AN ALPHABETICAL LIST OF 



rank ; in stateliness of growth, brilliancy and diversity of colours, 

 and the sweetness of perfume, it never fails to attract our regard 

 and attention.' 



In its wild state this flower, found growing on poor and dry soil 

 in some parts of England, attracts no notice from its beauty, nor 

 has it much scent. Under cultivation, however, it has become one 

 of the most popular, both for its supreme beauty of form and, in 

 many cases, its rich spicy odour. In Queen Elizabeth's time it 

 seems to have been a flower held in high estimation, for we find it 

 often celebrated by the poets of her day. Shenstone, for instance, 

 gives the following dainty lines in its favour : — 



* Let yon admired Carnation own, 

 Not all for needfnl use alone ; 

 There while the seeds of future blossoms dwell, 

 'Tis coloured for the sight, perfumed to please the smell.' 



Here are some sweet lines sent me by Mrs. Howard Watson : — 



' Red Carnations blushing bright, 



(Sun-kissed floAvers of love's own hue, 

 Fair adorers of the light, 

 Heavenly odours spring from you ! 

 From the warmth ye gain your charms ! 

 Blooming in love's circling arms. 



' 0, ye fair Carnation blooms, 



Yours the happy lot to give 

 Lovely looks and fair perfumes, 

 All the days 'tis yours to live ! 

 Children of the light are ye, 

 Teaching praise and love to me.' 



The various groups are divided into classes according to the 

 markings of the flower ; under the heading of Bdf^^ flowers of one 

 colour only ; Fancies, flowers with markings on coloured grounds ; 

 Biz'arres, flowers striped or variegated with three or four shades of 

 colour ; Flalces, flowers of two colours only, striped heavily length- 

 wise through the petals, and yellow grounds, a new class fast becom- 

 ing very popular ; Picotees are classed according to the colour of 

 the edges of the petals. 



SIioiv Varieties. — This section embraces the varieties usually seen 

 on the exhibition table. In form they are perfection, and in 

 colour the most exquisite ; add to this their lovely perfume, when 

 they possess it, and abundance of flower, there is no wonder at their 

 being held in such high esteem by lovers of the beautiful. ]yiiite 

 Dame] and Florence Tlioday are highly scented representatives of 

 this group. 



