1 1 2 Alpine Primulas 



rich loam, it will be seen that the stems lose their 

 leaves and that embryo roots are presently formed 

 above the soil. By burying the stems when replant- 

 ing, these roots take hold of the soil, and the vigour 

 of the subject is maintained. This is true, also, of 

 the Auricula, and such Primula species as P. mar- 

 ginata, P. Palinuri, and others having stem-like 

 growths. Other species which respond to cultivation 

 in rich, well-drained loam with which leaf soil and 

 grit is freely incorporated are P. calycina, lilac; P. 

 clusiana, rose; P. hirsuta in all it^ forms; P. integri- 

 f olia, purplish rose ; P. spectabilis ; and others. These 

 are but a few inches high, and produce their flowers in 

 small trusses. They are increased by seeds and by 

 division. Quite apart is the more vigorous growing 

 P. denticulata from the Himalayas. Its flowers, 

 coloured lilac to purple, are produced in round or 

 globular heads. There is a pure white variety which 

 is highly desirable. All may be raised from seeds 

 with the greatest ease, and in flower are most effec- 

 tive. The brilliant orange-scarlet flowered P. Cock- 

 bumiana, though but little more than a biennial, is 

 too good to be omitted from the most select list. 

 Spare habited, it should be grouped freely and rather 

 closely together. Barely 9 inches in height, it is quite 

 happy in rich vegetable soils, loam, leaf mould, and 

 sand, with good drainage. Then a charming trio of 

 miniatures responding to like conditions are to be 

 found in P. farinosa (Bird's-Eye Primrose), P. fron- 

 dosa, and P. scotica. All have mealy stems and 

 leaves, the tallest (P. frondosa) rarely reaching 

 6 inches high, while P. scotica is barely the half of 

 that height. Cool or moist conditions in rich vege- 

 table soils and grit suit them well. They flower in 

 May and June. Easily raised from seeds. Quite 

 charming, too, is the early (April) flowering P. Juliae 

 from the Caucasus. Very dwarf, mat-forming, and 

 deciduous, it is possessed of a vigour and freedom of 

 blossoming which none excel, and, being amiably 



