298 ALPINE FLOWERS. Part II. 



of P. ciliata and P. ciliata purpurea are varieties of this, the ' 

 last said to be a hybrid between it and an Auricula. 



PRIMULA VULGARIS.— Common Primrose. 



The Gentians and dwarf Primulas do not do more for the Alps 

 than this charming wilding for the hedge-banks, groves, open 

 woods, and borders of fields and streams of the British Isles. 

 No need to say anything of its appearance, which must be 

 familiar to every person who has seen a wild flower in a country 

 lane. In some places it varies a good deal in colour, and some 

 of the prettiest of the wild varieties are worthy of being intro- 

 duced into shrubberies and semi-wild places, and also into 

 gardens. Although it does not vary so much as the CowsHp, 

 yet it does so in a degree that ought to make it much more 

 valuable in the hands of flower-gardeners than it is at present. 

 All the varieties would perhaps find their most appropriate 

 home in our woods and shrubberies ; but so long as rich and 

 lovely colour and fragrance are esteemed in the flower-garden 

 ' in spring, some of the more distinctly toned varieties should be 

 sought after. Varied hues of yellow, red, rose, lilac, bluish- 

 violet, lilac-rose, and white, have already been raised, and no 

 doubt many others will be raised in future, particularly if the 

 good single varieties should become popular plants for the 

 spring flower garden. Striking and desirable variations from 

 the commoner types will then be much more likely to be pre- 

 served. For bedding purposes these single varieties will always 

 prove more useful and effective than the old double kinds, 

 because more vigorous and easily increased. All the varieties 

 are readily increased by division of the offsets, or by seeds, which 

 are produced in abundance. Planted in woods and shrubberies, 

 the plants will take care of themselves — a quality that adds to 

 their charms. 



When raised for flower-gardening purposes, some system of 

 culture must be pursued ; a very simple one will secure the best 

 results both as to the production of vigorous free-blooming 

 plants and an abundant stock. After the summer occupants 

 of the flower-beds are faded and removed in autumn, the 

 Primroses and other spring flowers are planted in the beds 

 as the taste of the grower may direct. About the middle or the 

 end of May it will be time to think of preparing the beds for 



