TUFTED PANSiES OR VIOLAS 13 



Fancy. This type is also very often known as the 

 " Countess of Kintore " type, from the name of one of 

 the most popular varieties of this particular type raised. 

 Generally speaking, " fancies" may be described as blooms 

 of a mauve ground, blotched with purple and black, and 

 sometimes white, to a greater or lesser degree, as the 

 case may be. They are exceedingly velvety and glossy 

 in appearance. Three well-known representative sorts 

 are Cottage Maid, The Mearns, Mrs T. W. R. 

 Johnstone. 



Margined. This type consists of flowers having a belt 

 or margin of colour round the petals. In some cases 

 the band is quite clear and well cut ; in others, it is 

 irregular. Regularity in this respect is not sought after, 

 and, indeed, from an artistic point of view should not 

 be desired. Typical varieties are Goldfinch, Lady 

 Grant, Sunbeam. 



In addition to the above-mentioned types we have 

 also striped flowers, which are to the taste of some 

 people. 



However, as above stated, there is no fixed rule as to 

 what colour or shape a Viola bloom should be, except 

 that of one's own judgment, which is gradually educated 

 up to distinguishing between a poor specimen and a good 

 one. 



Unlike the Show and the Fancy Pansies there should 

 be no blotch, as this is now considered a blemish, 

 and is only allowed on sufferance, when the bloom 

 or plant possesses some extraordinary properties 

 of colour or growth. The blotch in the Viola has 

 now been practically eliminated, and it is only in a 

 few well-known old stagers that we see it. These, as 

 mentioned above, have some extra charm of colour, etc., 

 which for the time being outweighs any prejudices which 

 may exist owing to their bad form. 



Then, again, some varieties are rayed and others rayless, 



