PINK. 291 



POL. Say there be, 



Yet nature is made better by no mean, 

 But nature makes that mean. 



WINTER'S TALE, Act 4, Scene 3. 



Spenser continually speaks of this flower by the name 

 of Sops-in-wine. Drayton also uses this name for them : 



te Sweet- Williams,, campions, sops-in-wine, 

 One by another neatly." 



It has been observed that the word Dianthus signifies 

 Jove's flower ; but in English the name is generally con- 

 fined to the Pink, commonly so called ; which gives oc- 

 casion to Cowley to make a facetious remark upon the 

 distinction : 



(( Sweet- William small has form and aspect bright, 

 Like that sweet flower that yields great Jove delight ; 

 Had he majestic bulk, he'd now be styled 

 Jove's flower ; and, if my skill is not beguiled, 

 He was Jove's flower when Jove was but a child. 

 Take him with many flowers in one conferr'd, 

 He 's worthy Jove, e'en now he has a beard." 



COWLEY ON PLANTS, Book IV. 



POLYANTHUS. 



PRIMULA VULGARIS. 



PRIMULACEJE. PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



THE Polyanthus bears a great resemblance to the Au- 

 ricula, and is a variety of Primrose. The roots may be 

 purchased for a trifle, and will live several years: they 

 should be removed and parted every year, and the earth 

 renewed : this may be done in August. The Polyanthus 

 delights in the same rich soil as is recommended for the 

 Auricula, but is a much hardier plant; and needs pro- 



u 2 



