HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 75 



The most suitable soil is a good strong loam, to which may be added one 

 fourth thoroughly rotted cow manure, and an equal portion of leaf mould, the 

 whole of which have lain together for a season. Success will attend the 

 cultivation in any ordinary fertile soil, but the above compost is all that ihe 

 Primrose can desire. 



"Where there is the accommodation of a greenhouse or cold frames the flowers 

 become considerably more attractive and beautiful, as they can be protected 

 from storms and wet, which assists the blossoms in brilliancy of colour, and 

 considerably forwards them. Under these circumstances they will bloom in 

 the greenhouse from the middle of February, and in frames through March 

 and April, after which time those in the open ground will continue on until 

 the middle of May, so that with a little attention and convenience the flower- 

 ing may be kept on for a long time. 



When it is intended to have a supply in the greenhouse, the plants should 

 be taken up and potted in six inch pots, about the beginning of September. 

 Divide into single crowns, and choose the strongest, trim off any decayed 

 roots and place one in the centre of each pot, previous to which, throw in 

 the bottom an inch of crocks, or what is still better, an equal quantity of 

 small lumps of charcoal, fill half up with the rougher part of the compost, 

 over this a little of that which is finer; next place the plant with the roots 

 spread out horizontally, fill up to the surface and around the collar, press 

 the soil somewhat solid around the crown, but do not cover too deep, after- 

 wards, give a good watering and plunge the pots to the rim in ashes or sand 

 in a shady part of the garden; here let them remain until the approach of 

 frost, when all decayed leaves or weeds should be cleared off, the pots 

 washed and removed into the greenhouse, and placed close to the glass freely 

 exposed to the sun and air. Too much heat, particularly in the night time, 

 renders the flowers abortive. The back shelf of a Camellia or Geranium 

 house is very suitable. 



If they are to be grown in cold frames, fill in the compost to within 

 eight or ten inches of the top, plant six inches apart, divide as before re- 

 commended for pots, and at the same time, keep off the glasses till bad 

 weather sets in, and afterwards give air at all favorable opportunities; cover 

 in the night through the winter with straw or other kind of matts, line 

 around the side3 with litter or earth, water rather sparingly until there is 

 some movement of growth, when the soil should be maintained in a damp 

 but not saturated state; for although these plants delight in a moist situa- 

 tion, they are soon rotted where the superabundant water cannot drain off; 

 if any warm showers occur take advantage of them by sliding down the 



