CARYOPHYLLACE^: 



lanceolate bracts or floral leaves. The calyx tubular, about 

 three quarters of an inch long, faintly veined. 



THE FRUIT: a capsule, shorter than the calyx. 



A dweller by the roadsides or in neglected gardens, 

 it never strays far from people. Touched by the dew of 

 evening, the flowers emanate profusely their sweet, old- 

 fashioned odour. In the day-time, the chief charm lies in 

 the colour of these pretty, but variable flowers, that are 

 sometimes deep pink and sometimes actually white. A 

 further variation is that on some plants the petals are 

 five and on others six. There even occurs a form that 

 is fringed and double and this is particularly pretty. 



The plant has its uses, some of which are more practical 

 than others. If the already slightly inflated calyx is blown 

 out still more, it will snap satisfactorily on the hand ! From 

 the mucilaginous stem, leaves, and young rootstocks, when 

 crushed in water, a sudsy solution can be made for washing 

 silks and woolens. Such a solution in pioneer days, was un- 

 doubtedly used as a soap substitute. The root had its place, 

 also, in the family medicine chest, and a valuable drug for the 

 treatment of rheumatism is still made from it. Another ap- 

 plication is the concoction of a puree, from the young leaves. 



CARYOPHYLLACE^) PINK FAMILY 



Dianthus Armeria, L. 



Crimson-pink or magenta Deptf&rd Pink, 



Grass Pink, 

 June-September Carnation. 



Dianthus: Greek, meaning Jove's own flower. 

 Armeria: Latin name of the Thrift. 



THE PREFERRED HABITAT: dry, sandy soil, in fields and 

 along roadsides. 



THE PLANT: erect, six inches to eighteen inches high; the 

 stem simple or sparingly branched toward the summit, 

 covered with fine, soft hairs. 



94 



