66 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ Jfnnary 2P, 189?, 
one lifetime we have the transformation from a single ineffective species 
to a wondrous diversity of brilliant forms, comprising en hloc a class of 
the most beautiful and valuable flowering plants that adorn our houses 
in autumn and winter. A continued process of intelligent hybridi¬ 
sation has had remarkable results in many cases, but it will be generally 
admitted that in none have they been greater than in that of Primula 
sinensis. 
It will be unnecessary to remind those who heard his lecture how 
admirably the representative of the great firm which has done so much 
in improving Primulas and other choice florists’ flowers traced their 
progress step by step from the period of introduction up to the present 
time. The species came to us in cr about 1820 from China, but it was 
noted as a curious fact that while in 1852 the Reading firm were distri¬ 
buting seed of P. fimbriata at Is. per packet, the following year the same 
variety was offered at Gd., and mixed seed of P. sinensis at 3d. Evidently 
the demand was not satisfactory, and it may be presumed that although 
there were suggestions of usefulness about the plant, it had by no means 
made a great impression during half the period that has elapsed since 
its introduction. Possibly it was not at all a free bloomer in the sense 
that we should use that phrase now ; and, moreover, the flowers were 
doubtless small, and lacking brilliancy of colour. Some of the authorities 
referred to in connection with the introduction of P. sinensis omitted 
reference to the hue of the flower, but Mr. Henri de Vilmorin was quoted 
as stating that the first plant introduced had “ a pale pink corolla, 
almost flesh colour,” and that “ the white variety was the first sport 
obtained. The petals of the pink variety were rounded, cleft in the 
middle, and heart-shaped if taken singly. The trusses bore three and 
even four whorls of pale small flowers ; the leaves were palmate, and 
not Fern-leaved.” From these words of the famous French horti¬ 
culturist we may form some idea of the Primula of seventy years ago. 
It is likely enough that the P. sinensis of that time had flowers not 
exceeding in size inferior varieties of P. Sieboldi. Messrs. Sutton have 
in their nursery now plants in which they have developed a mossy- 
foliaged character, and which is both distinct and beautiful. In their 
present early stage the plants in this section have small flowers and 
small trusses, and it is possible that in the evolution of a new style of 
leafage there has been a reversion to primordial blossoming, at least as 
regards size and profusion. 
Primulas at 3d. per packet clearly did not mark a veiy rapid rate of 
progression, but from 1853 the work of improvement went raj^idly on. 
Not having a long line of catalogues by me to which to refer, J cannot 
say when the scale of prices for seed changed from a downward to an 
upward grade, biit could this be followed out it would no doubt be 
found a pretty sure indication of uninterrupted progress. It is certain 
that varieties improved with great rapidity. Several able florists were 
at work upon them, and year by year greater size and greater freedom 
of blooming with richer and more diversified colours, were obtained. 
The time came at length when the Primula was so improved as to take 
rank as a florist’s flower of the first order of merit. This, roughly 
speaking, was twenty years ago, but instead of marking something of a 
climax to the improvement of varieties it was apparently little more 
than the beginning. Five years later excellent strains of red and white 
(P. sinensis fimbriata rubra and alba) were to be had, but these were 
still further improved on. Chiswick Red marked a great advance. It 
was of good habit, very free, and the colour was exceptionally brilliant ; 
but the pip was only of medium size. 
In later varieties there was increased size and substance of bloom, 
Messrs. Sutton being very prominent amongst those who produced 
larger flowered varieties. From 1873 up to the present time they have 
introduced some magnificent forms, and in a recent visit to their nursery 
some of the best of these were noted. Ruby King, introduced and 
certificated by the R.H.S. as far back as 1879, is still unexcelled for 
colour—a splendid rich ruby. It remains in great demand, and is likely 
to do so, for in addition to distinct and effective colouring it is a sturdy 
grower and a good bloomer. Pearl, white, is only a year younger, and 
is one of the most sought after of the whole collection. It is a sturdy 
and constant grower, giving no trouble, and invariably producing a fine 
truss of its very large and beautifully fringed flowers. 
In 1881 a beautiful Fern-leaved variety named Rosy Queen was 
introduced. It is very dwarf, compact, and free flowering, pleasing in 
colour and of great decorative value. Later on came other charming 
varieties in the same section. Snowdrift is of phenomenal earliness, 
flowering well in three months from the date of sowing, and remaining in 
beauty until late in winter. It is the first to come and one of the last to go. 
The flowers are white as the driven snow, and cover the plant like a 
cloud of white butterflies. Purity is of a different character, but equally 
lovely. It has dark foliage and pure white flowers of great size. Every¬ 
one should grow it. Gipsy Queen has brown foliage, much darker 
than than of any other variety, and white flowers sometimes spotted 
with red. It is very handsome and a fine variety for decoration. One 
of the most beautiful Messrs. Sutton have is that named Reading Pink. 
