THE PINK 99 



Hoxton, a Mr. Fairchild. This must have been raised 

 about the middle of the seventeenth century or 

 earher, as Fairchild died in 1667. I beHeve this 

 worthy man must have instituted the first flower 

 service, as he left a sum of money to the preacher 

 of his parish that he might hold this celebration 

 annually. I have been asked if this Mule Pink is still 

 in existence. I do not know, but I doubt it. I grow 

 a sort named Napoleon III., which is evidently a cross 

 between a Sweet William and a Pink, as Fairchild's 

 also was. 



Perpetual-Flowering Pinks 



This is a group which has sprung into existence 

 through the efforts of Mr. Ladhams, of the Shirley 

 Nurseries, near Southampton, and I asked him to tell 

 me something about his varieties. The answer is as 

 follows : " My new race of this charming family is 

 the result of many years' persistent hybridising and 

 selection. At some time or another almost all the 

 different species of Dianthus which gave promise of 

 proving good parents have been used in the work, but 

 of course, when once the desired object was attained, 

 these were largely discontinued. The old Mule Pinks, 

 having strong green leaves, have had a marked effect 

 in creating vigour and freedom of growth, forming, 

 as it were, a groundwork for further improvements. 

 Mrs. Sinkins, as a seed-bearer, was also brought in 

 later, giving size of bloom. The race as it is at 

 present produces stouter flower-stems, freer growth, 

 and more refined flowers than the older border Pinks. 



