PRIMULA CONFERENCE. 



249 



put to the trouble of making new roots, which, to say the truth, it would not 

 fail to do speedily under propititious circumstances. 



The progressive growth at one end associated with progressive decay at 

 the other, is a very marked feature in Primulaceag. Moreover, it is often 

 manifested from the earliest period. The root apparatus of the seedling plant 

 seems destined for the use of the seedling only (which is thus, as before 

 noticed, practically an annual), and when the plumule developes gradually 

 into a permanent stem with its leaves and potential flowers, new roots are 

 thrusc out from the plumule, as may be seen in the illustration of Primula 

 reticulata (fig. 12), P. elatior (fig. 22), and in P. verlicillata (fig. 20). 



Fig. 22.— primula elatioe. 



a, Seedling plant ; c, Stalked cotyledon at the top of the caulicle. from which also 

 profrrude numerous roots; 1, 2, 3, 4, Plumulary leaves, b, Winter bad arising 

 from the decay of the stock and the detachment of the bud. c, the same, enlarged ; 

 r 1, r 2, Roots j / 1, 2, Leaves ; g, Side buds (after Warmiug). 



In Primula sinensis, however, the primary root does not decay, but forms a 

 permanent tap root, which thickens as it grows, like the woody stem, and sheds 

 its bark in consequence. 



