CACTUS LORE. 



value. Then, when there is good light, 

 growth can readily be seen and water 

 gradually given until in a surprisingly 

 short time the plant has swelled to its for- 



or even at any time if drainage is not 

 perfect. 



But there are exceptions to this rule, for 

 some cacti are very fine winter bloomers. 



mer size, assumed a fine healthy appearance Among these are the Epiphyllum Ruspelia- 

 and a vigorous growth set in. num (crab cactus), called by some Christ- 



FiG. 19S4. Phyi,lucactu.s. 



This is when blooming commences, and 

 what cactus fancier is not proud to display 

 to a friend the beautiful flowers, as if by 

 magic from the sides, ridges or centers of 

 of these the oddest plants in nature ? 



The penalty for disregarding the plants' 

 demand for rest is very suddenly discovered 

 some day, and the surprise is great. The 

 centre of the plant will send out a new and 

 splendid appearance of young growth, and 

 all will look well for a time. Then it will 

 take a change of color, perhaps slight, and 

 an examination will reveal the fact that there 

 is nothing left but a shell, covering a rotten 

 mass of jelly. This is what so often follows 

 when too much water is given at this season. 



mas cactus, also Phyllocactus Anguliger, 

 one of the flat leaved varieties which is a 

 grand winter bloomer, bearing on its heavy 

 stems, magnificent white flowers which have 

 the advantage over so many other white 

 flowered varieties, of being day bloomers, 

 and lasting several days. The crab cactus 

 is well known and its fine drooping habit 

 and generous quantity of crimson flowers, 

 open at Christmas time, are much appre- 

 ciated. The Phyllocactus Anguliger is not 

 so generally known, but where its beauties 

 are once shown, it is ever after, a much 

 valued specimen in any collection. 



J. H. Callender. 

 Woodstock, Ont. 



