54 Starting a collection 

COLLECTING 
Many collectors have started with a dish garden or a Mexican 
bowl arrangement. The strange shapes, vivid coloring, and fascinat- 
ing growth have developed such an interest that one wants to make 
a collection. 
While learning the habits and requirements of both cacti and the 
other succulents it 1s well to experiment with the more common 
kinds which are usually available from your local dealer. Some of 
the most interesting plants are among the common varieties and 

Bishop Caps (Astrophytum) are an interesting group to collect or it may be 
Haworthias, Echeverias, Mammillarias or any one of a hundred interesting 
genera. Note the large yellow flower in the above photo. Many of the plants 
resemble seashells. ~ 
