PRIMULAS (PRIMROSES). 169 



axe found in them, and the flowers are of great size. 

 Moreover they are sweet scented. Several seedsmen 

 specialise these lovely hardy Auriculas, which are 

 much finer and bolder, though admittedly not more 

 refined, than the show sorts. Good varieties can 

 always be perpetuated by division. 



Bulky ana. — A new species from China, very distinct 

 and beautiful, with flowers borne in whorls a foot to 

 eighteen inches high like those of the well-known 

 species Japonica^ but orange yellow in colour. It 

 will be expensive during its early years in cultivation. 

 It thrives in gritty loam and likes a cool position. 



Cortusoides. — A Siberian species growing nine to 

 twelve inches high, with purplish rose flowers, easily 

 raised from seed. Leaf -mould is a good addition to 

 the soil, and shelter is advisable. 



Denticulata, which produces heads of lilac flowers on 

 a stem about nine inches high in spring is a popular 

 Himalayan Primrose, and the variety of it called 

 Cashmeriana, which has golden meal on the under side 

 of the leaves, is much liked. The flowers are deeper 

 in colour than the species. Alba has white flowers with 

 a yellow centre. This set should have light loamy 

 soil in a sheltered spot. 



Cockburniana is not yet well-known in cultivation, 

 but it is likely to become popular. It bears scarlet 

 flowers, fading to orange and mealy flower stems in 

 whorls. It is a biennial, and should be raised from 

 seed every year. Loam and leaf mould will suit it. 



Farinosa is the charming little " Bird's Eye Prim- 

 rose," and is shown in one of the coloured plates in 



