E. Le Contei (Le Conte's); Fig. 38.—Another of the large-stemmed kinds, which have only recently found their way into English gardens, although long since discovered and described by American travellers. The illustration represents a young plant. When full-grown, this species has a stem 5 ft. high by 2 ft. wide, with broad deep channels and ridges, wrinkled and covered with a thick network of stout spines, which are set in clusters in a cushion of whitish wool, the longest being about 3 in. in length, with curved or slightly hooked points, and distinctly angular. The flowers are 2 in. long, bell-shaped; the petals shining lemon-yellow, with a tinge of brown on the outside, whilst the sepals are like a number of fish-scales, overlapping each other down the outside of the campanulate tube. The stamens and pistil are almost hidden inside the flower. Flowers are borne by quite young plants, whilst upon full-grown specimens they are so numerous as to form a large yellow cap to the immense, prickly, conical stems. They are developed in August and September. A native of Mexico, where it is found wild on the rocky or gravelly plains and ravines, and often in crevices of perpendicular rocks. It requires warm greenhouse treatment, and plenty of water during the summer, care being taken that the soil it is planted in is perfectly drained.



E. Leeanus (Lee's); Bot. Mag. 4184.—This species has many characters in common with E. hexaedrophorus and E. gibbosus, the stem being no larger than a small orange, with plump globose tubercles, bearing star-shaped clusters of short brown spines. The flowers are 11/2 in. long and wide, and are composed of a green fleshy tube, with a few whitish scales, which gradually enlarge till, with the white, rose-tipped petals, they form a spreading cup, the large cluster of pale yellow stamens occupying the whole of the centre. This pretty little Cactus was raised from seeds by Messrs. Lee, of the Hammersmith Nursery, in 1840. It is a native of the Argentine Provinces, and flowers in May. The treatment recommended for E. gibbosus will be found suitable for this. It is happiest when grafted on to another kind. For the amateur whose plants are grown in a room window or small plant-case, these tiny Hedgehog Cactuses are much more suitable than larger kinds, as they keep in health under ordinary treatment, and flower annually; whereas, the larger kinds, unless grown in properly-constructed houses, rarely blossom.

E. longihamatus (long-hooked); Fig. 39.—We heartily wish all species of Cactaceous plants were as readily distinguished and as easily defined in words as in the present remarkably fine and handsome one—remarkable in the very prominent ridges, the large and regularly-arranged spines, the central one very long, flattened, and usually hooked at the end, and handsome in the size and colouring of its flowers, both in the bud and when fully expanded. The stem is globose, 8 in. or more high; it has about thirteen prominent rounded ridges with waved tumid edges, from which, about 11/2 in. apart, spring clusters of spines, about a dozen in each cluster, dark red when young, becoming brown with age. In length, these spines vary from 1 in. to 6 in., the latter being the length of the central, hooked one, which is broad and flattened at the base. The flowers are 4 in. broad and long, the tube short, green, and bearing reddish scales, which gradually pass into bright yellow petals blotched with red on the outside, the inner ones spreading and forming a shallow cup, in the centre of which are the short yellow stamens and large pistil. Plants of this species have been grown with stems 20 in. high; but it takes a great number of years for the development of such specimens. The flowers are produced on the apex of the stem in July. This species was introduced from Mexico about 1850; it thrives only when grown in a warm greenhouse, where the temperature in summer may be allowed to run up to 90 degs. with sun heat. For large collections it is one of the most desirable.



E. Mackieanus (Mackie's); Bot. Mag. 3561.—A small plant, not more than about 5 in. high, and 2 in. broad at the base, widening slightly upwards. The ridges are broken up into numerous fleshy, rounded, green tubercles, crowned with a tuft of thin brown spines from 1/2 in. to 1 in. long, their bases set in a small pad of yellow wool: As the stem gets older, it loses its tubercles at the base, which are changed into brown wrinkles. The flowers are developed on the top of the stem, generally two or three together, egg-shaped and scaly when in bud, 21/2 in. across when expanded; the petals white, tipped with brown; the stigma green, club-shaped. This curious little Cactus is one of about a dozen species found in the Chilian Andes. It was introduced in 1837 by the gentleman whose name it bears, and who, at that time, possessed a famous collection of Cacti. Like the rest of the Chilian kinds, it should be cultivated in a cool greenhouse in full sunshine, where it will produce its flowers in summer.

E. mamillarioides (Mamillaria-like); Bot. Mag. 3558.—This is another small, tubercled species, which, like the preceding, is a native of Chili. Its stem is very irregular in form, owing to the crowding of the tubercles, which look as if they were filled with water. The spines are small, in tufts of about half a dozen, set in a little cushion of yellowish wool. In size, the whole plant is like E. Mackieanus, but it blossoms more freely, as many as sixteen flowers having been borne at one time by a plant at Kew. These were short-tubed, the calyx clothed with green scales, and the petals 2 in. long, recurved at the apex, forming a beautiful cup-like flower of a bright yellow colour, with a band of red down the centre of each petal; the stamens and pistil yellow. The number of flowers developed on the small stem formed by this plant is quite extraordinary. It grows and flowers freely in an ordinary greenhouse, and would thrive in a sunny window if kept dry during the winter.

E. mamillosus (nipple-bearing).—A short, dumpy plant, with numerous tubercled ridges, bearing bunches of dark brown hair-like spines, which form a close network about the stem. The flowers are developed on the top of the stem, and are about 4 in. in diameter, with a thick tube; the petals are spreading, bright yellow in colour, and arranged in a regular, bell-like whorl. Inside this bell is a circle of purple filaments or stamens, forming a pretty contrast with the clear yellow of the petals. This is a recent introduction, which flowered in the Kew collection for the first time in June, 1886. It is one of the most beautiful of the large-flowered kinds, and, as it thrives in a warm greenhouse and is very free-flowering, it may be expected to become a favourite with Cactus growers. Owing to the lack of information respecting the conditions under which many of the Cactuses are found wild, and to the fact that little in the way of experimental culture has been done by growers of this family, cultivators are sometimes in the dark as regards the lowest temperature in which the rarer kinds can be safely grown. Many of the species of the present genus, for instance, were grown in stoves years ago but are now known to thrive in a cool greenhouse where frost alone is excluded.

E. multiflorus (many-flowered); Bot. Mag. 4181.—A well-named Cactus, as its small stem (seldom more than 5 in. high, and the same in width) often bears a large cap-like cluster of beautiful white flowers, except for a slight tinge of brown on the tips of the petals. Each flower is composed of a green, scaly tube, and several rows of reflexed petals, which form a shallow cup 21/2 in. across. The stamens are tipped with orange-coloured anthers, and the stigma is rayed and snow-white. The stem is ridged with rows of fleshy mammae or tubercles, which are curiously humped, and each bears a cluster of spreading, brown spines, 1 in. long. The number of flowers this little plant annually produces seems more than could be possible without proving fatal to its health; but we have seen it blossom year after year, and in no way has its health appeared impaired. It may be grown on a shelf in a warm greenhouse, or in the window of a heated dwelling-room. Introduced, probably from Mexico, in 1845. This, like all the small, globular-stemmed kinds, may be grafted on the stem of a Cereus of suitable thickness. Some cultivators believe that grafting causes the plants to flower more freely, but we have not observed any difference in this respect between grafted and ungrafted plants.

E. myriostigma. (many-dotted); Fig. 40.—In the form of the stem of this species we have a good illustration of how widely a plant may differ from others of the same genus in certain of its characters, for the spines are almost totally suppressed, and the ridges are regular, deep, and smooth. There are usually five or six ridges, a transverse section of the stem revealing a form exactly like the common star-fish (Astrophyton), a resemblance to which the name Astrophytum, sometimes applied to this plant, owed its origin. The form of the stem is well represented in the Figure. The white dots shown on the bark, and which look like scales, are composed of very fine interwoven hairs, which, under a microscope, are very pretty objects. This species was introduced from Mexico along with the large plant of E. Visnaga described at the beginning of this chapter, and was first flowered at Kew, in July, 1845. Stems 1 ft. in length were received, along with shorter ones; but only the small ones were established. The flowers are daisy-like, 11/2 in. across, and are straw-coloured, the petals being tipped with black. It thrives under warm greenhouse treatment. When without its flowers, it looks more like a piece of chiselled stone than a living plant.



E. obvallatus (fortified); Fig. 41.—The form of stem in this species is shown in the Figure. It grows very slowly plants 4 in. through taking about ten years to reach that size from seeds. The spines are stout, all deflexed, and arranged along the edges of the numerous ribs into which the stem is divided. The flowers are developed from the centre of the plant, and are surrounded by the erect spines, which crown the, as yet, undeveloped tubercles. Two or three flowers are produced at about the same time, each one being composed of a short, spiny tube, and a whorl of erect petals, which are pointed, purple-coloured, paler at the margin, the stamens being yellow. Native of Mexico. It requires a stove temperature, and flowers in summer.



E. Ottonis (Otto's); Bot. Mag. 3107.—A dwarf kind, with a balloon-shaped stem, rarely exceeding 4 in. in height, and divided into a dozen wide ridges with sharp, regular edges, along which are clusters of small, brown spines, set in little tufts of wool, and looking like an array of spiders. The flowers are borne on the tops of the ridges, and are pale yellow in colour, with a band of red hair-like spines surrounding the calyx just below the petals, which are narrow, spreading, and look not unlike the flowers of the yellow Marguerite; the stigma is bright red. The symmetrical form of the stem, with its rows of spider-like spines, renders this plant attractive, even when without its bright and pretty flowers. It thrives only in a warm stove. Introduced from Brazil in 1831, flowering in the month of July. As it produces young plants about its base, it may be easily propagated by removing them and planting them in soil; or they may be grafted as advised for other of the small, globose-stemmed kinds.

