74 DICOTYLEDONS^. 



among 1 the layers of the interior bark, which separate 

 from each other, like those of the lime, with the 

 greatest facility. 



The Proteacece are an estimable order of plants, 

 distinguished by their ample flowers being supported 

 by a profusion of bracti, and, in many instances, as 

 highly coloured as the corolla. The Protects are 

 natives of South Africa. But the Banksias, Telopea, 

 &c. were among- the valuable acquisitions made by the 

 enthusiastic exertions of the celebrated naturalists, 

 Sir Joseph Banks and Dr. Solander, while exploring 

 the southern coast of Australasia, under the guidance 

 of the intrepid and lamented circumnavigator, Captain 

 Cook. The discoveries then made, not only gave 

 a name to an extensive country, on which British 

 colonies have been founded, but gave also a vast 

 addition to our species plantarum : of tribes of plants, 

 too, differing from every thing before known to the 

 botanical world. Nor is this fertile source of vege- 

 table beauties yet exhausted ; every year bringing us 

 fresh supplies of nondescripts to enrich still more 

 European collections. 



The order Myristlcece contains two genera, one of 

 which is the highly valued nutmeg- with its invest- 

 ment of mace. The Myristica officinalis is a hand- 

 some middle-sized tree ; the stem is erect, throw- 

 ing out branches at regular distances, disposed 

 verticillate in fours, spreading obliquely upwards ; 

 smooth grey bark ; leaves alternate on footstalks ; 

 ovate, acute, shining- dark green above, paler below. 



