276 FLOWER GARDEN. 
Though not absolutely necessary, it is useful to have the 
power of sheltering them from long-continued rains. It 
is usual every year to shift the plants, shortening the roots 
and giving them a large portion of new soil, soon after the 
flowers have decayed. For more detailed information on 
this subject, we may refer to the well-known treatises of 
Maddock and Hogg. 
The Polyanthus is supposed to be a seminal variety of 
Primula vulgaris, and is much cultivated by some florists. 
Like the auricula, it has sported into many hundred vari- 
eties. It is not necessary to give a detailed account of its 
culture, as it scarcely differs from that of the auricula. 
The polyanthus, however, is the hardier of the two, and 
seldom perishes from cold. It may be mentioned that 
there are several beautiful double varieties of the common 
Primrose, both white and dark purple, which are deserving 
of a place in every garden. 
~The whole genus Primula merits the attention of the 
curious cultivator. P. helvetica and nivalis adorn the 
flower borders in spring with their abundant trusses of 
blossom. P. marginata, when planted in a shady situa- 
tion, is equally lavish of its pale and delicately beautiful 
flowers. P. viscosa and integrifolia, with their intense 
colors, are the ornaments of the alpine frame; or, with P. 
longifolia, farinosa, and Scotica, may be plunged into the 
margin of the American border. A supply, however, 
should be kept in pots. Besides these, we might name P. 
cortusoides, Pallasii, Palinuri, and others. The curious 
P. verticellata, and the splendid P. sinensis, are inmates 
of the green-house. Of this last there is a white variety, 
and also a double-flowered variety. The florist of simple 
taste will love them all. 
The Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) has long been 
