DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF FLOWERS. 333 
yellow, and sometimes red. A hardy perennial blooming 
late in April or early in May, and will succeed in cool 
shady localities. Propagated by seeds and division of 
the roots. 
Primroses.—In the varieties included under this name 
the flower-stem is very short, and the flowers are close 
down among the leaves. They are very early flowering, 
and embrace many beautiful varieties. 
Polyanthuses,—The varieties so called have the umbel 
of flowers raised upon a flower-stalk, which rises three to 
six inches or more in height. The varieties are innumer- 
able as each sowing adds to their number, and it is use- 
less to attempt to catalogue their names. 
The rules for judging of the beauty or merits of a va- 
riety are wholly artificial, and founded on an imaginary 
form far removed. from ordinary nature. These rules or 
cannons are agreed on by the general consent of florists. 
Polyanthuses were first brought forward by the Dutch, 
and were formerly in extensive cultivation in Europe ; but 
in more modern times they have given place to new spe- 
cies of flowers. They are, however, well worthy the at- 
tention of amateurs, for they are very beautiful, and suc- 
ceed well in sheltered spots, in a rich and rather moist 
soil with little care. They are in flower all the month of 
May, and some of the Primroses by the middle of April. 
The flowers are of various colors; brown with yellow 
eye, with a delicate edging of yellow, is very common; 
also various combinations of crimson, yellow, sulphur, 
rich brown, almost black, either plain or shaded. The 
flowers to be perfect, should be round, in regular trusses, 
on stiff erect stems well above the foliage; each flower or 
pip should be of a plain black, brown, crimson or some 
dark color, with a yellow or sulphur eye, edged with 
white, sulphur, orange, or yellow color. The choice va- 
rieties are increased by dividing the roots, which should 
