112 ALPINE PLANTS 
VioLa.—The name Viola botanically covers the whole 
of the pansy and violet tribes. Our present concern 
will be with the many pretty little species that belong 
more closely to the alpines than with the florists’ varieties 
of pansies and violets that are grown for bedding or for 
exhibition. 
The pansy of the Alps, Viola calcarata, is a graceful 
little plant with small tufts of foliage and pretty little 
purple blossoms. It grows well on the rockery if afforded 
some lime at the roots. V. cornuta is another charming 
species of which there are many forms and garden varieties, 
lavender, mauve, blue, purple and pure white being obtain- 
able colours. 
V. gracilis is one of the most desirable, the rich velvety 
purple and deep violet forms being very lovely. 
Quite a number of other species and select varieties 
are available, and there is scarcely a viola that is unworthy 
a place in the rock garden except it may be some seedling 
of indifferent colour. Cuttings taken in early autumn 
will root freely in a shady corner, the protection of a 
hand-light being desirable in any but well-sheltered gardens. 
