CHAP, viii VILLA GARDENING 189 



are grown as regards ventilating, the better will they endure dry 

 afterchauges. The flower spikes should be supported with light 

 sticks. Being so beautiful, and so distinct from all other plants, 

 they are worth some trouble to obtain in the best possible con- 

 dition. Coolness and damiDuess are the chief requisites, and under 

 such conditions insects are not troublesome ; but if green-fly appears, 

 fumigate in moderation at once, and repeat if necessary. Liquid 

 maniu-e shoidd be given frequently as soon as the flower spikes 

 show. To save seed, gather the best plants together, and use the 

 camel-hair pencil at frequent intervals. ^Yithout a little help 

 the seed crop will be scanty. 



Primula sinensis and Varieties. — The single and semi- 

 double kinds should be sown in j\Iarch or April, according to the 

 time they are required to bloom. Cover the seeds rather deeper 

 than would be necessary with many seeds of similar size, as they 

 are slow in germinating ; indeed the watering often displaces the 

 covering before the seeds make a start, and consequently they fail 

 to grow, although a covering of moss or a sheet of paper would, in 

 a measure, obviate this. Indeed all seeds will germinate quicker, 

 and with more certainty, if covered with something that will 

 maintain the thin stratum of soil which immediately surrounds 

 them in an even state of moisture. But the covering should be 

 removed the moment the little embryo plants show signs of growth, 

 and from this time forward they should occupy a light position, 

 though not necessarily in the full blaze of the sun, as such a 

 situation is unsuitable for tender things. When large enough to 

 handle, prick oft', and when established a close frame on a bed of 

 ashes in some open situation vnW suit them ; but as the sun waxes 

 warmer in summer, a position screened from its fiercest rays will 

 be necessary, or the leaves will lose colour. All the Primula 

 fiimily, no matter what country they come from, have a fondness 

 for shade in hot weather. After June the lights may be removed 

 altogether, except during heavy rains, and the plants should be 

 shifted into larger pots as they require it. The soil shoidd be light, 

 but not too rich — loam, leaf-mould, and peat in equal parts, with 

 sand and charcoal to open it, will suit all the fiimily. It is not ad- 

 vantageous to give too large shifts, as good-sized plants may be grown 

 in 6-inch pots. Never permit the plants to become pot-boimd till 

 they occupy their blooming pots, whatever sizes these may be. All 

 plants when pinched at the root have a tendency to burst into 

 flower, and in this case such flowering would be premature, as 

 such plants never reach the same perfect development as if grown 

 steadily on till the flowering point is attained in natural course. 

 In October the plants should be moved to a warm greenhouse to 



