AN ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF HORTICULTURE. 



Cactus 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 



Watering. This must be discrimiuately managed, espe- 

 cially during the winter; for, whatever their treatment 

 as regards temperature during that season, they must be 



I Opuntia. 

 2. Cereus. 



4. Cereus can 



6. Cereus per urianus monstrosus. 



7. Cereus electracanthus. 

 &. Mammillaria. 



9. Echinopsis formosa. 



10. Echinocactus Visnaga. 



11. Cerens pernTianus Tar. 



12. Opuntia candelabrifonnu 



13. Cereus strictus. 



14. Pilocerens senilis. 



15. Cereus TweediL 



16. Cereus chilensis. 



FIG. 312. GROUP OF CACTI. 



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, well working the same amongst the 

 roots ; finally press the sofl 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 BO often. If the plants are subjected to very 

 cool treatment, water must be sparingly administered 

 daring November, December, and January; after which, 

 they should be examined weekly, and very carefully at- 

 tended to. During the summer months, when in active 



