CACTUS. 



CALANDRINIA. 



ground, so that they do not come up 

 thicker in one part than another ; tread it 

 well in, unless the ground is wet and bind- 

 ing ; in that case stand in the alleys, rake 

 level, and pat the surface with a piece of 

 flat board : this will press the seed in with- 

 out hardening the ground. If dry enough 

 to tread, rake the surface even. If the 

 weather is dry, and continue so, it will be 

 necessary to give the seed bed a copious 

 watering to keep it moist, so that the sur- 

 face does not cake. When the seed is up, 

 keep the beds moist, so as to promote 

 vigorous growth ; giving a liberal dusting 

 of lime, salt, or soot now and then, which 

 will benefit the young plants, and prevent 

 the attacks of the fly. When large enough 

 to handle, thin them, and prick out those 

 drawn in nursery beds five or six inches 

 apart from each other. 



Cactus (not. ord. Cacta'ce). 



An extremely curious and interesting 

 genus of greenhouse perennials, many of 

 the varieties producing magnificent flowers 

 of the most brilliant and striking colours. 

 They succeed best in sandy loam, mixed 

 with brick and lime rubbish and a little peat 

 or rotten dung. They must be well-drained, 

 when planted, and kept dry during the winter 

 months. When they begin to grow in spring 

 they should be freely watered. There are 

 many varieties too many in fact to be 

 mentioned here. Propagated by offsets 

 struck in beds of light compost under slight 

 protection. 



It may be added that the various species 

 of cacti are very suitable as permanent 

 window plants. The varieties of creeping 

 cereus, one of which is known as *' rat- 

 tailed " cactus, may be grown in suspended 

 baskets, and last for many years without 

 requiring any change in the soil; they 

 naturally droop and hang down, which 

 gives them an interesting appearance. The 



globular cacti are curious and interesting 

 and are very numerous. 



Caladmm (not. ord. Ara'cese). 



A family of greenhouse plants some of 

 which are evergreen and others herbaceous 

 valued chiefly on account of their leaves 

 and leaf stalks. The roots are fleshy, but 

 those of some kinds, though bitter and 

 acrid to the taste, are eaten in the tropical 

 countries where they grow. They require 

 rich kcavy soil and copious watering. The 



CALADIUM VIOLACEUM. 



herbaceous varieties are propagated by 

 division of the plants and by suckers. The 

 shrubs are increased by cuttings or by part- 

 ing the roots. One of the best known 

 edible varieties is Caladium esculentum. 

 An illustration of C. violaceum is appended 

 to show form of leaves and general habits 

 of the plants. 



Calandrin'ia (nat. ord. Portuia'ceae). 



Very beautiful free-flowering plants. 

 Calandrinia discolor and C. grandiflora 

 have large handsome flowers, and are fine 

 for edgings ; C. umbellata is of a trailing 

 habit, and produces profusely its glowing 

 rosy-violet flowers in bunches ; is invaluable 

 for rockwork and dry hot banks, or similar 

 situations, where it will stand for many 



