98 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [August 



Link has arranged them into this new genus, under the appropriate^) 

 name of Phyllocactus ; and to it must we refer the old favorites spe-c/ y 

 ciosus, Jenkinsonii, Ackermanni, &c. 



Opuntias, or Prickly Pears, Rhipsalis and Pereskia, are not inter- 

 esting from their flowers ; the latter genus is remarkable for having 

 leaves f it is chiefly used for grafting weak kinds upon, on account of 

 its very strong woody habit. 



Cacti are raised — 1. From seed : which are produced in a pulpy 

 fruit, which is edible, generally of a spicy flavor. When this is ripe, 

 which is easily known by its being soft and of a dark red color in most 

 of the species, wash out the seeds by breaking up the pulp in water, 

 and sow immediately. If sown in pots, fill up to within two inches 

 of the top with drainage, then to the rim with a mixture of loam and 

 sand, smooth it evenly, and give a gentle watering ; after which sow 

 the seeds thinly, and sprinkle a little sand over them, so that they may 

 not be covered, but merely enough to fill up the interstices between 

 the seeds ; cover them with a flat piece of glass, and place the pot in 

 a temperature of about 60 or 70 degrees ; water gently when requir- 

 ed, so as not to disturb the seeds, and even after they are germinated, 

 the young plants will be easily displaced until the rootlets have taken 

 firm hold of the soil. Great regularity and care is required in retain- 

 ing a steady moisture in the soil, for if once allowed to get dry the 

 seeds will never germinate afterwards. As they advance give more 

 water, and if the plants] are well drained there will be no danger of 

 the earth becoming sour. When they begin to crowd each other, lift 

 the strongest of them carefully and place them in three inch pots, in 

 equal quantities of loam, leaf mould, sand, and charcoal broken fine, 

 the pots in every instance well drained. Let them have a warm, 

 rather humid atmosphere while growing, and a slight shading will be 

 requisite during very bright sunshine ; pot the remainder as they ad- 

 vance, and treat the whole as recommended for general culture. 



2. From Cuttings : In raising the dwarf species from cuttings, con- 

 siderable care is requisite to keep them sound. Carefully take off 

 any of the small round heads, and having previously filled a pot about 

 two-thirds full of soil and drainage, lay the cutting on the surface 

 with the cut part to the soil, and place it in a warm part of the green- 

 house. On the first appearance of rooting pot them carefully into 

 small pots, and keep them warm and moist. The old plant from 

 which the cutting was taken must be placed on a dry shelf, and care- 

 fully watered until the wound is healed. 



Tall Cacti are easily increased by cuttings ; these can be taken off 

 at any time and of any size. If they are young and very succulent, 

 they will emit roots more freely if laid on a dry shelf for a week or 



l * The spines are abortive leaves — Ed. 



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