213 ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE PINK. 



in New Grenada. To all lovers of the ornamental and particularly 

 interesting tribe of Gesnereas, the present kind has considerable 

 claim, not alone for its distinct and clear colour, but because with 

 that it combines an excellent erect habit, and a disposition to bloom 

 freely. The usual treatment suffices to grow it. 



ARTICLE II. 



ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE PINK. 



BY MR. K. P. FAIRBAIRN, NURSERYMAN, WANDSWORTH ROAD, LONDON. 



The genus Dianthr.s comprehends a family which have long been 

 the pride of the florist, on account, as well of the agreeable fragrance 

 they possess, as the beauty of their flowers ; I allude to the Pink, 

 with respect to which the old florists have justly observed, " he who 

 can grow Pinks and Carnations can grow any florists' flower ;" and 

 I certainly agree with them in this case ; as, from experience, I have 

 found Pinks require more than ordinary care and attention to grow 

 them to perfection. The object, therefore, I have now in view in 

 addressing you, is to impart what knowledge I possess of their culti- 

 vation and general properties as show flowers. 



In the first place, then, I would advise persons about commencing 

 the cultivation of this most interesting flower to procure from some 

 respectable grower a collection of the best sorts, as early in September 

 as possible; and it is always advisable to have two pairs of each 

 kind, to be able to plant them together, in small squares, thus : — 



The advantage obtained by this method is, that when in bloom they 

 may be so readily covered with shade or glass, as deemed necessary ; 

 and it may be done so as to allow plenty of room for top-dressing the 

 plants in spring. The bed should be so situated that it is sheltered 

 from the north, and the composition forming it very rich. If the 

 natural soil where the bed is intended to be formed is already fertile 

 and light, I would recommend merely a good dressing of fresh loam 





