May.'] HOT-HOUSE — OF SUCCULENTS, ETC. 175 
running into the earth. If the roots were allowed to do so, 
it might for the present strengthen the plant, but ultimately 
would prove injurious. 
Where a sufficiency of shade cannot he obtained, it would 
be advisable to go to the expense of a very thin awning, 
that would not exclude the light, but merely the powerful 
rays of the sun, attending to roll it up every evening. Plants 
will keep in beautiful order by the above method, which 
amply repays for the trouble or expense. Avoid putting 
plants under trees ; comparatively few thrive in such situa- 
tions. 
When they are thus exposed to the open air, it will be 
very little trouble to give them a gentle syringing every 
evening when there is no rain, and continue your usual ex- 
aminations for insects; when they appear, resort to the pre- 
scribed remedies. Green-Jly will not affect them, but the 
thrips may. Give regular supplies of water every evening, 
and again in the morning to all that require it, carefully 
examining those that are in small pots. 
SUCCULENTS, OR THE CACT.EA TRIBE. 
The Cereus Mammilldria, and Opuntia. Divisions of 
this family are, in their indigenous state, exposed on rocks, 
hilly lands, and arid situations, being at all times fully ex- 
posed to the sun : still, with us, we find that they thrive 
best with a partial shade, though we have frequently seen 
them doing well when fully exposed to the influence of the 
sun ; but where they are to be kept out of doors all the 
season, be careful in choosing for them an airy situation, and 
never allow the pots to become saturated with moisture. 
The habits of the EpiphyMum tribe are entirely different ; 
they are generally parasites, growing on the branches and 
about the roots of decayed trees ; consequently, they are 
often much shaded, and they evidently show it, for they still 
delight to be shaded from the direct rays of a noonday sun. 
If they are kept in the house through the summer months, 
take some whiting, and make a thin white-wash, and put it 
on the inside of the glass, which will be found an agreeable 
and effectual shade ; but where time and means are at hand, 
a thin awning, of gauze or muslin, is preferable, provided it 
is regularly rolled up when the sun is not powerful. 
