MINIATURE FORTRESSES 141 



showy and very conspicuous, large, and of all colors of the 

 rainbow in many instances; opening and closing on the same 

 day and at different hours in different species, rarely appear- 

 ing the second day. A peculiar phenomenon is observed: 

 the flower buds sometimes grow out from mature fruit, thus 

 producing chains of fruit lasting for years. The fruit varies 

 in character and is found to be tubercled or smooth or shiny, 

 but always bearing the customary spicules. It Is sometimes 

 dry, sometimes fleshy, often remaining unchanged and edible 

 for several years on the plants. Another curious fact is 

 that the fruits of many species when planted in soft moist soil, 

 or even falling to the ground, develop roots and grow Into 

 new plants, the seeds within remaining viable and capable of 

 growth later on. 



How to grow 



Most species grow readily from cuttings of one to several 

 joints set a few Inches deep in sandy soil and given enough 

 water to keep the soil moist; it Is better to allow the cut 

 surfaces time to dry before planting. Plants can be grown 

 also from seed planted a half-inch deep In sandy soil out of 

 doors or In flats, with part shade and watered enough to keep 

 the soil moist but not wet. Also, the fruits of many species 

 when planted in moist soil develop roots and grow Into plants. 

 Cuttings or plants grow indoors or outside. A south ex- 

 posure is preferable. 



California Cholla (Opuntia Parryi) 



(Named in honor of Dr. C. C. Parry, who first collected 

 it in 1851) 



How to identify and how it grows 



The California Cholla is a very interesting and fascinat- 

 ing plant and grows as several stems two to four feet tall, 



