FEBllUARY. 29 



tion, and heartily abominate a collection. 1851 will have its duty 

 to perform, for there are many on one trial more. As with Roses, 

 Orchids, Ericas, vegetables, fruits, so it is with Pinks, Pansies, 

 Picotees, Carnations, Tulips, Dahlias, &c. ; and with permission, I 

 propose to supply lists " to avoid," following in order, as you fur- 

 nish your ever-valuable and acceptable information from " Our Note- 

 Book." 



If other growers would but favour us with " what to avoid," 

 stating the locality from whence they write, a short season would 

 suffice to clear the trade- catalogues of many treacherous varieties. 



Wace Cottage, Holloivay. J. Edwards. 



REMINISCENCES. 



There is no tribe of plants which has been so overlooked and 

 neglected as the smaller species of Cacti, viz. the Echinocacti and 

 JMaramillaria3 (at one time included under the common name of Melo- 

 cacti). There is but one establishment in or near London where 

 there is a collection kept, — that is at Messrs. Lee of Hammersmith ; 

 their collection is a good one, though not embracing one-third of 

 the varieties known. As to amateurs, there are not, I believe, a 

 dozen collections of these plants in England ; I mean, any thing 

 approaching to a full assortment. This can only be accounted for 

 by the generality of amateurs not knowing any thing about them. 

 No plant requires less care in growing, and it will grow any where, 

 if the place be light, icarm, and dry ; a sitting-room window, espe- 

 cially if the plants have the protection of a glazed case, to keep them 

 clean, will do very well; indeed, so fine and delicate and pure in 

 colour are the down and wool and silky hair of many of the more 

 rare sorts, that such protection would be indispensable. My object 

 in now writing is, to make known to, and to intercede with ama- 

 teurs, forthwith to commence the growing of this most interesting 

 and most wonderful tribe. No plants are so calculated for the 

 drawing-room window- garden, and for the delicate care of our fair 

 friends. 



I know but of one family of plants that equals or surpasses them 

 in variety or interest, viz. the Orchidaceee ; indeed, the interest and 

 pleasure afforded by the cultivation of each of these tribes is closely 

 akin ; and I am slow to admit that, in endless variety, wonderful 

 configuration, singularity, and beauty, these species of Cacti can 

 be surpassed. Nay, so extraordinary, and in many cases so beau- 

 tiful, are the plants themselves, that many are content to rest their 

 admiration here, and to choose a variety solely for the form and 

 beauty of the plant, not even caring to inquire about its inflores- 

 cence ; though in some instances this is so remarkable an attribute, 

 that a single flower nearly equals in size, and frequently exceeds in 

 length or height, the whole plant. 



In Mammillarise the flowers are com] aratively small, yet always 



