252 On the Cultivation of several 



set them where they will receive plenty of air, -to prevent their 

 being drawn up, and they will make an elegant appearance. 



When the flowers have all appeared, the bulb should again be 

 turned into the border, as I have recommended ; the same at- 

 tention should be given, and the plants taken up in the fall : 

 they will perhaps need a larger pot this year, which should be 

 given them, if they do. Use the same compost as in the pre- 

 vious year, and treat in the same manner, and a handsome bloom 

 will be the result. Seeds are sometimes obtahied, and plants 

 may be raised in this manner. I have sown some this year, and 

 shall, at some future time, give you my method of treating them. 

 These few remarks are intended to apply to old roots. 



Yours, 



Cambridgeport, May, 1836. S. Sweetser. 



Art. IV. On the Cultivation of several of the most beautiful 

 Species and Varieties of Cactus and Cereus. In a series of 

 Papers. By J. W. Russell. 



The Cereus speciossissimus is far more robust in its habit of 

 growth than the C. grandiflorus. The stem of the plant is quad- 

 rangular, or four-sided ; and, when in a healthy state, th^ young 

 growths are of a brownish color, which is a good criterion, for 

 any one who is unacquainted with its habit of growth, to judge 

 of its vigor. 



One of the most important points in this genus of plants is, in 

 keeping them in a high state of health, for such always produce 

 the largest and most elegant flowers. It should be remembered, 

 that all succulent plants, or plants similar to the one I am now 

 speaking of, imbibe moisture very copiously in damp weather, 

 and part with it very sparingly in hot weather ; and any one who 

 is not already acquainted with this fact, or has not yet observed 

 this much, can never expect to rise above mediocrity in the cul- 

 tivation of this tribe ; Ave have no foliage that wilts down when 

 the roots are perishing with drought, as in most other plants, but 

 the stem will in a Httle time become soft to the touch, and the 

 meagre, shrivelled appearance, so much complained of, is nothing 

 more nor less than the result of bad treatment. Immediately after 

 a few cloudy damp days, plants, in a healthy state, generally wilt 

 considerably, when the sun breaks out suddenly with intenseness 



