WATEB — rOTTINO. 11 



however, be eiuptoyed for the Cereus and Opuutia type, as these secrete 

 crystals of oxalate of lime in large quantities, and it is also advisable to 

 add some finely broken bricks when the loam is inclined to be heavy. Indeed 

 for all the strong- growing Cactese such material may be preferably em- 

 ployed, as it enables the cultivator to supply water more freely and safely 

 than would otherwise be the case. The pots must be carefully drained, as 

 this is a matter of much importance. From one-fourth to one-half the 

 depth of the pot should be filled with draining materials, according to the 

 size and condition of the plants which mostly require but little soil. 



Water. — Under the cool system already mentioned very little water 

 is needed for at least three months in the year — namely, November, 

 December, and January, though when in pots the plants should be 

 examined once a week. Some growers, however, especially those in the 

 trade, turn the plants out of the pots at the commencement of winter, 

 shake the soil from their roots, and lay them upon dry sandy soil, where 

 they remain without the smallest supply of water until it is desired to 

 start them in spring, when they are planted out in a frame to make their 

 growth, being syringed and watered freely. In the ordinary Cactus 

 house, which is kept at a rather higher temperature, water is needed more 

 frequently even in winter, but some experience is required to determine 

 the proper time to apply it. The soil must never be allowed to get in a 

 stagnant saturated condition, or the strongest plants will soon die, and it 

 is often more easy to judge by the appearance of the plant whether 

 moisture should be supplied. If the whole tissue seems to be plump and 

 full none is needed, but if there is the slightest approach to laxness, or a 

 dullness in the surface colour, water should be given. In the spring and 

 early summer, when growth is advancing, whether the plants are in a 

 house or frame, slight syringing in the afternoon is very beneficial, par- 

 ticularly after potting, and it wiU not be necessary to apply water direct 

 to the son for a week or so after that operation, as the syringe wUl afford 

 sufficient moisture. When growth is proceeding rapidly the plants may 

 be watered twice or three times a week. The stronger freely flowering 

 species of Cereus and others may be assisted with a little weak liquid 

 manure, both when growing and approaching the flowering stage. 



Potting. — February or March is a suitable time for potting the plants, 

 and it the collection is large the earlier the operation is performed the 

 better, provided the weather is open and mild. Some care is needed in 

 obtaining the soU in proper condition, for it should neither be damp nor 

 dust dry, but it is better to err on the dry side than in the other direction. 

 When the plants are turned out of their pots most of the old soil may be 

 shaken from the roots, and all dead dried roots must be cut off close 

 to the stem, as much injury is often occasioned by allowing these old 