E. pectiniferus (comb-bearing); Bot. Mag. 4190.—One of the most striking of the plants of this genus, owing to the character of its stem, and the large size and beauty of its flowers. The former resembles a pear with the thin end downwards; its height is from 4 in. to 6 in., and it has about twenty ridges, which are sharply defined and bear along their angles little cushions of white wool 1/2 in. apart, with a radiating cluster of brown spines springing from each. The arrangement of the spines in rows is not unlike the teeth of a comb. The flowers are borne near the top of the stem, and consist of a green, fleshy tube, clothed with spines and little tufts of white wool; the sepals form a row beneath the petals, and are yellowish, tinged with purple; petals 2 in. long, broad, with the upper margins toothed and the tip acute, their colour being bright rose, tinged with greenish-white at the base; stamens yellow; stigma large, green. The form of the flowers is that of a cup, nearly 3 in. across. Introduced from Mexico in 1845. Flowering season, April and May. It requires warm-house treatment.

E. polycephalus (many-headed); Fig. 42.—Stem globose when young, becoming cylindrical with age; number of ribs varying from twelve to twenty, sharply defined, and bearing, at intervals of 1 in., clusters of stout, reddish spines, somewhat flattened on the upper side, and marked with raised rings, or, as it is termed, annulated, the central ones attaining a length of over 3 in. on old plants, and sometimes curved. The flowers are enveloped at the base in a dense mass of white wool, which hides the tube, its spines only showing through; petals narrow, 1 in. long, spreading like a saucer, and coloured bright yellow; stamens numerous, yellow, as also is the large rayed stigma. California and Colorado, on stony and gravelly hills. Flowers in spring; introduced to Kew in 1886. This new plant is remarkable in that it is often found wild with as many as twenty to thirty stems or heads springing from the same base, and even young plants show early a disposition to develop several heads. The largest stems are from 11/2 ft. to 21/2 ft. high, and have a somewhat forbidding appearance, owing to the size and strength of their numerous spines. For its cultivation, a warm-house temperature appears most suitable; it bears a close resemblance to E. texensis.



E. Pottsii (Potts').—The stem of this is shown in Fig. 43. Full-sized plants are 11/2 ft. in diameter, and have about a dozen ridges with acute sinuses, the ridges being rounded and even. The spines are 1 in. long, bristle-like, and are arranged in clusters of seven or nine, with a cushion of white wool at the base of each cluster. Flowers short-tubed, about 2 in. across, and coloured yellow; they are produced on the top of the stem in summer, several expanding together. The plant is a native of California, and was introduced about 1840. Under cultivation this species proves to be a shy-flowering Cactus, although in a warm house it grows freely, and remains in good health. It is well adapted for grafting on to the stem of some kind of Cereus, and in this way may be made to look very singular, as was shown in Mr. Peacock's collection of succulents some years ago, when a fine specimen, over 1 ft. across, was successfully grafted on to three stems of C. tortuosus, and had much the appearance of a melon elevated on a short tripod.



E. rhodophthalmus (red-eyed); Bot. Mag. 4486, 4634.—Stem cone-shaped, 4 in. to 1 ft. high, deeply furrowed; ridges about nine, 1 in. high, the angles bearing closely-set clusters of radiating spines, with a projecting one in the middle of each cluster, which contains nine spines 1 in. long, purple when young, becoming white when old. The flowers are produced from the summit of the stem, and have a thick, green, scaly calyx tube, upon which the spreading, rose-coloured petals are arranged in a regular series, and form a shallow bell nearly 3 in. across. The throat of the flower is coloured a deep crimson, against which the little sheaf of white stamens and the star-shaped yellow stigma form a pretty contrast. Three or more flowers are expanded together on a plant. It is a native of Mexico; introduced in 1845. It thrives in a house or frame where it is protected from frost, and during summer gets plenty of sunlight and air. It flowers in August. During the months of April and May, when it starts into growth, it should be kept close; but by the end of June, it should be exposed to the open air and allowed to ripen, so that its flowers may be produced in the autumn. The plant called E. v. ellipticus does not differ from the type, owing its name to the form of the stem of the first plant that flowered at Kew.

E. scopa. (brush-like); Fig. 44.—The stem of this species, when seen covered with numerous tufts of bristly spines, has been compared to a brush, a comparison not, however, applicable to the form represented in the Figure. In height the stems sometimes reach l1/2 ft., with from thirty to forty ribs, bearing little discs of white wool at the bases of the clusters of spines. The flowers spring from the upper part of the stem (the nodules shown in the illustration represent the places where flowers have been developed at an earlier stage of growth), from four to six being borne in the same season; they are 11/2 in. long and wide, the tube short and brown, bristly; the petals are arranged in several overlapping series, rather wide for their length, toothed at the ends; their colour is a bright sulphur-yellow, as also are the stamens, whilst the stigma, which is rayed, is bright crimson. Native of Brazil. Introduced about 1840; it is more like a Cereus, in the form of its stem, than an Echinocactus. It flowers in June, and requires stove treatment. The stems, when dried carefully and stuffed with wadding, form pretty ornaments.



E. scopa cristata. (crested variety); Fig. 45.—This curious monstrosity owes its origin to fasciation similar to what occurs in the Celosias or Cockscombs, in some Echeverias, &c. These monster varieties of Cactuses do not flower, but they are nevertheless interesting, and worth growing on account of their curious shapes. The plant shown in Fig. 45 is grafted on the stem of a Cereus, and it is remarkable that a portion of the crest of the Echinocactus will, if grafted on to another plant, develop the abnormal form of its parent, proving that the variation, whatever its cause, has become fixed.



E. Simpsoni (Simpson's).—One of the smallest plants in the genus, and one of the prettiest. It produces tufts of irregularly-formed stems about 4 in. high, and composed of numerous rounded tubercles over 1/2 in. wide, bearing on the top of each a tuft of about twelve spines 1/2 in. long. The flowers are borne from the apex of the young tubercles, and are 1 in. wide and long, cup-shaped; petals pale purple, the stamens yellow. Native of Mexico and Colorado, where it is found at elevations of 8000 ft. to 10,000 ft., in great abundance, forming large patches on gravelly morains, where the climate during the summer is dry, whilst in winter a thick covering of snow protects the plants from severe frosts. In England, this species is said to have withstood 32 degs. of frost without being injured. It has been grown out of doors in a garden at Northampton, where it passed several winters planted in a raised border at the foot of a south wall with a natural coping of ivy. In New York, where the frosts of winter are severer than in England, it is cultivated out of doors. In this country it is apt to be injured by excessive moisture and fogs; but by protecting it with a handlight from November to March or April, this is overcome. If grown in pots, it should be kept in a position where it can enjoy all the sunlight possible.

E. sinuatus (undulated).—Stem about 8 in. wide and long; globose, bearing fourteen to sixteen ridges, the edges of which are wavy or undulated, the prominent points crowned with tufts of thin, flexuous, yellow spines, the longest 11/2 in., and hooked, the shorter 3/4 in., and straight. The stem of E. longihamatus is very similar to this. Flowers developed on the top of the stem; tube short, scaly, green; petals yellow, spreading, and forming a cup 3 in. across, which is greenish outside. A native of Mexico, where it flowers in April. A recently-introduced kind, not yet flowered in this country. It is described as being a distinct, large-flowered, handsome species.

E. tenuispinus (thin-spined); Bot. Mag. 3963.—Stem globular, depressed, with ridges and spines similar to those of E. Ottonis; indeed, by some these two are considered forms of the same species. In the number and size of the flowers, their colour and form, and the time of flowering, there is no difference between them. Native of Mexico (and Brazil ?).

E. texensis (Texan); Fig. 46.—A short-stemmed plant, with a thick, leathery skin and broad-based ridges of irregular form, crowned with tufts of stout horny spines, the central one much the longest, flattened at the base, and strong as steel. The flowers are produced near the centre of the top, from the tufts of whitish wool which accompany the spines on the young parts of the ridges. They are 21/2 in. long and wide; the tube short and woolly; the petals spreading, beautifully fringed, and rose-coloured. Native of North-east Mexico, where it grows on stony hillsides in full exposure to sunshine, and where, during winter, it has to endure weather verging on to frost. It thrives in a greenhouse under cultivation. Like several of the stout-spined, robust-stemmed kinds, this may find favour as a garden plant because of the character of its stem, and the extraordinary strength of its large iron-like spines.



E. turbiniformis (top-shaped).—A very distinct dwarf kind, with globular stems 2 in. high and about 3 in. wide, clothed with spirally-arranged rows or ridges of tubercles, similar to those shown in the figure of E. hexaedrophorus, except that, in the former, there are no spines on the mature tubercles, although, when young, they have each a little cluster of fine spines. The flowers expand in June, several together, from the top of the stem; they are round, 1 in. across, the petals being numerous, pale yellow in colour, tinged with red on the outside. Introduced from Mexico, 1840. This curious little plant requires stove treatment, and thrives when grafted on the stem of some other kind. It is sometimes known as Mamillaria turbinata.

E. uncinatus (hooked); Fig. 47.—A small species, with oval stems when young, older plants becoming cylindrical, as shown in the accompanying Figure. The height of the largest plant does not exceed 6 in., so that, when wild, it is often hidden by the long grass in which it is frequently found on stony hillsides at high elevations, in Mexico. The ridges are broken up into large tubercles, upon each of which is a tuft of short straight spines, arranged in a circle, and a long hooked one springing from the centre, and often attaining a length of about 4 in. In old plants the spines are almost white, whilst in young ones they are purplish. The flowers are borne in a cluster on the apex of the stem, and are nearly 2 in. long, the tube being short and spiny, and the petals numerous, arranged in a cup, their colour dark purplish-red, the tips pointed; the stamens are yellow, with orange tips. The flowers expand only when the sun shines on them, closing up again in dull light, but opening again, and remaining fresh for about a week. Introduced in 1850. Flowers in March and April. This plant may be grown in a cool, sunny greenhouse, or window, requiring only protection from frost in winter, and in summer plenty of light, with a moderate amount of water. There are several varieties of it described, their differences being chiefly in the shape of the stem.



