8 THE BOOK OF THE CARNATION 



D. Pancici is a tall-growing plant, attaining four feet in 

 height, and produces flower-heads of a bright crimson 

 purple. 



D. penmylvanicus is a variable species, abundant in New 

 England, where it is known as the May Pink. 



D. petrous. This species is much like D. fragrans, 

 but having somewhat larger fringed flowers, which are 

 white. The D. petrous of the Botanical Magazine, 

 t. 1204, is pink-flowered. 



D. pinifolius belongs to the D. crenatus type, though 

 scarcely so fine as that species. The foliage is somewhat 

 like that of the pine tree. It is native to Greece. 



D.plumarius. The Feathered Pink, or Pheasant's Eye, 

 is interesting as being the reputed parent of the number- 

 less race of Garden Pinks, of the Black and White Pinks, 

 and of the Laced or Florist varieties. The double form 

 and the double white, as well as a large variety of the 

 latter, are very old plants, the two first-named appearing in 

 Parkinson's " Garden of Pleasant Flowers." Botanical 

 works fix the date of the introduction of the species 

 in the year 1629, but it is clear the plant was cultivated in 

 England long previous to that date. Gerard knew it well. 

 The type-plant is remarkable for its variability from 

 seed, and a few special varieties have been perpetuated 

 by cuttings. In any form it is a desirable garden plant, 

 and, on account of its fragrance, a delightful flower for 

 cutting. One of the latest forms appeared a few years 

 ago as " Cyclops." The plants varied considerably, but 

 all were alike beautiful. About the year 1890 D. plu- 

 marius hybridus was first seen. This kind possesses stout 

 erect stems, with large blooms of a soft rosy tint, and 

 with a crimson zone. D. p. annulatus is an older form 

 of the same type. D. moschatus and D. dubius are syno- 

 nyms of the type, which grows wild in England on old 

 walls, though not truly indigenous ; yet Ray notes how 

 common a wild plant it was in his time. 



