching into a number of stout,
+obovate, often fan-shaped joints, which usually spring from a common
+base, and curve inwards, suggesting an open cabbage. Joints 5 in. to 8 in.
+long, about 1 in. thick, covered all over with dot-like cushions of very
+short, reddish spines, set in slight depressions or wrinkles. Flowers of
+a beautiful and rich purple colour, about 21/2 in. in diameter, and
+produced in May. This distinct plant is a native of Mexico, and is of
+recent introduction. Plants of it may be seen in the Kew collection. It
+is apparently easily kept in health in an ordinary stove temperature
+along with other Cactuses. It varies in the form of its joints and in
+its manner of branching, but it seems never to develop the joints one on
+the top of the other, as do most Opuntias. This species is certain to
+become a favourite when it becomes better known.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 76. OPUNTIA BASILARIS.]
+
+O. Bigelovii (Bigelow's).--A cylinder-stemmed, tall-growing plant, with
+a stout, woody stem, bearing a dense head of branches. Joints 2 in. to
+6 in. long, 1 in. to 2 in. in diameter, light green, covered with small
+tubercles and little spine-cushions, with larger spines 1 in. long. When
+wild, the young joints are often shaken off by the wind, and cover the
+soil around, where they take root or stick to the clothes of the
+passers-by like burrs. Flowers not known. A native of Mexico, where it
+forms a tree 12 ft. high; it requires stove treatment. The skeleton of
+the trunk is a hollow cylinder, perforated with numerous holes, which
+occur in a regular spiral. The appearance of a full-grown specimen is
+very striking, the oval joints, thickly covered with long, needle-like
+spines, hanging in clusters, more suggestive of spiny fruit than
+branches.
+
+O. boliviana (Bolivian); Fig. 77.--Stems 1 ft. high, erect, branching,
+and composed of roundish, pale green joints, with small, round
+tubercles, and long, white, flexible spines, sometimes as much as 4 in.
+in length; cushions about 1 in. apart. Flowers 11/2 in. across, yellowish.
+This is a fat, gouty-looking plant, from Bolivia, requiring stove
+treatment. It often assumes a yellow hue on the older joints, even when
+in good health.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 77. OPUNTIA BOLIVIANA.]
+
+O. brachyarthra (short-jointed); Fig. 78.--A dwarf-growing,
+singular-looking plant, with short, tumid joints from 1 in. to 2 in. long
+and wide, and nearly the same in thickness. The shortness of the joints,
+together with their growing on the top of each other, has been not
+inaptly compared to a jointed finger. Cushions very close together,
+composed of short, white and yellowish bristles, and stout, terete
+spines, 1 in. or more long, set on little tubercles. Flowers 1 in. in
+diameter, with about five sepals, eight or nine petals, and a five-rayed
+stigma; they are borne on the apices of the topmost joints. This species
+is worth growing on account of its peculiar stems and the length of its
+white spines. It is a native of New Mexico, and has been recently
+introduced to Kew, where it is cultivated among the hardy kinds, and
+also in the greenhouse.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 78. OPUNTIA BRACHYARTHRA.]
+
+O. braziliensis (Brazilian).--The peculiar habit and mode of growth at
+once distinguish this species. It rises with a perfectly straight,
+erect, slender, but firm and stiff, round stem, to a height of from
+10 ft. to 30 ft., tapering from the base upwards, and furnished all the
+way up with short, horizontal branches, spreading about 3 ft. all round,
+like an immense candelabrum. Spines long, subulate, very sharp,
+ash-coloured, in clusters. Joints broadly oblong, margins wavy; they
+resemble leaves, or the thin, leaf-like joints of a Phyllocactus, with
+the addition of long, whitish spines on both sides. Flowers 11/2 in. in
+diameter, lemon-yellow, very freely produced on the younger joints
+during May and June. Fruit as large as a walnut, spiny, yellow when
+ripe. This species is a native of Brazil, whence it was introduced in
+1816. It may be recommended for large, airy houses, as it grows freely,
+and forms a striking object when arranged with foliage and flowering
+plants of the ordinary kind. Its fruits are edible.
+
+O. candelabriformis (candelabrum-shaped).--Stems erect, 5 ft. to 8 ft.
+high; joints flat, almost circular, about 6 in. in diameter,
+glaucous-green, densely clothed with numerous cushions of white,
+bristle-like spines, a few in each cushion being long and thread-like.
+Flowers not known on cultivated plants. This sturdy species is a native
+of Mexico, and succeeds well if planted on a little rockery or raised
+mound in a warm house, where, properly treated, it branches freely, and
+forms a dense mass of circular joints. It is one of the most useful of
+the larger Opuntias for cultivation in large houses.
+
+O. clavata (club-shaped).--Stem short; joints club-shaped, 2 in. long
+and 1 in. wide, narrowed almost to a point at both ends. Cushions 1/4 in.
+apart, composed of numerous spines, varying from short and bristle-like
+to 1 in. in length, stout, flattened, and spear-like. Leaves 1/4 in. long.
+Flowers yellow, 11/2 in. across. Fruit 11/2 in. long, lemon-yellow when ripe,
+and covered with stellate clusters of white, bristle-like spines. New
+Mexico, 1854. A stove species, remarkable for the strength and form of
+its central spines, which are spear or dagger-shaped.
+
+O. cochinellifera (cochineal-bearing); Bot. Mag. 2742.--An
+erect-growing plant, attaining a height of 9 ft. or more, and branching
+freely, the older parts of the stem and branches being woody and
+cylindrical; young joints flat, oblong-ovate, varying in length from
+4 in. to 1 ft., deep green, rather soft and watery, spineless, the
+cushions distant, and sometimes bearing a few very short bristles.
+Flowers at the extremities of the branches, 11/2 in. long, composed of
+numerous imbricating, scale-like petals, curving inwards, and coloured
+crimson. Fruit flat-topped, 2 in. long, red; pulp reddish; seeds black.
+It is a native of tropical South America, whence it was introduced in
+1688. It requires stove treatment, and blossoms in August. This is one
+of the most useful of the genus, on account of its being the kind
+chiefly employed in the cultivation of cochineal. It is one of the
+easiest to manage, requiring only a rather dry atmosphere, plenty of
+light, and a temperature not lower than 50 degs. in winter. Syn. Nopalea
+cochinellifera.
+
+O. corrugata (wrinkled).--Stem not more than 2 ft. high; joints
+cylindrical, wrinkled all over, about 2 in. long, covered with cushions
+of white hair or bristle-like spines. Flowers 11/2 in. across,
+reddish-yellow, produced in August. A native of Chili, whence it was
+introduced in 1824. It may be grown in an ordinary greenhouse, on a
+shelf near the glass, and exposed to full sunshine.
+
+O. curassavica (Curassoa); Pin-pillow.--Branches spreading; joints
+cylindrical or club-shaped, dark green, bearing numerous cushions of
+woolly bristles, and long, white, very sharp-pointed spines. Flowers
+3 in. across, greenish-yellow, borne on the young joints in June.
+Introduced from Curassoa in 1690. A free-growing plant under favourable
+conditions, and one requiring stove treatment. It has been cultivated in
+gardens almost as long as any species of Cactus. There are several
+varieties of it known, differing from the type in habit, length of
+spine, or shade of colour in the flower.
+
+O. cylindrica (cylindrical).--Stem and joints cylindrical, the latter
+covered with spindle-shaped tubercles, each one crowned with a tuft of
+fine, hair-like, whitish spines, one or two in each tuft being stiff,
+and sharp as needles. The leaves are fleshy, cylindrical, 1 in. or more
+long, and they remain on the joints longer than is usual in Opuntias.
+Flowers crowded on the ends of the branches, each 1 in. in diameter,
+scarlet; they are developed in June. This plant is said to grow to a
+height of 6 ft. or more in its native habitat, but under cultivation it
+is rarely seen more than 3 ft. high; it was introduced in 1799. It is
+handsome and distinct enough to be worth growing. It requires stove or
+greenhouse treatment, but rarely flowers under cultivation.
+
+O. c. cristata (crested).--A dwarf, cockscomb-like variety, with the
+leaves and white hairs growing all along the wrinkled top of the comb.
+It is a very singular example of a "monster" Cactus. It requires stove
+treatment.
+
+O. Davisii (Davis'); Bot. Mag. 6652.--Stems somewhat horizontal, not
+exceeding 11/2 ft. in height; joints 4 in. to 6 in. in length, and about 1/2
+in. in thickness; wood dense, and hard when old; tubercles not prominent,
+bearing cushions of very slender bristles, forming a kind of brush, from
+amongst which the spines spring. The longest spines are 11/2 in., and they
+are covered with a loose, glistening sheath. Flowers 2 in. in diameter,
+greenish-brown. The plant is a native of New Mexico, and was introduced
+in 1883. It forms a compact, shrubby little plant if grown in an
+intermediate house during winter, and placed in the open in full
+sunshine during summer. It was flowered for the first time in England in
+1883, and although not what we should call an attractive plant, in
+America it is described as being "a well-marked and pretty species." It
+is named after Jefferson Davis, the American statesman.
+
+O. decumana (great-oblong). This is the largest-growing species in
+cultivation. At Kew it is represented by a plant 12 ft. high (it would
+grow still taller if the house were higher). It has a hard, woody,
+brown-barked stem, bearing an enormous head of very large, elliptical,
+flat joints, 12 in. to 20 in. long, and about 1 ft. broad, smooth,
+grey-green, with a few scattered cushions of very tiny bristles, and
+sometimes, though rarely, a spine or two. Flowers large,
+orange-coloured, produced in summer. Fruit oval, 4 in. long, spiny,
+brownish-red, very watery when ripe; flesh red, sweet. A native of
+Brazil, and requiring stove treatment. This is said to be what is known
+in Malta as the Indian Fig. The plant is chiefly interesting here on
+account of the extraordinary size of the joints.
+
+O. diademata (diademed).--A small, remarkable, and extremely rare
+little species, with a short, erect stem, composed of globose,
+superposed joints, grey-green in colour, and very succulent. The topmost
+joint is pear-shaped, with a tuft of whitish hair and spines on the
+apex, out of which the new growth pushes. Cushions large, about 1 in.
