124 



CANADIAN HORTICULTURIST. 



CACTUS CULTURE. 



Could you give a sketch about the management of Cacti at the different times of the 

 year ; when to water or not ; and when they should flower, and how to make them flower, 

 and any other point that may be useful. I am yours truly, F. Dann. Selkirk, April 9th, ISSS. 

 (Reply htj N. Robertson, Superintendent Ooicrnment Grounds, Ottava.) 



THERE are two things that are imperative in order to he successful with 

 cacti, viz.:^ — a season of perfect rest, and the most perfect drainage. 

 During the winter months, they should be put in some place where this can be 



attained ; if in a greenhouse, some dry 

 shelf, away from amongst other plants ; 

 if in a house, the garret or some out-of- 

 the-way corner, where tlie temperature 

 does not fall below 45'. Never give 

 them water unless you see them shrivel- 

 ling up, and even a little of this is 

 better for them than moisture. Evade 

 any cold, damp place above all things. 

 In their native habitats they are found 

 growing on the arid plains and moun- 

 tain sides, where they are almost burnt 

 up during six months of the year. Such 

 positions give them perfect drainage 

 also, as when the rainy season comes 

 no Writei cm cvcm- stagnate about them. Much has been said 

 about the proper material in which to grow them. What I use is 

 a good fi-ee loam, mixed with lumps of old lime, rubbish and 

 charcoal. T do not know that those things last named are 

 necessaiy onl> to ensure perfect drainage and keep the soil open, 

 but with this the usual method of plenty of crocks in the bottom 

 of the pots must be carefully attended to. And when the 

 spring comes, give them a good washing to cleanse them from 

 dust and insects, put them in a warm sunny position, don't be 

 afraid of too nmch heat, thf-y will stand a very high tem- 

 peiature and 1)0 benefited by it Water sparingly at first, 

 ,ind increase as they begin to grow. If you have not a high 

 temperature your watering must be carefully done. 

 Cold and dampness are thegreatest enemies they have. 

 Mexico and Brazil are the principal producers of 

 many of them, although they are 

 found in several other tropical regions 

 of America. 



To enumerate the many different 

 species of them would perhaps be super- 

 fluous in the eyes of many of the readers 

 of your Horticultural paper. In a bo- 

 tanical collection in England, there are 

 over nine hundred species, but I will 

 take only a few of the species most 

 frequently seen. 



Phyllocacti are those frequently seen 

 in collections and house.s and are known 



