1873.] FLORIST FLOWERS. 657 



side of a wall all the succeeding summer months, repotting again if 

 required. The final shift ought to be into pots 6 inches diameter. 

 Kow, if massive succulent plants he the desired aim, never fail in the 

 supply of water, both at the roots, and overhead from the syringe ; 

 and to have robust foliage is the certain promise of grand flowers. 

 Eeplunge them in the frames, where they may be benefited by the 

 autumn sun. The object now being to assist the formation of the 

 flowers in the crowns, less water will, as may be supposed, be required 

 from tliis stage onward till spring, when fresh growth takes place ; 

 then the plants must be stimulated by a top-dressing of fresh loam and 

 rotted cow-manure in equal proportions, giving them a soaking of water 

 subsequently. Water without stint, never once allowing the soil to 

 assume dryness ; remove the withered leaves, sprinkle overhead in the 

 afternoon of sunny days ; and above all, ventilate well, taking off the 

 sashes all day long, unless in frost or storm. As the floAvers begin to 

 open, transfer them to the conservatory, allotting them a shady stance. 

 By following these instructions a succession of flowers may be 

 obtained from March to June : this has been the writer's experience. 



THE HAKDY PRIMROSE. 



The Primrose requires the same cultural routine as that advised for 

 the Polyanthus, and there are many choice varieties worthy of careful 

 cultivation, their habits being both dissimilar and characteristic, 

 independent of other attractive merits. 



The following selection may be relied upon as being superior for 

 pot-culture : — Primula Japonica, in variety. P. verticillata, half-hardy, 

 a most profuse blooming and distinct form ; the foliage is dusted densely 

 over with white powder, as also the flower-stalks ; flowers small, rich 

 sulphur-yellow, borne in pointed spikes from six inches to a foot high ; 

 flowers under glass in April and May. P. cortusoides, P. cortusoides 

 alba, P. cortusoides amoena, and P. cortusoides amoena alba. There 

 are two varieties of this white, one a mere weed, the other handsome 

 and beautiful in its flowers, which are in appearance like immense 

 snowflakes, with almost the texture of Bouvardia jasminoides in 

 petal : P. nivalis, P. spectabilis. Of the old doubles I need say 

 little : enough that we know that there are double yellow, double 

 crimson, white, lilac, and other shades, all doubles. A. Kerr. 



