THE MANUAL OF GARDENING. 
91 
The soil best adapted for this and the primrose, is a loamy and 
moist but not too rich soil. It prefers shade, and will grow in a 
stiff clay. When raised by seed, the same process will be 
necessary as for the Auricula. It is most commonly propagated 
by slips or off-sets. The plants are very apt to degenerate or 
die, if left too long in the same situation. Therefore replant 
them as directed for the Auricula, immediately after they have 
done flowering. The polyanthus wilL, however, thrive much 
better when planted in a shady border, than in a pot. W hen 
the slips are separated from the old roots, an ivory paper knife, 
or a thin piece of wood, is a better tool than a common knife, 
which is apt to destroy the root. Each root should be shaken 
free from all adhesive mould, the off-sets taken off, and the root, 
divided and replanted at five or six inches distance, in a fresh 
dug border, or be put into pots, and well watered, being set in a 
shady place. They may be protected in the same manner as 
Auriculas during severe frosts. The Primrose is nearly allied 
to the Polyanthus; and there are several varieties of double 
Primroses, that may be grown either in the open border, or in 
pots. These kinds are to be cultivated like the Auricula; but 
as the double white does not produce many offsets, it is best to 
slip them with a knife into as many parts as there are crowns or 
hearts, with a portion of fibrous root, when they have flowered, 
watering plentifully. 
Penstemon, P. Murray anus, a hardy plant, introduced into 
this country (England) from Texas. It may be raised from seeds 
forwarded on heat, and transplanted into a rich soil. It grows 
four or five feet high, and in the summer and autumn produces 
large bunches of rich glossy scarlet blossoms. 
The narrow-leaved (P. Augustifolia ) is a hardy perennial, 
crowing about two feet high. The flower somewhat resembles 
the Foxglove, but is more beautiful. It is propagated by dividing 
the roots in autumn. 
P OTENTiLLA, or Cinquefoil. — Many varieties of this plant have 
been introduced into our gardens of late years, such as Potentilla 
Napolensis , and P. Russelliana ; which, with others of the same 
sort, are very much admired as border flowers, as they continue 
long in bloom. They are frequently grown in pots, and in this 
case it is indispensable to drain well, by placing an inch or two 
of broken potsherds in the pots, and using turfy loam and peat, 
well chopped together. The best time for potting is early in the 
spring, or immediately after the flowering season. When 
planted in a border the soil must be light, and well drained, as 
stagnant moisture prevents the plant from thriving. The former 
kinds we have mentioned ; and P. atrosanguinea will require to 
have their roots slightly protected through the winter. They 
