PINK, Dianthus, a genus of plains of the natural order earyophyllaeece, of which there are many species, annuals and perennials, with beautiful and often fragrant flowers, chiefly natives of Europe and the temperate parts of Asia. The calyx is tubular, 5-toothed, with two or four scales at tl:e vase; there are 5 petals suddenly contracted at the throat of the corolla into a linear claw. There are 10 stamens, and one germen with two sty:2s. The capsule is cylindrical, and one-celled The exquisite beauty of the flowers has attracted admiration in all ages; and some of the species have long been much celtivated in gardens, particularly the GARDEN PINK and CARNATION (q.v.), which are often referred to one original, the CLOVE PINK (1). earpophyllus), a native cf the s. of Europe, growing wild on rocks and old walls, and naturalized in same places in. the s. of England; while some botanists refer the garden pinks iv part to the MAIDEN PINK (D. deltoide.q), a pretty common British species, and those called pheasant-eye pinks to the FEATHER PINK (D. plumarias), a native of some parts of continental Europe, differing from the clove pink chiefly in having the leaves rough on the margin, and the petals bearded and much cat. Nearly allied to them is D. gyre-Pleas, found in moist places in some parts of Europe, and not 'infrequently to lie seen in flower-borders. It has very fragrant flowers. All the varieties of garden pinks, whatever their origin,have been much changed by cultivation, and careful cultivation is requisite to preserve them in perfection. Both single and double pinks are generally propagated by pipings, which
are short cuttings of the younger shoots. They are also sometimes propagated by layers. A rich loamy soil is the best for pinks. The clove pink, in a wild state, has flesh-colored flowers. The leaves are linear-awl-shaped, grooved, and glaucous. The maiden pink is a small much-branched plant, growing in grassy places, on gravelly and sandy soils; it has rose-colored flowers spotted with white, and a white eye encircled by a deep-purple ring.—The Deptford pink (D. armeria) and the CLUSTERED PINK, Or CHILDING PINK, prolifer), also natives of England, differ from these in heing annuals, and in having Onsteied flowers. —The BEARDED PINK; or SWF.ET WILLIAM(D, barbatus), a native of the inidule of Europe and the s. of France, with lanceolate leaves, flowers crowded in dense clusters at the top of the stem, acuminated bracts, and bearded petals, has long been a favorite garden flower, still retaining its place alike in palace and cottage gardens. Although perennial, it is sown annually by florists, to secure fine flowers, and there are many varieties, single and double, exhibiting much diversity of color.—The INDIAN PrNx or CHINA PINK (D. chinensis) is now also common in flower-gardens.
The clove pink was formerly regarded as possessing medicinal properties, and was used in nervous maladies.—Sea-pink; is a common name of thrift (q.v.).
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