2 THE FLORAL WORLD AXO GARDEN GUIDE. 



succeed when under cultivation more satisfactorily if potted in a 

 o-enerous compost. It is, no doubt, wise to follow rature to a 

 certain extent, but in the case of the cicti it must not be forgotten 

 that they are at times deluged by the heavy rains, and that they 

 have a chance of sending their roots down to a considerable depth 

 below the surface ; and, in all probability, do not suffer so severely 

 from drought as in a small pot. Whether this is the case or not, it 

 matters but little to us, for it concerns the cultivator more to know 

 that they succeed best in a generous compost, and with rather 

 liberal supplies of water, even during the winter season. One of 

 the principal points in their culture is to place them in a dry airy 

 house, quite free from drip, and in a sunny situation. They should 

 also be placed near the glass, for when deprived of the full share of 

 lif^ht, bv reason of their occupying a position a considerable distance 

 from the glass, or being overshadowed by tall-growing subjects, 

 their condition will not be quite satisfactory. They cannot be 

 exposed to too much light or sunshine, and their culture should not 

 be attempted in houses having a thick canopy of foliage formed by 

 climbing jilants covering the roof. 



To keep them in health, they require repotting annually, and 

 this should be done towards the end of March or beginning of 

 Aoril, as they then have the summer season before them in which to 

 make their growth. The best results are obtained-by turning them 

 out of their pots, carefully removing the greater portion of the old 

 soil, and then repotting them in a fresh compost. A mixture of 

 equal parts librous peat and turfy loatn, and a liberal sprinkling of 

 sand, forms a most excellent compost. The pots must be well 

 drained, the new soil worked nicely amongst the roots, and the base 

 of the plant be nearly on a level with the rim of the pot. Those 

 who are unaccustomed, to handle them should not reduce the old ball 

 of soil to more than one half, because of the risk of injury to the 

 roots when all the soil has been removed. When the repotting 

 is completed, remove them to a pit facing the south, in which a 

 mild hotbed has been made up. In this they will, provided they 

 are kept rather close, and supplied moderately -nith water, push 

 out new roots, and commence to grow away freely. They may 

 remain in the frame for a period of two or three months, as may 

 be the most convenient to the cultivator, but the longer period 

 is the most preferable, as affording them a better opportunity for 

 becoming thoroughly established, and completing the season's 

 growth. Those who have been accustomed to the starving system 

 will be quite surprised at their rapid progress and healthy appear- 

 ance, when grown as here directed. Those who have not the con- 

 venience of a frame may insure very good results by placing them in 

 the greenhouse immediately they are potted, and keeping them close 

 and warm until they have begun to make new roots. There will be 

 no difficulty in affording them sufficient warmth, as the sun will be 

 fast acquiring power at the period advised for potting, and by keeping 

 the house rather close, it will be possible to utilize the sun-heat to 

 the fullest extent possible. 



With reference to watering the globular cacti, it must be said 



