214 



The Canadian Horticulturist. 



8 p.m., to close again forever at daylight. A flower a foot in diameter, bright 

 yellow inside, reddish-brown outside, filled with so many yellow stamens they 

 can scarcely be counted, and e.xhaling the most delicious perfume, is an object 

 worth striving for and a sight never to be forgotten. People rush in crowds 

 and go almost wild over this grandest of all flowers. The plant is readily pro- 

 pagated by slips of the young growth as described for " Phyllocactus," page 4, 

 May number, and are frequently used as stock to graft other cacti on, but the 

 truth must be told, old plants of this variety are rare, and flowers very much 

 rarer. Those who have a conservatory are more likely to succeed, as by training 

 the stems along the rafters they get the necessary sunlight and heat, and by 

 encouraging them with manure water once a week in summer, their growth is 

 rapid. In winter they should have full sunlight and be kept cooler and dryer, 

 but must not be allowed to dry out entirely. Now, as slips and cuttings are 

 cheap and easily started, every one should try them. Supply these requirements 

 as near as you can, and if you only get one flower you will be amply repaid. 



Fig. /7-t — Ei'iFH^LLUM Cactus. 



