Subject
Cactus Books
Best books
William Watson
Cactus Culture for Amateurs Being Descriptions of the Various Cactuses Grown in This Country, With Full and Practical Instructions for Their Successful Cultivation
"Cactus Culture for Amateurs" by William Watson is a practical guide on the cultivation of cacti written in the late 19th century. This publication serves as a comprehensive manual designed for amateur horticulturists, detailing various species of cacti grown in England and providing straightforward instructions for their successful care and cultivation. The book aims to enhance the popularity of cacti, which at the time were considered somewhat obscure in English gardens despite their unique beauty and fascinating characteristics. At the start of the guide, the author discusses the historical context of cacti in English horticulture, noting a decline in their popularity following a previous "Cactus mania." Watson explains the unique aesthetic qualities of cacti, particularly their striking flowers and unusual forms, while tackling misconceptions about their beauty. The opening chapters set the stage for a detailed exploration, offering a glimpse into the biological and cultural significance of these plants, and hinting at the author's deep experience and expertise at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This introduction establishes the book as an essential resource for those who wish to appreciate and cultivate cacti, highlighting both their challenges and their rewards.
James Forbes
Journal of a Horticultural Tour through Germany, Belgium, and part of France, in the Autumn of 1835 To which is added, a Catalogue of the different Species of Cacteæ in the Gardens at Woburn Abbey.
"Journal of a Horticultural Tour through Germany, Belgium, and part of France, in the Autumn of 1835" by James Forbes is a travelogue and horticultural account written in the early 19th century. The work documents the author’s observations and experiences during an extensive tour of various gardens and botanical collections across the three mentioned countries. The primary focus of the book is to detail the horticultural practices, plant species, and garden designs encountered during this journey, particularly emphasizing the cultivation of Cacteæ and other botanical varieties. At the start of the journal, Forbes outlines the purpose of his expedition, which was initiated by the Duke of Bedford to expand knowledge among British gardeners by observing continental gardening techniques. The opening sections detail his journey from England to Hamburg, marked by vivid descriptions of the landscapes and towns encountered along the way. Forbes visits a variety of nurseries and botanical gardens, noting the health and variety of plants, particularly exotic species that are less common in England. His reflections touch on the differences in cultivation methods and provide insights into the state of horticultural knowledge in the various regions he explores. Overall, the beginning of the journal sets a reflective tone on the horticultural advances in Europe and prepares the reader for a detailed exploration of plant life and botanical gardens in the subsequent chapters.
John Merle Coulter
A Preliminary Revision of the North American Species of Cactus, Anhalonium, and Lophophora
"A Preliminary Revision of the North American Species of Cactus, Anhalonium, and Lophophora" by John M. Coulter is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work focuses on the taxonomy and classification of various species of cacti native to North America, particularly examining the genera Cactus, Anhalonium, and Lophophora. The text aims to provide a systematic framework to better understand the complexities and variations in this group of plants, encouraging further exploration and collection of specimens. The opening of the work sets the stage for this detailed exploration of cacti. It begins with a transmittal letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and discusses the inception of the revision project, including fieldwork conducted to gather specimens and observations. John M. Coulter outlines the challenges associated with studying cacti due to the scarcity of flower or fruit specimens and describes the collaborative efforts undertaken with his assistants and other organizations to organize and classify the materials collected. The initial revisions presented provide insights into specific species, noting variations in structure and growth, which will guide future research and classifications in the field of botany.
Nicolas-Joseph Thiéry de Menonville
Memoria sobre a cultura da Urumbeba e sobre criação da Cochonilha
"Memoria sobre a cultura da Urumbeba e sobre criação da Cochonilha" by M. Thiery de Menonville is a scientific publication written in the late 18th century. The book discusses the cultivation of the Urumbeba plant, a type of cactus significant in the production of Cochonilha, an insect whose dye extract was valuable for trade. It highlights agricultural techniques and observations aimed at improving the economic output of this natural resource in the colonies. The text details the journey and research conducted by Menonville in Mexico, where he studied the Cochonilha and its habitat, the Urumbeba. He describes the challenges faced in transporting the delicate insects and plants, as well as the nuances of their care and cultivation. Furthermore, the book compares different species of Cochonilha and their respective qualities, emphasizing the economic potential of establishing Urumbebals (plantations of Urumbeba) in regions with sandy soil unsuitable for other crops. Menonville's meticulous observations aim to revive and enhance local agricultural practices to leverage the lucrative market for Cochonilha dye, asserting its importance for commerce in Europe and beyond.
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