PRIMULA SINENSIS. CHINESE PRIMROSE. 
Class, PENTANDRIA.— Order, MONOGYNIA. 
Natural Order, PRIMULACEHL THE PRIMROSE TRIBE. 
Primula is derived from the Latin Primus, first, from its early flowering; hence its English name also. 
Prime rose, now contracted to Primrose. — Sinensis, from Since, the name of an ancient people, who are 
supposed to have inhabited that part of the Chinese Empire now called Cochin China. This pretty plant 
was first taken notice of by the Horticultural Society, in the year 1819, when a drawing of it was received 
from John Reeves, Esq. a corresponding member, residing at Canton. Subsequently a plant, and seeds, 
also, were sent off by him to the Society; the plant perished during its passage, and the seeds did not 
vegetate. Since that period it has been introduced by Captain Rawes. This beautiful acquisition to 
our green-houses was received from China, and first cultivated with success in this country by Thomas C. 
Palmer, Esq. of Bromley, in Kent. 
Its manner of flowering is particularly elegant, for out of a simple umbel or head of flowers, 
rises a distinct scape or stalk, supporting a second umbel, and from this is produced a third, and some- 
times a fourth, by which peculiarity, and its free increase of flowering side shoots, it remains in bloom 
during the greater part of the year, but is in its greatest beauty in the latter part of autumn, winter, and 
spring. Thus, with a few of our vegetable favorites we may still contrive to ornament our vases and 
rooms with a variety of forms, beautiful tints, and delightful perfumes, thus enlivening the dreary months 
of winter. The Chinese Primrose may be considered a half hardy plant, as it has occasionally stood our 
winters in the open air. It may be propagated very readily by offsets, and flourishes exceedingly in a pot 
of compost, made with equal parts of peat, rich loam, and sand, or it may be planted in a warm dry 
border of light soil, and have the protection of a hand glass during severe frost. Seeds are produced 
very freely by the Primula Sinensis, and from them young plants may be propagated in abundance, and 
with little trouble. They should be sown as early as March, in pots of light rich earth, placed in a hot- 
bed, and the young plants when large enough, should be potted singly, and be gradually inured to the 
open air, but they will require occasional shade in the summer. The protection of the cold frame is ne- 
cessary for them during the first winter of their growth, and in April, part may be removed to dry parts of 
the borders for flowering, and part may be retained in pots, as portable summer or winter ornaments. 
They are perennial plants, and grow from six to twelve inches high — should be well watered, but not 
over the plant, as it is apt to rot at the crown. The whole of the Primrose tribe rank among the most 
esteemed objects of culture. 
Flowers, the joy of nature, have always been the symbols or representatives of joy. It is evident 
that these in particular are formed to please mankind, for no eyes but his can enjoy their beauties. 
Animals never seem to be affected with pleasure, when they behold them, whereas, man amidst a crowd of 
objects and riches that surround him, distinguishes, and pursues the flowers with <a peculiar complaisance. 
