PINK. 291 



Pol. Say there be. 



Yet nature is made better by no mean. 

 But natiu*e makes that mean. 



Winter's Tale, Act 4, Scene 3. 



Spenser continually speaks of this flower by the name 

 of Sops-in-wine. Drayton also uses this name for them : 



" Sweet- Williams, campions, sops-in-wine, 

 One by another neatly." 



It has been observed that the word Dianthus signifies 

 Jove's flower ; but in English the name is generally con- 

 fined to the Pink, commonly so called ; which gives oc- 

 casion to Cowley to make a facetious remark upon the 

 distinction : 



'^ Sweet- William small has form and aspect bright. 

 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 on Plants, Book IV. 



POLYANTHUS. 



PRIMULA VULGARIS. 

 PRIMULACEjE. pentandria monogynia. 



The Polyanthus bears a great resemblance to the Au- 

 ricula, and is a variety of Primrose. The roots may be 

 purchased for a trifle, and will live several years : they 

 should be removed and parted every year, and the earth 

 renewed : this may be done in August. The Polyanthus 

 delights in the same rich soil as is recommended for the 

 Auricula, but is a much hardier plant; and needs pro- 



u 2 



