Bell-flower. 120 



it has sometimes borne tlic name of Viola Pen- 

 tagojiia. 



This plant grows naturally amongst the corn 

 in most of the southern countries of Europe ; and 

 Gerard tells us, " I found it in a field among 

 the corne by Greenehithe, as I went from thence 

 toward Dartford in Kent, and in many other 

 places thereabout, but not elsewhere: from 

 whence I brought of the seedes for my garden, 

 where they come vp of themselves from yeere to 

 yeere by faUing of the seede." 



This annual plant is a great ornament to the 

 parterre, particularly when sown in large patches 

 on sloping banks. It seldom raises itself higher 

 than from six to twelve inches; but, as its spread- 

 ing branches completely cover the earth, it pre- 

 sents a mass of beauty by its mirrors, not ex- 

 ceeded by any of the humble plants, which ex- 

 pand their petals to the sun of summer. 



The shining seed should be sown in the autumn 

 on a dry soil to produce early flowers, and the 

 spring sowing will succeed them so as to prolong 

 the enjoyment of these agreeable little flatterers. 



Vol. n. K 



