uggesbions, 



In Southern California below the frost belt — begonias, primulas, 

 ferns of all kinds, and shade-loving plants thrive in, a lath house par- 

 tially shaded by vines. Most begonias are fine bedding plants in 

 sheltered locations. Begonia rubra is a wonderful grower. I have 

 one at this time fifteen feet high. 



When setting out plants, from pots, in the ground, loosen the 

 roots that are matted around the ball, and turn them in the direc- 

 tion they should grow. Having always grown around in a circle 

 they must be tan, g lit to grow outwards. Many fine camelias, and 

 other choice plants, are lost, because planted just as they are taken 

 from pots. It is not necessary to disturb the roots only to loosen 

 them. 



Be careful in setting out plants in the ground, to press the soil 

 carefully with the foot, before watering and to watch them for a 

 week or two that the air does not get in to the soil and dry out the 

 roots. 



The roots of plants should go down for water, therefore when 

 watered, it should be thoroughly done, otherwise the roots will seek 

 the surface and be dried, and baked by wind and sun and the plant 

 be stunted. 



I will send a photograph of my mammoth cactus.described below 

 boudoir size, for 35 cents. 



Cereus triangulares is a most interesting variety of this grotes- 

 que family. Grown without support it rambles over the ground, 

 planted near a house it becomes ambitious. My largest specimen of 

 this cactus is nine years old. The first four years it contented it- 

 self clambering on the ground and about the lower part of the ver- 

 anda. .Five years ago it started to climb, and now has reached the 

 roof of the second story of the house, 35 feet from the ground. It 

 has sent out innumerable great triangular branches in every direc- 

 tion, attaching itself by long, white roots, which loosen as the 

 branches become strong and hang like a grey fringe all over the 

 plant. It reaches across the windows on the upper and lower ver- 

 andas, twists itself under the ceiling for several yards and winds about 

 the railing. The flowers open at 5 p. m. and close at 10 a. m.. they 

 measure twelve inches across, are double, creamy white outside, 

 petals yellow, the stems two inches in diameter. This cactus is 

 said to be one of the curiosities of the United States, being the 

 largest of its kind known. 



