46 THE FLORIST. 



PINKS, PICOTEES, AXD CARNATIONS. 



Iraq^ars to me that a few remarks in the pages of the Florist might 

 tend to settle the difference which has for years existed between the 

 Northern and Southern raisers of these popular flowers ; which diflfer- 

 ence seems to consist merely in the Northerns hein? challenged by 

 the Southerns for an extreme thinness, only one remove from primi- 

 tive single blessedness ; and in the Southerns, on the other hand, being 

 blamedfor raising and distributing /tf 7/ flowers, with some vulgarity 

 denominated " mops. 



That all growers agree as to colours, their brilliancy and distribu- 

 rion, shape of individual petals, the desirableness of smooth edges, 

 thickness of texture, and imbricated arrangement for the better dis- 

 plav of such colours and markings, size of flowers and distinctness 

 of varietT, no one has ever yet denied ; therefore the diflference appears 

 far from insurmountable, if we calmly discuss the subject through the 

 various floral organs which off'er so happy a medium for intercom- 

 munication. In order clearly to define who are the Northerns and 

 who are the Southerns, let us draw a line of demarcation from Lynn 

 to Swansea across the entire land. This would, I think, be a fair ap- 

 portionment of interested counties and localities ; but should any feel 

 themselves F.srgrieved by this arrangement, let them appeal to some 

 constituted authority, who should hear evidence, and award a final 

 and satisfactory judgment. This point being settled, then let a 

 universal canvass be made to obtain the desired end. I therefore 

 propose that every cultivator furnish me with lists of the best twelve 

 Pinks, twelve Picotees, and twelve Carnations, giving the names of 

 each flower in full, by whom sent out, and the locality in which they 

 were raised. This will give a stepping-stone for lasting reference ; 

 these returns must be tested, men of weight and character chosen, 

 the tilting-ground decided on, and in 1850 a floral tournament pro- 

 claimed throughout the land, with "quality not quantity" for its 

 gathering cry. I have in preparation a printed form, with full in- 

 structions, for general distribution to all post-paid applicants who 

 may enclose a stamped and directed envelope ; and 1 earnestly so- 

 licit applications for the same from every town and county ; to which 

 prompt attention shall be given. The result of this must ultimately 

 be the increase of that spirit of friendly rivalry, the want of which 

 has alone kept up the seeming diflterences, I may almost say animo- 

 sities, which I trust are soon to be entirely dispelled. If the subject 

 be rather lengthily handled, there is yet matter of so much import- 

 ance still untouched, that at a future opportunity I may again off'er 

 some remarks upon it. 



Vf^ace Cottage, Holloicay, Jan. 1850. Johx Edwards. 