+apart, furnished with a tuft of short, grey hairs and short spines, with
+a large one at the base. The character of this large spine is
+exceptional, being broad, flat, cartilaginous, whitish, and curving
+downwards. On healthy large examples these spines are 2 in. long, and
+nearly 1/4 in. wide at the base. Flowers and fruit not known. Native of
+Mendoza (La Plata). This little plant requires to be cultivated in a
+warm greenhouse or stove, but it grows very slowly. It is certainly a
+most interesting Cactus; examples of it may be seen at Kew, where there
+is a plant which, although over ten years old, is only 4 in. high. Syns.
+O. platyacantha and Cereus syringacanthus.
+
+O. Dillenii (Dillenius'); Fig. 79.--An erect-growing, robust species,
+attaining a height of 15 ft., with flattened, ovate joints, about 5 in.
+long by 3 in. broad. Cushions composed of short, white, hair-like
+bristles, and numerous long, stout, yellow spines. Flowers yellow,
+tinged with red, 4 in. in diameter, freely produced on the ends of the
+youngest joints all summer. Fruits similar to those of O. Ficus-indica.
+A native of the West Indies, now naturalised in all warmer parts of the
+world. In India it is so plentiful and widespread that Roxburgh, an
+Indian botanist, said it was a native. In India, its fruits are eaten by
+the poor natives, and it is often planted as a hedge. It is also a great
+pest in the open lands of that country, and large sums are annually
+expended in cutting it down and burying it. This species, which requires
+warm greenhouse treatment, is also employed in the cultivation of
+cochineal.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 79. OPUNTIA DILLENII.]
+
+O. echinocarpa (spiny-fruited).--A low, straggling shrub, not exceeding
+11/2 ft. in height. Joints cylindrical, from 1 in. to 3 in. long, less than
+1 in. thick. Cushions of rather coarse bristles and numerous spines, from
+1/2 in. to 1 in. in length. Flowers 2 in. in diameter, yellow, produced in
+summer. Fruit short, depressed, almost saucer-shaped, and bearing spines
+nearly 1 in. long. A native of Colorado, &c. It requires stove treatment.
+The variety major has stems 4 ft. high, joints 8 in. to 10 in. long, and
+long, sheathed spines. This species is closely related to O. Bigelovii
+and O. Davisii.
+
+O. Emoryi (Emory's).--A prostrate, spreading plant, less than 11/2 ft.
+high. Joints cylindrical, curved, 4 in. long, 11/2 in. thick. Tubercles very
+prominent, longitudinally attached to the stem, the apices crowned with
+pea-shaped cushions of short bristles, and numerous radiating spines,
+some of which are fully 2 in. long, very strong and needle-like. Flowers
+21/2 in. in diameter, sulphur-yellow, tinged with purple, produced in
+August and September. Fruit 21/2 in. long and 1 in. thick, covered with
+cushions of bristles and spines. A native of Mexico, on dry, sandy
+soils, where its prostrate stems, clothed with powerful spines, form a
+hiding-place for the small animals, snakes, &c. Stove or warm greenhouse
+treatment is best for this species.
+
+O. Engelmanni (Engelmann's).--A stout, coarse-looking plant, 6 ft. high,
+with woody stems and large, flat, green joints, 1 ft. long and 9 in. in
+diameter. Cushions 11/2 in. apart, composed of coarse bristles, and one or
+two spines over 1 in. long, and pointing downwards. Flowers 3 in. in
+diameter, yellow, produced in May and June. Fruit nearly round, 2 in.
+long, purplish both in rind and pulp, the latter rather nauseous to the
+taste. Mexico. This is a greenhouse plant which grows freely and flowers
+annually under cultivation. It is very similar to O. monacantha, a much
+better known species. According to American botanists, it is probably
+the most widely spread of the whole Cactus tribe.
+
+O. Ficus-indica (Indian Fig); Fig. 80.--Branches erect, 8 ft. to 12 ft.
+high; joints flat, oval or obovate, about 1 ft. long by 3 in. in width,
+and 1 in. in thickness. Stems hard and woody with age. Cushions 11/2 in.
+apart, composed of short, yellowish bristles, and very rarely one spine.
+Flowers 3 in. to 4 in. across, sulphur-yellow, produced all through the
+summer. Fruit 3 in. to 4 in. long, pear-shaped, covered with tufts of
+bristles, white, yellow, or red when ripe. It is a native of Central
+America, whence it was introduced about 300 years ago. It is now widely
+spread, in tropical and temperate regions all over the world. In many
+parts it is cultivated for the sake of its fruits, which in some of our
+colonies are used for dessert. In England it must be protected from damp
+and cold; it is, therefore, best cultivated in a sunny greenhouse during
+winter, and placed outside in a position exposed to full sunshine all
+summer. Tenore, an Italian botanist, named this species O. vulgaris, and
+this mistake has led others to consider the North American O. vulgaris
+(true) and O. Ficus-indica as one and the same species.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 80. FRUITING BRANCH OF OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA.]
+
+O. filipendula (hanging filaments); Fig. 81.--Stems prostrate, about
+1 ft. high, spreading; joints flat, round or oval, about 3 in. long, often
+less, milky-green in colour. Cushions 1/2 in. apart, composed of a little
+tuft of white woolly hair, a cluster of erect, rather long bristles,
+like a small shaving-brush, and all pointing upwards; spines usually
+only one in each cushion, and this is slender, deflexed, white, and from
+1 in. to 2 in. long. Sometimes the joints are wholly spineless. Flowers
+21/2 in. in diameter, purplish, very handsome, produced in May and June.
+Fruit not known. The roots of this species bear tubers often 1 in. in
+thickness, and several inches in length, and these tubers will grow into
+plants if severed and planted. It requires stove treatment. Native
+country, Mexico.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 81. OPUNTIA FILIPENDULA.]
+
+O. frutescens (shrubby).--A thin-stemmed, copiously-branched species.
+Joints almost continuous, like ordinary branches, from 2 in. to 6 in.
+long, the thickest not exceeding 1/4 in. Cushions on raised points or
+tubercles, each consisting of a small tuft of hair, inclosed in a row of
+bristles, and one long, central spine, often exceeding 2 in. in length.
+When young, the spines are inclosed in a thin, bony sheath. Flowers
+scattered along the younger branches, 1 in. across, greenish-yellow,
+borne in June. Fruit 1 in. long, pear-shaped, smooth, scarlet, with tufts
+of bristles all over it, and a depression in the apex. Mexico. This
+forms an interesting pot-plant when properly cultivated. It should be
+grown in a warm greenhouse.
+
+O. Grahami (Graham's).--This is one of several species of Opuntia which
+are remarkable in having thick, fleshy roots, not unlike those of the
+Dahlia. The joints are 2 in. long and 1 in. in diameter, cylindrical, with
+adpressed tubercles, 1/2 in. or more long, each tubercle bearing a tuft of
+long, straight, radiating spines. Flowers 2 in. across, yellow, borne on
+the ends of the ripened joints in June. Fruits 11/2 in. long and 3/4 in. wide,
+covered with stellate clusters of short, bristle-like spines. This plant
+is a native of Mexico, and is a recent introduction. From the nature of
+its roots, which are no doubt intended to serve as reservoirs for times
+of extreme drought, it should be grown in well-drained, sandy soil, and
+kept quite dry all winter. It requires stove treatment.
+
+O. horrida (horrid).--An erect, stout-stemmed plant, with flattened,
+green joints, about 5 in. long by 3 in. wide. Cushions 1 in. apart,
+composed of short, reddish bristles, and long, tawny red spines, about
+eight in each cushion, and of a peculiarly ferocious appearance--hence
+the specific name. The stoutest spines are 3 in. long, and are sharp and
+strong as needles. This species (which is probably a native of Mexico)
+is deserving of a place in collections of Cactuses because of the
+character of its spines. Probably it is only a variety of O. Tuna. It
+requires warm-house treatment.
+
+O. hystricina (porcupine-like).--This beautiful species was discovered
+in the San Francisco Mountains mixed with O. missouriensis, to which it
+is nearly allied. It is spreading in habit, the joints 3 in. to 4 in. long
+and broad; cushions 1/2 in. apart, rather large, with numerous spines,
+varying in length from 1/2 in. to 4 in., and short, yellowish bristles.
+Flowers large, yellow. Fruit 1 in., long, spiny. This plant is not known
+in English collections, but it is described by American botanists as
+being attractive and a free grower. As it is found along with O.
+missouriensis, it ought to prove hardy in England.
+
+O. leptocaulis (slender-stemmed).--This little Mexican species is
+chiefly remarkable for its fragile, numerous, twig-like joints, thickly
+dotted with tubercles and numerous spirally-arranged cushions of reddish
+bristles, with long, grey spines. It does not flower under cultivation.
+Requires stove treatment.
+
+O. leucotricha (white-haired).--An erect-stemmed kind, with flattened
+joints, ovate or oblong in shape, and bearing numerous cushions, 1/2 in.
+apart, of short bristles, with a large, central spine, and a few others
+rather shorter. When young these spines are rigid and needle-like; but
+as they get older they increase in length, and become soft, and curled
+like stiff, white hair. Young plants are noticeable for their small,
+subulate leaves of a bright red colour, whilst old examples are almost
+as interesting as the Old Man Cactus (Pilocereus senilis), the long,
+white, hair-like spines of the Opuntia hanging from the older joints in
+much the same manner as they do from the upper part of the stem of the
+Pilocereus. Flowers yellow, produced in June. This species is a native
+of Mexico, and requires stove treatment. Seeds of this, and, indeed, of
+a large proportion of the cultivated Opuntias, may be procured from
+seedsmen, and as they germinate quickly, and soon produce handsome
+little plants, a collection of Opuntias is thus very easily obtained.
+
+O. macrocentra (large-spurred).--A flat-jointed species, growing to a
+height of 3 ft.; the joints large, almost circular, thinly compressed,
+and usually purplish in colour. Cushions about 1 in. apart, with spines
+often 3 in. long, of a greyish colour, and generally pointing downwards.
+Flowers 3 in. across, bright yellow; they are developed in May and June,
+on the upper edges of the youngest joints. This plant is a native of
+Mexico; it is at present rare, but the unusual colour of the joints, its
+compact, freely-branched habit, the extraordinary length of its spines,
+and the size of its flowers, ought to win for it many admirers. It is
+easily grown if kept in an intermediate house. Plants of it may be seen
+in the Kew collection.
