t scions are
inserted. The heads of the standards are on stems ranging in height from
41/2 ft. down to 11/2 ft. To form these heads, only one scion is put on the
stock. Some of our oldest pyramids are 4 ft. or 5 ft. through at the base,
and the heads of the standards quite as much. When in flower, the heads
of the latter droop almost to the pots. The pyramids occupy No.2 and
No.4 sized pots, the standards 8's and 12's. Each plant is secured to a
strong iron stake, with three prongs fitting the inside of the pot, and
the Epiphyllum is kept well supported to the stake by ties of stout
wire. After the plants are well established, they are easily managed,
and go many years without repotting; but, of course, we top-dress them
annually, previously removing as much of the old soil as will come away
easily. We grow these plants with plenty of ventilation on all
favourable occasions, and they are seldom shaded. During active growth,
water is given freely, occasionally liquid manure; they are also
syringed daily. After the season's growth is completed, water is given
more sparingly, and syringing is dispensed with."

When grown on their own roots, Epiphyllums are useful for planting in
wire baskets intended to hang near the glass; large and very handsome
specimens form in a few years, if young rooted plants are placed rather
thickly round the sides of the baskets, and grown in a warm house.
Epiphyllums are employed with good effect for covering walls, which are
first covered with peaty soil by means of wire netting, and then
cuttings of the Epiphyllums are stuck in at intervals of about 1 ft. The
effect of a wall of the drooping branches of these plants is attractive
even when without their beautiful flowers; but when seen in winter,
clothed with hundreds of sparkling blossoms, they present a most
beautiful picture. Large plants of Pereskia may be trained over pillars
in conservatories and afterwards grafted with Epiphyllums; in fact,
there are many ways in which these plants may be effectively employed in
gardens.

SPECIES.

E. truncatum (jagged); Bot. Mag. 2562.--Branchlets from 1 in. to 3 in.
long, and 1 in. wide, with two or three distinct teeth along the edges,
and a toothed or jagged apex (hence the specific name). The flowers are
3 in. long, curved above and below, not unlike the letter S; the petals
and sepals reflexed, and exposing the numerous yellow anthers, through
which the club-headed stigma protrudes; colour, a