214 A GUIDE TO FLOR1CULTUIIE. 



from the Primrose, as the Auricula is from the Polyan- 

 thus ; consequently they will be treated accordingly. 



The Primrose is a perennial rooted plant, and can be 

 propagated either by dividing the root or by seed. It has 

 been the theme of many a ditty with poets, for several 

 hundred years, and has sustained its reputation as a favorite 

 flower up to the present day, which is more than can be 

 said of many flowers now in cultivation, ten years hence. 

 The color of the flower is a brimstone yellow, possessing 

 a fragrance much like the Anise. When a boy, I have 

 frequently found them in copses, of a purple crimson, beau- 

 tiful in appearance, growing on a single stem, and flower- 

 ing profusely. Where the ground contains moisture these 

 flowers are most profuse and luxuriant, and in a few 

 minutes a person could pick as many as he could con- 

 veniently carry in one hand, at a season when scarcely 

 any other flowers had made their appearance, thus en- 

 livening our imagination at the approach of spring 



The Cowslip:- 



" Transplanted thus, how bright you grow; 



How rich a perfume do you yield ! 

 In some close garden, Cowslips so, 

 Are sweeter than in open fields." 



Yes ! the Cowslip luxuriates in the open meadows, or in 

 the garden, throwing up a scape with a bunch of flowers 

 each about the size of half a dime ; in color inclining 

 to the orange, bestowing quite an enchanting appearance. 

 Frequently, amongst this tribe of flowers, will be found 

 the Oxlip, which appears to be a hybrid between the Prim- 

 rose and Cowslip, having the stem of the latter and the 





