DIANTHUS _superbus_ floribus paniculatis: squamis calycinis brevibus acuminatis, corollis multifido-capillaribus, caule erecto. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14. Murr. p. 418._ CARYOPHYLLUS simplex alter, flore laciniato odoratissimo. _Bauh. Pin. 210._ CARYOPHYLLUS plumarius Austriacus sive superba Austriaca. The feathered Pinke of Austria. _Park. Parad. p. 316. 4._ [Illustration: N^o. 297] Many of the plants of this genus diffuse an agreeable odour, which renders them most desirable objects for the flower-garden: this quality the present species possesses in a superior degree to most others; a few of its flowers communicate to a nosegay a delicate and most delicious smell, or placed in a vial of water they will even scent a small apartment[B]: it is to be regretted, however, that the blossoms, unless placed in water, from their extreme delicacy, flag soon after they are gathered. It may be doubted whether the _Dianthus superbus_ of _Miller's Dict. ed. 6. 4to._ be our plant; if it be, the description is not drawn up with that accuracy which distinguishes his descriptions in general; the mode of culture, however, which he recommends is strictly applicable to it, as the plant rarely continues in vigour more than two years, and as it is in its greatest beauty the first year of its flowering, he recommends that young plants should be annually raised for succession from seeds, which are plentifully produced; the seeds of this plant ought therefore to be kept in the shops with annuals and biennials. The _Dianthus superbus_ is a native of Germany, Switzerland, France, and Denmark: Clusius found it growing in the moist meadows about Vienna, and on the borders of woods adjoining to such, with some of its flowers white, others purplish; Parkinson describes them of these two colours, but says the most ordinary with us are pure white, which is contrary to what we now find them: they are rarely produced before August, from which period they will continue frequently to blossom till October. The Spring is the best time for sowing its seeds; the plants require no very nice or particular treatment. [Footnote B: This fragrance has been noticed by all the old authors who have treated of the plant: Clusius describes the flowers as _suavissimi odoris et e longinquo nares ferientis_, of which words Parkinson's are almost a literal translation "of a most fragrant sent, comforting the spirits and senses afarre off."] [298] Origanum Dictamnus. Dittany Of Crete. _Class and Order._ Didynamia Gymnospermia. _Generic Character._ _Strobilus_ tetragonus, spicatus, calyces colligens. _Specific Character and Synonyms._ ORIGANUM _Dictamnus_ foliis inferioribus tomentosis, spicis nutantibus. _Linn. Syst. Vegetab. ed. 14._ _Murr. p. 541._ _Ait. Kew. v. 2 p. 311._ Dittany of Candia. DICTAMNUS creticus. _Bauh. Pin. p. 222._ [Illustration: N^o. 298]