E. viridescens (greenish).—Stem 1 ft. high and 9 in. across, young plants being broader than high; the sides split up into about twenty ridges, which are again divided into knotty tubercles or waves. The spines are remarkable for their size and strength, those on large plants being 4 in. long by 1/2 in. broad at the base, gradually narrowing to a stiff point; there are four central spines of this size, the others, of which there are about a dozen, being shorter and thinner, and arranged stellately. The flowers, which are rarely produced, are poor in comparison with the majority of the flowers of this genus. As the name denotes, their colour is yellowish-green; and they are about 11/2 in. wide and high. There are often as many as a dozen flowers expanded together on a stem of this plant when wild, and they are arranged in a circle around the growing point. The interest in this species, however, centres in its spines rather than its flowers. It is a native of the dry hills of California, extending sometimes down to the sea-beach. There is a plant of it at Kew 6 in. high and about fifteen years old; it has not been known to flower there. Mr. Peacock also possesses a large plant of it.

E. Visnaga. (visnaga means a toothpick among the Mexican settlers); Fig. 48.—Of the most remarkable features of this truly wonderful Cactus we have already spoken earlier in this Chapter. In 1846, Sir W. J. Hooker described, in the Illustrated London News, a large plant of it, which had been successfully introduced alive to Kew, and which, a year or so later, flowered, and was figured in the Botantical Magazine (4559). Its height was 9 ft., and it measured 91/2 ft. in circumference; its weight a ton. Afterwards, it exhibited symptoms of internal injury. The inside became a putrid mass, and the crust, or shell, fell in by its own weight. The shape of the stem is elliptical, with numerous ridges and stout brown spines arranged in tufts along their edges. The flowers are freely produced from the woolly apex; the tube is scaly and brown, and the petals are arranged like a saucer about the cluster of orange-coloured stamens. The colour of the petals is bright yellow, and the width of the flower is nearly 3 in. This plant is a native of Mexico, and is usually cultivated in a tropical temperature, but it would probably thrive in a warm greenhouse. It flowers in summer. As we have stated, large specimens do not live long in this country; and as the flowers are only borne by such, the plant, except only for its stems, is not to be recommended for ordinary collections.



E. Williamsii (Williams's); Bot. Mag. 4296.—A very distinct dwarf species, often called the "Dumpling Cactus," from the puffed-out, tumid appearance of its stems, which frequently branch at the base, so as to form a tuft of several heads; these are turbinate, 3 in. or 4 in. high, and 2 in. across the top, where the smooth, pale green flesh is divided into about half-a-dozen rounded tubercles, pressed closely together, and suggesting a number of small green potatoes joined by their bases. Each tubercle bears several tufts of short hairs. The flowers proceed from the young tubercles near the centre of the crown, their bases being enveloped in pale brown wool, the petals spreading out daisy-like to the width of 1 in., with a short disk of stamens in the middle; they are white, tinged with rose, and are developed in the summer months. Native of the rocky hills of Mexico, whence it was introduced in 1845. The stems of this plant are its most distinctive feature. It thrives on a shelf in a warm greenhouse, if kept perfectly dry in winter, and it should be potted in a compost consisting of broken brick two-thirds, loam one-third.

E. Wislizeni (Wislizen's); Fig. 49.—A large-stemmed kind, second only in size to E. Visnaga. Young plants have depressed stems, those in older specimens being cylinder-shaped. A specimen at Kew is 8 in. high by 18 in. in diameter, with twenty-one ridges, which are regular and sharp-edged, and bear bunches of spines at regular intervals, the outer and shorter ones being spreading and white, whilst from the middle of each tuft arise four longer and stouter spines, three of them 2 in. long, and one 3 in., with the point hooked, and as strong as if made of steel. The flowers, which are developed only on large plants, are greenish-yellow, about 2 in. long and wide, and expand during summer and autumn. The juice of the stems is said to serve as a substitute for water when the latter is scarce, and instances have been known among the white trappers where the lives of men have been saved by this plant. A novel use the stems are put to by the Indians is that of boilers, a purpose which they are said to answer well. The fleshy inside is scooped out, and the tough skin, with its iron-like spine protection, is then filled with vegetables and water and placed on the fire. As there is a plentiful supply of plants, the Indians do not trouble to carry this "boiler" about with them, but make a fresh one at every stage of their journeyings.



CHAPTER VIII.

THE GENUS ECHINOPSIS.

(From echinos, a hedgehog, and opsis, like.)

No less than three sections of Cactuses, viz., the above, Echinocactus, and Echinocereus, owe their names to their hedgehog-like stems. From a horticultural point of view, there is perhaps no good reason for keeping the above three genera and Cereus separate; but we follow Kew in the arrangement adopted here. The genus Echinopsis, as now recognised by most English botanists and cultivators, comprises about thirty species, most of which have been, or are still, in cultivation. They are distinguished from Echinocactuses by the length of their flower tube, from Cereuses by the form and size of their stems, and from both in the position on the stem occupied by the flowers. They are remarkable for the great size, length of tube, and beauty of their flowers, which, borne upon generally small and dumpy stems, appear very much larger and handsomer than would be expected.

The distribution of Echinopsis is similar to that of Echinocactus, species being found in Chili, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, &c. They grow only in situations where the soil is sandy or gravelly, or on the sides of hills in the crevices of rocks.

Cultivation.—The growing and resting seasons for Echinopsis are the same as for Echinocactus, and we may therefore refer to what is said under that genus for general hints with regard to the cultivation of Echinopsis in this country. The following is from the notes of the late Curator of the Royal Gardens, Kew (Mr. J. Smith), as being worthy the attention of Cactus growers. Writing about Echinopsis cristata, which he grew and flowered exceptionally well, he says: "This showy plant is a native of Chili, and, like its Mexican allies, thrives if potted in light loam, with a little leaf mould and a few nodules of lime rubbish. The latter are for the purpose of keeping the soil open; it is also necessary that the soil should be well drained. In winter, water must be given very sparingly, and the atmosphere of the house should be dry; the temperature need not exceed 50 degs. during the night, and in very cold weather it may be allowed to fall 10 degs. lower, provided a higher temperature (55 degs.) be maintained during the day. As the season advances, the plants should receive the full influence of the increasing warmth of the sun; and during hot weather, they will be benefited by frequent syringing overhead, which should be done in the evening. It is, however, necessary to guard against the soil becoming saturated, for the soft fibrous roots suffer if they continue in a wet state for any length of time."

None of the species require to be grafted to grow freely and remain healthy, as the stems are all robust enough and of sufficient size to take care of themselves. The only danger is in keeping the plants too moist in winter, for although a little water now and again keeps the stems fresh and green, it deprives them of that rest which is essential to the development of their large, beautiful flowers in summer.

SPECIES.

E. campylacantha. (curved-spined); Bot. Mag. 4567.—Stem 1 ft. or l1/2 ft. high, globe-shaped, with a somewhat pointed top, the sides divided into from fourteen to sixteen ridges, with tubercled edges, bearing clusters of about ten strong brown spines, which are stellately arranged, a central one projecting outwards, then suddenly curving upwards, and measuring 3 in. in length. The flowers are developed from the ridges on the side of the stem; they are 6 in. long, the tube shaped like a trumpet, brownish in colour, and clothed with tufts of short black hairs; petals arranged in three rows, spreading so as to form a limb 21/2 in. across, pale rose-coloured, with a large cluster of yellow-tipped stamens, forming a disk-like centre. This species is a native of Chili, and was introduced in 1831. It blossoms in spring and summer. The long curving central spine and remarkable length of the flower-tube distinguish it from the other kinds. It may be grown in a cool greenhouse, where it will thrive, if kept freely watered during summer and rested on a dry, sunny shelf in winter. It is rare in English collections, but frequently occurs in Continental gardens.

E. cristata (crested); Bot. Mag. 4687.—Stem globe-shaped, 1 ft. high, slightly narrowed towards the top; ridges fifteen, 1 in. deep, sharply angular, the edges bearing tufts of spreading, yellowish spines, over 1 in. long, slightly curved, and tipped with red. Flowers creamy-white, springing from the ridges on the top of the stem; tube 4 in. long, clothed with tufts of black hairs, and surmounted by a whorl of reddish-yellow sepals, above which are two rows of broad-spreading petals. The width of the flower is over 6 in., and the stamens are arranged in a corona-like whorl inside the petals. This very fine Cactus is a native of Bolivia, whence it was introduced in 1850. When in flower, the broad, long-tubed, pale-coloured blossoms equal in beauty those of the Night-flowering Cereus. It blossoms in July. It thrives if kept in a warm, sunny greenhouse, but must be liberally treated in summer, so as to induce vigorous growth, and then be subjected to complete rest in winter in full sunlight, or it will not flower.

E. c. purpurea (purple ).—This variety differs from the type in having deep rose-coloured flowers and a slightly longer tube. It is impossible to find among all the species of the Cereus section a more beautiful plant than this; the size of the flowers, their rich colour, their developing three or four together in the month of July, being almost exceptional, even among Cactuses. A splendid example of it was flowered at Kew in 1846 for the first time. It thrives under the conditions recommended for E. cristata. This variety is often made very sickly by treating it as a tropical Cactus, and, like most of these plants, if once it gets into a bad condition, it remains so a long time, in spite of liberal and careful treatment. So many of the Cactuses found in cool regions are ruined by an excess of heat in winter, and a close atmosphere during their season of growth, that too much attention cannot be given to the question of temperature in relation to their cultivation in English gardens.

E. Decaisneanus (Decaisne's).—As represented in Fig. 50, this plant appears to have a columnar stem, but this is owing to the specimen having been formed by cutting off the upper portion of an old plant and striking it. Naturally, the stem in this species is globular or slightly egg-shaped, and bears about fourteen ridges, upon which are tufts of short spines, springing from little cushions of whitish wool. The position of the flowers is shown in the figure. The tube is covered with tufts of hair-like spines, and the petals and sepals are broad, spreading, and white, tinged with yellow, as in E. cristata. The native country of this plant is not known; but it is a well-known garden Cactus, and thrives in a warm, airy greenhouse in summer, and on a dry, sunny shelf in winter. The swollen base of the tube is a good example of the nature of what is usually termed the flower-stalk in these plants. It is, as has been pointed out, the elongated calyx, and the swollen portion is the ovary or seed vessel. If, therefore, seeds are desired, the withering flowers should be allowed to remain, and, in time, the upper portion of the tube will fall away, leaving the base, which continues to grow till it attains the proportions of a hen's egg.



