88 DIANTHUS 



DIANTHUS continued. 



The old-fashioned Sweet William was 

 introduced, it is said, as long ago as 1573 from 

 S. Germany. 



Sow the seeds in April -J- in. deep in light 

 soil outdoors in a sunny spot, transplanting to 

 10 ins. apart in July or September to where 

 they are to bloom the following year. 

 Although the plants do well in ordinary soil, 

 they are all the better for a little leaf mould 

 and rotten turfs broken up. When the blooms 

 begin to show, give a dressing of guano, and 

 water well in dry weather. A second applica- 

 tion of liquid manure applied just as the 

 flowers begin to open is very beneficial for a 

 fine display. They are rather subject to 

 Black- fly, and should this occur it can soon be 

 got rid off by syringing with essence of quassia 

 diluted. 



D. Chinen'sis (sometimes spelt sinensis). The 

 Chinese Pink, The Japanese, and Indian Pink. 

 This and its varieties are very floriferous plants 

 of small stature, suitable for beds or groups in 

 the front of the mixed border, and seldom grow 

 above 1 ft. high. The forms and colouring are 

 very variable and easily hybridise. 



Sometimes they are sown in the spring and 

 treated like half-hardy annuals, while some 

 gardeners prefer to sow them in autumn to 

 flower the following year. Sometimes also, 



