CULTURE OF THE GENUS BANKSIA. 
349 
In ten days or a fortnight the plants will be up; when an inch 
high, transplant them into beds, placing them in rows four inches 
apart every way. 
As this is the bed on which they are intended to flower, always 
select a somewhat moist situation, but yet well drained; and if not 
naturally so, drain it for the purpose. And the plants will flower 
the following spring. 
All valuable sorts may be propagated by cuttings. These, to be 
successful, should not be put in later than the beginning of June; for 
if left later, their flower steins become hollow and pithy. 
Plant the cuttings either in thimble pots filled with light sandy 
soil and well rotted dung, or on a shady border under a hand-glass. 
Tf they are planted in pots, set them in a cold frame, and give them 
a little shade until they have struck root. 
Layers .—In May or June make a slight incision in the joint as 
for other layers, and peg them down about an inch or less in the soil. 
Division .—They may be divided almost any time throughout the 
summer, but it is requisite that this be always done in moist and 
dull weather. 
Never make the beds on which they are to be planted higher than 
the surrounding surface, which would render the soil too dry for their 
successful growth. 
To ensure a fine show of flowers, it is necessary to renew the 
plants every year. Old plants invariably produce smaller flowers. 
Properties of a good Heart's Ease .—The flower stem must be of a 
sufficient height and strength to raise the flower above the foliage of 
the plant; the petals of the flower large, flat, and without a notch or 
fringe on the edge. The colours must be clear, brilliant, and per¬ 
manent. The eye should be small compared with the size of the 
flower. 
ARTICLE VII.—CULTURE OF THE GENUS BANKSIA; 
The soil most suitable for them is equal parts of peat and light 
loam, with a small portion of sand. Mix these ingredients well to¬ 
gether, and break them fine, but do not sift them. 
In potting, always be careful to give a good drainage; filling not 
less than one-fourth of the pots with broken potsherds, and on the 
top of these lay a little rough turfy soil, to prevent the upper soil 
from falling amongst them, and stopping the passage of the water. 
Never allow them to suffer for want of water, for their roots by this 
means will become so seriously injured, that they scarcely ever 
