180 



THE SUCCULENT HOUSE. 



decomposed manure, and one consisting of equal quantities of peat, sand, 

 and broken tiles. Abundance of water is required for this species while 

 it is in a growing state, and while it is maturing its flower buds ; but 

 doling winter, or when the plant is in a state of rest, little or no water 

 should be given to it. 



EPIPHYLLUM. 



This genus is readily propagated by cuttings, and some of them seed 

 freely, particularly the hybrid varieties, of which there are many ; and all 

 of them free and splendid flower ers. This genus is also successfully grown 

 by being grafted on the more common Opuntiacece, and best of all on the 

 common Pereskia. 



The process of grafting is exceedingly simple : a small part of the plant 

 intended to be grafted is selected, a thin sUce of the fleshy part of both 

 stock and graft is taken off, and the sap is so glutinous that the piece will 

 adhere without the usual modes of securing ; but, for gi-eater certainty, it 

 is advisable to fasten it with bass. During the operation, great care must 

 be taken not to bniise the parts operated upon, as, if such be the case, 

 there would be some danger of the plants rotting. Epiphyllum truncatum, 

 &c. may be grafted on Cereus triqueter^ or Pereskia aculeata, with good 

 effect, as that beautiful plant is seen to most advantage when elevated so 

 that the flowers are placed above the level of the eye of the observer ; 

 besides, the pendent direction of the plant will cause it to produce its 

 blossoms much more abundantly. 



OPUNTIA. 



All of this genus are readily increased by cuttings taken off at a joint, 

 and partially dried before planting. The branches of this tribe will live 

 six months out of the ground, if kept in a cool, dry place (above the 

 freezing point), and, according to Havroith, have been found serviceable 

 at sea in long voyages, when other vegetables could not be procured. 

 They abound in a highly anti-scorbutic juice and pulp, and, therefore, 

 might be worth the futm'e attention of navigators, as they are to be ob- 

 tained in great abundance in hot climates. 



The two genera Rliipsalis and PeresMa stiike freely by cuttings ; and 

 the former produces seeds abundantly, which vegetate veiy freely in a 

 light soil and genial warmth. 



