DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 



yellow, and sometimes red. A hardy perennial blooming 

 late in April or early in May, and will succeed in cool 

 shady localities. Propagated by seeds and division of 

 the roots. 



Primroses. — In the varieties included under this name 

 the flower-stem is very short, and the flowers are close 

 down among the leaves. They are very early flowering, 

 and embrace many beautiful varieties. 



Polyanthuses. — The varieties so called have the umbel 

 of flowers raised uj^on a flower-stalk, which rises three to 

 six inches or more in height. The varieties are innumer- 

 able as each sowing adds to their number, and it is use- 

 less to attempt to catalogue their names. 



The rules for judging of the beauty or merits of a va- 

 riety are wholly artificial, and founded on an imaginary 

 form far removed from ordinary nature. These rules or 

 cannons are agreed on by the general consent of florists. 

 Polyanthuses were first brought forward by the Dutch, 

 and were formerly in extensive cultivation in Europe ; but 

 in more modern times they have given place to new spe- 

 cies of flowers. They are, however, well worthy the at- 

 tention of amateurs, for they are very beautiful, and suc- 

 ceed well in sheltered spots, in a rich and rather moist 

 soil with little care They are in flower all the month of 

 May, and some of the Primroses by the middle of April. 

 The flowers are of various colors ; brown with yellow 

 eye, with a delicate edging of yellow, is very common ; 

 also various combinations of crimson, yellow, sulphur, 

 rich brown, almost black, either plain or shaded. The 

 flowers to be perfect, should be round, in regular trusses, 

 on stiff erect stems well above the foliage ; each flower or 

 pip should be of a plain black, brown, crimson or some 

 dark color, with a yellow or sulphur eye, edged with 

 white, sulphur, orange, or yellow color. The choice va- 

 rieties are increased by dividing the roots, which should 



