344 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



courtesy : we feel that it is not the Primrose of our youth ; 

 not the Primrose with which we have played at bo-peep 

 in the woods ; not the irresistible Primrose which has so 

 often lured our young feet into the wet grass, and procured 

 us coughs and chidings. There is a sentiment in flowers : 

 there are flowers we cannot look upon, or even hear named, 

 without recurring to something that has an interest in our 

 hearts : such are the Primrose, the Cowslip, the May- 

 flower, the Daisy, &c. &c. 



A few Primrose-roots may be transplanted from their 

 native woods or banks ; or, should not these be within reach, 

 may be purchased for the value of a few pence at Covent- 

 Garden flower-market. They are perennial ; but, being so 

 cheap, it is scarcely worth while to be encumbered with the 

 unsightly roots in winter, when they may be so easily re- 

 placed ; unless, indeed, we have an individual affection for 

 them, as the gift of a friend, &c. ; in such cases they may 

 keep their station, observing now and then to give them a 

 little water, when there is no frost. While in -a growing 

 state, they must be plentifully supplied with water, and 

 shaded from the mid-day sun. They like a strong soil, but 

 will thrive in almost any. 



The Swedes put the leaves of the Primrose into their 

 wine to flavour it ; and in some parts of England they are 

 eaten in salad. 



The poets have not neglected to pay due honours to this 

 sweet spring-flower, which unites in itself such delicacy of 

 form, colour, and fragrance : they give it a forlorn and 

 pensive character : 



" Bring the rathe primrose that forsaken dies." 



LYCIDAS. 

 " Pale primroses 



That die unmarried, ere they can behold 



Bright Phoebus in his strength." 



WINTER'S TALE. 



