48 THE BOOK OF THE CARNATION 



Heddewigi section alone there are many dozens of single 

 and double varieties of which it may be said with truth 

 that all possess qualities rendering them worthy cultiva- 

 tion. 



Of what may be termed the ordinary Indian Pink 

 there exists several subsections, each containing many 

 varieties both single and double, but none so showy as 

 the Heddewigi class. The double forms, especially the 

 white, are, however, of distinct value, and a clustered 

 double called D. c. plenissimus is a very desirable form. 

 D. c. nanus comprises a large number of varieties that do 

 not exceed six inches in height, and in D. c. diadematus 

 we have a counterpart of the cut-leaved D. Heddewigi 

 diadematuS) but much smaller in all its parts. 



A most distinct large flowering form is that called 

 D. c. imperialis^ but this belongs to the hybrid section, 

 being the result of a supposed cross between D. chinensis 

 and a Sweet William. The Indian Pink is indeed 

 remarkable for the beautiful hybrids that have resulted 

 from crosses with other species, the very first recorded 

 hybrid, Fairchild's Sweet William, which Bradley termed 

 a mule and now always called a Mule Pink, having 

 appeared about 1715-16, the other parent having been 

 a Sweet William. It is also a parent of the gloriously 

 brilliant D. Atkinsoni, as well as of others, references to 

 which will be found in the chapter in which hybrids are 

 discussed. All the Indian Pinks are of much value in 

 the flower garden, employed either in massing or as floral 

 carpets to plants of a stately growth. They form thick 

 masses of foliage and flowers, and continue in bloom 

 until stopped by frost. A selection is also suitable for 

 providing material for cutting, the double white, Salmon 

 Queen, Eastern Queen, and the Heddewigi section 

 generally being invaluable in autumn. For this purpose 

 the plants should be set in beds allowing each a space of 

 about fifteen inches, and there every freedom may be 



