PRIMULA CONFERENCE. 



101 



namely, genuina, carpathica, intricata, Pallasii, and cordifolia, which 

 seem to be for the most part only geographical forms. The Bard- 

 field and Normandy Oxlip are merely local names. As there is no 

 real difference between them and the type, I need not say a word about 

 the cultivation of the Oxlip. All it asks is to be left alone, and if 

 granted this boon it will speedily take possession of the entire garden. 



P. officinalis, the common cowslip, is found wild everywhere in 

 Britain and needs no description.* In the North of England it is 

 known to grow at a height of 1600 feet above sea level, and it may be 

 mentioned that over the Northern Hemisphere generally it is more 

 widely distributed than the Oxlip, being found in regions as far apart 

 as Western Europe and Eastern Asiatic Siberia, North-West Asia 

 and Northern Africa. The varieties are macrocalyx, canescens or 

 pannonica and Columnae or suaveolens. Some of these are merely 

 colour forms, in others the distinguishing mark is the more or less 

 inflated calyx, but all betray close affinity with the type. 



Last of the British species we have P. acaulis or vulgaris, which is 

 found wild in almost every part of these islands. Like the cowslip 

 it even does well at an elevation of 1600 feet above sea level. It 

 is common to all parts of Europe except the North-East. 



P. acaulis, in its innumerable cultivated forms has been brought to 

 a stage of great perfection, and no doubt is capable of still greater im- 

 provement. Many beautiful colour-forms of this plant have been raised. 

 The largest form I have seen is 1 Evelyn Arkwright ' which I under- 

 stand is a variety of the wild Primrose. Double Primroses are of 

 peculiar value in the garden. Shelter from wind, partial shade, and 

 good rich soil are essential for their well-being. It is generally stated 

 that double Primroses cannot be raised from seed, but this is not the 

 case, as it has been done, and I have brought with me some seedlings 

 for your inspection, f The colours are new and the plants not yet in 

 commerce. 



The forms commonly called 1 Jack in the Green ' are very 

 quaint and interesting. As is well known, both the cowslip and 

 the primrose have a tendency to abnormal development of the 

 calyx. 



P. variabilis found in the Eastern counties, has primrose flowers 

 in umbels on distinct stems. 



P. acaulis var. Siblhorpii is a very early form of P. acaulis. The 

 flowers are pink in colour and are in full perfection long before other 

 primroses are out. It flourishes well in good soil, but sheltered and 

 shady positions suit it best on account of its early flowering propensity. 

 This is the plant sent out by nurserymen as P. amoena or P. 

 altaica. 



P. amoena genuina is, so far as I know, not in cultivation. It has a 



* The flowers are generally buff-yellow in colour, but are sometimes seen in 

 scarlet or orange. 



t Some beautiful double flowers of charming colour and excellent form were 

 exhibited. [Ed.] 



