CHAP. Till.] PRIMROSE, CARNATION. 221 



the auricula, while the flowers of the primrose 

 are produced singly, each on a separate stalk 

 rising- from the root. The qualities of the 

 polyanthus resemble those of the auricula as to 

 form and shape, but there is not the same 

 variety as to colour, as the polyanthus is always 

 of a very dark brownish red and golden yellow. 

 The best flowers have generally a narrow 

 edging of a bright golden colour, and as clear 

 and distinct as possible, round the margin of 

 each petal; and no flower is at all esteemed 

 that has what is called a pin-eye; that is, as 

 before mentioned with regard to the auricula, 

 when the stigma projects beyond the anthers 

 of the stamens. The polyanthus is propagated 

 by slips, and by division of the root, and new 

 varieties are raised from seed. 



The Primrose differs essentially from the 

 polyanthus and the auricula, in being only 

 esteemed when double, while they are not con- 

 sidered to rank as florists' flowers unless they 

 are single. The primrose, indeed, is not a 

 florists' flower; and its pretty double pale 

 yellow, dark scarlet, lilac, and white varieties 

 are only grown as common border perennials. 

 They like a rich loamy soil, rather moist than 

 otherwise, and a shady situation; and are pro- 

 pagated by division of the roots. 



Jlie Carnation has long been a favourite 

 florists' flower; and, as it is not quite so difficult 

 to grow to a considerable degree of perfection 

 as the auricula, it is also a favourite border 

 flower. The florists' carnations are of three 

 kinds, viz. the Flakes, which are striped with 

 broad bands of two colours; the*Bizarres, 



