to September; the native country, Wisconsin to Kentucky, and westward to Arkansas and Missouri.  This species, introduced about twenty years ago, has only recently been brought prominently before English gardeners.  It is a very ornamental and interesting plant for outdoor cultivation, and when once established gives no trouble.  For the first year or two after planting it requires watching, as, until the basal joints harden and become woody, they are liable to rot in wet weather.  A large-flowered form, known as grandiflora, is cultivated in American gardens.

[Illustration:  Fig. 84.  Opuntia Rafinesquii.]

O. rosea (rose-coloured); Fig. 85.—­Stem erect, branching freely.  Joints varying in length from 2 in. to 6 in., not flattened, with ridge-like tubercles, bearing on their points small cushions of very fine bristles and tufts of pale yellowish spines about 1/2 in. long, and all pointing upwards.  Flowers on the ends of the ripened growths of the year, usually clustered, 2 in. across, bright rose-coloured; they are developed in June.  A rare species from Brazil, and one which, as the illustration shows, is both distinct and handsome enough to be classed amongst the most select.  It requires a stove temperature.

[Illustration:  Fig. 85.  Opuntia rosea.]

O. Salmiana (Prince Salm-Dyck’s).—­Stem erect, branching freely, the branches at right angles to the stem.  Joints from 1 in. to 6 in. long, cylindrical, smooth, 1/2 in. in diameter, clothed with small cushions of soft, short bristles, and one or two longish spines.  Flowers produced in September, 2 in. across, yellow, streaked with red, of short duration.  Fruit egg-shaped, 1 in. long, crimson.  This species is a native of Brazil, whence it was introduced in 1850.  It requires to be grown in an intermediate house.  It is a charming little Cactus, and quite exceptional among Opuntias in the colour and abundance of its flowers, and in the rich colour of its numerous fruits, which usually remain on the plant several months.  The plant, too, has the merit of keeping dwarf and compact.  The small joints separate very easily from the branches, and every one of them will root and grow into a plant.  There is something very remarkable in the development of the fruits of this kind.  A small branch, or joint, grows to its full length, and a flower-bud appears in the apex.  If examined at this stage, it will be seen that the ovary occupies only a very shallow cavity in the top of the branch.  After flowering, this ovary grows into the branch, and ultimately the whole branch is transformed into a pulpy fruit, with the seeds scattered all through the pulp.  This peculiarity is well shown in O. salmiana, and the development of the fruit can be very easily watched.  Many of the small branches do not flower, although they change to a red colour like the fruits.