276 FLOWER GARDEN. 



Though not absolutely necessary, it is useful to have the 

 power of sheltering them from long-continued rains. It 

 is usual every year to shift the plants, shortening the roots 

 and giving them a large portion of new soil, soon after the 

 flowers have decayed. For more detailed information on 

 this subject, we may refer to the well-known treatises of 

 Maddock and Hogg. 



The Polyanthus is supposed to be a seminal variety of 

 Primula vulgaris, and is much cultivated by some florists. 

 Like the auricula, it has sported into many hundred vari- 

 eties. It is not necessary to give a detailed account of its 

 culture, as it scarcely differs from that of the auricula. 

 The polyanthus, however, is the hardier of the two, and 

 seldom perishes from cold. It may be mentioned that 

 there are several beautiful double varieties of the common 

 Primrose, both white and dark purple, which are deserving 

 of a place in every garden. 



The whole genus Primula merits the attention of the 

 curious cultivator. P. helvetica and nivalis adorn the 

 flower borders in spring with their abundant trusses of 

 blossom. P. marginata, when planted in a shady situa- 

 tion, is equally lavish of its pale and delicately beautiful 

 flowers. P. viscosa and integrifolia, with their intense 

 colors, are the ornaments of the alpine frame; or, with P. 

 longifolia, farinosa, and Scotica, may be plunged into the 

 margin of the American border. A supply, however, 

 should be kept in pots. Besides these, we might name P. 

 cortusoides, Pallasii, Palinuri, and others. The curious 

 P. verticellata, and the splendid P. sinensis, are inmates 

 of the green-house. Of this last there is a white variety, 

 and also a double-flowered variety. The florist of simple 

 taste will love them all. 



The Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) has long been 