E. Eyriesii (Eyries').—Stem no larger than an orange, with about a dozen ridges, the edges sharp, and bearing little globular tufts of whitish wool and red, hair-like spines. Flower exceedingly large for the size of the stem, the tube being more than 6 in. long, funnel-shaped, pale green, with tufts of brown hairs, which look very much like insects, scattered over the surface. The petals are numerous, narrow-pointed, spreading, pure white, the stamens pale yellow, and the star-like stigma white. This species is a native of Mexico, and was introduced by the late Sir John Lubbock, about 1830. It blossoms at various seasons, generally in summer. "Independently of the large size of the flowers, which rival in dimensions those of the Cereuses, it is remarkable for the rich, delicate odour they exhale at night, at which time its glorious blossoms expand. When young, they resemble long, sooty-grey horns, covered over with a thick, shaggy hairiness, and would never be suspected to conceal a form of the utmost beauty and a clear and delicate complexion. When the hour of perfection has arrived, and the coarse veil of hair begins to be withdrawn by the expansion of the unfolding petals, one is amazed at the unexpected loveliness which stands revealed in the form of this vegetable star, whose rays are of the softest white" (Lindley). For its cultivation, this plant requires a warm house always; but care should be taken to give it plenty of fresh air and as much light as possible. The soil best suited for it is a rich loam with a little sand and charcoal. It likes liberal watering in summer.

E. E. flore-pleno (double-flowered); Fig. 51.—A form with several rows of petals, which give the flowers a doubled appearance.



E. E. glauca (hoary-grey). This variety differs from the type in the absence of the dark brown hairs from the flower-tube, which is also shorter than in E. Eyriesii. Probably a native of Mexico.

E. oxygonus (sharp-angled).—This is very similar to E. Eyriesii. Stem globular in shape, and divided into about fourteen acute-edged ridges, upon which are tufts of brown spines, varying from 1/2 in. to 11/2 in. in length. Flower 8 in. long, the tube slightly curved, covered with little scales and hairs, and coloured green and red. The petals form an incurved cup, and are broad, with pointed tips; their colour a bright rose, with a lighter shade towards the centre of the flower. As in E. Eyriesii, the flowers of this kind are borne several together from the ridges near the growing centre of the stem. It is a native of Brazil, whence it was introduced nearly half a century ago. It thrives in an intermediate house, if treated as advised for E. Eyriesii, and its flowers will develop in summer. The extraordinary size and beauty of the blossoms are sufficient to compensate for their comparatively short duration after expanding; it is also interesting to watch the gradual development of the tiny, hairy cone, which is the first sign of the flower, and which increases in length and size at a surprising rate.

E. Pentlandi (Pentland's); Fig. 52.—A pretty little species, with a globose stem 3 in. in diameter, divided into about a dozen rounded ridges, which are undulated or broken up into irregular tubercles, when the ridges do not run parallel with each other. Each tubercle is crowned with a tuft of brown, bristle-like spines, 1/2 in. or so long. The flowers are large in proportion to the size of the plant, the tube being 4 in. long, and trumpet-shaped; petals arranged in several overlapping rows and forming a cup 2 in. across, the lowest whorl turning downwards; in colour, they are a brilliant red, the stamens white, and the stigmas yellow. Three or four flowers are often expanded together on the same stem, springing from the side instead of the top of the plant. Native of Mexico (?); introduced about 1840. There are several distinct seedling or hybrid forms of this species, remarkable in having the colour of their flowers either red, yellow and white, or white, whilst some, such as the one known as flammea, have flowers only 2 in. long. These kinds may all be grown in a sunny greenhouse or window, as they only require protection from frost. They may be placed out of doors in summer, and be kept under glass only during winter, treatment which will result in better growth and more flowers than if the plants were kept permanently under glass.



E. P. longispinus (long-spined); Fig. 53.—This is a long-spined form, and differs also in the shape of the stem, which is oblong, rather than globose.



E. tubiflorus (tube-flowered).—This species has an orange-shaped stem, about 4 in. high, and divided into about twelve prominent, sharp-angled ridges, along which are tufts of blackish spines, 1/2 in. long, and set in little cushions of white wool. The flower springs from the side of the stems, where it replaces a tuft of spines, and, as in E. Eyriesii, the tube is remarkably long, whilst the size of the whole flower much exceeds that of the rest of the plant, the length of the tube being about 6 in., and the width of the flower over 4 in. The petals are pure white, recurved, displaying the crown of yellow stamens, arranged in a ring about the rather small, rayed stigma. The tube is uniformly green, except that the scale-like bracts are edged with long, blackish, silky hairs. A native of Mexico; introduced about fifty years ago, when it was figured in the Botanical Magazine and elsewhere as a species of Echinocactus. E. tubiflorus may be placed along with E. Eyriesii and E. oxygonus, as it requires similar treatment. The three kinds here mentioned may be recommended as a trio of very fine-flowered, small-stemmed Cacti, which may be grown successfully in any ordinary greenhouse.



CHAPTER IX.

THE GENUS MELOCACTUS.

(From melon, a melon, and Kaktos, a name applied by Theophrastus to a spiny plant; the species are melon-formed, and their angles are beset with tufts of spines.)

This genus forms a group of well-marked and curious plants, with stems similar to those of the globose Echinocactuses and floral characters quite distinct from all other genera. They cannot be said to possess any particular beauty, as their stems are stiff and dumpy, their spines large and rigid, and their flowers small and unattractive. But what is wanting in beauty of form or colour is atoned for in the cap which crowns the stem, and forms the flower-head, growing taller and taller whilst the stem remains stationary, till, under favourable circumstances, a cylindrical mass of spines and hairs, not unlike a large bottle-brush, and 1 ft. or more in length, is developed before the whole plant succumbs to old age. This character belongs more particularly to M. communis, the commonest species, and the one best known in English gardens. Additional interest attaches to this species, from the fact of its having been the first Cactus introduced into Europe, for we are informed that in the year 1581 living plants of the Melon Cactus were known in London. Fifty years later, Gerard, the Adam of English gardening, wrote: "Who can but marvel at the care and singular workmanship shown in this Thistle, the Melocarduus echinatus, or Hedgehog Thistle? It groweth upon the cliffes and gravelly grounds neere unto the seaside in the islands of the West Indies, called St. Margaret's and St. John's Isle, neere unto Puerto Rico, and other places in these countries, by the relation of divers that have journied into these parts who have brought me the plant itself with his seed, the which would not grow ill my garden, by reason of the coldnesse of the clymate." After this, the plant appears to have been frequently cultivated in gardens in this country, and it has only been in recent years that this and similar curiosities have almost disappeared from all except botanical collections.

The most prominent distinctive characters of Melocactus reside in the cap or cluster of spines, wool, and flowers on the summit of the stem. Thirty species are included in the genus, their stems ranging from 1 ft. to 3 ft. in height, the ridges straight, and, as a rule, large; whilst all have stiff stout spines in clusters about 1 in. apart. The small flowers are succeeded by bright red, cherry-like berries, containing numerous black, shining seeds. The distribution of the species is over the hottest parts of some of the West Indian Islands and a few places in Central and South America.

Cultivation.—The cultivation of the several kinds known in gardens is as follows: A tropical temperature all the year round, with as much sunlight as possible, and a moist atmosphere for about three months during summer, when growth is most active. Very little soil is required, as the largest stems have comparatively few roots; indeed, imported stems have been known to live, and even make growth, nearly two years without pushing a single root; but, of course, this was abnormal, and was no other than the using-up of the nourishment stored up in the stem before it was removed from its native home. M. Louis de Smet, a well-known Ghent nurseryman, who grows a fine collection of Cactuses, stated that he had kept M. communis a long time in robust health and growth by feeding it with a very weak solution of salt. Tried at Kew, this treatment did not appear to make any perceptible difference; but, bearing in mind that the Turk's-Cap Cactus is found in great abundance within the reach of sea spray, in some of the West Indian Islands, there seems much reason in M. de Smet's treatment. The same gentleman informed us that he had a specimen of this Cactus bearing no less than thirteen heads. There is, at the time of writing, a specimen at Kew bearing four fine heads. Large imported plants are very rarely, established; and even when established, they do not thrive long, owing to the fact that, after the cap has commenced to form, no further stem-growth is made. Young plants grow very slowly, a plant 3 ft. across taking, according to Sir W. Hooker, from 200 to 300 years to reach that size. It has been stated that grafting is a good plan to adopt for the Melocactus, Mr. F. T. Palmer, in "Culture des Cactees", recommending the following treatment for M. communis: Take a Cereus peruvianus of about the same diameter as that of the base of the Melocactus, cut off the head of the former, but not so low as to come upon the hard, ligneous axis, and then pare off the hard epidermis and ribs for about 1 in. Then take off a slice from the base of the Melocactus, also paring off about 1 in. of the epidermis all round; place the two together, and bind on firmly with strong worsted. In warm weather, a union should take place in about two months, but it will be safest to allow the ligature to remain till growth commences. The precaution of paring off the hard skin and ribs is absolutely necessary, as the juicy centre contracts, and the rind, or epidermis, does not. There would, therefore, be a cavity formed sufficient to prevent all cohesion, be the graft tied on ever so tightly.

Large imported stems should be kept perfectly dry for about a fortnight, and, if they show any signs of rottenness, they should be carefully examined and the bad portions cut away; exposure to the air for a few days will generally cause these pared places to callus over. At all times, even when the stems appear to be in good health, a sharp look-out should be kept for patches of rottenness in the stem, and especially about its base.

