COMMON PINK. 183 



They have received their generic name from 

 the circumstance of their fine scent, and magni- 

 ficence of their numerous flowers. These should 

 be reduced : one, or at most two, besides the 

 central flower, is enough. The flower-pods 

 should be assisted to open regularly, by girding, 

 &c. as practised with carnations ; as well as 

 carding, tying up, shading, and always well 

 supplied with water. 



The pink is easily susceptible of cross im- 

 pregnation, and many new varieties are obtained 

 by such means. M. Fries-Morel, a French florist, 

 advises it to be done in the following manner: — 

 ''Just before sunrise, open carefully the flower 

 to be operated on, and abstract the anthers with 

 small pincers. About eight or nine o'clock place 

 the ripe pollen upon the stigma of the flower, and 

 repeat this two or three times in the course of the 

 same day. If the act of impregnation has taken 

 place, the flower will fade in twenty-four or 

 thirty-six hours ; but if not, the flower will 

 remain in full beauty ; in which case the attempt 



