ccording to the length of time it takes for the species to grow
to flowering size.

SPECIES.

E. brevihamatus (short-hooked).--Several kinds of Echinocactus are
distinguished from the rest in having the ridges divided into tubercles,
which are often globular and arranged in a spiral round the stem, as in
the genus Mamillaria; to this section the present species belongs. The
stem is almost sphere-shaped, from 4 in. to 6 in. high, the tuberculated
ridges about 1/4 in. deep, and upon each tubercle is a tuft of about a
dozen brown, radiating spines, with a long central one hooked at the
point. The flowers are borne in clusters on the top of the stem, three
or four opening together; they are 1 in. in length, and the same across
the spreading petals, which are pink, shaded with deep rose. A native of
the mountainous regions of South Brazil; introduced about 1850. Flowers
in summer. This pretty little plant will thrive if placed upon a shelf
in a greenhouse where it will have full sunshine during the greater part
of the day. It grows very slowly, especially when on its own roots, but
succeeds better when grafted on another kind.

E. centeterius (many-spined); Bot. Mag. 3974.--This has a
conical-shaped stem, 6 in. high by 4 in. wide, with about fourteen ridges,
which are notched, and bear star-shaped clusters of pale brown spines,
1/2 in. long. The blossoms are borne rather thickly on the summit of the
stem, from six to nine flowers being sometimes open together; and as
they are each nearly 3 in. across, and of good substance, they present an
attractive appearance. The petals are of a deep straw-colour, with a
reddish streak down the centre, and 11/2 in. long, with the apex notched or
toothed. The stamens are spirally coiled round the stigma, which is
club-shaped and white. This species is probably a native of Mexico, and
was first flowered in England at Kew, in 1841. A cool, dry greenhouse
suits it best; or it may be grown in a sunny room window where frost
would not be allowed to reach it in winter. Unless subjected to very dry
treatment during the winter months, and also kept in a position where
all the sunlight possible would reach it--even when at rest--there is
not much chance of this plant producing its large flowers. It may be
kept alive by giving it uniform treatment all the year round, but it
would never flower.

E. cinnabarinus (cinnabar-flowered); Bot. Mag. 4326.--This is another
of the Mamillaria-like kinds, an