POLYANTHUS. 223 



anthus be a sport of the Cowslip, or Oxlip, it is strange, 

 " 'tis passing strange," that it should not be found to return 

 to its primitive state, as other plants will, at times. There 

 is no doubt the origin of the Polyanthus is lost, like the 

 Carnation and many other plants, that have been in culti- 

 vation from time immemorial. The Polyanthus appears 

 to be a distinct species, as much so as the Auricula; culti- 

 vation, no doubt, has much improved the one as well as 

 the other. It is frequently the case you will find the 

 Primrose sporting in the copses in England, where they 

 bear a stronger affinity to the Polyanthus than the Cow- 

 slip. Whoever saw the Cowslip sport to the Polyanthus 

 in the fields ? There is no doubt but the Oxlip is a sport 

 between the Primrose and Cowslip. The seed of the 

 Cowslip can be purchased of various colors, which is effected 

 by culture. The flowers differ widely from the Polyantjbus 

 in beauty, form, and fragrance; therefore the Polyanthus 

 must be a different variety by itself. 



This beautiful and desirable perennial is increased by 

 dividing the roots in the fall. The seed should be sown, 

 if you wish to obtain new varieties, in February, in a box 

 or pan, and be very lightly covered ; it is desirable to cover 

 the soil with snow, if there should be any about the 

 middle of the month, as you could thus sow the seed more 

 evenly, and when the snow melted, the seed would be 

 carried down to a sufficient depth "to germinate. The soil 

 should be a rich loam, and be kept moist, and receive the 

 benefit of the morning sun only. When the plants appear, 

 they should be protected against the spring frosts and 

 heavy rains; and as soon as the seedlings will bear trans- 

 planting, set them about two inches apart, in a shady 



