Transplant early in spring in gravelly or rocky soil in sunny exposures, and give light irrigation monthly to keep the soil moist during the growing season. Plants grow readily from seed in moist sandy loam in flats or pots and with part shade. This species is grown indoors and out and is hardy to fifteen or twenty degrees of frost, but with zero weather it requires protection. California Barrel Cactus (_Echinocactus acanthodes_—_Ferocactus acanthodes_) (The specific name means “thorny”) How to identify and how it grows The stems of the California Barrel Cactus generally grow singly, as high as nine feet, and one foot in diameter, with seven or more grouped radial bristles, which are very sharp and needlelike, fringing the twenty-seven to thirty ridges along the stems. These bristles are about two inches long and a grayish yellow. In the spine system there are four to six radials that are stout, and four central spines that are wide-spreading and slightly hooked and cross-ridged, with beautiful rose-pink and yellow shadings. The flowers are bell-shaped and form in a circle around the tops of the stems; they are yellow and about two inches in length and breadth, opening in spring. The fruit comes on in July. _Acanthodes_ grows best in gravelly, sandy, or rocky soils. How to grow Plant out early in spring in sandy or gravelly soil and give enough water to keep the soil lightly moist. Plants grow easily from seed in a sandy loam in flats, with part shade and with enough water to keep the soil slightly moist. Sow the seed preferably in May or June. The plants are not hurt by fifteen or twenty degrees of frost, and grow indoors or outside. This species grows best in sunny exposures. Many Hooked Visnagita; Fishhook Cactus (_Echinocactus polyancistrus_—_Sclerocactus polyancistrus_) (The name _polyancistrus_ means “many fishhooks”) How to identify and how it grows The Many Hooked Visnagita, or Fishhook Cactus, grows from single stems as high as one foot, and four inches in diameter. The plant has from thirteen to seventeen ribs, on which twenty or more sharp needlelike radial spines appear, white, and a half-inch or so long. The central spines number six to ten, from one to five inches long, and are flattened with the lower thorns a brownish purple. All the spines are dangerously hooked and formidable, resembling a common fishhook. The flowers form in a central cluster and are about three inches in length and breadth, rose-purple changing to a beautiful rose-red. The petals are oblong; the pistils are a crimson shade. The fruit pods are covered with a few scales; they are bright rose-red. The flowers remain open for several days. How to grow