DOG'S VIOLET. 71 



end, place two or three in each hole, so as to cover 

 the sand entirely, keeping the flowers about half 

 an inch above the sand, which should be pressed 

 tight to the stalks. In this manner they may be 

 preserved fresh for several days, and yield their 

 delightful fragrance for the enjoyment of those 

 who are not able to seek them in the fields, where 



Blows not a blossom on the breast of Spring 1 , 

 Breathes not a gale along the bending mead, 



Trills not a songster of the soaring wing, 

 But fragrance, health, and melody succeed. 



Laxghorne. 



The Sweet Violet was held in considerable esti- 

 mation by the ancients for its medicinal properties; 

 and the petals of this flower are still used in medi- 

 cine, principally as a cooling, emollient, and gentle 

 cathartic. For this purpose they are made into a 

 syrup by the following simple process : to one 

 pound of fresh-gathered Sweet Violets, carefully 

 picked, add two pints and a half of boiling water ; 

 infuse them a whole day in a glass, or glazed china 

 vessel ; then pour off the fluid, and strain it through 

 muslin, avoiding all pressure; after which add dou- 

 ble its weight of the finest sugar, and make it into 

 a syrup, without letting it boil. 



This, with a small quantity of almond oil, is an 

 excellent laxative medicine for young children, and 

 is esteemed good for irritating coughs and sore 



