208 



REPORT ON THE 



like the action of centrifugal force, the colours appearing desirous 

 of moving off into space. What is termed the thrum does not 

 appear to demand special notice in connection with the origin of 

 the flower, but I shall not seriously interrupt the study of the 

 subject by remarking that Charles Darwin found the short styled 

 flowers the most productive of seed, and thus the taste of the 

 florist in this respect is in strict accord with the frugal notions 

 of nature. The rich yellow of the thrum is another feature 

 favourable to the flower, which is as hardy and vigorous as any 

 of its kindred, although commonly represented by the traducers 

 of the florists as a debilitated thing that requires a man and a 

 boy to hold it up. 



The Auriculas naturally divide into two groups, the Alpines 

 leaning to Primula villosa, the Auriculas to Primula Auricula. 

 There does not appear to be any necessity for the admixture of 

 Primulas that has been hypothecated for the formation of these 

 flowers. The facts of history suggest that in all their more dis- 

 tinctive forms these two sections represent only two species, and 

 that each in its essential characters is self-contained and self- 

 containing. We have no proof at any time of distinct hybridity, 

 but it must be acknowledged as a fact favouring the view of a 

 considerable range of parentage, that the allied species breed 

 freely together. The Primulas that most often come into contact 

 with man are like him of a sportive nature. The laced Polyanthus 

 might perplex us with its golden edge, and there are many edged 

 Oxlips in the present exhibition, and some that display stripes and 

 incipient edgings, and that are probably in a condition of change 

 corresponding with the Auriculas of Gerarde and Parkinson. 



Sir Joseph Hooker, at the conclusion of Mr. Hibberd's paper, 

 and at the invitation of the Chairman, said : I am most unex- 

 pectedly called upon to say a few words with respect to the paper 

 we have just heard. I need not say it is an easy task, for I have 

 rarely heard one that has given me more information or pleasure. 

 I may truly say that I knew little about these Auriculas until what 

 I have heard to-day from my friend Mr. Hibberd. I was par- 

 ticularly glad to see this Auricula ( pointing to a specimen of the 

 wild type j brought into prominence to-day, because I think it 

 was in the Botanical Magazine that my friend Mr. Baker figured 

 the true origin and source of the Auricula. Speaking generally, 

 I regard these Conferences as of the greatest importance, both 



