I am glad that my brief article has brought out Mr. Siler's remarks, for they are such as all growers may benefit by. The instances he gives are in accord with my ideas, only in so far as their ability to endure cold is concerned. What I said was not to show what amount of cold they could stand; 450 was only intended as a general storage temperature. Some of the species might be benefited by a lower and perhaps a higher; but I have always been very successful at this and mine is a very mixed collection. If we get to a lower temperature than what I have mentioned the air is sure to become so pregnant with moisture during our long winter months as to be injurious. We dare not ventilate from the outside during winter, and the sun's rays have very little power. Mr. Siler has mistaken the intention of my article, for I had no idea of giving how much cold they would stand. He says, " I do not know how cold it is in Canada at 45°, but here in Utah," enumerating different species that will stand out in their native places, and do well with frost 22- below zero. Some of those I have tried with our winters and although I have in some cases resorted to covering, protecting in the dryest manner, when spring came I invariably found them a rotten mass.

But I must remark that our temperature falls frequently below those he gives. Yet, I find they suffer from a very few degrees of frost. The reason why, I am not prepared to say. It would be a good thing if they could be left out permanently, for they are not the most agreeable things to handle of the vegetable kingdom.

As to his finding a number of Agave Utahense and Mamillaria vivipara, standing in water and in health, this will be a new thing to most growers of them. Surely Mr. Siler does not infer that this is the better mode of treatment; if he does, why then give us the natural state in which they are found in the greatest perfection ? He says (enumerating several species) that they grow on the well-drained hillsides, and on the sandstone ledges, in many instances with hardly enough to cover the roots. Other two are found exposed to the fierce heat of the summer's sun "where hardly a lizzard is to bo found," and that this agave is found on the same ledge is enough to prove the treatment they will enjoy most.

His remarks on the soil they are found in will be most interesting to all parties interested in the Cacti culture, for I know that much diversity of opinion exists on this. Mine may not be the best one, but it has proved to me the best alternative I have yet found. It must also be remembered that no amount of water in the positions in which they are found can lodge in such a way as to stagnate, and hurt them. When planted out under the same conditions I say, pour away as much water as you like when they are growing, and you will benefit them; but at rest, if you want flowers the next season, it will be better to refrain from it. This partial drying process has always given me good results whilst the other has proved the contrary.

I quite agree with the Editor's remarks, that under culture we cannot always rely on imitating natural conditions. We must learn from experience. I say, yes, and often improve upon it, for it is a most difficult task to get close to nature and take in all surroundings and all other things adapted to positions chosen.

But an understanding of the natural laws and substances that control the production of such plants must always prove beneficial and conducive to their proper treatment; and I am sure that Mr. Siler's remarks on this subject will be much appreciated by all lovers of this class of plants; a class that deserves more attention than there has been given, for they always make a most interesting bed. They are much looked at for their curious diverse appearance. But no one need expect much success with them if the position chosen retain water for any length of time; at least such is my experience with them in our climate, and Mr. Siler's remarks surely confirm the advisability of particular attention to it.

Gov't Grounds, Canada.

[We think the cases Mr. Siler referred to, where water was continually poured on the plants by mistake, were not cases where water was retained. The water so freely given no doubt passed away freely. In regard to Cactus culture Mr. Robertson's practice is certainly the proper one; that is, plenty of water in the hot growing season, always provided it passes rapidly away, and plants kept rather dry and cool in the resting period. - Ed. G. M].