7A Mrs. Pheodosia Id. Shepherd's Annual Catalogue. 
great proportions of this Giant Night Bloomer. The first few years of its 
growth, it was content to wander over the ground around the house, but 
about ten years ago it became ambitious and began its journey skyward; it 
starts from the ground with three stems, the largest of which measures. six 
inches.in circumference; they branch 2 and 3 feet from the ground, soon aiter 
which the branches become so numerous and interlaced, that it is impossible 
to count or jollow them. They are very large and heavy and triangular in 
shape, measuring eight inches diameter; the plant has had its own way from 
: the beginning and is a _per- 
fect exemplification of the 
old adage, ‘Given an inch 
and take an ell,” for it has 
almost entirely taken the L 
of the house, and bids fair, 
if not disturbed, to take pos- 
session of the main building 
as well. The great branches 
flatten themselves against 
the wood, sending - out as 
they go innumerable yellow 
adventitious roots sometime 
nine feet long, oftentimes 
forming a network like lace; 
by these, it clings to the 
wood until the branches are hardened, at which time it becomes independent; 
then the roots loosen, turn grey and hang like long strings. Some of these 
roots have of late grown through the woodwork and plaster, and found their 
way into the upper rooms. The branches are massed around the verandas, 
under the cornice and on the peak of the roof, where they stand up from the 
other side of the house like a pair of large deer horns. In the branches 
are initials, cut by the children of the family several years ago, which are still 
plainly visible; for years innumerable families of linnets have seen the light of 
day and have gone on their way rejoicing, from the great Cactus; occasion- 
ally their peace has been disturbed by an adventurous cat, that has scaled the 
labyrinth of branches in search of a dainty tit-bit. 
About the first of July, the large buds make their appearance, and the 
magnificent flowers come into bloom soon after; they begin opening at five in 
the evening and by eight are fully expanded; they measure twelve inches 
from stem to tip of petals; the flower stems are covered with large yellowish 
green scales; the sepals are a greenish yellow, the petals creamy white, an inch 
across; they have a satiny sheen, that is very beautiful; the throat of 
flower is lined with a mass of silken stamens, which lie like a skein of floss on 
one side; lying in them and rising above is the pistil, surmounted by a velvety 
star of greenish yellow, making a fine contrast. 
All through the summer and fall months, these exquisite silken blossoms 
come and go; on days when the sun is hid, they often remain open until 
noon, and have been taken at a distance for white gulls, by stranger. 
As one gazes at this huge mass of tangled branches and grey strings, he 
can but marvel at the mystery of the plant, for mysterious is the coming 
forth each year of such exquisite beauty from an exterior so rugged and 
unpromising. 
I will send postpaid, a large cutting 12 inches long of this cactus, that will 
bloom the first year, and some of the long grey strings, for 50 cts.; small, 25c. 
