GENEEAL CULIUEE. 5) 



•difiEerent positions according to the varying temperature. A third class 

 of cultivators, however, and by far the largest, are those vrho grow a 

 moderate collection as examples of the most curious phase of vegetable 

 life, and who cannot give them special quarters, being compelled to 

 grow them with other plants. In this case the best general plan to adopt 

 is to give them cool and dry treatment during the winter, a green- 

 house or conservatory being a suitable place ; while in the spring and 

 summer, when growth is made, a heated frame facing south is admirably 

 adapted for them, as there they can be arranged near the glass, fully 

 exposed to the sun, and provided with sufficient moisture to stimulate 

 growth without rendering it weak. The last method is an excellent one, 

 even where the largest collections are grown, and better results have been 

 obtained by so treating them than by any other method. Some, indeed, 

 place the plants outside in a sunny position during the summer, but in 

 our uncertain climate this is attended by many disadvantages, for they 

 are liable to be much injured by sudden storms of rain or wind, and the 

 varying temperature alternately accelerates and checks the growth, 

 which consequently rarely becomes properly matured, and the delicate 

 species are often irrecoverably damaged. On the continent, where the 

 summer climate is more regular and the sun power greater, the case is 

 quite different, and the practice is attended with proportionate success. 



The cottager and others who grow their small collections of Cactese 

 in rooms must necessarily confine their attention to comparatively few 

 species and varieties, but it is surprising how much pleasure and 

 interest may be obtained from even such modest efforts as these. 

 A table or shelf near a window is the position usually assigned to 

 them, and under the circumstances it is the best they could have, 

 as the plants are well exposed to light, they are surrounded by a 

 dry atmosphere, and they are safe from frost. If in addition to these 

 matters the plants are accorded a moderate share of attention in re- 

 gard to the supply of water, there are very few of the Cactus family 

 that will not thrive and occasionally flower. The Cereus, Opuntia, 

 Bchinooactus, and Mamillaria can all be so grown, but if a glass 

 case can be provided for the smaller and more delicate kinds, it will 

 be advantageous in protecting them from the dust and smuts that so 

 soon accumulate in rooms, and which cling to the spines and surface 

 of the stems, effectually spoiling their appearance and preventing their 

 progress. Such cases can be readily constructed, or they can be pur- 

 chased ready made, as several firms now sell them for the miniature 

 ■'Cacti " that have obtained a good share of popularity during recent 

 years. These miniature plants are particularly well adapted for rooms, 

 and in their bright red diminutive pots have a very lively appearance- 