Propagation.—This is effected by means of seeds, which usually follow quickly after the flowers produced on cultivated specimens. Multiplication is also possible by means of offsets, which are formed about the base of the stem if the top of a growing plant is cut out. The thirteen-headed plant mentioned above was the result of the removal of the top of a stem which had developed these lateral growths, and thus formed a family of red-capped stems; this had, however, taken place before the plant was removed from its native home. As the cap is the most remarkable part of M. communis, the purchase of large imported stems, in preference to young ones raised from seeds, is recommended; for, as the cap does not form till the stem attains a large size, there would be small hope of seedlings reaching the flowering stage during a lifetime.

SPECIES.

M. communis (common); Fig. 54.—Stem from 2 ft. to 3 ft. in diameter, globose, with from twelve to twenty ridges, and armed with numerous clusters of strong, short spines, the clusters placed closely together. On the summit of the stem is a cylindrical crown, about 4 in. broad, and varying in height from 5 in. to 12 in. This cylinder is composed of a thick pad of whitish, cotton-like substance, through and beyond which a great number of bristle-like red spines are developed, the whole being not unlike a bottle-brush. About the top of this brush-like growth the flowers are produced. These are small, red, fleshy, and tube-shaped, the calyx and corolla forming a regular flower, as in a Hyacinth. They are borne at various times in the year, as long as the cap is growing; afterwards the latter falls off; and the stem rots. We have a cap that was cast by an old plant, and which has stood as an ornament on a shelf in a room for about four years, and is still in perfect condition. In addition to the name of Turk's-Cap Cactus this plant is also known as "Englishman's Head" and "Pope's Head." It is a native of several of the islands of the West Indies, being very abundant in St. Kitt's Island, where it grows in very dry, barren places, often on bare porous rocks.



M. depressus (flattened); Bot. Mag. 3691.—Stem broader than high, deeply cut into about ten broad furrows, along the sharp angles of which are clusters of pale brown spines, from 1/2 in. to 1 in. long, arranged in a star, each cluster 1 in. apart. Instead of the cylinder-like cap of the Turk's-Cap species, this one has a short, broad tuft of white wool and red spines, like a skull-cap. The flowers are small, and soon wither, but remain attached to the oblong berries, which stand erect in a dense cluster in the centre of the cap, and are of a delicate rose-colour. The first introduced plant of this was sent home by Mr. Gardner, who introduced the Epiphyllums and other Cactuses. It flowered on the way to England, and matured its seeds soon after its arrival. It is a native of Pernambuco.

M. Miquelii (Miquel's); Fig. 55.—This species appears to have been introduced in 1838, when two plants of it were sent from the West Indian Island, St. Croix, to the Hamburg Botanic Gardens. The stem is oval, dark green, with fourteen well-defined ribs, as regular as if they had been carved with a knife. The spine-tufts are small; spines short, black-brown, about nine in each tuft, one of which is central, the others radiating; they are less than 1/2 in. long. The "cap" is cylindrical, 3 in. high by 4 in. in diameter, and composed of layers of snow-white threads, mixed with short reddish bristles.



These three are the only species of Melocactus that have become known in English gardens, although various other kinds, named M. Lehmanni, M. Zuccarini, M. Ellemeetii, M. Schlumbergerianus, &c., occur in books.



CHAPTER X.

THE GENUS PILOCEREUS.

(From pilos, wool, and Cereus, in allusion to the long hairs on the spine cushions, and the affinity of the genus.)

One of the most striking plants in this order is the "Old Man Cactus," botanically known as Pilocereus senilis, which is the only member of this genus that has become at all known in English gardens. In Continental gardens, however, more than a dozen species are to be found in collections of succulent plants; and of these one of the most remarkable is that represented at Fig. 56. The limits of the genus Pilocereus are not definitely fixed, different botanists holding different views with respect to the generic characters. Recent writers, and among them the late Mr. Bentham, sunk the genus under Cereus; but there are sufficiently good characters to justify us in retaining, for garden purposes, the name Pilocereus for the several distinct plants mentioned here. The botanist who founded the genus gives the following general description of its members: Stems tall, erect, thick, simple or branched, fleshy, ridged; the ridges regular, slightly tubercled, and placed closely together. Tubercles generally hairy, with bunches of short spines; the hairs long and white, especially about the apex of the stem, where they form a dense mass. Flowers on the extreme top of the matured stems, and arranged in a cluster as in the Melon Cactus, small, tubular; the petals united at the base, and the stamens attached to the whole face of the tube thus formed, expanding only at night, and fading in a few hours. These flowers have a disagreeable odour, not unlike that of boiled cabbage. Fruit fleshy, round, persistent, usually red when ripe. The species are natives of tropical America, and are generally found in rocky gorges or the steep declivities of mountainous regions.

Cultivation.—These plants require distinctly tropical treatment. During summer, they must have all the sunlight possible, and be supplied with plenty of water, both at the root and by means of the syringe. Air should be given on very hot days, but the plants should be encouraged to make all the growth possible before the approach of winter. In winter, they may be kept quite dry, and the temperature of the house where they stand should be maintained at about 60 degs., rising to 65 degs. or 70 degs. in the day. In March, the plants should be repotted into as small pots as convenient, employing a good, loamy soil and ample drainage. Should the hairs become soiled or dusty, the stems may be laid on their sides and then syringed with a mixture of soft soap and warm water, to be followed by a few syringefuls of pure water; this should cleanse the hairs and give them the white appearance to which the plants owe their attractiveness.

SPECIES.

P. Houlletianus (Houllet's); Fig. 56.—Stem robust, glaucous-green; ridges about eight, broad, prominent, obscurely tubercled; spines in bundles of nine, radiating, straight, less than 1 in. long, and pale yellow. Upon the growing part of the stem, the spines are intermingled with long, white, cottony hairs, often matted together like an unkempt head; these hairs fall off as the stem matures. Flowers funnel-shaped, resembling Canterbury Bells, borne in a cluster on the summit of the plant; ovary short and scaly; petals joined at the base, and coloured a rosy-purple, dashed with yellow; the stamens fill the whole of the flower-tube and are white; style a little longer than the flower-tube, and bearing a ray of about a dozen stigmas. Fruit globose, as large as a plum, and coloured cherry-red. The pulp is bright, crimson, and contains a few brownish seeds. In the engraving the fruit is shown on the left, and a flower-bud on the right. This species is often known in Continental collections as P. Fosterii.



P. senilis (Old-Man).—Stem attaining a height of 25 ft., with a diameter of about 1 ft.; ridges from twenty-five to thirty on plants 4 ft. high; the furrows mere slits, whilst the tufts of thin, straight spines, 1 in. long, which crown each of the many tubercles into which the ridges are divided, give young stems a brushy appearance. About the upper portion of the stem, and especially upon the extreme top, are numerous white, wiry hairs, 6 in. or more long, and gathered sometimes into locks. To this character, the plant owes it name Old-Man Cactus; but, by a curious inversion of what obtains in the human kind, old plants are less conspicuous by their white hairs than the younger ones. Some years ago, there were three fine stems of this Cactus among the cultivated plants at Kew, the highest of which measured 181/2 ft. There was also, however, a fine specimen in the Oxford Botanic Gardens, with a stem 16 ft. high; and it is stated that this plant has been in cultivation in England a hundred years at least. A plant twenty-five years old is very small, and, from its slowness of growth, as well as from the reports of the inhabitants of Mexico, where this species is found wild, there is reason to believe that a stem 20 ft. high would be several hundred years old. The flowers of P. senilis are not known in English collections, the plant being grown only for its shaggy hairiness.

Other species are: P. chrysomallus, which has a branching habit, P. Bruennonii (Fig. 57), P. Celsianus, P. columna, P. tilophorus, known only in a young state, and several others, all very remarkable plants, but not known in English collections, unless, perhaps at Kew.



CHAPTER XI.

THE GENUS MAMILLARIA.

(From mamilla, a little teat; in allusion to the tubercles.)

Something over 300 different kinds of Mamillaria are known, but only a small proportion of these may be considered as garden plants. They are characterised generally by short, symmetrically-formed stems, sometimes aggregated together and forming a dense tuft, but, as a rule, each plant has only one stem. The generic name is descriptive of the chief feature in these stems, namely, the closely-set, spirally-arranged tubercles or mamillae, which vary considerably in the different kinds, but are always present in some form or other. Some kinds have stems only 1 in. high by 2/3 in. in diameter, and the tubercles hidden from view by the star-shaped cushions of reddish or white spines. In some, the spines are erect and hair-like, giving the plant the appearance of tiny sea-urchins; another group has the principal spines hooked at the tip, and the points in these so sharp that if the hand comes in contact with them they hook into it and stick like fish-hooks. The purpose of these hooked spines seems doubtful; certainly, they cannot serve as any protection to the plant itself, as they are so strong that the plant must be torn up by the roots before the hooks will give way.

The spines in M. macromeris are straight, and measure 2 in. in length; in M. multiceps they are in two series, the one fine, white, and short, the other yellow and stout. The most marked section of this genus, however, is that represented by M. fissurata (Fig. 61), in which the tubercles are large, spreading horizontally, and angular, resembling most closely the foliage and habit of some of the Haworthias. No one who had not read up the botany of Mamillarias would suspect that this plant belonged to them, or even to the Cactus order at all. There is a good specimen of it in the Kew collection. When in flower the family resemblance is easily seen; but as this species does not flower freely, it will be known by its remarkable foliage-like tubercles, rather than as a flowering Cactus. And the same remark applies to many of the Mamillarias; their stems thickly beset with tubercles and spines, always regular in arrangement, and neat and attractive in appearance.

