WOODS AND THICKETS IN SPRING 



51 



and by the presence of running stems. It is, however, very variable, 

 both in its habits and habitats, so much so, indeed, that some 

 botanists regard the varieties as distinct species under the titles 

 of Wood Violet, Dark Wood Violet, Pale Wood Violet, Hill Violet, 

 Bog Violet, &c. These differ- 

 ent forms are distinguished 

 by the shape of the leaves, 

 which may be broadly-cord- 

 ate, narrow-cordate, or 

 lanceolate ; and also by the 

 nature of the stem and the 

 form and colour of the spur 

 of the corolla. In some the 

 main stem is flowerless, but 

 flowering stems proceed from 

 the axils of its leaves ; in 

 others the main stem is 

 long and branched, bearing 

 flowers. The narrow-leaved 

 and branched varieties occur 

 principally on heaths, while 

 the broad-leaved forms, in 

 which the main stem is flowerless, are found chiefly in woods. 

 The student will do well to compare as many forms as possible as 

 an interesting study in variation. 



The flowers have five sepals ; and five unequal petals, usually 

 of a bluish-purple colour, the lower one prolonged backward into 

 a blunt spur. Five stamens closely surround the ovary, which is 

 composed of three carpels, but is one-celled. 



The mode of the dispersion of the seeds is particularly interesting 

 in this instance. When the seeds are ripe the ovary sphts into 

 three valves which spread out till they are at right angles to their 

 former position. Each valve is closely packed with smooth, oval 

 seeds; and, as the carpels dry, their sides, originally convex, become 

 gradually straightened so that they press on the seeds. The result 

 is that the seeds are detached from the placenta, one by one, 

 and suddenly shot out to a distance sometimes exceeding a yard. 

 The whole process may be observed by placing some ripe fruits on 

 a large sheet of paper spread in a warm, airy room. 



Another pecuharity of the violet is to be seen in its production 

 of two distinct kinds of flowers. The spring flowers, which we 



E 2 



The Wild Columbine. 



