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1S77. ] 
CULTURE OF DOUBLE PRIMULAS. 
49 
ROSE MAGNA CHARTA. 
• • ' • • • 
WITH AN ILLUSTRATION. 
HIS is a new English-raised Eose, possessing all the qualities essential to,an 
exhibition flower of the first r^nk. Being at the same time^remarkably 
fi'ee in growth, hardy in constitution, and prolific of blossoms, the siib- 
ject of the present illustration must be regarded as a most valuable 
addition to that class of Eoses which will thrive and give abundance of flowers 
under circumstances adverse to Eose-culture, and can hardly fail to become a 
favourite with all growers of Eoses. Indeed, it cannot be too highly recom¬ 
mended to the rose-lovers who reside in the neighbourhood of large towns, 
or in bleak or otherwise unfavourable situations. 
Mr. Paul describes the colour of the flowers as a clear pink suffused with 
carmine, very bright and striking ; and they are of immense size, full, and of 
finely cupped form. The habit is erect, and the foliage is of a deep glossy green, 
ver}' large, and forming a beautiful contrast with the flowers. 
This variety was raised from seed at the Waltham Cross Nurseries, whence it 
w'as introduced to the public b}'- Messrs. William Paul and Son in the spring of 
187G. It has received the award of a First-class Certificate both from the Eoyal 
Horticultural Society and the Eoyal Botanic Society, and is in every way a most 
charming and effective flower.—M. 
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CULTURE : OF ^ppUBLE PRIMULAS. 
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ONSIDEEABLE difficulty is often.-experienced in the’propagation and 
S) culture of the forms of Double Primula sinensis^ and hence the few 
remarks which follow^ may prove of interest to some of your readers. 
In the first place, I have found these plants to root readily at any time 
during the spring, by taking off with each small crown, a heel or piece of the old 
stem, potting them singly and rather firmly in small pots (60s) in a light porous 
soil, and giving a gentle watering to settle the soil, being careful not to let any 
get into the heart of the cuttings. Thus prepared, they are plunged under a 
hand-light in a bottom-heat of from 70'^ to 75°, shaded from the sun and kept 
close, excepting so far as giving a little ventilation to the hand-light, but closing 
again before the house is opened to admit the external air. When they have 
made a few roots, gradually harden them off ; and they are then ready for shifting 
into 48-size pots, using in the compost rather more than half of fibrous loam, the 
remainder being leaf-soil, with a good dash of sharp sand, and good drainage being 
given. Pot the plants rather firmly, keeping the bottom leaves on a level with 
the surface of the soil. Then remove them to a cold frame with a north aspect, 
as they delight in a cool shady position, and give abundance of air both night and 
da}', shifting them into larger pots as may be required. 
About the beginning of October they should be removed into their winter 
quarters, placing them on a stage, so as to get a circulation of air between them. 
3rd series.—X. F 
