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.

[Illustration: FIG. 51.--ECHINOPSIS EYRIESII FLORE-PLENO.]

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 se