+
+O. macrorhiza (large-rooted); Figs. 82, 83.--In this Texan species we
+have a combination of the principal characters for which the genus
+Opuntia is remarkable: The thick, fleshy roots, which are a supposed
+source of food, and which look like potatoes; the cylinder-shaped older
+stems, and the flattened, battledore-like joints; the tufts of bristles
+on the stems, and deciduous, longer spines on the joints; the large,
+beautiful, yellow flowers; and the small leaves on the newly-formed
+joints. In habit and flowers this kind resembles O. Rafinesquii; and if
+not quite hardy in England, it is nevertheless sufficiently so to thrive
+in any sunny position where it would be protected from frost and
+excessive wet. The accompanying illustrations represent the characters
+of this species so well that further description is not needed. The
+flowers are developed in early summer.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 82. FLOWERING BRANCHES OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA.]
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 83. ROOTS OF OPUNTIA MACRORHIZA.]
+
+O. microdasys (small, thick).--This is a handsome little Mexican plant.
+Its flattened joints, which are nearly circular in outline, are thickly
+covered with little cushions of bright orange-yellow bristles, the
+cushions being so close together that the short bristles almost hide the
+green joints from view. The stems are semi-decumbent, and they branch
+somewhat freely. Flowers not seen. It thrives in a warm greenhouse
+temperature. The best examples of this pretty Opuntia are grafted on a
+robust-growing kind, the stock being about 1 ft. long, and the scion
+forming a compact head of pretty, healthy-looking joints. Treated in
+this way, this species is most interesting and attractive. It may also
+be grown on its own roots. There is a variety of it, named rufida, in
+which the bristles are reddish-brown.
+
+O. missouriensis (Missouri).--A stout, prostrate kind, forming large,
+spreading masses under favourable conditions. Joints broad, flattened,
+obovate, about 4 in. long by 2 in. wide, light green; spine-cushions less
+than 1 in. apart, and composed of numerous small, white spines, with from
+one to four longer ones; these latter fall away when the joints get old.
+Leaves very short, with a little wool about their bases. Flowers 3 in. in
+diameter, appearing from May onwards; petals yellow, dashed with rose,
+sometimes wholly rose-coloured or brick-red. Stamens deep red; pistil
+yellow, with a conical stigma. Fruit nearly round, spiny, about 2 in.
+long. A native of Wisconsin, and westward to the San Francisco
+Mountains; introduced in 1814. This species is as hardy as O.
+Rafinesquii, and thrives under similar treatment. It has stood 22 degs.
+of frost without suffering, requiring only protection from rain in
+winter. In North America it forms large, spreading masses on gravelly
+hillsides, and is much dreaded by travellers, and especially by horses;
+there it is usually covered with snow from Christmas to the following
+May.
+
+O. monacantha (one-spined).--A tall, robust plant, not unlike O.
+Dillenii in general habit. It has flat, large joints, oblong or ovate in
+outline, rather thinly compressed, and bearing grey cushions over 1 in.
+apart, with a solitary spine, 11/2 in. long, springing from the centre of
+each cushion, and pointing downwards. Flowers sulphur-yellow, 21/2 in.
+across, borne on the last-ripened joints in May, and abundant on
+well-grown plants. Fruits ovate, 2 in. long, green, with tufts of short,
+brown bristles; pulp edible. The species is a native of Brazil, but is
+now common in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. It is a
+free-growing kind, soon forming a large specimen if planted in a bed of
+old brick-rubble, or other light, well-drained soil, and kept in warm
+greenhouse temperature.
+
+O. nigricans (blackish); Bot. Mag. 1557.--Stem stout, erect, becoming
+hard and woody when old. Joints flat, oval in outline, 5 in. to 8 in. long.
+Cushions 11/2 in. apart, composed of short reddish-brown bristles and two
+or three long stout spines, which are yellow when young, but almost
+black when ripe. Flowers produced on the young, ripened joints,
+orange-red, about 3 in. across and developed in August and September.
+Fruit pear-shaped, rich crimson when ripe. Introduced from Brazil in
+1795. This well-marked species thrives in a warm greenhouse. It branches
+freely, and has a healthy aspect at all times. It is represented at Kew
+by very large specimens; one of them, which was recently cut down, had a
+stem 12 ft. high and an enormous head of dark, green joints. Its head was
+planted as a cutting.
+
+O. occidentalis (Western).--Stem stout, woody, with innumerable
+branches, wide-spreading, often bent to the ground. Joints 9 in. to 12 in.
+long by about 6 in. broad, flattened, as many as 100 on one plant.
+Cushions nearly 2 in. apart, with small, closely-set bristles and
+straight spines from 1/2 in. to l1/2 in. long. Flowers produced in June on the
+ripened joints, nearly 4 in. in diameter, orange-yellow. Fruit 2 in. long,
+"very juicy, but of a sour and disagreeable taste." This is an
+exceptionally fine plant when allowed sufficient space to develop its
+enormous branches and joints; it is a native of the Western slopes of
+the Californian mountains. It should be planted in a bed of rough, stony
+soil, in a dry greenhouse. Possibly it is hardy, but it does not appear
+to have been grown out of doors in England.
+
+O. Parmentieri (Parmentier's).--Stem erect. Joints cylindrical, "like
+little cucumbers." Cushions about 1 in. apart, arranged in spiral rows,
+and composed of short, reddish bristles, with two or three
+straw-coloured spines, 1 in. long. Flowers reddish, small. The plant is a
+native of Paraguay, and is rarely heard of in cultivation. It requires
+stove treatment.
+
+O. Parryi (Parry's).--Stem short. Joints club-shaped, 4 in. to 6 in.
+long, very spiny, the cushions elevated on ridge-like tubercles.
+Bristles few, coarse, and long. Spines very numerous, varying in length
+from 1/4 in. to 11/2 in.; central one in each cushion much the broadest, and
+flattened like a knife-blade, the others being more or less triangular.
+Flowers yellowish-green, on the terminal joints, which are clothed with
+star-shaped clusters of bristle-like spines, the flowers springing from
+the apex of the joint, and measuring 11/2 in. across. A native of Mexico,
+where it grows on gravelly plains. This distinct plant is in cultivation
+at Kew, in a warm greenhouse, but it has not yet flowered.
+
+O. Rafinesquii (Rafinesque's); Fig. 84.--A low, prostrate, spreading
+plant, seldom exceeding 1 ft. in height, the main branches keeping along
+the ground, the younger ones being erect. The latter are composed of
+flat, obovate joints, 4 in. to 5 in. long by 3 in. in width, fresh green in
+colour; spines very few, mostly only on the upper edge of the last-made
+joints, single, or sometimes two or three from each spine-cushion, 1 in.
+long, straight, whitish, soon falling off; cushion composed of very fine
+reddish bristles and whitish wool; leaves very small, falling early. The
+branches become cylindrical and woody with age. Flowers 2 in. to 4 in. in
+diameter, bright sulphur-yellow, with a reddish tint in the centre; in
+form they are like a shallow cup, the numerous stamens occupying the
+middle. They are produced in great abundance on the margins of the
+youngest joints, as many as fifty open flowers having been counted on a
+single specimen at one time. Fruit pear-shaped, 11/2 in. to 2 in. long,
+naked, edible, somewhat acid and sweetish. The flowering season is from
+July to September; the native country, Wisconsin to Kentucky, and
+westward to Arkansas and Missouri. This species, introduced about twenty
+years ago, has only recently been brought prominently before English
+gardeners. It is a very ornamental and interesting plant for outdoor
+cultivation, and when once established gives no trouble. For the first
+year or two after planting it requires watching, as, until the basal
+joints harden and become woody, they are liable to rot in wet weather. A
+large-flowered form, known as grandiflora, is cultivated in American
+gardens.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 84. OPUNTIA RAFINESQUII.]
+
+O. rosea (rose-coloured); Fig. 85.--Stem erect, branching freely.
+Joints varying in length from 2 in. to 6 in., not flattened, with
+ridge-like tubercles, bearing on their points small cushions of very
+fine bristles and tufts of pale yellowish spines about 1/2 in. long, and
+all pointing upwards. Flowers on the ends of the ripened growths of the
+year, usually clustered, 2 in. across, bright rose-coloured; they are
+developed in June. A rare species from Brazil, and one which, as the
+illustration shows, is both distinct and handsome enough to be classed
+amongst the most select. It requires a stove temperature.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 85. OPUNTIA ROSEA.]
+
+O. Salmiana (Prince Salm-Dyck's).--Stem erect, branching freely, the
+branches at right angles to the stem. Joints from 1 in. to 6 in. long,
+cylindrical, smooth, 1/2 in. in diameter, clothed with small cushions of
+soft, short bristles, and one or two longish spines. Flowers produced in
+September, 2 in. across, yellow, streaked with red, of short duration.
+Fruit egg-shaped, 1 in. long, crimson. This species is a native of
+Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1850. It requires to be grown in an
+intermediate house. It is a charming little Cactus, and quite
+exceptional among Opuntias in the colour and abundance of its flowers,
+and in the rich colour of its numerous fruits, which usually remain on
+the plant several months. The plant, too, has the merit of keeping dwarf
+and compact. The small joints separate very easily from the branches,
+and every one of them will root and grow into a plant. There is
+something very remarkable in the development of the fruits of this kind.
+A small branch, or joint, grows to its full length, and a flower-bud
+appears in the apex. If examined at this stage, it will be seen that the
+ovary occupies only a very shallow cavity in the top of the branch.
+After flowering, this ovary grows into the branch, and ultimately the
+whole branch is transformed into a pulpy fruit, with the seeds scattered
+all through the pulp. This peculiarity is well shown in O. salmiana, and
+the development of the fruit can be very easily watched. Many of the
+small branches do not flower, although they change to a red colour like
+the fruits.
+
+O. spinosissima (very spiny).--Stem erect, woody. Joints very flat and
+thin, deep green, ovate or rotund, from 6 in. to 1 ft. long. Cushions 1 in.