The following remarks made by Dr. Lindley when describing M. tenuis, give a good idea of the singular, yet pretty, stems of some of these plants: "Gentle reader, hast thou never seen in a display of fireworks a crowd of wheels all in motion at once, crossing and intersecting each other in every direction; and canst thou fancy those wheels arrested in their motion by some magic power—their rays retained, but their fires extinguished and their brightness gone? Then mayst thou conceive the curious beauty of this little herb—a plant so unlike all others that we would fain believe it the reanimated spirit of a race that flourished in former ages, with those hideous monsters whose bones alone remain to tell the history of their existence." It is quite true that in the cultivated Mamillarias there is nothing unsightly, or rough, or unfinished. Without foliage, their stems globose, or short cylinders, or arranged in little cushion-like tufts, and enveloped in silky spines, like tiny red stars, always looking the same, except when in flower, and never looking in the least like ordinary plants. Characters such as these ought to find many admirers. In the Succulent House at Kew, there is a long shelf upon which a great many plants of this genus may be seen. But the flowers in some of the species of Mamillaria are quite as attractive as the stems. Those of M. macromeris are 3 in. long and wide, their colour a deep rose; M. Scheerii has equally large flowers, and coloured bright yellow, as also are the flowers of M. pectinata. This last is remarkable on account of the clock-like regularity with which its flowers expand. While fresh, they open every day between eleven and twelve o'clock, and close again about one, however strong the sunlight shining upon them may be. Some of the kinds (more especially the small-flowered ones) are often prettily studded over with bright red, coral-like berries, which are the little fruits, and contain, as a rule, matured seeds capable of reproducing the parent plant.

The headquarters of the genus Mamillaria is Mexico, and the countries immediately to the north, a few being scattered over the West Indies, Bolivia, Brazil, and Chili. Many of them grow on mountains where the temperature is moderate, but where the sunlight is always intense. Others are found on limestone or gravelly hills, among short herbage, or on grassy prairies. A small silvery-spined kind has recently been found near the snow line in Chili. M. vivipara is quite hardy in New York, as also are several other kinds, whilst we learn that by planting them out in summer, and protecting them by means of a frame from heavy rain, dews, fogs, and sudden changes of weather, a good many species of both Mamillaria and Echinocactus are successfully managed in the neighbourhood of that town.

Cultivation.—Particulars with respect to cultivation are given along with the descriptions of most of the species, but a few general principles may here be noted. With only a few exceptions, all the cultivated Mamillarias may be grown in a warm, sunny greenhouse, or they may be placed in a frame with a south aspect, during our summer, removing them into artificially heated quarters for the winter. They do not like a large body of soil about their roots, but always thrive best when in comparatively small pots. If a sweet, new, fibry loam, mixed with broken bricks or cinders, be used to pot these plants in, they may then be left undisturbed at the root for several years. Much harm is often done to the more delicate kinds of Cactuses by repotting them annually; the best-managed collection I have seen had not been repotted for four years. This would not be safe if a poor and exhausted soil were used in the first instance. The pots should be well drained with crocks, and these covered with a layer of fibre sifted from loam. In summer, the soil should be kept moist, but never saturated; and after a bright warm day, the stems may be moistened over by syringing them with tepid water. A point of much importance in connection with these, and indeed all tropical and extra-tropical plants, is, that the water used for watering or syringing them should be rain-water if possible, and never more than a degree or so colder than the plants themselves would be. Thus, a plant which had been standing in the full glare of a midsummer sun all day, would be much endangered by watering it with cold tap-water. Where proper arrangements for water are not made in a greenhouse or stove, it is a good plan to place the water wanted for the day's use in the sun along with the plants. A little bag filled with soot and tightly tied at the neck, and water, is a good method for rendering hard tap-water suitable for watering the roots of plants. In winter, Mamillarias may be kept quite dry at the roots, except in mild sunny weather, when a little water may be given.

A collection of the most distinct kinds may be successfully managed in a glass case in a room window, providing the sun shines through it for a few hours in the day.

Propagation.—This is usually effected by means of seeds, which may be procured from Continental seedsmen as well as from our own. The treatment required by the seeds is similar to what has been already advised for those of other Cactuses. The tufted kinds are easily multiplied by separating the stems, or even by cutting off the tops and planting them in small pots of sandy soil.

SPECIES. The following kinds are selected from those known to be in cultivation; of course, it is out of the question here to enumerate all the species known.

M. angularis (angular-tubercled).—A robust kind, with stems 4 in. to 8 in. high, and branching somewhat freely; tubercles prism-shaped, rather thick at the base, and slightly angular, 1/4 in. long, their tops tufted with short white spines; at the base of the tubercles are little tufts of white wool. Flowers are only rarely produced by cultivated plants; they are small, tubular, rosy-purple, the stamens yellow. Introduced from Mexico in 1835; flowers in summer. When happily situated, it forms a specimen 1 ft. in diameter, owing to its freely produced arm-like branches, which spread out and curve upwards. It requires a warm greenhouse temperature during winter, and exposure to bright sunshine at all times.

M. applanata (flattened).—In this, the stem is broader than high, and has a squat appearance; tubercles 3/4 in. long, cone-shaped, with stellate tufts of straight, hair-like spines, white when young, yellowish when aged. Flowers springing from the outside of the stem-top, white, tinged with red. It is a native of Mexico, and blossoms in summer. A specimen, 6 in. through at the base, may be seen at Kew, where it has been for many years, without altering perceptibly in size. All the larger-stemmed Mamillarias are exceedingly slow growers after they have reached a certain size, although, in the seedling stage, they grow freely. The treatment for this kind should resemble that advised for the last.

M. atrata (blackened).—Stem oval in shape, broad at the base, 4 in. high, unbranched; tubercles swollen, 1/2 in. long, deep green, cone-shaped, becoming flattened through pressure of growth. Spines set in a tuft of white hairs, falling off from the lowest mammae, as happens in many of the thick-stemmed kinds. Flowers numerous, and developed all round the outside of the stem, stalkless, nestling closely between the tubercles, and when expanded looking like starry buttons of a rosy-pink colour. Native of Chili, flowering in autumn. This species is rare in England, but is worth attention because of the prettiness of its flowers, the attractive form of its stem, and its reputed hardiness. It will thrive in a cold frame, and requires protection from excessive wet only, rather than from cold. Grown in a warm house, it becomes sickly, and is short-lived.

M. bicolor (two-coloured).—One of the commonest of the Cactuses grown in English gardens, and one of the most distinct, owing to its short, silvery hair-like spines, thickly crowded on the ends of the small tubercles, completely hiding the stem from view. The latter is from 6 in. to 1 ft. high, 3 in. in diameter, cylindrical, often branching into several thick arms, when it has a quaint appearance. If kept free from dust, which may be done by covering the plant with a bell glass, there is much beauty in the stem; indeed, it is owing to this, rather than as a flowering Cactus, that this species finds favour as a garden plant. The flowers are less than 1 in. in length and width, stellate, their colour deep purple; they are developed in June. Although a native of elevated regions in Mexico (4000-5000 ft.), this plant thrives best when grown in a warm house. There are several handsome and very old specimens of it in the tropical collection of succulents at Kew. It is one of the easiest to manage, and will thrive in a warm room-window if exposed to bright sunlight and kept dry in winter. M. nivea and M. nobilis are both varieties of this species.

M. chlorantha (greenish-yellow).—A newly-introduced species with erect, cylinder-shaped stems, 6 in. high, clothed with numerous tubercles, which are tipped with clusters of long, silvery, interlacing, hair-like spines, and a few stouter blackish ones. The flowers are described as greenish-yellow, so that they are not likely to add much to the beauty of the plant, which is recommended because of the attractiveness of its stem and spines. It is a native of Mexico and Texas, whence it was introduced some two years ago. It requires cool-house treatment, and should be kept free from dust, which disfigures the white spines.

M. cirrhifera (twisted).—Like M. bicolor, this species owes its frequent occurrence in gardens to the symmetry and neatly-chiselled form of its stems, and not to any attraction possessed by its flowers. It will thrive anywhere where the sun can shine upon it, if sheltered from severe cold and wet. In a cottage window it may be grown, and kept for many years, without losing health or, on the other hand, increasing much in size. Its usual height is about 5 in., by 4 in. in diameter. The tubercles are angular at the base, and bear tufts of yellowish spines on their pointed apices. The flowers are small, and bright rose-coloured, but only rarely produced on cultivated plants. Introduced from Mexico in 1835.

M. clava (club-shaped); Bot. Mag. 4358.—In the size of its stem, and the large, brightly-coloured flowers it bears, this species may be compared with some of the Echinocactuses. The stem is from 1 ft. to 11/2 ft. high, 4 in. wide at the base, narrowing slightly upwards; the tubercles are 1 in. long, and nearly as much through at the base, their shape that of little pyramids, and their tips bear each from eight to eleven stout, straight spines, pale brown, with a little wool at the base. The flowers are borne on the top of the stem, two or three of them together; the sepals are green and red, and the spreading petals are straw-coloured and glossy, their edges near the top being toothed. In the centre of the shallow cup formed by the petals, and which measures nearly 4 in. across, the orange-coloured stamens are clustered, in a kind of disk, through the middle of which the yellow stigma projects. It is a native of Mexico, at an altitude of 5000 ft. Introduced in 1848, when it flowered at Kew, in June, at which time it flowers almost every year now. A warm greenhouse affords the most suitable conditions for it; but, unless it is kept in full sunshine both summer and winter, and perfectly dry during the latter season, it will not produce any flowers. As a flowering plant, it ranks amongst the very best of the Mamillarias. It is easily propagated from seeds ripened on cultivated plants.

M. dasyacantha (thick-spined).—Stem 2 in. to 3 in. high, almost globular, and covered with spiral whorls of tiny tubercles, in the grooves of which is a little whitish wool, which falls away as the tubercles ripen. The spines upon the tubercles are arranged in little stars, with an erect central one. The flowers are small, and spring from the centre of the stem. This is one of the Thimble Cactuses, and is too small to have any great attractions, either in stem or flowers. It is, however, a pretty plant, especially when studded with its ruby-like flowers, which look like coloured Daisies growing upon a dense tuft of hairs. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on high mountains among short grass and other herbage.

