CLOVE PINK. (Dianthus Caryophillus.) THIS fragrant plant is perennial, and grows wild in several parts of England, in old walls and in crevices of rocks (at Rochester, Deal, Sandown, and other castles, plentifully): but the choicest kinds are cultivated in our gardens, where they become extremely luxuriant; and by the aid of culture, that beautiful variety is raised, so highly esteemed under the name of Carnation; and which is universally acknowledged a worthy leader of one of the finest natural orders. When we consider the size of the flower, the beauty of its colour, the arrangement of its parts, and, above all, the singularly rich and spicy odour that it exhales, we cannot withhold that tribute of admiration which will ever be given it. For ornament and beauty, we should gather these flowers from the parterre; but as botanists, we should take them from a wall, or a dry untilled soil, where their simplicity, and the clearness of their natural character, will make amends for their want of splendour. Class, DECANDRIA. Order, DIGYNIA. PINKS AND CARNATIONS. STAY while ye will, or goe, And leave no scent behind ye; Yet, trust me, I shall know The place where I may find ye. Within my Lucia's cheek, (Whose livery ye wear) Play yo at hide or seeke, I'm sure to find ye there. HERRICK. So smell those odours that do rise So smells the flower of blooming clove, So smells the air of spiced wine, So smells the breath about the hives, Laden with wax and honey home; So smell those neat and woven bowers, Thus sweet she smells; oh! what can be HERRICK. THE warden of these haughty towers And well the proud carnation's flowers, And well the loaded gales attest, Their burdens of perfume. FROM THE GERMAN OF GOETHE. QUINCE. (Pyrus Cydonia.) THIS tree, which seldom rises very high, being usually crooked and distorted, appears originally to have been brought from Cydon, in Crete; hence the name Cydonia. At present the Quince grows wild upon the banks of the Danube, though in a much less luxuriant state than in our British gardens. The delicate pink blossoms of this tree, add much to the beautiful appearance of our orchards; and the flavour of its fruit is too well known to need any comment. Class, ICOSANDRIA. Order, PENTAGYNIA. |