In the perfect flower the pod and calyx should be long, the flower circular, not less than three inches in diameter, rising gradually towards the center, so as to form a sort of crown. The outer petals should be large and few in number, rising slightly above the calyx and spreading horizontally, the other petals being regularly disposed above them, nearly flat, diminishing in size towards the center. The ground should be a pure color and the petals wax-like.
The Carnation is allied to the pink family, and consequently is related to the modest Indian pink, the Chinese pink and the Sweet William. These lowly forms doubtless nourish a secret pride in their relationship to the illustrious head of the house, concerning which Shakespeare said, “The fairest flowers of the season are our Carnations.”
Charles S. Raddin.
WINTER SONG.
Sing ho! for the hilltop bold and bare,
Where the bracing breezes blow!
There’s a frosty edge on the wintry air,
Exhilaration keen and rare
That sets the heart aglow.
Over the crest the snow lies deep,