PROTEA, the SILVER-TREE; a genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the tetrandria class of plants. There are three species: 1. The conifera, with linear, spear-shaped, entire leaves, grows to the height of 10 or 12 feet, with a straight regular stem. The branches naturally form a large regular head. The leaves are long and narrow, of a shining silver colour; and as they remain the whole year, make a fine appearance in the green-house. 2. The argentea, commonly called silver-tree, has a strong upright stem covered with purplish bark, dividing into several branches which grow erect, garnished with broad, shining, silvery leaves, which make a fine appearance when intermixed with other exotics. 3. The nitida, or wagg-boom,
Protalis boom, greatly resembles the second sort: the leaves are very silky and white, with erect purple branches.
Prothonotary All these plants, being tender exotics, require to be continually kept in the green-house during winter. The first may be propagated by cuttings, which should be cut off in April, just before the plants begin to shoot; the second and third sorts may be propagated by seeds.