242 FLOWERS OF GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE 
The general directions for other genera of CACTE# apply 
a to Opuntia, except that they wili do well in loam without 
the addition of other substances, though broken brick ensures = 
drainage. Several species, among which are 0. Leafinesqurr ee 
O. vulgaris, are hardy, and may be grown in sunny situations ou : 
doors, if care is taken to secure perfect drainage. A hand-light oT 
be placed over outdoor specimens in winter to protect them a 
excessive moisture, and very severe frosts. They will ripen their ae 
in this country, and these may be used for propagation. More oe 5 
they are raised from cuttings. For this purpose joints eae a 
detached, and laid on a dry shelf for several days, at least unti = 
severed portion has completely dried, and then planted in a pot filled wi 
loam and brick-dust. They should be kept nearly dry until rooted. 
Description of A portion of a plant of Opuntia vulgaris, srbies 
Mate 119. the shape and thickness of the joints. The small Jom 
the front of the group is provided with leaves; and beneat 
expanded flower, behind it, there is a solitary long spine. The flower in 
section is shown at Fig. 1. 
FIG MARIGOLDS 
Natural Order Ficowr,. Genus Mesembryanthemum 
MESEMBRYANTHEMUM 
flower ; the flowers op 
comprising about th 
with thick flesh 
On a casual 
‘, Sometimes entirely absent. 
ts in the top taking a star-shape. The species -— 
outh Africa, but a few are scattered over Australasia, 
the Mediterranean region. 
A very large number of Mesembryanthemums are 
known to gardeners, and for about a hundred and fifty 
years they have been widely cultivated. A few have a much longer 
record of their presence in British gardens. One species—M. latwm— 
was introduced in 1620, and VM edule, the well-known Hottentot Fig, in 
Fruit opening by sli 
mostly natives of § 
the Canaries, and 
