THE PINK. 



apple (fir-cone) of the Pine tree, sculptured in a solid mass of 

 pale gold. It is so beautiful that it might seem to be made 

 to delight the eye, so delicious that one may fancy it unites 

 in itself the sweetness and richness of all other fruits, and so 

 fragrant, that we might be induced to cultivate it for its 

 perfume only. 



THE PINK (Dianthus prolifer). — Lively and Pure 

 Affection. 



" The Pink can no one justly slight, the gardener's favourite flower ; 

 He sets it now beneath the light, now shields it from its power." — 



Goethe. 



The Wild Pink is single, red, and odoriferous. Cultivation 

 has added to the number of its petals, and variations in 

 colour. These beautiful flowers paint themselves in an infinity 

 of shades, from light rose to pure white, from deep red to the 

 hue of glowing fire. The same flower puts on contrasting, 

 yet blending tints. Pure white is pricked with crimson, and 

 the rose-colour is streaked with a vivid and brilliant red. 

 Then they are marbled, spotted, and again sharply cut, so 

 that the eye is led to fancy that in the calyx there is an 

 alabaster and a purple flower. Again, the Pink is nearly as 

 varied in form as in colour. It opens its pretty flower-work 

 as a tuft, a cockade, a boss, and at other times it assumes the 

 shape of the rose. It always retains its delicious odour, and 

 it constantly strives to divest itself of its artificial dress, and 

 to resume its simple attire. For the hand of the gardener, 



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