290 FLOWER GARDEN. 



sorts out of a large sowing. The established varieties 

 are increased by dividing the roots, an operation which 

 is performed in July or in .the beginning of A'ugust. 



Eine auriculas are grown in pots about five or six 

 inches in diameter ; the longer or deeper, so much the 

 better. These are kept in frames, or stages, constructed 

 for the purpose. For winter, perhaps, there is no- 

 thing better than a common hotbed frame, a^ this ad- 

 mits of an exact adjustment of air and temperature, 

 things to which attention is absolutely necessary, as 

 the plants approach the flowering season in the end of 

 March. After the bloom is over, or in the beginning 

 of June, the pots may be placed on stages slightly ele- 

 vated, and facing the north. 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 Hoo-o;. 



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 varieties. 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 har- 

 dier 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 gmvi^ Primula merits the attention of 



