June, July.] HOT-HOUSE or REPOTTING, ETC. 179 



SICCULENTS, OR THE CACTJEA TRIBE. 



The Cereus Mammilldria, and Opuntia. Divisions of tnis 

 family are, in their indigenous state, exposed on rocks, hilly 

 lands, and arid situations, being at all times fully exposed to 

 the sun : still, with us, we find that they thrive best with a 

 partial shade, though we have frequently seen them doing well 

 when fully exposed to the influence of the sun ; but where 

 they are to be kept out of doors all the season, be careful in 

 choosing for them an airy situation, and never allow the pots 

 to become saturated with moisture. 



The habits of the Epiphyllum tribe are entirely different; 

 they are generally parasites, growing on the branches and 

 about the roots of decayed trees ; consequently, they are often 

 much shaded, and they evidently show it, for they still de- 

 light to be shaded from the direct rays of a noonday sun. If 

 they are kept in the house through the summer months, take 

 some whiting, and make a thin white-wash, and put it on the 

 inside of the glass, which will be found an agreeable and 

 effectual shade ; but where time and means are at hand, a 

 thin awning, of gauze or muslin, is preferable, provided it is 

 regularly rolled up when the sun is not powerful. 



JUNE AND JULY. 



As the plants of the hot-house are all exposed to the open 

 air, the directions will include both months. If the repot- 

 ting is over, as recommended last month, all the attention 

 they will require until the end of August is, the administer- 

 ing of water at the roots, and by the syringe overhead. It 

 will be impossible to say how great are their wants, these de- 

 pending entirely upon the nature of the plant, the situation, 

 and the season ; but never neglect to look over them every 

 evening, and after dry nights they will need a fresh supply in 

 the morning, observing to give to none except they are be- 

 *>oniing a little dry- Make weekly examinations for insects 



