IV 
CACTI 
= E J HE Cactus family is one of the most curious plant 
4” families that exist. It is generally characterized 
by monstrous, fleshy, leafless and prickly stems, 
sometimes covered with hairs and wool. ‘There are 
many species, with exceedingly large, beautiful flow- 
ers, that flower in a night and must be watched for, 
to beseen. Most species of the handsomest genus in the order, 
the Phyllocactus, flower, however, for a considerable period 
and are then beautiful beyond comparison. Cacti are found 
in hot and dry countries on barren hillsides, where for years 
they exist and develop without any visible supply of water. 
They can hardly be killed by drought, but careless watering 
must be avoided. Moderate watering during the growing sea- 
son is all that is needed. ‘The soil should be gravelly and 
light, and a special good drainage must always be provided for. 
These plants enjoy all the sunshine that can be had, but will 
do well in a not too heavy shade. 
Cereus is a very extensive genus of mostly erect, columnar, 
hairy, and spiny plants. ‘There are, however, some climbing 
and trailing plants belonging to this genus of great beauty. It 
is chiefly these that are of any value for our purpose. C. 
flagelliformis is a little plant with finger-thick, cylindrical, hairy 
and spiny stems, and an abundance of pink flowers in the 
