20 
F. WEINBERG, WOODSIDE, L. I. 
MELOCACTUS, Lk. et Otto. 
y- 
Turk's cap, Englishmen's or pope's head are popular names that have 
been applied to these plants, all referring to the peculiar crown on the summit 
of the stem, a character by which they are easily recognized. Upon this many 
small red or pink colored flowers are borne. They grow in large quantities 
near the sea shore on coral or barren rocky districts. They are also found 
on the mainland in South America, and specimens (clusters) exceeding a yard 
in diameter often found. Very porous soil, abundant drainage and little water 
are the chief points requiring attention. 
Fine plants one dollar to two dollars and fifty cents each, large ones with 
cephalium, five dollars to ten dollars. 
OPUNTIA, Mill.— Prickly Pear, Indian Fig. 
This family have undoubtedly prooved of more service to man than any 
of the spine-clad race, also they are the best armed against him. In the 
about one hundred and fifty or more known varieties, all shapes, flat, globular 
and 'cylindrical are assumed, and a few are most cruelly or treacherously 
armed. The small hardy varieties, to be found about New York, New Jersey 
and Pennsylvania States, bear countless, almost microscopic spines, irritating 
to a degree and difficult to remove from the hand which carelessly grasps 
them. Others bear barb-tipped spines, which penetrate and cling at a touch 
to the breaking point of the more tender joints of the plant, while others are 
stiff and keen as a dagger, or thin and flat as a sword blade, and equally keen 
or harmless. Some of them have no spines at all, or, perhaps, only one or two. 
in the cushion. Some varieties are cultivated for their large, sweet and whole- 
some fruit, which finds a ready market in the tropical fruit stores. An in- 
sect, which infests another, is the basis of the valuable ''cochineaP' dye. 
Others are used for fencing, a cactushedge forming effectual barrier to man 
and beast. 
Many of them are among the most attractive of hot-house plants, the 
red fruits an attractive contrast to the deep green of the plant with their 
golden or white spines. 
The hardy varieties with their profusion of yellow flowers is a valuable 
addition to the list of plants suitable to the rockery. Nor is there spiny arma- 
ment to be too much dreaded, for the stouter spined kinds may be readily 
handled with stout gloves, while cones of stout paper slipped over the thumb 
and first finger affords ample protection against the more delicately armed 
varieties. These listed below .are the most beautifull and saleable and can 
also supply almost any other variety. , 
Opuntia. Opuntia. 
acanthocarpa. arborescens 
Amyclaea 35 to .50 arborescens, fine plants in 
andicola .25 tree form . 2.50 to 7.50 
