They will now, however, be supplanted by the fine double 
fringed variety represented in our Plate, which is as superior to 
the old double forms as the fringed forms of the single flowers 
are to those which preceded them. This variety is an acci¬ 
dental seedling sport, raised amongst a batch of the single 
fringed sort by Mr. W. Draycott, nurseryman, of Humberstone, 
near Leicester. The principal stock has passed into the hands 
of Mr. Turner, of the Loyal Nursery, Slough, but the same form 
has also been flowered by Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son, 
and Messrs. Low and Co. The plant from which our figure 
was made, was exhibited by Mr. Turner at the meeting of the 
Floral Committee of the Horticultural Society on March 8th 
in the present year, and was then awarded a first class certifi¬ 
cate of merit. 
The double-flowered Primulas have generally been regarded 
as somewhat difficult to cultivate, or at least requiring more 
than common care. Being increased from cuttings it is impor¬ 
tant to secure a sound and well-established plant at the com¬ 
mencement. Such a plant selected in spring, may be grown 
on in a warm and partially shaded greenhouse or pit where a 
moderately moist atmosphere can be maintained, and should 
be potted in a compost of good loam, pure leaf-mould, decom¬ 
posed cow-dung, turfy peat, and silver sand in equal quantities, 
and having a few small nodules of charcoal intermixed. The 
plants must have the pots thoroughly drained, and be rather 
firmly potted. They may be repotted as often as the roots form 
in sufficient quantities, but too large a shift should not be given. 
When once well established the plants should receive abundant 
light and fresh air, and only require shading from strong sun¬ 
shine. A dry, parching atmosphere, which stunts the growth 
of plants of this character, should be avoided. Water must 
never be supplied in excess. In hot summer weather a light 
but cool north aspect is best for them, and they may be freely 
ventilated. The plants thus grown, if in good health and 
vigour, will bloom profusely from October onwards through the 
winter months. They must however have a warm but not close 
greenhouse for their winter quarters, and be very cautiously 
watered at that season. 
