PRIMULACE^. 153 



corolla, and standing upon it ; ovary inferior, and capsule opening 

 by valves ; leaves commonly opposite, whorled or scattered. 



Grow in the northern parts of both continents ; beautiful plants, 

 often cultivated. 



Primula. L. 5. 1. 



Flower very early in the spring, which fact gives rise to the 

 name, Prime-rose, as if first of all the flowers ; small Alpine plants 

 cultivated for their early blossoms. 



P. veris. L. Cows-lip Primrose. Named the Primrose of 

 Spring, a common border plant, with fine reddish yellow flowers ; 

 native of Britain. 



P. auricula. L. From the Alpine parts of Italy and Switz- 

 erland ; flowers yellow and red, but by cultivation there is great 

 variety in the flowers and leaves. 



The English have nearly 20 species cultivated or indigenous. 



DODECATHEON. L. 5. 1. 



From the Greek, twelve divinities, and most absurdly applied 

 to any plant, especially to an American genus. Loudon. Two 

 species described ; one has often been cultivated within a few 

 years, introduced from the Southern States, and named in honor 

 of Dr. Mead. 



D. Meadia. L. False Cowslip. American Cowslip. Corolla 

 wheel-form, with long closely reflexed segments, giving it a fine 

 and singular appearance ; flowers in an umbel, on a scape or stalk 

 with radical leaves. There are tw^o principal varieties of this 

 beautiful plant. 



Anagallis. L. 5. 1. 



w3. arvensis. L. Scarlet Pimpernel. From the Greek to 

 laugh, because, as a medicine, it raises the spirits by improving 

 the action of the liver, the supposed, as well as real, source of so 

 much bile, good or bad. 



This species is found iu the vicinity of Boston ; small, delicate, 



20 



