Plate 460. 



MESEMBRYANTHEMUM CORDIFOLIUM 

 VARIEGATUM. 



A numerous and wide-spread family is that of the Mesem- 

 bryantbemum. We bave but to open any dictionary, or list of 

 plants, to see tbis ; and we bave been often surprised that, 

 amidst the anxiety to procure new plants for the ornamentation 

 of the garden, none of this family has been mentioned. Lat- 

 terly, too, succulent plants, EcJieverias, Sempervivums, Sedums, &c., 

 bave been so largely used, that we felt sure the Mesembryanthe- 

 mum would not long be neglected ; and now from the establish- 

 ment of Mr. Ball, whence so many of our really valuable 

 bedding-plants have issued, we have this variegated form of one 

 of the numerous members of the family. 



The culture of the Mesembryanthemum is very easy, either 

 from seeds or cuttings. In the latter case, the cuttings should be 

 allowed to become dry at the base, and should then be inserted 

 in a compost composed of loam, sand, lime, rubbish, and old cow 

 manure, taking care that the pots are well drained : as they are 

 inhabitants of the Cape of Good Hope, they ought not to be 

 subjected to a lower temperature in winter than about 40°, 

 while in summer they will thrive in the sunniest parts of the 

 garden on rough rockwork &c. 



Of Mesemhryanihemum cordifoliiim variegatum, Mr. Ball says — 

 " It is a procumbent, herbaceous, greenhouse succulent plant, re- 

 markably well adapted for outdoor summer bedding, or basket- 



