374 A MOUNTAIN CHILD. 



In England, the native species of pink are five in number, 

 but they are mostly rare, or, when abundant, are found in very 

 limited habitats. 



The commonest kind is the little Depiford Pink (Dianthus 

 Armeria), which sometimes grows in thick clusters among the 

 meadow grass. In shape, its blossom resembles that of the 

 garden pink ; in size, it is about equal to that of the sweet 

 william ; and its flowers grow in a very similar manner. It is 

 a scentless pink, however, with serrated or notched petals, 

 and its rose-coloured petals curiously besprinkled with tiny 

 spots of white. 



A very pretty species is the Maiden Pink (Dianthus 

 deltoides), which some botanists think to have been the 

 original of our garden favourite ; and a kind deserving notice 

 for its large and fragrant flowers is the Dianthus super bus. 



The maiden pink, I should add, has delicate rose-coloured 

 blossoms, daintily touched with silver, and a white eye en- 

 circled by a deep purple ring. It is not unworthy of its fanci- 

 ful and highly suggestive name. 



A rare British variety is the Clustered Pink, or Childing Pink 

 (Dianthus prolifer), which produces its flowers in plentiful 

 clusters, but is only allowed a season's sunshine. 



The India or China Pink (Dianthus chinensis) is a native of 

 Eastern Asia, but has now become a frequent denizen in our 

 English gardens. 



One wild species, the Mountain Pink (Dianthus cossius*), it 

 has never been my fortune to gather in its native home. It is 

 described as a large handsome flower, and it loves to breathe 



