148
VII.
On the Species of the Genus Primula in Essex ; with
Observations on their Variation and Distribution, and
the Relative Number and Fertility in Nature of the
Two Forms of Flower.
By Robert Miller Christy.
[Read October 28th, 1882; revised Spring, 1883.]
" . . . . Pale Primroses
That die unmarried, ere they can behold
Bright Phoebus in his strength. . . .
. . . Bold Oxlips."—The Winter's Tale, Act IV.
I.—Introductory Remarks.
During the last six or seven years I have interested myself
more or less in observing and collecting the numerous forms
and varieties into which our common British Primulas so
freely enter; and as during part of that period I have lived
in the one small English locality in which alone grows the
true Primula elatior of Jacquin (and that in the greatest
abundance), I trust a few remarks on this singularly inte-
resting genus of plants will prove of some value.
A careful study of Mr. Darwin's work, 'The Different
Forms of Flowers on Plants of the same Species,' has, more-
over, led me to pay special attention to several points in the
Natural History of the various members of the genus
Primula, and it is also with the intention of giving my
observations on these phenomena that I write this paper.
All the references given hereafter are to the above-mentioned
work, unless otherwise stated.
Mr. Darwin very truly remarks that "The claim of the
three forms [Primula vulgaris, veris, and elatior] to rank as
distinct species has been discussed oftener and at greater