An Encyclopedia of Horticulture. 



231 



Cactns — continued. 

 absolutely necessary to ensure perfect drainage ; a good 

 " stopper " should, therefore, be placed over the hole at the 

 bottom of the pot, and about one-third of its depth filled 

 with draining material. The best time for potting is during- 

 February and March. Turn out the plants, and remove 

 nearly all the old soil from the roots, taking away any dead 



Cactus — continued. 

 vessels. A good top-dressing, with an occasional dose of 

 weak liquid manure, is all they will require for several 

 seasons. 



Watering. This must be discriminately managed, espe- 

 cially during the winter ; for, whatever their treatment 

 as regards temperature during that season, they must be 



1. Opimtia. 



2. Cereus. 



3. Opuntia streptacantha. 



4. Cereus candicans. 



5. Mamniillaria. 



6. Cereus peruvianas monstrosus. 



7. Echinocereua electracanthus. 



8. Mammillatia. 



9. Echinopsis formosa. 



10. Echinocactus Visnaga. 



11. Cereus peruvianas var. 



12. Opuntia candelabriformis. 



Fig. 312. Group of Cacti. 



13. Cereus strictus. 



14. Pilocereus senilis. 



15. Cereus Tweedii. 



16. Cereus chilensis. 



or decaying roots which may be observable. Place some of 

 the roughest soil next the crocks, and gradually fill the pots 

 with the finer material, weU working the same amongst the 

 roots ; finally press the soil moderately firm. Do not water 

 for a few days after potting, but syringe every evening, 

 especially if the weather be fine ; a little extra heat may 

 be given after potting, to excite new, healthy growth. It 

 will not be necessary every year to repot specimens in large 



studiously watered, and anything like a saturated condi- 

 tion of the soil should be avoided. If the temperature is 

 brisk, a little water may be given once a week, or perhaps 

 not quite so often. If the plants are subjected to very 

 cool treatment, water must bo sparingly administered 

 during November, December, and January ; after which, 

 they should be examined weekly, and very carefully at- 

 tended to. During the summer months, when in active 



