Notes and Gleanings. 183 



Charles Verdier is distinct, and I think it will be good. Mile. Marguerite 

 Dombrain, when not tucked in the side, is extra fine. Princess Mary of Cam.- 

 bridge is an improved Auguste Mie, and, taken at all points, is the best rose of 

 light color, as Alfred Colomb is the best of the rich colors, tliat has come out 

 lately. 



Epiphyllum truncA'TUM and its Varieties. — T\\t Epiphyllum trunca- 

 tu7n has always, since its first introduction from Brazil in i8i8j received the 

 attention of cultivators ;. and many a hoary-headed son of Adam has pointed 

 with pride to the big cactus at the end of the vinery, now all ablaze with 

 blossom, that had been grafted by himself some twenty years before. At inter- 

 vals a few others were obtained, as E. tnnicatum bicolor, Bridgesii, and rtibro- 

 tinctiim ; and in 1839 the lovely E. Russellianuin made its appearance, also 

 from Brazil. This latter; although recorded as a variety of E. truncaium, is- 

 certainJy a distinct species ; for, while the varieties of E. tntncatum usually 

 flower in November and Decembeir, the naluraL blooming-period for E. Russel- 

 liamiin is the month of May. There are, besides, other differences, — the petals' 

 being evenly reflexed, the stamens straight, and the seed-vessel angular ;. while, 

 in E. truKcatiiin, the flower is ringent, the stamens curved, and the seed-vessel 

 roundish. They are among the most useful of winter-blooming plants, whether 

 for the greenhouse, conservatory, or table-decoration ; and that they have not 

 Wthento received that attention they so justly merit, there can be no question. 

 Plants raised from cuttings grow and flower tolerably well ; but they do infi- 

 mtely better when grafted on stems from six inches up to eighteen inches or so 

 in height. This, moreover, allows the flowers to hang in their natural way, and 

 also to show themselves to the best advantage. The compost most suitable for 

 them is good pasture-loam and sandy peat, in about equal parts ; adding a mod- 

 erate proportion of leaf-mould and of brick-rubble. Pot them when they begin 

 to grow after flowering ; drain well, and do not over-pot. Place them in a brisk 

 heat till they have made their growth ; afterwards in a lower temperature, and 

 in a dryer house to harden ; and finally expose them to the full sun, to induce 

 them to set their buds. They will begin to bloom in November ; and, by mov- 

 ing a few at a time into a warmer house, the blooming-season may be continued 

 till the spring, — \.\\^ Russellianum hybrids being used to come in after those of 

 the truncatum group are past. 



It would be an interesting experiment for amateurs, and others having time 

 at their disposal, to endeavor to obtain a hybrid between E. truncatum and Ce- 

 reus flagelliformis, as it is more than probable that a distinct and useful progeny 

 would be the result. In order to accomplish this, the former would need retard- 

 ing ; as C. fiagelliformis does not usually flower till late in the spring, or in the 

 early summer months. Seedling-plants flower in three years from the time of 

 sowing the seed. — Florist. 



