SUCCULENT PLANTS. 
181 
which succulents naturally grow, that our subsequent dissertations on their 
artificial treatment may be better understood and approved, we shall now add a 
few more particulars, procured from the most authentic quarters. We have said 
that they are mostly inhabitants of high or rocky tracts, or wide and measureless 
plains. In either case, they are thoroughly exposed to solar action, never flourish- 
ing in the vicinage of trees or shrubs, or beneath the shelter of any plants. A 
large proportion of them, if we except the Cactacese, are indigenous to the Cape of 
Good Hope, where they abound in open spots, and a sterile sandy soil. Exceed- 
ingly few Cactaceous plants are natives of the Old World, they being principally 
found in the tropical parts of both North and South America, and the West Indies : 
and such of them as appear to be naturalized in Europe are presumed to be of 
American origin. 
In constructing houses for succulent plants, it will be essential to bear in mind 
the facts just registered. The most important object is obviously their aspect, 
which must alw^ays be south or south-west. But the benefits which this would 
afford will not be brought into requisition unless the wooden materials of which 
the roof is composed are of the lightest and thinnest sort, the glass having as 
distant joints as practicable, and the stage being elevated as near to the top as the 
size of the specimens will admit. To effect these ends, the erection should be a 
rather narrow one, not any higher than to allow room for a walk near the front ; 
and between this walk and the back wall the plants may be arranged in pots on a 
flat slate stage ; one in which there are steps being objectionable, as the drainage 
from an upper row of specimens might fall upon or otherwise affect the plants 
directly below them. A smaller shelf of the same material can be erected along 
the front of the walk, whereon little choice species could be placed. It is of no 
material consequence what system of heating be adopted, provided it be free from 
efiluvia, equable in its operation, and readily made use of for the expulsion of mois- 
ture whenever there is an undue accumulation. 
Other houses may doubtless be employed with advantage, particularly when 
they happen to be already possessed. Still, if one has to be made expressly for the 
purpose, we would suggest that the hints now thrown out cannot be departed from 
with propriety. A small and low structure is greatly to be preferred. It is the 
means of saving fuel, preventing a large collection of damp air, keeping the plants 
close to the roof, and admitting a more easy inspection ; besides occupying less 
room, and being far more elegant. Its ventilation ought likewise to be thoroughly 
efficient, and we should attach considerable value to any contrivance for removing 
the whole of the lights at pleasure during several of the autumnal months. 
A collection of succulents must be divided into two great groups, separating 
them in respect to the temperature they demand. Several future papers will be 
devoted to the enumeration of the genera composing each, and instructions for their 
individual cultivation. The article now published is intended as an introduction to 
the entire series. 
