The Oxlip
Primula elatior.
ALTHOUGH the primrose, the cowslip, and the oxlip are beyond all reasonable doubt variations of one typical plant, it is convenient to follow the books in regarding them as three distinct species. Between the common primrose and the other two there is an obvious difference in the disposition of the flowers--those of the first appearing singly from amongst the leaves; those of the cowslip and oxlip appearing in compact clusters or umbels on the summit of a common stem which rises above the leaves. This difference, though obvious and a reason for accepted specific distinctions, is after all one of degree only, and not of kind, for when the primrose is carefully examined, it will be found that each separate flower is on a long peduncle that springs from a common stalk which is simply too short to be seen until searched for, but is then easily discovered. Linnaeus had noted all this, and regarded the three plants as varieties of one common type. But succeeding botanists rejected his view, and thus they were made to rank as species. Now, however, the view of Linnaeus once more prevails, and we find no difficulty in accepting it. Occasionally a common primrose will assume the cowslip and oxlip mode of flowering, the common stem rising above the leaves and displaying all the flowers as members of an umbel. And on the other hand, oxlips and cowslips will occasionally produce short stems with long peduncles, so that the flowers appear singly. In the garden the variations that occur are of the most interesting nature, and instructively illustrate the speculations of the botanists.
The primrose is a hedgebank flower, loving woods, partial shade, and a moist soil. The cowslip is a pasture flower, loving a somewhat dry soil and full exposure. It has small and comparatively unattractive flowers, which, however, are capable of remarkable modifications when taken in hand by the florist, for the cowslip doubtless is the parent of the polyanthus, and some intermediate forms that find favour in gardens. The oxlip is very closely allied to the cowslip, but differs in having a broader and flatter flower. As a wilding it is usually met with in more luxuriant pastures than the cowslip; it loves moisture, but does not thrive in the shade, where the primrose is usually at home. As a garden plant it requires a rich soil, and it suffers much if very dry at the root for any length of time in high summer. Consequently frame culture suits the better kinds more thoroughly than border culture, because frame plants obtain more constant attention than those in borders, and the regular supplies of water through the summer tend very much to insure the rich and abundant bloom that renders these plants so delightful in the spring. As woodland and mixed border plants the primroses and oxlips are of the greatest value, but they are not so well adapted for the dressed grounds, because their flowering is soon over, and when they thrive as they should they become somewhat coarse in leafage as the summer advances. It is known to but few how many splendid varieties are available for the garden, and how particularly worthy of pot culture are many of the named kinds. Their sparkling freshness of colour is promoted by frame culture by reason of the shelter secured at the time the dry east winds prevail, when these plants are liable to serious injury, and we can the least afford to lose a leaf or flower. When so grown they require a light rich soil, and carefully packed drainage, and to be kept always much exposed to the weather save when severe frost or east winds prevail. When planted out in the shrubbery borders any fairly good soil will suit them. A collection of choice sorts should have a prepared border in any case where a doubt may arise as to the suitability of the natural soil for them. We have found all the sorts thrive on a heavy clay, but we have had losses through planting in positions much exposed to strong sunshine, east wind, and summer drought. Occasionally when killed down by summer heat, they will in the cool autumn renew themselves from the root, but it is safer to shade them and help them through with water, and safer still to insure them the permanent shade of trees and shrubs, but in a position partially open to all the winds of heaven.
The raising of plants from seed is a business requiring care. It is best to sow the seed in pans filled with light compost, covering the seed with a mere dusting of soil, and then taking care that it never becomes quite dry. A light sprinkling of moss will be useful to check evaporation, but must be removed as soon as the plants appear. It is best to sow the seed as soon as it can be gathered ripe, but it may be kept until spring. Named sorts are multiplied by dividing the roots, but this should not be attempted until the plants have acquired some age, for if young plants are cut up, it is only too likely that all the pieces will be lost. Large old plants may, however, be divided with safety in the autumn. "Sequester'd nature was his heart's delight; Him would she lead through wood and lonely plain, Searching the booty from the rushy dyke; And while the thrush sang her long-silenc'd strain, He thought it sweet and mock'd it o'er again. And while he plucked the primrose in its pride, He ponder'd o'er its bloom 'tween joy and pain; And a rude sonnet in its praise he tried, Where nature's simple way the aid of art supplied."