+apart. Bristles very short. Spines in clusters of about five, the
+longest 2 in. in length, brownish-yellow. Flowers reddish-orange, small,
+usually only 2 in. across, produced in June. A native of South America;
+naturalised in many parts of the Old World. The stem becomes cylindrical
+with age, and sometimes is devoid of branches for about 5 ft. from the
+ground. The plant requires stove treatment. Probably this kind is only a
+form of O. Tuna.
+
+O. subulata (awl-shaped).--Stem erect, cylindrical, even below,
+channelled and tubercled above, about 2 in. in diameter. Joints long and
+branch-like, with tufts of short, white hair on the apices of the
+tubercles, and one or two white, needle-like spines from 1/2 in. to 1 in.
+long. At the base of each tuft, from the apex to 1 ft. or more down the
+younger branches, there is a fleshy, green, awl-shaped leaf, from 2 in.
+to 5 in. long. Ultimately the leaves and spines fall away, the tubercles
+are levelled down, and the mature stem is regular and cylindrical, with
+tufts of white setae scattered over it. Flowers small, produced in
+spring; sepals 2 in. long, green, deciduous; petals small, dull purple,
+usually about eight in each flower. Fruit pear-shaped, 4 in. long; seeds
+very large, nearly 1/2 in. long and wide. This handsome South American
+species was the subject of an interesting communication to the
+Gardeners' Chronicle, in 1884, from Dr. Engelmann. It had previously
+been known as a Pereskia from the fact of its leaves being persistent
+and very large. In its leaves, flowers, and seeds, O. subulata is one of
+the most interesting of the genus. It is easily grown in a warm
+greenhouse, and deserves a place in all collections of Cactuses.
+
+O. Tuna (native name); Fig. 86.--An erect-stemmed, flat-jointed,
+robust-growing species. Joints ovate, 4 in. to 9 in. long, with cushions
+1 in. apart, composed of short, fulvous bristles, and several long,
+needle-shaped, unequal, yellowish spines. Flowers borne on the upper
+edges of the last-ripened joints, 3 in. across, reddish-orange, produced
+in July. Fruit rich carmine, about 3 in. long, pear-shaped. The plant is
+a native of the West Indies, &c., and was introduced in 1731. It has
+already been stated, under O. spinosissima, that there is a close
+similarity between that species and O. Tuna. We suspect, also, that O.
+nigricans is another near relation of these two. They are much alike in
+all characters, and they require the same treatment. O. Tuna has been
+seen as much as 20 ft. in height.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 86. OPUNTIA TUNA.]
+
+O. tunicata (coated-spined).--Stem sub-erect, cylindrical. Joints
+club-shaped, variable in length, about 2 in. in diameter. When young the
+surface is broken up into numerous oblong tubercles, each bearing a
+small cushion of whitish, short hairs, and about half a dozen white
+spines, unequal in length, the longest stout, and inclosed in a hard
+sheath, which becomes broken and ragged when old. Flowers not known. A
+native of Mexico, and introduced in 1840. It requires stove treatment.
+
+O. vulgaris (common); Bot. Mag. 2393.--A low, prostrate, spreading
+plant. Joints short, oval, flattened, thicker than in O. missouriensis,
+3 in. long by about 2 in. broad. Spine-cushions 3/4 in. apart; tufts very
+small, with, occasionally, a long spine. Leaves fleshy, very small.
+Flowers 2 in. across, pale sulphur-yellow. Fruits nearly smooth, 11/2 in.
+long, brown when ripe, with a strong disagreeable odour. The flowers are
+produced freely in June. The plant grows wild in Mexico, and extends up
+to New York, usually near the coast. It is now common in many parts of
+Europe, where it has become naturalised. In Madeira it has taken
+possession of all waste land, and is perfectly at home there. In England
+it was cultivated by Gerard nearly 300 years ago. It grows rapidly if
+planted in stony soil, in a position exposed to full sunshine, where it
+will creep along the ground, and root all along its stems, which rarely
+get elevated more than 6 in. from the ground. This species and O.
+Ficus-indica are confused by some authors, owing, no doubt, to the name
+O. vulgaris having been given by a botanist to the latter, which is a
+much larger and very different-looking plant. O. vulgaris is capable of
+withstanding our winters out of doors.
+
+O. Whipplei (Captain Whipple's).--Stem usually prostrate, with slender,
+elongated branches, which are cylindrical when old, broken up into short
+joints when young. Joints varying in length from 2 in. to 1 ft., less than
+1 in. in diameter. Cushions small, round. Spines white, variable in
+number, and arranged in tufts on the ends of the tubercles, one being
+1 in. long, the others shorter. Flowers nearly 2 in. in diameter, red,
+borne in a cluster on the ends of the last-ripened joints in June. Fruit
+1 in. long, with a cavity in the top. A compact, Mexican species, with
+crowded branches, and very free-flowering. It requires stove treatment.
+O. Whipplei is related to O. arborescens, from which, however, it is
+easily distinguished by the latter having a stout central spine and
+numerous radiating ones.
+
+Of the 150 species of Opuntia known, about one-third have been selected
+for description here, and amongst these will be found all the
+best-marked kinds in the genus, and most of those of which we have any
+knowledge. Botanists find good specific characters in the size and
+structure of the seeds, in the character of the fruits, &c.; but for
+horticultural purposes these are of little or no value.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE GENUS PERESKIA.
+
+(Named in honour of Nicholas F. Peresk, a botanist of Provence.)
+
+
+The thirteen species included in the genus Pereskia differ so markedly
+from all other kinds of Cactus, that at first sight one can scarcely
+believe they are true Cactuses, closely related to Cereus and
+Epiphyllum. They have erect or trailing stems and branches, and usually
+form dense, large bushes; the branches are woody and thin, and bear
+large, laurel-like leaves, which remain on the plants several years--so
+that they may be termed evergreen. They have, however, the
+spine-cushions, the tufts of woolly hair and stout spines, and the
+floral characters which distinguish Cactuses from other plants; they are
+also succulent, the leaves and young branches being soft and fleshy.
+They appear to have the same peculiar provision for enabling them to
+bear long periods of drought without suffering that characterises the
+more familiar forms of Cactuses. The development of the spines in this
+genus is different from what takes place in all other spiny plants of
+this order. In the latter the spines are stoutest and most numerous on
+the younger parts of the plant, the older or woody parts being either
+spineless, through having cast them, or much less spiny than when they
+were younger. Thus, in Opuntia we find few or no spines on the old parts
+of the stems of even such species as O. horrida, O. nigricans, &c. In
+Echinocactus, too, the spines about the base of old plants are much
+fewer, if not entirely cast off, than on the upper part. In Pereskia the
+contrary is the case. Taking P. aculeata as an example, this is best
+known in gardens as having branches about as thick as a goose-quill,
+with ovate leaves, at the base of which there is a pair of curved
+spines, 1/4 in. long, and shaped like cats' claws. But this plant when it
+gets old has a stem 3 in. in diameter, and clothed down to the ground
+with cushions of spines fixed firmly in the bark, each cushion composed
+of from twenty to fifty spines, and each spine 1 in. or more in length.
+From two to six new spines are developed in the centre of each healthy
+cushion annually. It would be absolutely impossible for any animal to
+climb an old stem of a Pereskia. In P. Bleo the spines are 2 in. long,
+and the cushions are much larger.
+
+The flowers of Pereskias are borne singly or in panicles, at the ends of
+the young, ripened branches. In shape, each flower may be compared to a
+single Rose, the petals being flat and spreading, and the numerous
+stamens forming a compact cluster in the centre. The stigma is erect,
+and divided at the top into four or more rays. The fruit is a berry
+shaped like a Gooseberry, and covered with minute clusters of short
+bristles.
+
+All the species are found in tropical America and the West Indies.
+
+Cultivation.--Although several of the kinds of Pereskia are
+sufficiently ornamental to be deserving of a place in gardens as
+flowering plants, yet they are rarely cultivated--in England, at least
+--for any other purpose than that of forming stocks upon which
+Epiphyllums and other Cacti are grafted. Only two species are used,
+viz., P. aculeata and P. Bleo, the former being much the more popular of
+the two; whilst P. Bleo, on account of the stoutness of its stems, is
+employed for only the most robust kinds of grafts.
+
+Propagation.--Both the above-named species may be propagated to any
+extent, as every bit of branch with a leaf and eye attached is capable
+of rooting and soon forming a stock. The practice among those who use
+Pereskias as stocks for Epiphyllums is as follows: Cuttings of P.
+aculeata are planted in sandy soil, in boxes, and placed on a shelf in a
+stove till rooted. In about a month they are ready to be planted singly
+in 3 in. pots, any light soil being used; and each plant is fastened to a
+stake 1 ft. long. They are kept in a warm, moist house, all lateral
+shoots being cut away, and the leader encouraged to grow as tall as
+possible in the year. From December the plants are kept dry to induce
+the wood to ripen, preparatory to their being used for grafting in
+February. Stocks 9 in. or 1 ft. high are thus formed. If taller stocks are
+required, the plants must be grown on till of the required length and
+firmness. Large plants may be trained against a wall or along the
+rafters in a warm house; and when of the required size, the branches may
+be spurred back, and Epiphyllums, slender Cereuses, and similar plants,
+grafted upon them. In this way very fine masses of the latter may be
+obtained in much less time than if they were grown from small plants.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+P. aculeata (prickly); West Indian or Barbados Gooseberry.--Stem woody,
+more or less erect, branching freely, and forming a dense bush about
+6 ft. high. Young branches leafy; old ones brown, leafless, clothed with
+large cushions of long, stout, brown spines, sometimes 2 in. in length.
+Leaves alternate, with very short petioles, at the base of which is a
+pair of short spines, and a small tuft of wool in the axil; blade 3 in.
+long by 2 in. broad, soft, fleshy, shining green. Flowers
+semi-transparent, white, in terminal panicles; sepals and petals 3/4 in.
+long by 1/4 in. wide; stamens in a large, spreading cluster, white, with
+yellow anthers. Ovary covered with small cushions of short bristles,
+with sometimes a solitary spine in the centre of each cushion. Fruit
+1 in. long, egg-shaped, red, edible. There is a large plant of this in
+the Succulent House at Kew which flowers almost annually, but it has
+never ripened fruits. In the West Indies it is a very common shrub,
+whilst at the Cape of Good Hope it is used for fences--and a capital
+one it makes.
