94 



The Ottawa Naturalist. [August 



which there was a fine collection. These had been grown in pots, 

 so that each species might be kept separate, and were remarkably 

 vigorous and full of bloom, A table was made ready in the house 

 and twenty-nine pots were brought in from outside, where they 

 had been plunged. A general discussion on violets and, on 

 Dr. Greene's recent discoveries and descriptions of new species, 

 preceded a more critical examination of the plants by Dr. Fletcher 

 and the members present". Prof, Macoun said that it was very 

 important in his opinion that, in describing new species, the new 

 one should be compared with one that was better known, as a 

 mere description was not of much assistance in determining a 

 species. 



Dr. Fletcher gave a very interesting address, and he had in the 

 living plants such splendid object lessons that much information 

 was obtained, which was impressed on the minds of those present. 

 He said that, when he began collecting first at Ottawa in 1873, 

 he was puzzled at the different forms of violet, which at that time all 

 went under the name of Viola cucullata. He showed a sheet of 

 dried specimens having four of these types which he had called at 

 that time alpha, beta, gamma, delta, to separate them. During 

 recent years greater attention had been given to the study of 

 violets ; new species had been made out of these forms and named. 

 He said that, although these new species all had some distinctive 

 characteristics, it was impossible to identify them at all times 

 from one character. There was great variation in growth accord- 

 ing to conditions under which the plant was growing ; there was 

 also great variation in the colour of the flowers. Violets will make 

 fine flowering plants in one year from seed. 



Some of the distinguishing characteristics of a few of the 

 species of violets shown were recorded. 



V. septentrionalis. — Flowers below the leaves, but prom- 

 inently in view, 



V. subviscosa. — Outline of lower petal prominently boat- 

 shaped. 



V. Fletcherii. — Flowers royal purple, very attractive. New 



leaves erect, acuminate, ciliate. 



V. Macounii. — Flowers have a decided pinkish tinge. Petals 

 narrow and all bearded. 



