DOUBLE PRIMROSES 
ERIOD Pieces one might term the doubles, 
horticultural heirlooms handed down to 
us from old gardens where once they were 
so plentiful and now so few. A half cen- 
tury ago there were at least a score of 
varieties in British cultivation as a result 
Vere we of an earlier interest shown by the French, 
OT Irish Quakers, and the Scotch. Primroses 
to the Frenchman in those days meant double Primroses— 
in keeping with his love for all double flowers—and the little 
country gardens of northern France like those in County 
Cork usually entertained a few varieties of these elegent flow- 
ers which seem so like old-fashioned roses in miniature. 
The antiquity of the doubles is explained by the fact that 
all varieties must be propagated by division, their seed-bear- 
ing facilities being forfeited in the doubling. Their inherent 
vitality in the face of great age is surprising and the number 
of blossoms a plant bears can be estimated by the picture on 
the opposite page which shows only the first rush of buds, 
buds suggesting those of the moss rose. 
They like to be humored with good rich soil laced with 
thoroughly decomposed organic fertilizer, a cool spot, plenty 
of water and only morning sun. 


MARIE CROUSSE—Rose-violet or light burgundy depending 
upon soil. Petals edged white. Originated in Nancy, France 
about 100 years ago. $1. each. 
DOUBLE WHITE (Cottage White)—Very old, at least 200 
years. Snowy blossoms turning to flesh color with age. 
75¢@ each, 3 for $2.00. 
DOUBLE LAVENDER (Quaker’s Bonnet)—About the same 
age aS Double White in a shade which varies from lilac to 
pink depending upon soil. 75c each, 3 for $2.00. 
IMPROVED DOUBLE SULPHUR—A robust form of the an- 
cient double Sulphur, pale primrose yellow. $2 each. 
Please note postage rates, page 35 
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