CULTURE OF THE NEW CRIMSON CREEPING CEREUS. 
161 
ARTICLE VI. 
HISTORY AND CULTURE OF THE NEW CRIMSON CREEPING 
CEREUS, WITH SOME REMARKS ON THE NATURAL 
ORDER CACTEiE. 
This New and Splendid Variety, was raised some years ago by Mr. 
Mallison, gardener to Sir Samuel Scott, from seed of Cactus specio- 
sissimus fertilised by C. flagelliformis : its appearance is as nearly 
as possible intermediate between the two parents. It was exhibited 
for the first time at a meeting of the Horticultural Society in 1832. 
Its stem is not the dull colour of the C. flagelliformis, but resembles 
in brightness the C. speciossimus. It must be classed amongst the 
very best hybrids which Horticulturists have succeeded in obtaining. 
— Bot. Reg. 
Culture .—This present variety appears to be a hardy greenhouse 
plant, but will probably do best under similar treatment to the C. 
speciosissima, and many other species. The best compost for them 
is loam and peat, or sandy loam, mixed with a small portion of lime 
rubbish, say about a fourth part. The pots they grow in should 
be as small as the plants will allow, and have plenty of potsherds at 
the bottom, to give a good drainage, for the least stagnation of water 
will materially injure the plants; water them very seldom, and give 
very little at a time. In June, turn them out of doors in a sheltered 
situation, but perfectly exposed to the mid-day sun; placing them 
on a board or floor of any kind, to prevent the worms from entering 
at the bottom of the pots. In September, take them into the green¬ 
house, and place them in a situation, where they will receive plenty 
of light and air during winter; and early in the spring, remove them 
into the stove in succession, as they are wanted to flower. On this 
system the flowers will be much finer and more abundant, than when 
grown regularly in the greenhouse. 
Propagation .—Take off cuttings of any length required, and lay 
them on a shelf in the greenhouse, &c. to dry, there let them re¬ 
main until they begin to have a shrivelled appearance, say a week 
or fortnight; then pot them in small pots in the same compost as 
recommended for old plants; set them on a shelf as near the glass as 
convenient, and be particularly cautious not to overwater them. 
Natural Order .—The Genus Cactus was originally placed by 
Jussieu under the Natural Order Opuntiacem; but Decandolle has 
latterly made the Order Cactese, and divided it into two sections:— 
Opuntiacens and Rliipsalidese. 
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