+
+P. a. rubescens (reddish).--This variety has narrower, longer leaves,
+which are glaucous-green above and tinged with red below; the spines on
+the old stems are shorter and more numerous in each cushion. This
+requires the same treatment as the type.
+
+P. Bleo (native name); Fig. 87.--A stout, branching shrub, having an
+erect stem, 3 in. or more in diameter, with green bark and very large
+cushions of spines; cushion a round, hard mass of short, woolly hair,
+from which the spines--about fifty in each cushion--radiate in all
+directions; longest spines 2 in. or more in length; one or two new ones
+are developed annually, and these are bright red when young, almost
+black when ripe; young branches 1/4 in. to 1/2 in. in diameter. Leaves 1/2 in.
+apart, 3 in. to 6 in. long by 1 in. to 2 in. wide, oblong, pointed, with
+short petioles, and a small tuft of short, brown hair, with three or
+more reddish spines, in the axil of each. Flowers on the ends of the
+young, ripened branches, clustered in the upper leaf-axils, each flower
+2 in. across, and composed of a regular circle of rosy-red petals, with a
+cluster of whitish stamens in the centre. They remain on the plant
+several weeks. Native of New Grenada. Probably P. grandiflora is the
+same as this, or a slightly different form of it. A large specimen may
+be obtained in a year or two by planting it in a well-drained bed of
+loam, in a warm, sunny house. It blossoms almost all summer if allowed
+to make strong growth. Pretty little flowering plants may be had by
+taking ripened growths from an old plant, and treating them as cuttings
+till rooted. In the following spring they are almost certain to produce
+flowers. Plants 1 ft. high, bearing a cluster of flowers, are thus
+annually obtained at Kew. Fig. 87 represents a short, stunted branch,
+probably from a specimen grown in a pot. When planted out, the leaves
+and spine-cushions are farther apart.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 87. PERESKIA BLEO.]
+
+P. zinniaeflora (Zinnia-flowered); Fig. 88.--Stem erect, woody,
+branching freely, the branches bearing oval, acuminate, fleshy,
+wavy-edged, green leaves, with short petioles, and a pair of spines in
+the axil of each. Spine-cushions on old stems crowded with stout, brown
+spines. Flowers rosy-red, terminal on the ripened young shoots, and
+composed of a whorl of broad, overlapping petals, with a cluster of
+stamens in the centre, the whole measuring nearly 2 in. across. This
+species is a native of Mexico; it grows and flowers freely if kept in a
+warm house.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 88. PERESKIA ZINNIAEFLORA.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE GENUS RHIPSALIS.
+
+(From rhips, a willow-branch; referring to the flexible, wand-like
+branches of some of the kinds.)
+
+
+About thirty species of Rhipsalis are known, most of them more peculiar
+than ornamental, although everyone is in some way interesting. They are
+remarkable for the great variety in form and habit presented by the
+different kinds, some of them much less resembling Cactuses than other
+plants. Thus, in R. Cassytha, the long, fleshy, whip-like branches and
+white berries are very similar to Mistletoe; R. salicornoides, with its
+leafless, knotty branches, resembles a Salicornia, or Marsh Samphire;
+another is like a Mesembryanthemum; and so on. The flowers are usually
+small, and composed of numerous linear sepals and petals, arranged more
+or less like a star, with a cluster of thin stamens in the centre, and
+an erect, rayed stigma. In the flat-jointed kinds, the flowers are
+developed singly, in notches along the margins of the young, ripened
+joints; in the knotted, Samphire-like kinds, they are borne on the ends
+of the branches; and in those with short, fleshy, leaf-like joints, they
+are usually placed on what appear to be flower-joints. Although the
+branches of these plants are usually altogether unlike the rest of the
+Order, yet occasionally they develop joints which are furrowed, and bear
+clusters of spines exactly as in the commoner forms of Cactuses.
+
+The geographical distribution of Rhipsalis is exceptional. It is the
+only genus of Cactuses that has representatives in the Old World,
+excluding, of course, those which have been introduced by man. The bulk
+of the kinds of Rhipsalis occur in Central and South America, and the
+West Indies; but one--viz., R. Cassytha--is also found in Africa,
+Mauritius, Madagascar, and Ceylon, as well as in tropical America.
+Several other species are found in Madagascar, some of them only recent
+discoveries. The occurrence of similar or even identical plants in
+tropical America and Madagascar has its analogy in the Animal Kingdom as
+represented in the two countries.
+
+Cultivation.--All the species appear to grow well and flower freely
+under cultivation, the slowest grower being, perhaps, R. sarmentacea. In
+their natural homes they are invariably found either on trees or rocks,
+seldom or never on the ground; but in greenhouses they may be grown in
+pots, a few being happiest when suspended near the glass. They do not
+like bright sunshine, nor should they be kept in a very shaded, moist
+position. There is a good collection of kinds in the Succulent-house at
+Kew.
+
+Propagation.--Seeds of Rhipsalis ripen freely, and these, if sown on
+sandy soil, and placed on a shelf in a warm house, germinate in a few
+days. The development of the seedlings is exceptionally interesting, as
+the vegetative organs of all the kinds are very similar, and
+Cactus-like; the gradual transition from this character to the diverse
+forms which many of the species assume when mature is quite phenomenal.
+Cuttings will strike at almost any time, if planted in sandy soil and
+kept in a close, warm house till rooted. Some of the kinds thrive best
+when grafted on to a thin-stemmed Cereus. Treated in this way, R.
+sarmentacea makes 6 in. of growth in a season; whereas, on its own roots
+it would take about five years to grow as much.
+
+The following is a selection of the species cultivated in gardens. The
+genus Lepismium is now included in Rhipsalis.
+
+SPECIES.
+
+R. Cassytha (derivation not known).--A pendent shrub, 4 ft. or more
+high, growing on rocks and the mossy trunks of trees. Branches numerous,
+flexuous, with small branchlets or joints springing from the ends in
+clusters, smooth, round, the thickness of whipcord, leafless, with
+numerous brown, dot-like marks scattered over the surface; under a lens
+these dots are seen to be tufts of very fine hairs. Flowers on the sides
+of the young branches, small, greenish-white, short-lived; they are
+developed in September, and are succeeded by white berries, exactly like
+those of the Mistletoe, whence the name Mistletoe Cactus, by which this
+species is known. An interesting and easily-grown warm greenhouse plant,
+native of tropical America, Africa, &c. It was introduced in 1758.
+
+R. commune (common); Bot. Mag. 3763.--Stem straggling, branching
+freely, growing to a length of several feet. Branches jointed; joints
+varying in length, triangular, the angles compressed, and notched along
+the margins; notches regular, and bearing tufts of whitish hair. Strong
+plants produce joints over 1 in. in width. Flowers white, tinged with
+purple, springing singly from the notches, and composed of eight to
+twelve sepals and petals. Stamens and stigma erect, white, the latter
+four-rayed. This species is a native of Brazil, and was introduced in
+1830; Flowering-season, October to December. It may be grown in a warm
+greenhouse, and treated as a basket-plant or as a small pot-shrub. Syn.
+Lepismium commune.
+
+R. crispata (curled).--Stem branching freely. Branches jointed and
+flat, like Epiphyllum. Margins of joints notched, and slightly curled.
+Flowers small, white, produced singly, in November and December, in the
+notches on the younger joints. Fruits white, pea-like, rather rarely
+ripened. A free-growing, compact stove shrub, with a bright green,
+healthy appearance. The similarity of its branches to Epiphyllum led to
+its being included in that genus by Haworth.
+
+R. c. purpurea (purple).--This variety has larger, broader joints,
+which are bronzy-purple in colour.
+
+R. fasciculata (cluster-branched); Bot. Mag. 3079.--Stems terete, as
+thick as a goose-quill. Branches usually in clusters, and sometimes
+jointed, green, with small red dots and little tufts of fine, hair-like
+bristles. Flowers white, produced in March, springing irregularly from
+the older branches, small, star-like. Fruit a white berry. From its
+habit of growing on trees, and the character of its stems and fruit,
+this plant has been called parasitical. It is, however, only indebted to
+the tree on which is grows for moisture, for it thrives if planted in a
+pot or basket in ordinary soil, and kept in a stove temperature. It is a
+native of Brazil, and was introduced in 1831.
+
+R. floccosa (woolly).--Stems as in R. Cassytha, but thicker, longer,
+and with the branchlets in compact clusters on the ends of the long,
+arching branches. The dots marking the position of the microscopic
+hair-tufts are in small depressions. Flowers and fruit as in R.
+Cassytha, of which this might reasonably be called a variety. This
+species requires warm-house temperature.
+
+R. funalis (cord-like); Fig. 89.--Stem straggling, branched. Branches
+numerous, composed of long, terete joints, rather thicker than a
+goose-quill, glaucous-green, slightly roughened on the surface, with
+depressions for the dot-like cushions. Branchlets usually fascicled and
+spreading. Flowers white, produced in spring, on the sides of the young
+joints, 1 in. across, large for the genus. Introduced from Central
+America about 1830. An easily-grown plant, sturdy, rather straggling,
+but very free-flowering. In old specimens the branches become
+semi-pendulous. It grows best when kept in a warm house. Syn. R.
+grandiflora.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 89. RHIPSALIS FUNALIS.]
+
+R. Houlletii (Houllet's); Bot. Mag. 6089.--Stems long, graceful,
+branching freely, round and twig-like, or with broad wings, as in
+Phyllocactus. Winged or flattened portions notched, and bearing a flower
+in each notch. Flowers stalkless, with pointed, straw-coloured petals,
+forming a shallow cup about 3/4 in. across the top. Stamens and pistil
+white, with a tinge of red at the base. Flowering-season, November.
+Under cultivation, this Brazilian species forms a small, straggling
+shrub, about 3 ft. high, but in its native woods its stems are many feet
+long, and pendulous from the branches of trees. It may be grown in a
+warm house, in a pot, and its branches supported by a stake; or its
+lower stems may be fastened against a piece of soft fern-stem, into
+which its numerous stem-roots penetrate freely. In the winter it should
+be kept almost dry. The flowers remain fresh for several days, and are
+fragrant. A well-grown plant, when in flower, is an interesting and
+pretty object. It is the most ornamental kind.
