cultivated; and it may be removed either into the saloon, or sunk into such parts of the flower-border as may offer a vacant space.

These flowers may also be propagated by cuttings after the time of flowering. The cuttings should have the bark turned up about an inch in depth, which will facilitate their taking root; but these seldom make so fine plants as those raised from seed, though by this means the variety is secured perfect.

We have frequently kept them alive for several years in the open garden by cutting off all the branches that had flowered just as they withered. We should remark, that the Double-White Stock, Albus, is of longer duration than either of the others; and after being so treated for a year or two, the stem becomes woody and firm, so as to resist a moderate frost. Stocks should be planted about five in a clump, which will have a fine bold effect, even when the flowers are single; and the colours should be kept separate, not mixing the white with the purple or the red, or these last together. We have lately had introduced a pale rose-coloured Stock, which is a delicate and pretty flower. The cinnamon-coloured Stock is also of late importation, but its chief merit is novelty.

The Annual or Ten-week Stock, Annuus, is a most valuable variety, since by its aid we can

replace those that may have been lost in severe seasons; and if sown at three different times, at intervals of about four weeks from each other, a succession of these fragrant flowers may be obtained during several months.

The earliest sowing should be made about the middle of February, upon a very moderately hot bed, so as just to force the plants, which must be guarded against the frost: when of a size to remove, they should be transplanted into a bed with a south aspect, at about four inches' distance, observing to water and shade them till they have taken root; and in about five or six weeks, they may be transplanted into the borders of the flowergarden, or in clumps in the foreground of the shrubbery. It is from these earliest plants that the finest seeds are generally obtained.

The plants of the May sowing frequently continue in flower until near Christmas; but if the weather be wet in autumn, they frequently flower with variegated petals, either striped or spotted with red, or purple with white.

PINK. Dianthus.

Natural Order Caryophyllei. A Genus of the Decandria Digynia Class.

Each Pink sends forth its choicest sweet,
Aurora's warm embrace to meet

MRS. MARY ROBINSON.

Aimable willet, c'est ton haleine
Qui charme et pénétre mes sens;
C'est toi qui verses dans la plaine
Ces parfums doux et ravissans.
Les esprits embaumés qu'exhale
La rose fraîche et matinale
Pour moi sont délicieux;
Et ton odeur suave et pure
Est un encens que la nature
Elève en tribut vers les cieux.

M. CONSTANT DUBOS.

THE Pink, which is now made the emblem of lively and pure affection, may be considered as a child of Art; for in no instance has the skill of the florist been more successful, than in transforming an insignificant weed into one of the most delightful plants which the lap of Flora contains. This flower was entirely unknown to the Greeks, and was also a stranger to the Romans until the time of Augustus Cæsar, when it was discovered in that

part of Spain which is now named Biscay, then inhabited by a ferocious and warlike people called Cantabri. These people, having rebelled against the then masters of the world, were conquered by Augustus; and during these struggles the plant was discovered and conveyed to Rome, where it was called Cantabrica, after the country from whence it was procured. (Pliny, lib. xxv. c. 8.) Our readers will not be surprised that a people whose principal profession was the art of war, should have attended to so simple a flower as the Pink then was in its natural state, when they reflect, that flowers were esteemed one of the luxuries of those people, who seldom sat at their meals without wearing chaplets of fragrant blossoms; and as novelty has ever had its charms, a new flower possessing a spicy fragrance would naturally excite considerable

attention.

Dr. Turner, one of our earliest writers on plants, calls it Cantabrica Gelouer, and from him we learn that it was then cultivated in our gardens, since he says "The gardin Gelouers are made so pleasant and swete with the labours and witt of man, and not by nature."

Monsieur Pirolle seems of opinion that it was originally brought from Africa, since he says it anciently bore the name of Tunica, and Herbe

tunique, which seems to indicate that it was a plant from Tunis.

Shaw considered it a native of Italy when he

wrote

In fair Italia's bosom born,

Dianthus spreads his fringed ray;
And glowing 'mid the purpled morn,
Adds fragrance to the new-born day.
Oft by some mould'ring time-worn tower,
Or classic stream, he loves to rove,
Where dancing nymphs, and satyrs blithe,
Once listen'd to the notes of love.

Sweet flower, beneath thy natal sky
No fav'ring smiles thy scents invite ;
To Briton's worthier regions fly,

And paint her meadows with delight*.

The modern generic name of Dianthus, which has been bestowed upon this fragrant flower, is derived from the two Greek words, Aios and av9os, which signifies Jove's flower.

Like that sweet flower that yields great Jove delight;
Had he majestic bulk, he'd now be styled

Jove's flower; and, if my skill is not beguiled,

He was Jove's flower when Jove was but a child.
Take him with many flowers in one conferr'd,
He's worthy Jove, e'en now he has a beard.

COWLEY.

The French name of Œillet signifies a little eye, and our name of Pink seems to have been derived from the Dutch name of pink, for an eye, and bestowed upon it on the same account.

• The modern Italians hold perfumes in aversion.