124 OCCASIONAL PAPERS. 



4. The Yellow Mountain Violet (V. lutea), much 

 resembling V. tricolor but usually larger. It is 

 sometimes purple instead of yellow. 



We possess then in our own district four species: 



The Sweet Violet (V. odorata). 



The Hairy Violet (F. hirta). 



The Wood Violet (F. sylvatica) of both forms. 



The Pansy (F. tricolor).* 



Whether canina is here or not I cannot venture to 

 say until I have seen an authentic specimen. It is 

 said to grow in sandy and peaty places. 



Of the virtues of the Violets I do not know that 

 there is much to say ; but their roots appear 

 generally to possess medicinal properties. One of the 

 ipecacuanhas is the root of a Brazilian violet ; in 

 South America most of the family are shrubs. 



According to old Gerard the study of violets is 

 productive of good moral results, and in his words I 

 will conclude. Speaking of the Sweet Violet he says 

 " They have a great prerogative above the other 

 violets, not only because the minde conceiveth a 

 certain pleasure and recreation by smelling and 

 handling these most odoriferous flowers, but also for 

 that very many by these violets receive ornaments 

 and comely grace ; for there be made of them 

 garlands for the head, nosegaies, and posies, which 

 are delightful to look upon, and pleasant to smell 

 to, speaking nothing of their appropriate virtues ; 

 yea, gardens themselves receive by these the greatest 

 ornament of all cheerful beautie, and most gallant 

 grace. And the recreation of the mind which is 



* Viola palustris is recorded in an old Floral Guide to East 

 Kent, as occurring at Sellinge. 



