CARYOPHYLLACE.E. 69 



sun for the greater part of the day. The soil in which the 

 Pink family succeeds best is a rich sandy loam, but they do 

 very well in many kinds of soil if not excessively wet in winter. 

 In summer they suffer from drought very quickly, and should 

 be allowed an abundant supply of water, if they appear to 

 require it; and in light dry soils they will be benefited by 

 a mulching of old manure placed over their roots in that 

 season. 



D. alpinus {Alpine Pink). — A very dwarf species, growing 

 only 3 or 4 inches high, with oblong blunt leaves and large deep- 

 rose flowers blotched with deeper red, one flower to a stem, 

 and the petals notched on the margin. A very beautiful and 

 distinct sort, flowering in June and July. Best adapted for 

 rock-work in light rich sandy soil in which well-decomposed 

 vegetable matter abounds. Leaf-mould should be avoided in 

 planting it, however, owing to the prevalence of wire-worms in 

 it, which are one of the greatest pests of this and all Pinks. A 

 little good peat is the best to add to the soil if it is deficient in 

 vegetable matter. Where the soil is suitable, it may also be 

 tried in the mixed border ; but only where it is naturally or 

 otherwise well drained should this be attempted. Native of 

 the mountains of Austria. 



D. arenarius {Sand Fink). — This is similar in habit to the 

 last, but has linearrathersharp-pointed leaves. The stems are one- 

 flowered, as in the last species ; the petals are purple and fringed. 

 Adapted to adorn either the rockwork or mixed border in very 

 sandy soil, but requires abundant supplies of water in summer. 

 Flowers from June till August. Native of many countries of 

 Europe. 



D. barbatus {Siveet-ivilliam). — Although this time-honoured 

 inhabitant of gardens is probably best treated as a biennial, it 

 is a true perennial, and for this reason, as well as on account of 

 its great ornamental qualities, it deserves a place here as well 

 as in every garden in the country. It is too well known to 

 need description, and too much admired to need praise ; it re- 

 commends itself powerfully enough by the endless and elegant 

 variety of its flowers. Besides the beautiful single varieties, 

 there are numerous very handsome double ones, which, as they 

 last in bloom much longer, and never assume the seedy aspect 

 which forms the only drawback against Sweet-williams being 

 cultivated in more distinguished positions than they are usu- 

 ally favoured with in most gardens, may be considered improve- 

 ments, in so far as they may be used in more select arrange- 

 ments than the others are fit for. The better double sorts 

 should be increased annually by cuttings, but doubles of fair 