+
+R. Knightii (Knight's).--Stems and joints as in R. commune. Wings of
+joints usually broad, with red margins, and the hair in the notches in a
+dense tuft, nearly 1 in. long, pure white, and silk-like. Flowers small,
+white. This species, which thrives best under warm-house treatment, is a
+native of Brazil, and is usually grown only for its curious, Cereus-like
+stems. It forms a straggling plant about 1 ft. high. Syn. Lepismium
+Knightii, Cereus Knightii.
+
+R. mesembryanthemoides (Mesembryanthemum-like); Bot. Mag. 3O78.--A
+small, compact plant, with woody stems, densely covered with little
+fleshy, conical joints, resembling very closely the leaves of some of
+the Mesembryanthemums. They are green, with a few red dots, each bearing
+a very small tuft of the finest hair-like spines. The flowers are
+developed in March, from the sides of the small joints; they are 1/2 in.
+across, and yellowish-white. Fruit a small, white, round berry. Native
+of South America, whence it was introduced in 1831. When grown in a warm
+house, in a small, round, wire basket, filled with peat and sphagnum,
+this little Cactus forms a pretty tuft, which in the spring produces
+large numbers of white, star-like flowers.
+
+R. myosurus (mouse-tailed); Bot. Mag. 3755.--Stems dependent, several
+feet long, branching freely, jointed, with three or four angles or
+wings; the angles flattened, reddish, notched in the margin, and bearing
+a tuft of white, silky hairs in each notch. Flowers small, yellow,
+tinged with red, springing from the notches; produced in July. Fruit not
+seen. A native of Brazil; introduced in 1839. This species resembles
+some of the angular-stemmed kinds of Cereus. It grows freely and flowers
+annually, if planted in a basket of fibrous soil, and suspended near the
+glass in a warm greenhouse or stove. It is attractive even when not in
+flower, owing to the form of its stems and the tufts of long, silky,
+white hair which spring from the notches. Syn. Lepismium myosurus.
+
+R. pachyptera (thick-winged); Bot. Mag. 2820.--Stem woody; branches
+jointed, flattened as in Phyllocactus, with deep notches; width of
+joints, 2 in. or more. Flowers small, yellowish-white, borne singly in
+the notches in November. Fruit a small, white berry, rarely ripened. A
+sturdy, comparatively uninteresting stove plant, introduced from Brazil
+in 1830. Syn. Cactus alatus.
+
+R. paradoxa (paradoxical).--Stems trailing, with numerous long branches
+of most extraordinary form. Imagine a three-angled, fleshy branch, often
+several feet in length, the angles winged, about 1/2 in. deep, green, with
+smooth, reddish margins. At intervals of about 2 in. the branch has the
+appearance of having been twisted half round. There is no other plant
+with branches anything like these. Flowers produced in November, in the
+apex of the interrupted angles, small, white. Fruit seldom ripened. A
+native of Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1837. There is a fine
+example of this trained along a rafter in the Succulent-house at Kew.
+The numerous branches hang down several feet from the rafter, and have a
+most extraordinary appearance. This species requires stove treatment.
+
+R. penduliflora (pendulous-flowered).--A small, thin-stemmed plant,
+with smooth, green branches, no thicker than whipcord, and numerous
+fascicled or clustered, small joints, 1/2 in. long, green, with red dots,
+angular when young. Flowers on the tips of the terminal joints, pale
+yellow, 1/2 in. across, developing in August. Fruit white, Mistletoe-like.
+This species was introduced from tropical America in 1877, and requires
+stove treatment.
+
+R. p. laxa (loose).--This variety has the branches curving, and more
+pendulous; in other respects it resembles the type, and requires the
+same treatment.
+
+R. pentaptera (five-winged).--Stems erect; branches stiff,
+long-jointed, with five wing-like angles, slightly spiral, the angles
+notched at intervals of 1 in. Flowers in the notches, 1/2 in. across, white,
+produced in August. Fruit a white, Mistletoe-like berry. A curious plant
+from Brazil, and introduced in 1836. In stove temperature it forms a
+compact pot-shrub, 2 ft. high, and is worth growing on account of its
+singular stems.
+
+R. rhombea (diamond-branched).--Stems and branches as in R. crispata,
+but without the wavy margins, and with more elongated joints. Flowers
+small, white, produced in the notches of the joints in November. Fruit a
+shining, milk-white berry. A compact plant from Brazil, worth growing
+for its bright green, leaf-like stems. It should be grown in pots, in
+stove temperature, and encouraged to form a globose bush.
+
+R. Saglionis (Saglio's); Bot. Mag. 4039.--A tiny plant, similar in
+habit to R. penduliflora, but with brown branches, the small joints
+angled, and bearing silky hairs. The branches and joints are set at
+zigzag angles. Flowers pale yellow, produced in autumn on the younger
+joints. Fruits white, Mistletoe-like. A small, delicate plant from
+Buenos Ayres, not more than 6 in. high. This species requires stove
+treatment.
+
+R. salicornoides (Glasswort-like); Bot. Mag. 2461.--Stem woody when
+old, brown, jointed like hens' toes, not quite as thick as a
+goose-quill. Branches in clusters; joints 1/2 in. to 1 in. long, the lower
+half much thinner than the upper, so that the joints look like a number
+of superposed, miniature clubs. Flowers pretty, on the ends of the
+terminal joints, yellow, becoming red with age. An erect plant, 3 ft. or
+more high, introduced from Brazil in 1830. The joints are clustered on
+the upper part of the stem. When in flower in spring this is an
+attractive and very remarkable-looking plant. It thrives best in stove
+temperature.
+
+R. s. stricta (straight).--This variety has the joints all pointing
+upwards, and is much more compact than the type.
+
+R. sarmentacea (runner-stemmed); Fig. 90.--A creeping, prostrate plant,
+with round stems as thick as a goose-quill, and attaching themselves to
+tree-trunks or other bodies by means of numerous adventitious roots,
+which spring from the under side of the stems. Surface of stem furrowed,
+and covered with numerous small clusters of short, hair-like, whitish
+spines. Flowers 1 in. across, springing from the sides of the stems, with
+pointed, creamy-white petals; stamens spreading; stigma erect,
+four-lobed. Fruit small, currant-like. This is a pretty little species,
+introduced from Brazil in 1858; it is, however, a very slow grower,
+plants ten years old being only a few inches in diameter. It should be
+grown in stove temperature, in a basket of peat fibre, or, better still,
+on a piece of soft fern-stem. It is always found on the branches or
+trunks of trees when growing wild.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 90. RHIPSALIS SARMENTACEA.]
+
+R. Swartziana (Swartz's).--Older stems three-angled, young ones
+flattened, jointed; joints 2 in. broad, stiff with deep notches. Flowers
+in the notches, small, white, produced in June. This species is a native
+of Jamaica, and was introduced in 1810. A stiff, ungraceful plant, about
+2 ft. high, very similar in its branches to a Phyllocactus. This species
+requires the temperature of a stove.
+
+R. trigona (triangular).--Habit straggling; branches usually in forks,
+1/4 in. in diameter, three-angled; angles wavy or slightly notched,
+grey-green. Flowers small, produced in spring in the notches of the
+angles, white. Fruit a white berry. A thin, Brazilian plant, not unlike
+a Lepismium, but without the silky hairs in the notches of the angles.
+This species also requires to be grown in stove temperature.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+TEMPERATURES.
+
+
+To enable growers to make a selection of species according to the
+accommodation that can be afforded for Cactuses, all that are described
+in this book are here classified in three groups: (1) Species which
+thrive in a cool-house or frame; (2) Species which can only be
+successfully grown in a warm house or stove; and (3) Species which are
+hardy in the more favoured portions of the United Kingdom.
+
+COOL-HOUSE OR FRAME.
+
+Temperature: Summer, that of the open air.
+Temperature: Winter--day, 50 deg. to 60 deg.; night, 40 deg. to 45 deg.
+
+Cereus Berlandieri.
+    "    Blankii.
+    "    caespitosus.
+    "    cirrhiferus.
+    "    ctenoides.
+    "    enneacanthus.
+    "    flagelliformis.
+    "    Leeanus.
+    "    leptacanthus.
+    "    multiplex.
+    "    paucispinus.
+    "    pentalophus.
+    "    polyacanthus.
+    "    procumbens.
+    "    reductus.
+Cereus   speciosissimus
+Echinocactus brevihamatus
+    "    centeterius.
+    "    cinnabarinus.
+    "    Cummingii.
+    "    echidne.
+    "    Emoryi.
+    "    gibbosus.
+    "    hexaedrophorus.
+    "    Leeanus.
+    "    Mackieanus.
+    "    mamillarioides.
+    "    rhodophthalmus.
+    "    texensis.
+    "    uncinatus.
+Echinocactus viridescens.
+Echinopsis, all the kinds.
+Mamillaria atrata.
+    "    chlorantha.
+    "    dasyacantha.
+    "    elegans.
+    "    elephantidens.
+    "    elongata.
+    "    fissurata.
+    "    floribunda.
+    "    gracilis.
+    "    longimamma.
+    "    macromeris.
+    "    macrothele.
+    "    multiceps.
+    "    phellosperma.
+    "    Schelhasii.
+    "    Schiedeana.
+Mamillaria semperviva.
+    "    stella-aurata.
+    "    tuberculosa.
+    "    uncinata.
+    "    viridis.
+    "    Wildiana.
+    "    Zucchariniana.
+Opuntia arborescens.
+    "    aurantiaca.
+    "    corrugata.
+    "    cylindrica.
+    "    Davisii.
+    "    Engelmanni.
+    "    Ficus-indica.
+    "    hystricina.
+    "    macrorhiza
+    "    occidentalis.
+
+
+WARM-HOUSE OR STOVE.
+
+It is possible that some of those included in this division will
+eventually prove hardier than is at present supposed. Many of the
+species now classed as cool-house plants, and even some of those which
+are hardy, were formerly grown in the stove.
+
+Temperature: Summer-day, 70 deg. to 90 deg.; night, 65 deg. to 75 deg.
+Temperature: Winter-day, 60 deg. to 70 deg.; night, 55 deg. to 60 deg.
+
+Cereus caerulescens.
+    "    extensus.
+    "    fulgidus.
+    "    giganteus.
