300 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



not the Primrose with which we have played at ho-peep 

 in the woods ; not the irresistible Primrose which has so 

 often lured our young feet into the wet grass, and procured 

 us coughs and chidings. There is a sentiment in flowers: 

 there are flowers we cannot look upon, or even hear 

 named, without recurring to something that has an interest 

 in our hearts: such are the Primrose, the Cowslip, the 

 May-flower, the Daisy, &c. &c. 



A few Primrose-roots may be transplanted from their 

 native woods or banks; or, should not these be within 

 reach, may be purchased for the value of a few pence at 

 Covent-Garden flower-market. They are perennial ; but, 

 being so cheap, it is scarcely worth M-hile to be encum- 

 bered with the unsightly roots in winter, when they may 

 be so easily replaced ; unless, indeed, we have an in- 

 dividual affection for them, as the gift of a friend, &c. ; in 

 such cases they may keep their station, observing now and 

 then to give them a little water, when there is no frost. 

 While in a growing state, they must be plentifully supplied 

 v/ith water, and shaded from the mid-day sun. They like 

 a strong soil, but will thrive in almost any. 



The poets have not neglected to pay due honours to 

 this sweet spring-flower, which unites in itself such de- 

 licacy of form, colovu*, and fragrance : they give it a for- 

 lorn and pensive character : 



" Bring the rathe primrose that forsaken dies." 



Lycidas. 



" pale primroses 



That die unmarried, ere they can behold 

 Bright Phoebus in his strength." 



Winter's Tale. 



' The yellow cowsUp and the pale primrose." 



Milton's May Morning. 



