This splendid plant is a native of Mexico, whence a 

 part of a stem was brought by Mr. George Ackermann, 

 in compliment to whom the species has been named by 

 Mr. Haworth. The original stem was given to Mr. Tate, 

 in whose Nursery it flowered in June of last year; and at 

 that time our drawing was made. It subsequently pro- 

 duced fruit about the size of a pigeon's egg, of a dull purple 

 colour, and with a smooth shining skin. 



Some doubt having been entertained upon the accuracy 

 of Mr. Tate's statement regarding the origin of this species, 

 we think it right to say, that we have examined the plant 

 which is said to have been imported from Mexico, and that 

 we have no doubt whatever that it was really the produce 

 of some foreign climate. We are also authorised to add, 

 that Mr. Haworth, of whose description we have availed 

 ourselves, and by w^hom the species was named, entirely 

 participates in our opinion, and that he is now acquainted 

 with Mexican individuals in two other collections. 



It is, however, very remarkable, that about the same 

 time that Mr. Tate's imported plant blossomed, our artist 

 was summoned by Mr. Mackay to make a drawing of a 

 seedling raised by Mr, Smith, Gardener to Lord Liverpool, 

 at Combe Wood, which proved so similar to this as to give 

 rise to the doubts above adverted to. We understand the 

 flower of this seedling is rather larger, and its colour deeper 

 red than that of the Mexican plant. It was first brought 

 into bloom by John Brampton, Esq., of Stoke Newington, 

 a gentleman who cultivates a small but very select collec- 

 tion of stove and greenhouse plants. 



We learn from Mr. Tate, that the young shoots of his 

 Mexican Cactus have a deep red margin, which is not the 

 case with the mules above referred to. 



This is a most desirable species, excelling in brilliancy 

 of colouring even the well-known C. speciosissimus ; its 

 anthers and stigmata are said by Mr. Haworth to exhibit a 

 beautiful, changeable, rosy, violet appearance. It requires 

 exactly the same treatment as C. phyllanthoides, truncatus, 

 and similar species. 



J. L. 