+    "    grandiflorus.
+    "    Lemairii.
+    "    Macdonaldiae.
+    "    Mallisoni.
+    "    Napoleonis.
+    "    nycticalus.
+    "    peruvianus.
+    "    pleiogonus.
+    "    repandus.
+    "    serpentinus.
+    "    Royeni.
+    "    triangularis.
+    "    variabilis.
+Echinocactus concinnus.
+    "    coptonogonus.
+Echinocactus cornigerus.
+    "    corynodes.
+    "    cylindraceus.
+    "    Haynii.
+    "    horizonthalonis.
+    "    Le Contei.
+    "    longihamatus.
+    "    mamillosus.
+    "    multiflorus.
+    "    myriostigma.
+    "    obvallatus.
+    "    Ottonis.
+    "    pectiniferus.
+    "    polycephalus.
+    "    Pottsii.
+    "    scopa.
+    "    sinuatus.
+    "    tenuispinus.
+    "    turbiniformis.
+Echinocactus Visnaga.
+    "    Williamsii.
+    "    Wislizeni.
+Epiphyllum, all the kinds.
+Leuchtenbergia.
+Mamillaria, all not mentioned under "Cool-house Or Frame."
+Melocactus, all the kinds.
+Opuntia, all not included under "Cool-house or Frame."
+Pelecyphora.
+Pereskia, all the kinds.
+Phyllocactus,       "
+Pilocereus,         "
+Rhipsalis,          "
+
+OUTDOOR.
+
+The following may be grown out of doors in the more favoured parts of
+England. For directions as to culture, see the chapter on Cultivation :--
+
+Cereus Fendleri.
+Echinocactus Simpsoni.
+Mamillaria vivipara.
+Opuntia brachyarthra.
+Opuntia missouriensis.
+    "    Rafinesquii.
+    "    R. arkansana.
+    "    vulgaris.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+DEALERS IN CACTUSES.
+
+
+The difficulty experienced by amateurs in procuring plants of many kinds
+of Cactus has suggested to us that a list of some of the principal
+dealers in these plants would prove of service to English growers. So
+far as we know, there is no nurseryman in England who makes a specialty
+of Cactuses. Plants of such well-known genera as Epiphyllum,
+Phyllocactus, and Cereus in part, may be obtained in England, but for a
+collection of representative kinds we must perforce apply to Continental
+nurserymen. The most reliable of these for Cactuses are:
+
+GERMANY.
+
+Messrs. HAAGE & SCHMIDT, Erfurt.
+
+Herr F. A. HAAGE, Junior, Erfurt.
+
+Messrs. MUeLLER & SAUBER, Kassel, Hanover.
+
+Herr H. HILDMANN, Oranienburg, Brandenburg.
+
+Herr ERNST BERGE, Leipsic.
+
+FRANCE.
+
+M. EBERLE, Avenue de St. Ouen, 146, Paris.
+
+M. JAMIN, Rue Lafontaine, 42, a St. Ouen, Paris.
+
+BELGIUM.
+
+M. LOUIS DE SMET, Ledeberg, Ghent.
+
+M. BETTES, Borgerhont, Antwerp.
+
+M. F. VERMUELEN, Rue Van Peet, Antwerp.
+
+AMERICA.
+
+Mr. C. RUNGE, San Antonio, Texas.
+
+Messrs. REASONER BROTHERS, Florida.
+
+
+
+
+SPECIES INDEX
+
+
+Species are listed alphabetically according to Watson's nomenclature.
+The name(s) that is more likely to be recognised by modern readers is
+listed in brackets. I have used Anderson's book--The Cactus Family
+(Timber Press, 2001)--as my main guide. Monographs by Craig and by
+Pilbeam were invaluable in identifying 'Mamillarias'.
+
+* Plants illustrated in the text.
+
+     Cereus Berlandieri  (Echinocereus berlandieri) *
+     Cereus Blankii  (Echinocereus berlandieri) *
+     Cereus caerulescens  (Cereus aethiops)
+     Cereus caespitosus  (Echinocereus reichenbachii ssp. caespitosus) *
+     Cereus cirrhiferus  (Echinocereus cinerascens)
+     Cereus ctenoides  (Echinocereus dasyacanthus) *
+     Cereus enneacanthus  (Echinocereus enneacanthus)*
+     Cereus extensus  (Selenicereus sp.?)
+     Cereus Fendleri  (Echinocereus fendleri)
+     Cereus flagelliformis  (Aporocactus (Disocactus) flagelliformis)
+     Cereus fulgidus  (Gymnocalycium gibbosum)
+     Cereus giganteus  (Carnegiea gigantea) *
+     Cereus grandiflorus  (Selenicereus grandiflorus)
+     Cereus Leeanus  (Echinocereus polyacanthus)
+     Cereus Lemairii  (Hylocereus lemairei)
+     Cereus leptacanthus  (Echinocereus pentalophus)*
+     Cereus Macdonaldiae  (Selenicereus macdonaldiae)
+     Cereus Mallisoni   (X Helioporus smithii)
+     Cereus multiplex  (Echinopsis oxygona) *
+     Cereus multiplex cristatus  (Echinopsis oxygona fa. cristata) *
+     Cereus Napoleonis  (Hylocereus trigonus)
+     Cereus nycticalus  (Selenicereus pteranthus) *
+     Cereus paucispinus  (Echinocereus coccineus ssp. paucispinus)
+     Cereus pentalophus  (Echinocereus pentalophus)
+     Cereus peruvianus  (Cereus repandus)
+     Cereus pleiogonus  (Echinocereus sp.--no longer identifiable)*
+     Cereus polyacanthus  (Echinocereus polyacanthus)
+     Cereus procumbens  (Echinocereus pentalophus ssp. procumbens) *
+     Cereus reductus  (Hybrid with Selenicereus sp. as one probable parent)
+     Cereus repandus  (Cereus repandus) *
+     Cereus Royeni  (Pilosocereus royenii)
+     Cereus serpentinus  (Peniocereus (Nyctocereus) serpentinus) *
+     Cereus speciosissimus  (Disocactus speciosus)
+     Cereus triangularis  (Hylocereus triangularis)
+     Cereus variabilis  (Acanthocereus tetragonus)
+
+     Echinocactus brevihamatus  (Parodia (Notocactus) alacriportana ssp.
+       brevihamata)
+     Echinocactus centeterius  (Eriosyce (Neoporteria)
+       curvispina--possibly?)
+     Echinocactus cinnabarinus  (Echinopsis (Lobivia) cinnabarina)
+     Echinocactus concinnus  (Parodia (Notocactus) concinna) *
+     Echinocactus coptonogonus  (Stenocactus (Echinofossulocactus)
+       coptonogonus) *
+     Echinocactus cornigerus  (Ferocactus latispinus) *
+     Echinocactus corynodes  (Parodia (Notocactus) sellowii) *
+     Echinocactus crispatus  (Stenocactus (Echinofossulocactus)
+       crispatus) *
+     Echinocactus Cummingii  (Rebutia (Weingartia) neocummingii)
+     Echinocactus cylindraceus  (Ferocactus cyclindraceus (acanthodes))
+     Echinocactus echidne  (Ferocactus echidne)
+     Echinocactus Emoryi  (Ferocactus emoryi) *
+     Echinocactus gibbosus  (Gymnocalycium gibbosus)
+     Echinocactus Haynii  (Matucana haynei) *
+     Echinocactus hexaedrophorus  (Thelocactus hexaedrophorus) *
+     Echinocactus horizonthalonis  (Echinocactus horizonthalonius) *
+     Echinocactus Le Contei  (Ferocactus cyclindraceus (acanthodes)
+       ssp. lecontei) *
+     Echinocactus Leeanus  (Gymnocalycium leeanum)
+     Echinocactus longihamatus  (Ferocactus hamatacanthus) *
+     Echinocactus Mackieanus  (Gymnocalycium mackieanum)
+     Echinocactus mamillarioides  (Eriosyce (Neoporteria)
+       curvispina--possibly?)
