Cuxt. A woody greenhouse plant, belonging to a tribe of 
plants that were at one time in high favour with cultivators. Of 
late years, however, they have fallen in estimation, owing partly to 
the belief that they are short-lived, and partly to the introduction 
of more showy plants. That they are short-lived, if not pro- 
perly treated, is true; but in the Royal Gardens may now be 
seen plants fifty years old, and many above half that age. At 
Tab. 4528 we have described the method of cultivating Proteacee 
practised by us for many years past. ‘The present plant is 
grown in light loam, mixed with a small portion of sharp sand. 
On shifting it into a larger pot or tub, we invariably keep the 
ball of earth an inch or more (according to the size of the plant) 
above the surface of the new soil: this is of importance for 
prolonging the life of the plant, as it prevents any excess of 
moisture lodging around the base of the stem. In summer care 
must be taken not to allow the direct rays of the sun to strike 
against the sides of the pot; for the heat transmitted to the 
inside destroys the tender spongioles of the roots, and the plant 
flags and dies. J. 8. 
Fig. 1. Flowers :—magnified. 
