9 
CULTURE OF THE AURICULA. 
(primula auricula.) 
It is evidently as important for a cultivator to know the climate and altitude 
natural to a plant, as the soil in which it will grow ; for if the latter be ever so suit- 
able, and the temperament be not agreeable, the plant will never grow to any degree 
of perfection. The name Primula is derived from primus , first, in allusion to its 
early flowering, and Auricula, from auris, an ear, on account of the leaves resem- 
bling the ears of an animal. It is a native of the mountains of Switzerland, Austria, 
Syria, and the Caucasus. 
With regard to the culture, daily observation has convinced us that a plain and 
simple mode of treatment is the best for all plants, providing they thrive and flower 
well in the use of it. “ Strong stimulative manures, however beneficial they may be 
for the time, in producing large flowers and vivid colours, too frequently leave the 
plants in a state of exhaustion, if not of premature and gradual decay*.” With 
this view of the subject we will describe the mode of cultivating auriculas, under 
fifteen heads : — 
1. With regard to a suitable soil, those persons who use only such as is rich, 
wholesome, porous, and of simple mixture, usually have the best success. Bone 
dust is an excellent ingredient, and its decomposition being slow, the volatile alkali 
passes off slowly, which is very advantageous, because the stimulus is of long con- 
tinuance. Some good new turfy loam, well rotted, mixed with one fourth ot 
vegetable mould, either made from leaves, or gathered from the interior of a hollow 
tree ; one fourth well rotted dung, one eighth river sand, and a portion of bone dust, 
are all the ingredients necessary to grow them to the greatest perfection. In using 
bone dust a very small portion of lime will be of great utility mixed with it in the 
soil, as the animal matter will by this means be decomposed, and immediately fitted 
for the use of plants. This, must, however, be in a very small proportion, or it 
will be injurious. 
2. All auriculas, to be grown to perfection, must, previous to flowering, stand in 
an airy, sunny situation ; but afterwards, that is, from the end of May to the 
beginning of September, in one somewhat shaded. 
3. From the beginning of September to the end of April, the plants must be 
sheltered, in a frame or brick 
pit, sunk or built two feet below 
the level of the ground ; so that 
when placed upon a platform 
of ooards six inches from the 
floor, and in flower, they will not reach higher than the surrounding surface. This 
* Hogg’s Supplement on Horticulture. 
VOL. I. — NO. I. 
C 
