BIRD'S-EYE OR MEALY PRIMROSE 



Primula farinosa L. 

 PRIMROSE FAMILY 



The primrose, like the violet, has ever been a favorite with 

 the poets. Shakespeare, Burns, Wordsworth, and many others 

 have sung its j>raises. One who has rambled in the woods and 

 along the lanes and hedgerows of England in early Spring can 

 understand what a large place the primrose holds in the life 

 and literature of the people. 



But the Bird's-eye Primrose, although widely distributed 

 and often abundant, will never take the place in Canada that 

 its yellow namesake holds in the Old Land. It is too shy, and so 

 unassertive in color and habit that it is often walked over without 

 being seen. It grows in wet meadows and is usually half hidden 

 among the grass. Of this Primrose, as of the walking-fern, 

 it may be said that no one ever found it, unless it was first in his 

 heart. Still, observation can be assisted to locate it. For 

 instance, the Shooting Star and this Primrose frequently grow 

 together, so that the gaudy flowers of the former may readily 

 help one to find its pretty but retiring relative.* 



Ah! here are a few, on tip-toe, as it were, to peep over the 

 surrounding damp sedge. Pluck one and notice the corolla, 

 pale lilac in color, .with a yellow eye. And the leaves! Notice 

 how they are tufted^at the roots, of a pale green color on the upper 

 side, and covered on the under side^with a fine white down which 

 gives a white mealy effect. This white down also creeps up to 

 cover the flower-stem which is from four to fifteen inches high. 

 The whole color effect is in harmony with the surroundings, 

 whilst yet leaving the flower with a modest distinction. 



*It should be said that while their periods of bloom overlap, the Shooting 

 Star opens first by a week or two. 



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