M. discolor (spines two-coloured).—Stem globose, about 4 in. in diameter; tubercles smooth, egg-shaped, their bases embedded in white wool, their tips crowned with stellate tufts of short, reddish spines. Flowers numerous, and borne from almost all parts of the stem, less than 1 in. wide, and composed of a single whorl of narrow, reflexed, rose-purple petals, surrounding a large, disk-like cluster of yellow stamens. The flowers are so short that they are half hidden by the tubercles. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on rocks, in warm, sheltered places. Under cultivation it thrives when grown on a dry shelf in a warm house, and kept moist in summer, but perfectly dry in winter.

M. dolichocentra (long-spurred); Fig. 58.—Apparently this is a variable species; at all events, plants of widely different habit are found under this name, one of them represented in the Figure here, another in the Garden, Vol. XVII., whilst others are figured or described in other books. What is known at Kew as the true plant is that here figured. This has a stout stem, about 8 in. high and 3 in. wide, and covered with smooth cone-shaped mammae, with woolly bases and stellate tufts of spines on their tips. The flowers are produced about 1 in. from the top of the stem, and are less than 1 in. wide; they are, however, often very numerous, sometimes a closely-set ring of them surrounding the stem, like a daisy chain, their colour being pale purple. Below the flowers there is often a whorl of club-shaped fruits, 3/4 in. long, and rose-coloured. These contain numerous little black seeds, which, when ripe, may be sown in pots of very sandy loam. The plant is a native of Mexico, and flowers in summer. It thrives in a tropical temperature, and enjoys a daily syringing overhead on bright days in summer, but in winter requires little or no water.



M. echinata (hedgehog-like).—A charming little plant, with very small stems, clustered together in a cushion-like tuft, each stem less than 1 in. wide; but a well-grown specimen is composed of dozens of these, packed almost one on top of the other. The tubercles are hidden by the star-like spine clusters which cap them, and look like a swarm of insects. Flowers very small, rose-coloured, and lasting only about a day. These are succeeded by numerous currant-like red berries, so numerous, in fact, that the plants look as if thickly studded all over with coral beads. The central stem is sometimes about 6 in. high, those surrounding it being shorter and shorter, till the outside ones rise only just above the soil. A well-grown plant of this is strikingly pretty, even when not in fruit. It is a native of Mexico, and requires the treatment of a warm house. A few pieces of broken brick should be placed upon the surface of the soil about the base of the plant, as the stems like to press against, or grow upon, anything in the nature of rocky ground.

M. echinus (hedgehog-like); Fig. 59.—A distinct and pretty little plant, the largest specimen having a stem about the size and shape of a small hen's-egg, completely hidden under the densely interwoven radial spines, which crown the thirteen spiral rows of tubercles, and are almost white when mature. The tubercles are 1/2 in. long, and, in addition to these white radiating spines, they also bear each a stout spike-like spine, growing from the centre of the others. This spine gives the plant an appearance quite distinct from all other cultivated Mamillarias. The flowers are produced two or three together, on the top of the stem, and they are nearly 2 in. long, cup-shaped, and coloured yellow; they usually appear about June. As yet this species is rare in cultivated collections. It comes from Mexico, where it is found growing on limestone hills, in hot and arid localities. Under cultivation it requires a warm greenhouse temperature, exposure to bright sunshine all the year round, with a moderate supply of water in summer, and none at all during winter. A few large pieces of broken brick or sandstone placed in the soil, just under the base of the stem, afford the roots conditions suitable to their healthy growth.



M. elegans (elegant).—A small species, grown only for the prettiness of its stem, flowers rarely, if ever, being borne by it under cultivation. The stem is 2 in. high and wide, globose, with small conical tubercles, which, when young, are woolly at the tips. Spines short and slender, about twenty, arranged in a star on each tubercle, with four central ones a little longer than those which surround them; the colour of the spines is whitish, with brown tips. Native country Mexico, on high exposed hills; in this country it requires greenhouse treatment. Introduced about 1850.

M. elephantidens (elephant's-tooth); Fig. 60.—One of the largest and most remarkable of all garden Mamillarias. Stem globose, depressed, 6 in. to 8 in. in diameter, and bright shining green. Tubercles smooth, round, 11/2 in. long, furrowed across the top, which is at first filled with wool, but when old is naked. At the base of the tubercles there is a dense tuft of white wool, and springing from the furrows are eight radiating recurved spines, and three short central ones, all strong, stiff, and ivory-white, tipped with brown. The flowers are 3 in. wide, and are composed of a circle of violet-coloured sepals, with white margins, and a second circle of petals which are bright rose, pale purple at the base, a line of the same colour extending all down the middle. The stamens are numerous, with long purple filaments and yellow anthers, and the pistil is stout, erect, projecting above the stamens, with a radiating stigma. Flowers in autumn; native country, Paraguay. Under cultivation, it grows quicker than is usual with plants of this genus, and it is also exceptional in the regular and abundant production of its flowers. It has been a rarity in European collections for many years, and, although easily grown, it is often killed through wrong treatment. A cool greenhouse or sunny frame in summer, plenty of water whilst growth is active, and a light, well-drained soil, suit it best; whilst during winter it must be kept perfectly dry, and protected only from frost. In a tropical house, it is invariably sickly, and altogether unsatisfactory.



M. elongata (elongated).—A small, cushion-like kind, with the stems in tufts, owing to their producing offsets freely from the base, the tallest of them being about as high and as thick as a man's thumb. The tubercles are short, crowded, and hidden under the star-clusters of reddish-yellow spines. There are no central spines in this kind. The flowers are produced in the axils of the tubercles from all parts of the stem, a large tuft of stems being thickly studded with circles of tawny yellow petals, which are only about 1/2 in. long. The berries are bright coral-red, and about the size of a date stone. There are several varieties of this species, under the names of intertexta, rufescens, rutila, subcrocea, and supertexta. These differ only slightly either in the length or thickness of the stems or in the colour of the spines. All of them may be grown in a cold frame, or in a window where the sun can shine upon them; or they may be grown along with tropical kinds. For small cases in windows, these little Thimble Cactuses are amongst the most suitable. They are natives of high mountains in Mexico, and have been cultivated in Europe over forty years.

M. fissurata (fissured); Fig. 61.—In appearance, this rare species mimics some of the Gasterias, and is so different from all the kinds hitherto described, that very few people unacquainted with it would suspect that it belonged to the same genus as M. elongata or M. dolichocentra. Indeed, some botanists have made a separate genus of this and several other plants of the same peculiar appearance, calling them Anhalonium. M. fissurata is like a whip-top in shape, the root being thick and woody, and the tubercles arranged in a thick layer, spreading from the centre, rosette-like. A living plant in the Kew collection is 2 in. high by 4 in. wide, the tubercles being triangular in shape, 1/2 in. thick, wrinkled, with an irregular furrow on the upper surface. The flowers grow from the middle of the stem, and are 11/2 in. wide, and rose-coloured. Native of Mexico, on hard gravel or limestone soils. We know of no plant in English collections, except that at Kew, which was introduced from Mexico in 1886. It flowers in September and October.



M. floribunda (free-flowering).—A French writer on Cactuses, M. Labouret, calls this a species of Echinocactus, but it resembles so closely another species included by him in Mamillaria, viz., M. atrata, that we see no good reason for separating the two into different genera. M. floribunda has an irregular conical stem, about 5 in. high by 4 in. wide at the base, round nut-like tubercles the size of filberts, crowned with star-tufts of spines 3/4 in. long, stiff, and brown, about ten spines being set with their bases in a small disc-like pad of dirty-white wool. The flowers are very numerous, covering the whole of the stem-top, from which they stand erect, so as to form a dense bouquet of rose-coloured petals. Each flower is 2 in. long. Native of Chili; introduced about 1835. Flowers in summer. This handsome kind will thrive in a window, and, if well supplied with fresh air, sunshine, and sufficient water to keep the soil moist, it will flower almost every year. It must have no water in winter.

M. gracilis (slender).—A small Thimble Cactus, remarkable for its proliferous stems, a single stem 2 in. high producing all round its upper half numerous, offshoots, which fall to the ground and grow. In this way a tuft of stems is soon developed round the first one. If these offshoots are removed as they appear, the stem will grow longer and stouter than it does when they are left. Tubercles small, green, crowded; spines in a stellate tuft, short, curved, pale yellow or white. Flowers as in M. elongata, to which this species is closely allied. In window cases, or on a shelf in a cool greenhouse, it will grow and multiply rapidly. Like the bulk of the caespitose, or Thimble Cactuses, it does not make much show when in flower; and it is only its stems, with their white stars of spines and clusters of little offsets hanging about them, that are attractive. Native of Mexico; introduced about 1850. There is a variety known as pulchella, in which the spines are of a yellow hue.

M. Grahami (Graham's).—A pretty little species, with globose stems, scarcely 3 in. high, and nearly the same in diameter, branching sometimes when old; tubercles 1/4 in. long, egg-shaped, corky when old, and persistent. Spines in tufts of about twenty, all radiating except one in the centre, which is hooked; they are about 1/2 in. long. Flowers 1 in. long, usually produced in a circle round the stem. Fruit a small, oval berry, 1/2 in. long. This is a native of Colorado, in mountainous regions. It is very rare in cultivation. The flowers are developed in June and July.

M. Haageana (Haage's); Fig. 62.—The habit of this is shown in the Figure, which is reduced to about one-fourth the natural size. As the stem gets older, it becomes more elongated. Tubercles small, four-sided at the base, pointed at the top, where the spines are arranged in a star, about twenty of them on each tubercle, with two central ones, which are longer, stiffer, and much darker in colour than those on the outside; flowers small, almost hidden beneath the spines, bright carmine-rose; they are produced on the sides of the upper portion of the stem in June. There is a close resemblance between this and M. cirrhifera, and the treatment for both should be the same. Mexico, 1835.



