PRIVET. 303 



The blossom of the Privet, when exposed to the noon- 

 day sun, withers almost as soon as it blows : in the shade 

 it not only lasts longer, but is much larger. The leaves, 

 too, like those of the Laburnum, are much larger and finer 

 when so placed. 



PRO TEA. 



PROTEACE^, TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



From Proteus ; so named from the great variableness in the fructi- 

 fication. 



The Proteas are elegant shrubs, chiefly natives of the 

 Cape, and requiring protection from our winters. The 

 placing them within doors at that season will generally be 

 sufficient; but care must be taken to water them very 

 sparingly at that time, and to preserve them from damps. 



Many of the species are in estimation ; among the hand- 

 somest are the Grandiflora, the Speciosa, the Cynaroides, 

 the Linearis, the Nana, &c. ; the flowers of the latter very 

 much resemble a rose. 



RANUNCULUS. 



RANUNCULACE^. POLYANDRIA POLYGYNIA. 



Ranunculus is the diminutive of Rana, a Frog, some of the species 

 growing in the water. It is also familiarly called Gold-cup. 



Since the introduction of the Persian Ranunculus, the 

 other kinds have been generally neglected ; and it has 

 been so much improved by culture, as to vie with the Car- 

 nation itself in beautiful varieties. These are of every 

 colour, and combination of colour, that Flora paints with. 



