332 The PolyaiitJius. 



few evergreen boughs over them in the autumn. They will, however, sur- 

 vive without any protection ; but it must be borne in mind, that, the finer 

 the variety, the more tender it is. The oxh'p {Primula elatior) is not hardy 

 in Massachusetts, and needs frame protection ; and the true English prim- 

 rose {P. vulgaris or acanlis) needs winter protection. Of this hotter plant, 

 there are many very beautiful varieties in various shades of lilac, crimson, 

 scarlet, yellow, and white : the double kinds are very showy, and are most 

 attractive ornaments of the flower-garden in May. The English cowslip 

 {P. veris) and the red variety {rubra) much resemble and require the same 

 treatment as the polyanthus. They are not, however, as showy, but make 

 a pleasing contrast. The species is better than the variety ; the bright canary- 

 yellow of the blossoms being very effective. There is no prettier sight than 

 a bed of seedling polyanthus : no two plants will be alike in flower, and 

 the foliage often differs very noticeably. The chance of getting a fine 

 florist's flower from a bed of seedlings is small ; but all will be good, worth 

 keeping, and prove welcome additions to the spring flower-garden. 



And, now, how to procure a stock. In early April, buy a packet of 

 selected seed, which may be obtained- of any seedsman. Sow it at once 

 in a shallow pan of good, rich, light soil, covering it very lightly (for the 

 seed is small) ; and place it in a frame on the greenhouse-shelf, or in a sunny 

 window. Water moderately and gently, and in a week the plants will begin 

 to come up. Grow them in full light ; and, as soon as they are large enough 

 to handle, prick them out into a cold frame or into larger pans. When they 

 have gained strength, they may be again transplanted to the garden-bed ; but 

 it is best to grow them all summer in the frame. Keep them well watered, 

 and by November each tiny plant will have become very large, and well 

 prepared for winter. When the ground begins to freeze hard, fill the frame 

 over the plants with dry oak-leaves, draw on the sash, and cover with a 

 board or mat to keep off the rays of the sun. 



Early in April uncover, remove the oak-leaves, and the plants will be 

 found pushing into growth. Cover with the sash on cold days, and for 

 a while at night ; giving plenty of air in warm, sunny days. The plants 

 will soon show bloom if in a garden-bed : the sash may then be removed ; or, 

 if desirable, the plants may be carefully lifted, and removed to the garden. 



After the flowers have faded is the season for propagation, which is 