M. longimamma (long-tubercled); Fig. 63.—A well-marked species in the size of its mammae, or tubercles, which are at least 1 in. long by 1/3 in. in diameter, terete, slightly curved, and narrowed to a pointed apex, the texture being very soft and watery. Each tubercle bears a radiating tuft of about twelve spines, one central and projecting outwards; they are pale brown when old, and white when young; their length is about 1/2 in. A tuft of short, white wool is developed at the base of the spines on the young mammae. The stem is seldom more than 4 in. in height, and it branches at the base when old. Flowers large and handsome, citron-yellow; the tube short, and hidden in the mammae; the petals 11/2 in. long, narrow, pointed, and all directed upwards; stamens numerous, short. Flowering season, early summer. Native country, Mexico. It requires greenhouse treatment, or it may be placed in a sunny frame out of doors during summer. It is not easily multiplied from seeds, but is free in the production of offsets from the base of the stem.



M. macromeris (large-flowered); Fig. 64.—Stem about 4 in. high, naked at the base, woody and wrinkled when old. Tubercles as in M. longimamma, but with curving radial spines, like needles, often 2 in. in length, white or rose-tinted when young, almost black when old. Flowers from the centre of the stem, 3 in. long, and about the same in width; the petals regular and spreading, as in the Ox-eye daisy; stamens numerous, short, forming a disk; colour carmine, almost purple just before fading. Flowering season, August. Native of Mexico, where it is found in loose, sand on hillocks, generally about the roots of Acacias. It is one of the most beautiful of all Mamillarias; but it is, as yet, rare in collections. It requires the same treatment as M. longimamma, except that, owing to the woody nature of its rootstock, and its long, tap-like roots, it should be planted in pans instead of pots, using a compost of rough loam, mixed with lumps of broken brick or limestone.



M. macrothele (large-nippled); Bot. Mag. 3634, as M. Lehmanni.—This belongs to the same group as M. cirrhifera, but is distinguished by its large mammae, which are four-angled at the base, 3/4 in. long, narrowed to a point, upon which is a tuft of wool and a cluster of about eight spines, 1/2 in. long, spreading, reddish-brown in colour, the central one being almost black, 1 in. long, and pointing downwards. In the axils of the mammae are tufts of white wool. Flowers on the top of the stern, erect, spreading, about 11/2 in. across when expanded; the petals overlapping, and pale yellow; the stamens red at the base, arranged in a dense cluster, and the rays of the stigma spreading over them. Flowering time, early summer. Native country, Mexico, on prairie lands, at high elevations. This species is almost hardy in the warmer parts of this country, suffering from damp rather than frost in winter. The stem is not particularly handsome, but the flowers are large and bright, and they are produced annually by plants which are grown in a cool, well-aired greenhouse or frame, with the sun shining on them all day.

M. micromeris (small-flowered); Fig. 65.—A small, cushion-like plant, with a stem never more than 11/2 in. across by about 1 in. in height, so that it has the appearance of a small, flattened ball, with a raised, disk-like portion on the top. The mammae are very small, and they are completely hidden by the numerous fine, white, silky spines and wool which spring in tufts from the apex of each mamma, and interlace so as to form a spider-web-like net all over the stem. The flowers are small, and they spring from the centre of the disk-like top of the stern; they are composed of from three to five sepals, and five petals, which are whitish or pink, and measure about 1/4 in. across when open. Native country, Mexico, where it is found only in naked places on mountain tops or sides where limestone is plentiful. It requires much care under cultivation, water in excess being fatal to it, and a soil of the wrong sort soon killing all its roots. It is cultivated at Kew in a small pot, in a mixture of loam and lime rubbish, and grown in a warm greenhouse.



M. multiceps (many-branched).—Stem short, with numerous branches, which again push forth other branches, so that a dense tuft of dumpy, globose stems is formed. The mammae are small, and arranged closely together, and they each bear a tuft of whitish wool, with a radiating cluster of spines, which are soft, almost hair-like in texture, the inner ones being stiffer, and coloured dull yellow. The flowers are small, and almost hidden by the spines and tubercles; they are pale yellow, with a line of red down the middle of each petal. Native country, Mexico. This plant should be grown on a shelf in a cool greenhouse—anything like a stove temperature being fatal to it. As a flowering plant it is of no value, but the compact tuft formed by its numerous stems, with their attractive spines, renders it worthy of cultivation.

M. Neumanniana (Neumann's).—This is a member of the group with angular tubercles and comparatively small flowers. It has a stem about 6 in. high, cylindrical, the tubercles arranged spirally, their bases compressed, four or five-angled, and with a tuft of white wool in their axils. The areoles or tufts on the tops of the mammae are large, and the spines are about seven in number, 1/2 in. long, and of a tawny-yellow colour. The flowers are produced near the top of the stem; they are about 1/2 in. long, and rose-red in colour. Native country, Mexico. It requires the same treatment as M. cirrhifera.

M. Ottonis (Ottoni's); Fig. 66.—A very distinct and pretty plant is cultivated under the name at Kew; but there are, apparently, two different species under the same name—the one being spiny and large in the stem; the other, which is here shown, having a small, compressed stem, 3 in. across, numerous compressed tubercles, and short, hair-like spines. The flowers, which are large for the size of the plant, are white, and are developed in May and June. Native country, Mexico; introduced in 1834. It requires similar treatment to M. micromeris.



M. pectinata (comb-like); Fig. 67.—Stems globose, from 2 in. to 3 in. in diameter; the rootstock woody; the tubercles arranged in about thirteen spiral rows, swollen at the base, and bearing each a star-like tuft of about twenty-four stiff, brown, radial spines, without a central one; the length varies from 1/2 in. to 1 in., and they are comb-like in their regular arrangement. When not in flower, this species bears a close resemblance to small plants of Cereus pectinatus. Flowers terminal, solitary, large, their width quite 3 in. when fully expanded; sepals reddish-green; petals rich sulphur-yellow; filaments reddish, very numerous; the flowers open at noon, and close after about two hours, even although the sun be shining full upon them. Flowering season, June to August. Native country, Mexico, on slopes of limestone hills. Although long since known to botanists, this pretty species has only lately found its way into English gardens. It is attractive even when not in flower. It requires warm greenhouse treatment, with exposure to full sunshine; during late autumn it should have plenty of air to ripen the new growth made whilst flowering. In winter it should have a dry position near the glass.



M. phellosperma (corky-seeded).—A pretty plant, resembling M. Grahami in all points except the seed, which, as is denoted by the name, is half enveloped in a corky covering, suggesting acorns. Stems simple, sometimes proliferous at the base, globose when young, afterwards almost cylinder or pear-shaped, 5 in. high, 2 in. in diameter; tubercles 1/2 in. long, arranged in twelve spiral rows, slightly woolly in axils. Spines radiating, in two rows, about fifty on each tubercle, the three or four central ones being hooked at the tips or sometimes straight; length, 1/2 in. to 11/2 in. Flowers (only seen in the dried state) 1 in. long and wide. Native of the dry gravelly hills and sand ridges in California and Colorado, and, therefore, requiring greenhouse treatment. This plant is cultivated in the Kew collection, but it has not been known to flower there. It is one of the most ornamental of the very spinous species, the radial spines being almost white, whilst the central ones are black, and look like tiny fish-hooks. A large proportion of these Mamillarias are far more interesting in the form and arrangement of their tubercles and spines than in any floral character, and it is on this account that so many which are insignificant as flowering plants are included here.

M. pulchra (handsome).—Stem globose when young and cylindrical when old, flattened at the top; height from 4 in. to 6 in.; tubercles large, egg-shaped, arranged in from eleven to thirteen spiral rows; spines in compact tufts, their bases set in whitish wool, irregular in length, and almost covering the whole of the stem. Flowers medium in size, developed near the top of the stem from the woolly axils of the tubercles; colour bright rose. Native of Mexico. Flowering season, June. Introduced in 1826. A rare kind nowadays, though one of the prettiest. It should always be grown in a warm house. It has been also called M. pulcherrima.

M. pusilla (small).—A tiny tufted plant, belonging to the group known as Thimble Cactuses. It has stems 2 in. high; short, dark green tubercles, with tufts of whitish wool in the axils; spines thin and bristle-like, twisted, nearly 1 in. long, almost hiding the stem; they are whitish, with black tips. The flowers are yellowish-white, with streaks of red. Common in Mexico. Flowering season, May. It should be grown in a frame in summer, and wintered on a shelf in a warm greenhouse. It would, no doubt, thrive in a window if kept in a sunny position and placed under a glass shade. A variety known as texana differs in being more densely clothed with spines. We have seen it grown into large clumps, covering a space 1 ft. in diameter, with dozens of erect little pyramids of whitish spines.

M. pycnacantha (densely spined); Bot. Mag. 3972.—The name for this kind is rather misleading, the spines being both fewer and less conspicuous than in many other species of Mamillaria. Stem about 6 in. high, nearly globose; tubercles—rather large, swollen, with tufts of short white wool in their axils, and stellate clusters of spines springing from disks of white wool on the top. The spines are 1/2 in. long, slightly recurved, flattened, and pale brown. Flowers large, clustered on the top of the stem, about half a dozen opening together; width 2 in.; petals numerous, narrow, toothed at the tips, spreading; colour a deep sulphur-yellow, anthers orange. Native of Oaxaca, Mexico. Flowering season, July. Introduced 1840. This is a beautiful flowering plant, more like an Echinocactus than a Mamillaria. It should be grown in a warm greenhouse all the year round. Old stems develop offsets from the base, by which the species may be multiplied.

M. sanguinea (bloody); Fig. 68.—This is closely related to M. bicolor, but differs in having an unbranched stem and numerous richly-coloured flowers. The stem is stout, 6 in. high, and 4 in. through; tubercles crowded, short, bearing stellate tufts of shortish spines, and projecting longer ones, all being bristly and pale yellow, except those on the youngest tubercles, which are golden. The flowers are borne in a crowded circle on the top of the stem, just outside the cluster of young yellow spines, a strong plant having about forty flowers open together. Each flower is about 1/2 in. long and wide, and coloured bright crimson, with yellow anthers. Native of Mexico. Flowers in June. It should be grown along with M. bicolor. The plant figured is a young one, showing the spines much longer than is usual on mature specimens.