CACTUS: an order of curious, usually prickly, generally leafless plants, with fleshy stems or bodies - a number of them bushy, some resembling telegraph poles in general appearance and conformation, others of round or oval shape suggesting huge spiny melons, etc. Many types are capable of extensive growth in regions so arid as to be otherwise unproductive. A majority of the most important edible-fruit varieties are included in the Opuntia genus, the fruits being best known in this country under the title of PRICKLY PEARS. Among other interesting examples are the BARBADOS GOOSEBERRY, MEXICAN STRAWBERRY AND STRAWBERRY PEAR, and the fruit of the MELON THISTLE, all of which are described in their alphabetical positions.