THE VIOLET 91 



blossoming profusely amidst the pasture. It possesses 

 large yellow flowers, rayed black. In growth it is 

 very pansy-like and has a fine tufted habit and fibrous 

 root. It is another of the parents of the cultivated 

 Pansy. 



Viola odorata (Sweet Violet). Besides possessing the 

 most delicious scent, this is one of the most common of 

 the Violets, being distributed freely throughout the 

 entire length and breadth of Europe and also in 

 Northern Asia. It will grow almost anywhere, so 

 long as the air is pure and wholesome, and can be 

 naturalised with the greatest facility, the soil best suiting 

 it, however, being a good medium loam. Fog has a most 

 deleterious effect on Viola odorata as well as on many other 

 Violets, and for this reason it cannot be grown or do 

 well near large towns where the bad influence of smoke- 

 laden atmosphere is eventually fatal to its growth. In its 

 wild state, there are two varieties, purple and white. 

 Its treatment, together with that of the many varieties 

 originating from it, is discussed fully elsewhere. 



Viola palustris (Marsh Violet). Another fairly common 

 British species. As its name denotes, this is usually 

 found in moist and humid situations, marshes, etc. It 

 is most commonly met with in Yorkshire and elsewhere 

 in the North. The flowers are lilac or white and 

 possess no scent. In growth it is very similar to that 

 of Viola odorata. 



Viola pedata (Bird's-foot Violet). An American 

 species of great beauty, bearing flowers measuring an 

 inch across. The flowers vary to great extent, being 

 pale or deep lilac, purple, or blue. The two upper 

 petals are frequently of a velvety texture. The plant 

 takes its name from the shape of the leaves which are 

 deeply divided, giving them an appearance, by no means 

 unlike the foot of a bird. 



A rare variety of this is V. P. bicolor, which possess 



