184 
CULTURE OF THE GENUS HAKEA. 
I. Bandhuca is much like I. grandiflora , but of more rigid habit, and is neit|sr 
so good nor so easy to cultivate. I. rosea is very pretty and distinct, though L 
such a general favourite as the preceding, and may occasionally be caught witlja 
very fine head of bloom, and then is very beautiful. I. odoratissima , a plant f it 
bloomed in this country by Messrs. Lucombe, Pince, and Co., of Exeter, produd 
very large but loose trusses of deliciously sweet flowers, which make it vL 
desirable ; and I. acuminata, the white kind shown several years back at Chisvk 
by the same gentlemen, is also very distinct and desirable, but a very delice 
grower. 
Of new kinds, I. hydrangeeformis , the new species from Borneo, introduced ;jy 
Mr. Low, jun., of the Clapton Nursery, was shown, though not fine, in a sufficierly 
favourable state, by Messrs. Lucombe and Co., at the Boyal Botanic Sociels 
Exhibition in July, to show that under proper management it will make a first-cls 
plant. It is a plant of very strong habit, and grows very freely, and we doubt ]t 
in a few years will be shown so as to merit the specific distinction of Hydrangea-li . 
A very pretty species, resembling I. crocata, but much superior both in flower all 
habit, was shown by Messrs. Yeitch and Son, of Exeter, at Chiswick, in July, a I 
was called I. Javaniea. It appears to be a very free-growing kind, and may 3 
regarded as a decided acquisition. 
All these kinds require nearly the same treatment, of course making alio war 3 
in shifting for those plants of delicate habit, and not potting them so heavily as 
free-growing kinds. Above everything guard against insects, and then success 3 
certain. 
CULTURE OF THE GENUS HAKEA. 
Of this genus of desirable New Holland plants nearly sixty species have belli 
introduced, all of which are ornamental, and not difficult to cultivate. The best si 
is a mixture of two parts heath- mould, and one part light sandy loam, brokt 
together, but not sifted. 
In potting, drain well with plenty of broken potsherd, and mix a few pieces ! 
freestone, about an inch square, with the soil. These, by retaining moisture, “4 
prevent the roots suffering immediately from drought, which they are very lial| 
to do. Do not cramp the roots in small pots, for they invariably suffer when tin 
is the case. Over- watering and drought are two extremes which these plants earn, 
endure. The roots being tender, water must be administered at all times with cal 
especially in the winter ; drought, however, is more injurious than over-watermj 
It is advisable not to follow the general usage of greenhouse plants, in place 
them out of doors during the summer season, for three reasons : — 
1st. They are liable to suffer from drought by exposure to the sun and air. 
2nd. They are liable to perish from over-moisture by rain. 
3rd. The roots are liable to be injured by the entrance of worms into the pots. 
