THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



to dry before insertion. This may take a fortnight, more or less, according to the 

 substance of the stems, but, at the same time, it is well to guard against undue shrivelling. 

 Place each offset or cutting, singly, in small, well-drained pots, filled with coarse, sandy, 

 or gritty soil, taking care not to bury them deeply ; and to support them, if needed, 

 with a small stick. They should not be shaded at any time, or receive any water till 

 rooted, but an occasional light syringing ought to be given to prevent excessive 

 shrivelling. These conditions must be rigidly observed or cuttings of choice species 

 may be lost. 



Grafting is a very simple matter, and is desirable in the case of the more delicate 

 kinds, which should be placed on a strong growing stock, the Ccreuscs answering well 

 for the purpose. The process is the same as grafting Epiphyllums upon the Pereskia 

 stock, as shown on page 182, Vol. II. In this instance, wedge-grafting is the plan 

 recommended. "Where both the stock and scion are broad, as in the case of a Mammil- 

 laria scion and Cereus speciosissimus stock, it is advisable to make horizontal sections, 

 fitting these together and keeping them in position by supports and raffia ties, not 

 making these too tight. 



Seedlings should be raised early in the year, in order that they may become large 

 enough to pass safely through that trying ordeal — the winter. Fresh, or nearly new seeds 

 are the best, and these, under favourable conditions, will germinate in three or four weeks. 

 Fill heavily-drained pots or pans with fine loam and sand, and after making this firm 

 and level, give a, gentle watering. Two or three hours later sow the seeds thinly, and 

 cover with one-eighth of an inch of soil. Place in a temperature of 75° to 80° — pre- 

 ferably, as they will germinate though not so quickly in less heat — cover with a square 

 of glass, and afford shade till the seedlings appear. Tilt the glass over them at first, and 

 gradually expose the young plants to the sun and air, keeping the soil steadily moist, 

 never very wet. "When large enough to handle, place the seedlings separately in thumb 

 pots, using a mixture of two parts loam to one of leaf soil, adding sand freely. These 

 small plants should be kept growing in a sunny position and regularly supplied with water 

 through the summer, reducing it in the autumn, and only giving enough during the 

 winter to prevent shrivelling. 



Geneeal Teeatment. 



It is most unwise to over-pot Cacti and succulents generally. Unless the soil is 

 speedily occupied by roots, it is liable to become sour, and this may lead to the 



