THE Viola tricolor, Heartsease, or Pansy, from tlie Freiicli 

 pensee, "thought," is a native of Britain, and in some localities 

 grows in profusion in the cnltivated fields ; we liave seen in some cases 

 eight or ten acres together, one apparent mass of lovely, fragrant 

 flowers. 



It is only within a few years tliat special attention has been given to 

 an improvement in the flower, by introducing it into tlie gardens, and 

 attempting to raise liybrid kinds with tlie object of having not only 

 more distinctive coloni's in the same flower, but particularly a perfection 

 in form. To realize tins, a very general effort lias been made, and 

 very rapid advances to an universal approved form lias been effected, 

 so that if we compare the Pansy in its wild state with one of our recent 

 productions, the contrast is truly astonishing both in the varied colours 

 and altered form. 



An immense number of persons Iiave been raising hybrid kinds, some 

 of which have succeeded in effecting much improvement in the flower, 

 and the stands of blossoms which now grace our floral exhibitions give 

 testimony thereof, and the Pansy is now termed "a florist's flower," 

 and ranks with the meritorious tribes deemed deserving competition at 

 almost every general show. 



One of these successful individuals is Mr. Major, landscape gardener, 

 «Scc., at Knostrop, near Leeds ; he has obtained several superior ones, 

 whicii have l)een sold out into the country during the last few years. 

 The beautiful one which we now figure, named Blue Fringe, was 

 raised by him, and we are informed that it is not like one or two other 

 kinds which have been grown for the past four years, which, although 

 they are margined flowers, yet the edging is far from being constant, 

 only occasional ; but the Blue Fringe is constant in its very striking 

 bordiir that forms its l)elting. The variety well merits a place in every 

 collection, and to be seen in every stand of Pansies exiiibited. 



Vol. XV. No. Z.—N.S. L 



