PRIMULACEvE. 2$ I 



that of the CowsKp. This is the least constant form of the 

 three, and its varieties are less numerous and interesting than 

 those of the other two ; they are mainly useful for planting 

 along with the commoner sorts of Cowslip and Primrose in 

 woods and suchlike places. 



P. erosa, syn. Fortune! {JIinialaya?i F.) — This is a near 

 relative of F. denticulafa, but quite distinct. It is about equal 

 in stature, but the flower-stalks, which are rather stouter, are 

 invariably mealy, except in starved individuals suffering from 

 drought and continuous exposure to the sun. The flowers, 

 which are somewhat larger than those of F. deiiticulata, are 

 purplish lilac, with a conspicuous yellow eye. It is a charming 

 rock-plant, requiring the same soil and treatment as the others 

 in this section. Flowers in March and April. 



P. farinosa [Bif-ifs-eye F.) is a species of altogether another 

 type from any of the foregoing, but not less attractive and 

 beautiful. It is compact, dwarf, and somewhat tufted in habit. 

 The leaves are small, covered all over — on the under side 

 densely — with mealy down of musky odour ; the flower-stems 

 rise 5 or 6 inches above the leaves, bearing many-flowered 

 umbels of deep rose-lilac or purple yellow-eyed flowers. It is 

 a beautiful rock-plant, and should be provided with a well- 

 drained but moist and moderately shady spot ; in the growing 

 season it can hardly be kept too moist. The compost most 

 congenial to it is mostly peat, a little loam, and abundance of 

 sharp sand. Flowers in May, June, and July. Native of 

 Britain and other parts of Europe. 



P. farinosa, var. acaulis, is a remarkable and interesting 

 variety, being almost destitute of flower-stem, and forming the 

 small umbels of flower scarcely in relief of the mealy white 

 foliage. 



P. intermedia iylntenncdiate F.) — This excellent Primula is 

 reputed a hybrid between F. minima and F. ciliata. It is of 

 vigorous growth, and resembles some of the varieties of F. 

 auricula in its smooth pale-gi^een foliage, which is destitute of 

 farina. The flower-stems are stout and erect, about 9 inches 

 high, and support umbels of bright purplish-crimson flowers. 

 Adapted for either the rockwork or mixed border in rich light 

 sandy ,loam, well-drained but moist. Flowers in April and 

 May. 



P. involucrata {Invohicred P.) is nearly related to Munro's 

 P., but generally considered inferior to it. It is not so vigor- 

 ous. Leaves in shape and texture similar, but not cordate at 

 the base ; flower-stems weaker, and the umbel fewer-flowered. 

 Flowers white in April and May. Native of Northern India. 



