THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 145 
The cultivation of primroses for bedding purposes is so simple 
that a few words will suffice to describe it. Those who possess a 
stock at the present moment will have simply to lift the plants from 
the beds, when the latter have to be cleared in May, and plant them 
rather close together in lines on a shady border. They must have 
the soil pressed firm about them, and they should also be watered 
in to insure the soil being well settled about the roots. They may 
also be purchased now, and of course be planted in a similar manner. 
Should the weather be exceptionally dry during June, two or three 
soakings of water will be most beneficial, but beyond this, they will 
require no further attention. When the beds have been cleared 
of the summer flowering plants and dug over, lift the primroses, 
divide the largest clumps into two or more portions, each part to 
have from two to four crowns each, and then plant six inches apart 
each way. The beds must be filled early in October, to afford them 
a good opportunity of becoming well established before the severe 
weather sets in, and puts a stop to the growth. This is most im- 
portant, for primroses grow freely during the autumn, and it is as 
well they should make the growth after they are in the beds as 
before, and then have to be disturbed. 
When the hardy primroses are grown in pots, they should be 
repotted annually, the end of August or the early part of September 
being the most suitable time for the operation. When they are 
turned out of the pots, remove a portion of the soil and return them 
to clean pots of a similar size. Large plants are not desirable, and 
as a rule, those with three or four crowns each are the best. There- 
fore when they become large, divide them as here suggested at the 
same time as they have their annual shift. Place them out of doors 
until the middle of October, and then remove to a frame or cold- 
house. As they are in a progressive state throughout the winter, 
maintain the soil in a nice, moist state until the turn of the winter, 
and then commence to supply them more liberally with water. 
They must enjoy a free circulation of air about them, except in very 
severe weather, for they are in no way tender. When grown in the 
borders they are not very particular as to the soil, but for those in 
pots, a compost consisting of three parts turfy loam, and one part 
well-rotted manure should be employed. From the time of their 
going out of bloom until they are repotted in the summer, they 
should be plunged in coal ashes or some other loose material, on 
the north side of a hedge or wall, and the soil be maintained in a 
moderately moist state. The Primulas of the Viscosa type are of 
much slower growth than any of the others, and they should not be 
over potted. They must also have a shady position during the 
summer season, and be watered with rather more care than is neces- 
sary in the case of those comprising the other types. A moderate 
proportion of sand should also be added to the compost. 
There are varieties innumerable of the Acaulis and Elatior types, 
but the following are twelve of the best for pot culture; they can 
be obtained at a moderate price. Of the Hlatior or Polyanthus type, 
Golden Prince, yellow; Bride, white; Cardinal, crimson; Con- 
queror, magenta crimson ; Viceroy, sulphur; and AZauve ne rosy 
May. 
