HINTS ON HANDSOME FLOWERS. 
15 
and kept in a frame till the}' show flower, and, in the mean time, 
not exposed to severe frost. The other species require the pro¬ 
tection of a greenhouse. They are readily increased by seed, 
which should be sown as soon as ripe. The flowers are light 
red, or purple and white. 
10. The Primrose ( Primula vulgaris). Of this well-known 
tribe we have many native species ; the common ( Primula vulgaris) 
embellishes every sunny bank, sometimes as early as Christmas. 
It is a peasant’s flower; and however homely his employment, 
or lowly his thoughts, or contracted his views of nature around 
him, he rejoices to see the return of his early favourite, and 
exults among his neighbours that he has already gathered in the 
wooded dell, a beautiful rose ! The Primrose is succeeded by 
the Oxlip (jP. elatior) and the Cowslip (jP. veris), and many 
varieties of each, some of which are admitted into the flower- 
garden, especially the double-flowering and deep-coloured ones. 
Besides our natives, there are many which have been introduced 
into Britain from the mountains of continental Europe, Asia, 
and America. These little exotics are usually kept in pots, require 
frequent parting and shifting, and the protection of a frame in 
frosty or very wet weather. 
But the most esteemed of the family are the Polyanthus 
{P. elatior polyantha) and the Auricula (jP. auricula hortensis ), 
both ol which are emphatically called “ florists’ flowers,” because 
they receive peculiar treatment, and the best specimens are 
highly valued. 
The first-rate Polyanthuses, if intended for show or stage 
flowers, are kept in pots, but otherwise are planted in beds, on a 
border having an east or north aspect. The best soil for them is 
composed of fresh and rather sandy loam, mixed with leaf-mould 
and well-rotted old hotbed or cow dung. The natural soil of the 
beds, if unsuitable, should be excavated ten inches deep, to 
receive the compost; this being raised two or three inches above 
the general surface. On the beds, the plants are put in at equal 
distances of eight inches apart. In dry weather, they require fre¬ 
quent supplies of water, and to be kept free from slugs and snails, 
or any kind of insect which may prey on either leaves or flowers. 
When the flowers fade, the stems should be cut off, unless it is wished 
to save seed. As the plants are prolific of seed, they are weakened by 
its production, if not wanted. If any have been bloomed in pots, 
