80 
PRIMULA SINENSIS. 
mixed and laid in to a depth of about six inches; place the 
plants in rows fifteen inches asunder, and at a distance of about 
six inches from each other, which will leave each plant about a 
square foot of space, affording to the. roots an ample supply of 
food, of which they soon avail themselves to an extent that will 
surprise those who never practised this mode of management. 
When first planted, they should be slightly syringed and kept 
close for a few days, that they may the more readily establish 
themselves in their new position; and should the weather prove 
hot through the succeeding season, this application of water must 
be repeated occasionally, and the plants shaded from the midday 
influence of the sun. 
When they have growm so as to be near touching each other, 
thin out those with inferior flowers and others that are too thick, 
and these will form acceptable presents. It will be advisable to 
cut off all the flowers that are produced till the end of July, but 
not later, as this practice tends to invigorate the plants, and the 
after production of blossoms is much improved both in size and 
number. 
By the middle of August they will be large enough to place in 
eight-inch pots, they should be taken up with a ball of earth that 
the roots may be retained uninjured, and having the pots well 
drained, fill up with a compost similar to that in which the plants 
have been growing ; this potting should not be deferred later 
than the first of September, or there is danger that they will not 
be sufficiently established before the arrival of winter, when, 
without doubt, the dull damp weather would carry off all such as 
have not their roots in an active condition. * 
When the operation is complete, place them in a shaded place 
till they get hold of the new soil, and afterwards remove them to 
a frame where they can receive sunlight and air; in this position 
they may remain till there is danger to be apprehended from 
frost, by which time they will be handsome specimens, and may 
be at once removed to the greenhouse or conservatory, where a 
shelf near the glass will be best for them, as the light greatly im¬ 
proves the colour of the pink varieties, and keeps the foliage of 
all in a healthy state. I would urge on all cultivators to avoid 
the use of feeding-pans where Primulas are kept, for the standing 
water in them must necessarily cause a damp atmosphere, which 
