top, not unlike a large white single Camellia; the stamens are arranged in a sort of cup, and are yellow-anthered, with a large rayed yellow stigma in the middle.  In the Botanical Magazine it is stated that the flowers of this species are equal and even superior to those of C. grandiflorus; but we have not seen flowers such as would bear out that statement.  This species is too tall-stemmed to be recommended for windows or small greenhouses; but where room can be afforded it, the attractive colour of its stems, together with the size and beauty of its flowers, should win it favour.  It blossoms in summer, generally about July, and is a native of Mexico.  Introduced in 1841.

C. caespitosus (tufted); Fig. 19.—­A dwarf species, the stem not more than 8 in. high by about 4 in. in diameter, sometimes branched, or bearing about its base a number of lateral growths, which ultimately form a cluster of stems—­hence the name.  The bark or skin of the stem is greyish-green, and the ribs, of which there are from a dozen to eighteen, are thickly covered with clusters of whitish wool and spines, the latter rose-tinted, and radiating in all directions.  The flowers are produced on the top of the stems, and are short-tubed, the tube clothed with little bundles of spines; spread of the petals (from thirty to forty in each flower), 4 in.; colour deep rose; anthers and stigma forming an eye-like cluster, the former yellow, and the latter bright green.  Flowered at Kew for the first time in 1882, but, although new to cultivation, it is becoming plentiful.  Native of New Mexico and Texas.  For windows or small greenhouses this is a most suitable plant, as it flowers freely and keeps in good health in an ordinary greenhouse temperature, always, however, requiring plenty of sunlight and rest during winter.  By placing it upon a shelf near the glass from October to March, allowing it to remain perfectly dry, and afterwards watering it freely, the flowers should make their appearance early in summer.  A plant with several stems, each bearing a large bright rose blossom, sometimes two, presents an attractive appearance.

[Illustration:  Fig. 19.—­Cereus caespitosus.]

C. cirrhiferus (tendril-bearing).—­A prostrate, branching-stemmed, small-growing kind, very proliferous, with roots along the main stems; branchlets upright, five-angled, with slightly raised points, or tubercles, upon which are ten short hair-like spines, arranged in a star, and surrounding three or four central erect spines, all whitish and transparent.  Flowering branches erect, 4 in. high, by about 1 in. in diameter, bearing, near the apex, the large bright red flowers, nearly 4 in. in diameter, regular as a Sunflower, and lasting about a week.  This species was introduced from Mexico in 1847.  It is one of the best-known and handsomest of this group.  It requires similar treatment to C. Berlandieri.