FLORA DOMESTICA. 



early part of the day. In dry weather, they should be 

 watered every evening. If the buds on the sides of the 

 stalks are removed, and the top ones only left to blow, they 

 will be much handsomer: should they incline to break 

 through the pod on one side in an unsightly manner, it 

 should be notched in two other places, at equal distances, 

 with a pair of fine scissars, to give them freedom. 



When the bloom is past and the leaves decay, the stalks 

 should be cut down ; water should then be given but twice 

 a week, observing by no means to use raw spring water. 

 They should be sheltered from frost, and in the spring will 

 again shoot forth in full beauty : they must not be placed 

 very near to a wall, which would tend to draw them up 

 weakly. 



The Carnations, Maiden-pinks, &c. have been cele- 

 brated both for their beauty and fragrance ; in the latter 

 they are equalled by few plants, exceeded perhaps by 

 none. As the rose for her beauty, the nightingale for his 

 song, so is the pink noted for its sweetness. 

 " And the pink of smell divinest " 

 is seldom or ever forgotten, when the poets would cele- 

 brate the charms of Flora. Spenser's works are conti- 

 nually sprinkled with them : both Milton and Shakspeare 

 have done them honour : 



Pek. Sir, the year growing ancient, — 

 Not yet on summer's death, nor on the birth 

 Of trembling winter,— the fairest flowers o' the season 

 Are our carnations, and streaked gillyflowers. 

 Which some call nature's bastards : of that kind 

 Our rustic garden 's barren ; and I care not 

 To get slips of them. 



Pol. Wherefore, gentle maiden. 



Do you neglect them ? 



Per. For I have heard it said. 



There is an art, which, in their piedness, shares 

 W^ith great creating nature. 



