224 



MV GARDEN. 



I have observed that primroses attain the greatest perfection in 

 woods after the undergrowth is cut. The light is then let in, and 

 the plants flourish, attaining the greatest perfection in the second or 

 third year. 



The double varieties of the common primrose cannot compare with 

 the natural primrose for beauty, but may be grown for the sake 

 of variety. 



"The primrose pale and violet flower ■ 

 Found in each cliff a narrow bower.'' 



Sir Walter Scott. 



Bull last year introduced a superb flower to horticulture, called 

 the Primula japonica (fig. 432). It is, perhaps, one of the finest 

 plants which has been introduced, though at present it is too expen- 

 sive for common use. Doubtless, in a short time, the price will be 

 so reduced that it will come to be universally used for the choice 

 flower-border, if not for the alpinery. 



Fig. 432rt. — Cowslip. 



Fig. 433.— Polyaiitlms. 



Fig. 432. — Primula japonica. 



The lovely Cowslip [Primula veris, fig. 432 a) adorns the meadows in 

 our neighbourhood. The Polyanthus {P- vulgaris, fig. 433), which is a 

 florists' flower of great merit, should also be grown by hundreds; 

 some of the auricula-flowered varieties are of great beauty. They 

 may be easily raised from seed, or by division of the roots. When 

 raised from seed, it may be sown in- a pan placed in a cold frame, 

 in March, and the young plants afterwards pricked out. 



