be trained either in the form of a fan or as a bush. Old
branches which have flowered and are shrivelling may be cut away in the
spring.

Some fine specimens have been grown in pockets on old walls inside
lean-to greenhouses, where the conditions have been favourable to the
healthy growth and flowering of most of the species. When grown in this
way, water must be supplied exactly as advised for plants grown in pots;
if the pockets are not within easy reach of the watering pot, the plants
can be watered by means of a heavy syringing.

Propagation.--For the propagation of the Phyllocactus either the whole
plant may be divided at the base, or cuttings of the branches may be
used; the latter, after having dried by remaining with their bases
exposed to the air for a day or two, should be planted in small pots
filled with very sandy soil; they may be placed on a dry, sunny shelf
near the glass, and be slightly sprinkled overhead daily till rooted.
Seeds, which sometimes ripen on cultivated plants, should be gathered as
soon as the fleshy fruits have turned to a purplish colour, dried for a
day or so, then sown in a light, porous soil, and placed in a warm frame
or house to germinate.

SPECIES.

P. Akermanni (named after a Mr. Akermann, who introduced it from Mexico
in 1829); Fig. 10.--Stem becoming cylindrical at an early age, and
clothed with little clusters of spiny hairs; the branches are flattened
out, and form broad, rather thin, blade-like growths, with the margins
sinuately lobed (waved and notched). The flowers are large--over 6 in.
in diameter--the petals, very acutely pointed and undulated along the
edges; flower tube 2 in. long, with a few small scales scattered over its
surface; stamens curved, clustered around the stigma, and almost hiding
it. Colour of whole flower a rich scarlet, with a satin-like lustre.
Flowers in June and July.

[Illustration: FIG. 10. PHYLLOCACTUS AKERMANNI.]

This is one of the best-known kinds, having been extensively cultivated
as an ornamental greenhouse plant till within the last few years. It was
grown by several nurserymen for Covent Garden Market about eight years
ago; small plants, about 1 ft. high, and bearing each from two to six
flowers, finding much favour among the costermongers, as the plants
could be bought at a low price, and, owing to their large, brilliant
flowers, always sold well at a good profit. This species has been
employed by the hybridists for the obtainin