SWEET-SMELLING PLANTS 



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the whole family, and is altogether an exceedingly attractive plant. 

 Shakespeare even did not overlook its beauties when he says : — 



' I know a bank whereon the wild Thyme grows, 

 Where Oxlips and the nodding Violet blows.' 



Primrose (P. vulgaris). — A lovely native plant, found growing 

 in great luxuriance in hedgerows, woodlands, and copses ; it is known 

 as one of the harbingers of spring, and ventures forth its dainty 

 sulphur blossoms as soon as the winter-worn earth is favoured with 

 the breath of vernal warmth. 



The relationship which this favourite and delicately perfumed 

 flower bears to the ancient gods has been clearly left us in the 

 mythological writings of the time, and from these records it would 

 appear that the Primrose owes its name to a beautiful youth who 

 died of grief through the loss of his lover, but was preserved by his 

 friends, and transformed into this flower. 



The fragrance of the Primrose is most peculiarly attractive and 

 refreshing. Even the scent of Violets does not bring to the mind such 

 unmixed delight, for Violets are sometimes found at other seasons, 

 but a handful of creamy Primroses can only be found in sweet 

 sprmg-time, hence they speak to us of the mossy dells and glens 

 where they have sprung up at the first call of its breezy voice. The 

 Primrose which remains ungathered will flourish in beauty and 

 fragrance for many days, and even when plucked it exhales its pure 

 and healthy odour until the very last hour of its life ; all the poets 

 have extolled the praise of this fair child of spring. 



Shenstone has left these fairy lines : — 



' To pluck the Primrose np the lane, 

 Does she not sweets in each fair valley find 

 Lost to the sons of power, unknown to half mankind ? ' 



Spenser in the following exhilarating Imes must have been 

 attracted by its beauties : — 



' Sweet is the Primrose that peeps beneath the Thorn ; 

 She is the rose and glory of the day. 

 And mine the Primrose in the lowly shade.' 



Shakespeare's construction is in a very forlorn and pensive 

 character : — 



' With fairest flowers, 

 I'll sweeten thy sad grave. Thou shalt not lack 

 The flower that's like thy face, pale Primrose.' 



There are many other pleasing varieties of this charming family 

 that have been brought from distant parts, and are now naturalised 

 in our gardens and greenhouses. Of the hardy species found wild 