It was introduced in 1881, and its large size, lovely colour, free-blooming 
and vigorous habit soon established it as a firm favourite. Although 
eleven years have elapsed since its introduction it is in greater demand than 
ever In this charming Primula large pips and profuse blooming are 
combined. Reading Scarlet is one of the most beautiful of the reds 
and is very early ; the flowers are of medium size, freely produced 
and very brilliant in colour. Giant Crimson is of a totally different 
character, the flowers being of enormous size, and the colour intense 
crimson. The foliage is dark and very substantial. Giant White 
is a grand companion for it, having a fine bushy habit and very large 
flowers. The two latter are only three years old and indicate what a« 
advance there has been in size of bloom. They might well be chosen if 
it were desired to indicate the advance that has been made during the 
seventy years that we have had the flower, for they mark the highest 
point to which the Primula has been carried. The collection is- 
enriched by two admirable blue forms, one a Fern-leaved and the other 
of the ordinary type. Reading Blue is remarkable for clear colouring, 
a well formed truss and compact growth, the Fern-leaved variety 
being a freer bloomer but having somewhat smaller flowers. One 
named Terra Cotta as the nearest indication of its distinct shade of 
colour will spring into great demand when introduced. It has immense 
flowers of a brilliant rosy salmon or terra cotta coloirr, and is extremely 
striking. Another choice variety is a Fern-leaved form with scarlet 
flowers, but owing to its being a very shy seeder it has been found 
impossible to offer it. Giant White, Fern-leaved, also has enormous 
flowers and is exceptionally fine, being a free bloomer, but seeds very 
shyly. 
The doubles include some very fine varieties. Double Carmine com¬ 
bines exceptional richness of colour with great freedom of blooming. 
Double Blue produces large flowers of fine colour, and is compact in 
habit. Double Rose, too, is exceptionally compact, and is a very profuse 
bloomer ; moreover, the colour is very pleasing ; altogether a charming: 
form. Carnation-flaked almost resembles a miniature flaked Carnation, 
the flowers being flaked with purple on a white ground ; it is, of course,, 
quite distinct, and, what is more, very beautiful. The Double White 
variety and the Fern-leaved Double White are both splendid selections, 
being very free, and with fine flowers. Double Scarlet is very brilliant 
in colour, and displays a large well-formed truss. 
Trial pots of all the varieties are grown, and plants raised from the 
seed distributed during the present season are seen flowering in small 
pots. This plan is followed for the purpose of avoiding the faintest 
possibility of sending out seed that is not true to name, although 
precautions previously taken would seem to render this almost 
superfluous. It “ piles conviction on conviction’s head,” and is a part 
of the policy of the firm to spare nothing, either in time or money, to 
secure absolute confidence on the part of their customers. 
If the question were asked. Are Primulas profitable ? those who do 
not take into consideration all the circumstances, but only recall the 
fact that packets are sold at half a crown and 5s. each, might be inclined 
to reply in an affirmative so emphatic as to lead to the impression that 
Primula-growing is a mine rich with ore. When it is recollected, how¬ 
ever, that for many years past a long course of experiments has been 
carried on, requiring a constant outlay for labour and cultural requisites, 
and that, moreover, some varieties seed so shyly that a very large number 
of plants have to be grown to yield a very small supply, it becomes 
evident that those ideas must be modified. Some varieties yield seed so 
scantily as to be absolutely unprofitable, for the price that would repre¬ 
sent a fair return to the grower would be so high as to check the sale, 
and a balance has to be sought in others that are more fertile. 
Cultivators undoubtedly owe a great deal to those who, like Messrs. 
Sutton, have devoted the most assiduous care to the improvement of the 
flower over a long course of years. It would be superfluous to say how 
valuable the Primula is, or to comment at length upon its culture, for 
both are now well known ; but we can form some idea of the place it 
fills by estimating the gap that would exist without it, and in looking 
around both private establishments and the markets the truth comes 
fully home to us. It is not likely that the work of improvement will 
now be relaxed. The striking results already attained will be taken as 
the basis of future operations, and so we may look with constant interest 
to the future. That all which skill, care, and foresight can effect 
will be done a visit to Reading makes abundantly clear, and confident of 
this, further results may safely be left to time.—P. 
THE LATE MR. C. M. MAJOR. 
Though the death of this gentleman occurred on the last day of 
tie old year it has only recently come to our knowledge. The late Mr. 
Major of Cromwell House, Croydon, was an ardent lover of plants, and 
his garden was a source of real pleasure to him. He took possession of 
Cromwell House more than thirty years ago as a temporary residence, 
and xept his then newly acquired Sikkim-Himalayan Rhododendrons 
in his drawdng-room till he could erect for them a small glass structure. 
As the plants grew and others increased he increased the number and 
size of his houses, always making these in sections to be easily removeable. 
His Rhododendrons became large trees, always kept in tubs, and other 
shrubs and fruit trees were grown in the same way—that is, always 
ready for removal, but never removed except as presents to friends. 
Mr. Major was true in his attachment to cactaceous and succulent 
plants, and it would be difficult to find an equal collection in any private 
garden. These we understand will be sold. Tbere are several curios 
amongst them, also many seedling Phyllocactuses, some of which have 
flowered, but not all. These and some Cereuses were obtained by cross 
fertilisation effected by his late gardener, Mr. W. Wright, now of Taly- 
garn, and have been well tended by his successor, Mr. Frost. Mr. Major 
w'as a gentleman of considerable scientific attainments, and his labora¬ 
tory testified to his zeal in chemical and electrical experiments, and he 
was an expert photographer. Essentially a home-loving man, genial and 
happy, he liked to see all happy around him, family and servants alike, 
and no family had a more loving parent than he was, and no servants a 
more considerate and better friend. 
Mr. Major, we are not surprised to learn, w'as as happy in death as in 