+     Echinocactus mamillosus  (Echinopsis mamillosa)
+     Echinocactus multiflorus (Gymnocalycium monvillei)
+     Echinocactus myriostigma  (Astrophytum myriostigma) *
+     Echinocactus obvallatus  (Stenocactus (Echinofossulocactus)
+       obvallatus) *
+     Echinocactus Ottonis  (Parodia (Notocactus) ottonis)
+     Echinocactus pectiniferus  (probably Echinocereus pectinatus)
+     Echinocactus polycephalus  (Echinocactus polycephalus)*
+     Echinocactus Pottsii  (Ferocactus pottsii)
+     Echinocactus rhodophthalmus  (Thelocactus bicolor)
+     Echinocactus scopa  (Parodia (Notocactus) scopa) *
+     Echinocactus scopa cristata  (Parodia (Notocactus)
+       scopa fa. cristata) *
+     Echinocactus Simpsonii  (Pediocactus simpsonii)
+     Echinocactus sinuatus  (Ferocactus hamatacanthus ssp. sinuatus)
+     Echinocactus tenuispinus  (Parodia (Notocactus) ottonis)
+     Echinocactus texensis  (Echinocactus texensis) *
+     Echinocactus turbiniformis  (Strombocactus disciformis)
+     Echinocactus uncinatus  (Sclerocactus uncinatus) *
+     Echinocactus viridescens  (Ferocactus viridescens)
+     Echinocactus visnaga  (Echinocactus platyacanthus) *
+     Echinocactus Williamsii  (Lophophora williamsii)
+     Echinocactus Wislizenii  (Ferocactus wislizenii) *
+
+     Echinopsis campylacantha  (Echinopsis leucantha)
+     Echinopsis cristata  (Echinopsis obrepanda)
+     Echinopsis cristata purpurea  (Echinopsis obrepanda v. purprea)
+     Echinopsis Decaisneanus  (identification now uncertain) *
+     Echinopsis Eyriesii  (Echinopsis eyriesii)
+     Echinopsis Eyriesii flore-pleno  (Echinopsis eyriesii) *
+     Echinopsis Eyriesii glauca  (Echinopsis eyriesii)
+     Echinopsis oxygonus (Echinopsis oxygona)
+     Echinopsis Pentlandi  (Echinopsis (Lobivia) pentlandii) *
+     Echinopsis Pentlandi longispinus  (Echinopsis (Lobivia) pentlandii) *
+     Echinopsis tubiflorus  (Echinopsis tubiflora)
+
+     Epiphyllum Russellianum  (Schlumbergera russelliana) *
+     Epiphyllum truncatum  (Schlumbergera truncata)
+
+     Leuchtenbergia principis  (Leuchtenbergia principis) *
+
+     Mamillaria angularis  (Mammillaria compressa)
+     Mamillaria applanata  (Mammillaria heyderi ssp. hemisphaerica)
+     Mamillaria atrata  (Eriosyce (Neoporteria) subgibbosa)
+     Mamillaria bicolor  (Mammillaria geminispina)
+     Mamillaria chlorantha  (Escobaria deserti)
+     Mamillaria cirrhifera  (Mammillaria compressa)
+     Mamillaria clava  (Coryphantha clava)
+     Mamillaria dasyacantha  (Escobaria dasyacantha)
+     Mamillaria discolor  (Mammillaria discolor)
+     Mamillaria dolichocentra  (Mammillaria polythele) *
+     Mamillaria echinata  (Mammillaria elongata ssp. echinaria)
+     Mamillaria echinus  (Coryphantha echinus) *
+     Mamillaria elegans  (Mammillaria haageana (elegans))
+     Mamillaria elephantidens  (Coryphantha elephantidens) *
+     Mamillaria elongata  (Mammillaria elongata)
+     Mamillaria fissurata  (Ariocarpus fissuratus) *
+     Mamillaria floribunda  (Eriosyce (Neoporteria) subgibbosa)
+     Mamillaria gracilis  (Mammillaria vetula ssp. gracilis)
+     Mamillaria Grahami  (Mammillaria grahamii)
+     Mamillaria Haageana  (Mammillaria haageana) *
+     Mamillaria longimamma  (Mammillaria longimamma) *
+     Mamillaria macromeris  (Coryphantha macromeris) *
+     Mamillaria macrothele  (Coryphantha octacantha)
+     Mamillaria micromeris  (Epithelantha micromeris) *
+     Mamillaria multiceps  (Mammillaria prolifera ssp. texana)
+     Mamillaria Neumanniana  (Mammillaria magnimamma)
+     Mamillaria Ottonis  (Coryphantha ottonis)
+     Mamillaria pectinata  (Mammillaria pectinifera) *
+     Mamillaria phellosperma  (Mammillaria tetrancistra)
+     Mamillaria pulchra  (Mammillaria rhodantha)
+     Mamillaria pusilla  (Mammillaria prolifera)
+     Mamillaria pycnacantha  (Coryphantha pycnacantha)
+     Mamillaria sanguinea  (Mammillaria spinosissima) *
+     Mamillaria Scheerii  (Coryphantha poselgeriana)
+     Mamillaria Schelhasii  (Mammillaria crinita) *
+     Mamillaria Schiedeana  (Mammillaria schiedeana)
+     Mamillaria semperviva  (Mammillaria sempervivi) *
+     Mamillaria senilis  (Mammillaria senilis)
+     Mamillaria stella-aurata  (Mammillaria elongata)
+     Mamillaria sub-polyhedra  (Mammillaria polyedra) *
+     Mamillaria sulcolanata  (Coryphantha sulcolanata)
+     Mamillaria tetracantha  (Mammillaria polythele)
+     Mamillaria tuberculosa  (Escobaria tuberculosa)
+     Mamillaria turbinata  (Strombocactus disciformis ?)
+     Mamillaria uncinata  (Mammillaria uncinata)
+     Mamillaria vetula  (Mammillaria vetula)
+     Mamillaria villifera  (Mammillaria polyedra)
+     Mamillaria viridis  (Mammillaria karwinskiana)
+     Mamillaria vivipara  (Escobaria vivipara)
+     Mamillaria vivipara v. radiosa  (Escobaria vivipara) *
+     Mamillaria Wildiana  (Mammillaria crinita ssp. wildii)
+     Mamillaria Wrightii  (Mammillaria wrightii)
+     Mamillaria Zucchariniana  (Mammillaria magnimamma)
+
+     Melocactus communis  (Melocactus intortus) *
+     Melocactus depressus  (Melocactus violaceus)
+     Melocactus Miquelii  (Melocactus intortus) *
+
+     Opuntia arborescens  (Cylindropuntia imbricata)
+     Opuntia arbuscula  (Cylindropuntia arbuscula)
+     Opuntia arenaria  (Opuntia polyacantha v. arenaria)
+     Opuntia Auberi  (Opuntia auberi)
+     Opuntia aurantiaca  (Opuntia aurantiaca)
+     Opuntia basilaris  (Opuntia basilaris) *
+     Opuntia Bigelovii  (Cylindropuntia bigelovii)
+     Opuntia boliviana  (Cumulopuntia boliviana) *
+     Opuntia brachyarthra  (Opuntia fragilis) *
+     Opuntia braziliensis  (Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis)
+     Opuntia candelabriformis  (Opuntia spinulifera)
+     Opuntia clavata  (Grusonia clavata)
+     Opuntia cochinellifera  (Opuntia cochenillifera)
+     Opuntia corrugata  (Tunilla corrugata)
+     Opuntia curassavica  (Opuntia curassavica)
+     Opuntia cylindrica  (Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica)
+     Opuntia cylindrica cristata  (Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica
+       fa. cristata)
+     Opuntia Davisii  (Cylindropuntia davisii)
+     Opuntia decumana  (Opuntia ficus-indica)
+     Opuntia diademata  (Tephrocactus articulatus)
+     Opuntia Dillenii  (Opuntia dillenii) *
+     Opuntia echinocarpa  (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa)
+     Opuntia Emoryi  (Grusonia emoryi)
+     Opuntia Engelmanni  (Opuntia engelmannii)
+     Opuntia Ficus-indica  (Opuntia ficus-indica) *
+     Opuntia filipendula  (Opuntia macrorhiza v. pottsii) *
+     Opuntia frutescens  (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis)
+     Opuntia Grahami  (Grusonia grahamii)
+     Opuntia horrida  (Opuntia tuna)
+     Opuntia hystricina  (Opuntia polyacantha v. hystricina)
+     Opuntia leptocaulis  (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis)
+     Opuntia leucotricha  (Opuntia leucotricha)
+     Opuntia macrocentra  (Opuntia macrocentra)
+     Opuntia macrorhiza  (Opuntia macrorhiza) *
+     Opuntia microdasys  (Opuntia microdasys)
+     Opuntia missouriensis  (Opuntia polyacantha)
+     Opuntia monacantha  (Opuntia monacantha)
+     Opuntia nigricans  (Opuntia elatior)
+     Opuntia occidentalis  (Opuntia X occidentalis)
+     Opuntia Parmentieri  (Opuntia longispina var. brevispina?)
+     Opuntia Parryi  (Cylindropuntia californica)
+     Opuntia Rafinesquii  (Opuntia humifusa) *
+     Opuntia rosea  (Cylindropuntia rosea) *
+     Opuntia Salmiana  (Opuntia salmiana)
+     Opuntia spinosissima  (Consolea spinosissima)
+     Opuntia subulata  (Austrocylindropuntia subulata)
+     Opuntia Tuna  (Opuntia tuna) *
+     Opuntia tunicata  (Cylindropuntia tunicata)
+     Opuntia vulgaris  (Opuntia ficus-indica)
+     Opuntia Whipplei  (Cylindropuntia whipplei)
+
+     Pelecyphora aselliformis  (Pelecyphora aselliformis) *
+
+     Pereskia aculeata  (Pereskia aculeata)
+     Pereskia aculeata rubescens  (Pereskia aculeata)
+     Pereskia Bleo  (Pereskia bleo) *
+     Pereskia zinniaeflora  (Pereskia zinniiflora) *
+
+     Phyllocactus Ackermannii  (Disocactus ackermannii or hybrid) *
+     Phyllocactus anguliger  (Epiphyllum anguliger) *
+     Phyllocactus biformis  (Disocactus biformis) *
+     Phyllocactus crenatus  (Epiphyllum crenatum)
+     Phyllocactus grandis  (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
+     Phyllocactus Hookeri  (Epiphyllum hookeri)
+     Phyllocactus latifrons  (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
+     Phyllocactus phyllanthus  (Epiphyllum phyllanthus)
+     Phyllocactus phyllanthoides  (Disocactus phyllanthoides)
+
+     Pilocereus Bruennonii  (Oreocereus celsianus) *
+     Pilocereus Houlletianus  (Pilosocereus leucocephalus) *
+     Pilocereus senilis  (Cephalocereus senilis)
+
+     Rhipsalis Cassytha  (Rhipsalis baccifera)
+     Rhipsalis commune  (Lepismium cruciforme)
+     Rhipsalis crispata  (Rhipsalis crispata)
+     Rhipsalis crispata purpurea  (Rhipsalis crispata)
+     Rhipsalis fasciculata  (Rhipsalis baccifera)
+     Rhipsalis floccosa  (Rhipsalis floccosa)
+     Rhipsalis funalis  (Rhipsalis grandiflora) *
+     Rhipsalis Houlletii  (Lepismium houlletianum)
+     Rhipsalis Knightii  (Lepismium cruciforme)
+     Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides  (Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides)
+     Rhipsalis myosurus  (Lepismium cruciforme)
+     Rhipsalis pachyptera  (Rhipsalis pachyptera)
+     Rhipsalis paradoxa  (Rhipsalis paradoxa)
+     Rhipsalis penduliflora  (Rhipsalis cereuscula)
+     Rhipsalis penduliflora laxa  (Rhipsalis cereuscula)
+     Rhipsalis pentaptera  (Rhipsalis pentaptera)
+     Rhipsalis rhombea  (identification now uncertain)
+     Rhipsalis Saglionis  (Rhipsalis cereuscula)
+     Rhipsalis salicornoides  (Hatiora salicornioides)
+     Rhipsalis salicornoides stricta  (Hatiora salicornioides)
+     Rhipsalis sarmentacea  (Lepismium lumbricoides) *
+     Rhipsalis Swartziana  (Pseudorhipsalis alata)
+     Rhipsalis trigona  (Rhipsalis trigona)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Cactus Culture For Amateurs, by W. Watson
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