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REPORT ON THE 



plant department, but the plants were later than most others. 

 The rich collection of Primulas shown numbered in all, including 

 species, varieties and hybrids, no fewer than 118, a large 

 percentage of which were nicely in flower. Of the more imposing 

 species, such as the sweet-scented Primula verticillata var. 

 Boveana, P.obconica, P.japonica, P. involucrata, &c, large groups 

 were staged, as well as few fine healthy pans of P. cortusoides var. 

 amoena, P. rosea, &c, which much enhanced the appearance of 

 the collection as a whole. Among the principal forms to attract 

 attention, taking them mainly in alphabetical sequence as in Mr. 

 Dewar'slist, were the handsome P. admontensis, a cross between 

 P. Clusiana and P. Auricula, which appears to be an easily grown 

 plant, and from its free-flowering propensity one likely to take 

 the place of the first-named parent, which is very uncertain in its 

 flowering ; P. algida, represented by a good specimen ; P. Allioni 

 by a remarkably deep rose -flowered form ; the hybrid P. alpina, 

 P. Auricula, and the var. Balbisi. A form of P. auriculata, with 

 deep rosy flowers, attracted considerable notice ; the specimen 

 had a dozen flower-heads of good form. P. calycina was a 

 healthy plant not then in flower ; P. carniolica, an excellent 

 plant for show, had three flower-heads ; and worthy of notice 

 were a few fine forms of P. denticulata, with the varieties 

 cashmiriana, Henryi, pulcherrima, and erosa, which latter received 

 a first-class certificate. Its flowers are like those of P. denticu- 

 lata but larger and deeper in colour ; P. Dinyana, a cross near 

 to integrifolia, with lovely dark flowers, was shown in excellent 

 condition. A few forms of the Oxlip, some of which were very 

 curious, were also exhibited. A fine piece of P. Facchinii 

 (minima x spectabilis), with large rosy flowers, with a white 

 ring round the eye, and two forms of P. scotica were in good 

 condition, as also was P. floribunda. A few fine specimens of 

 P. Goblii, a hybrid (superauricula x villosa), of a beautiful and 

 striking colour, and P. integrifolia, typical, from the Pyrenees, 

 excited much interest, as did also two healthy specimens of 

 P. longiflora, one with an unusually long tube ; and a fine 

 pan of P. longiscapa luteola, just opening its buds, the plants 

 very robust. Four very distinct forms of P. marginata, P. media, 

 a hybrid between officinalis and elatior ; minima, a fine strong 

 patch, just showing flower ; mistassinica, a small North American 



