VIOLET TRIBE. 



77 



slightly downy, especially beneath. ; bracts above the 

 middle of the flower-stalks ; sepals obtuse ; lateral petals 

 with a hairy central line ; scions creeping. One of the 

 most highly prized of all our wild flowers, unrivalled 

 in fragrance, delicacy and variety of tinting, and doubly 

 welcome from its appearing so early in spring. The 

 flowers are deep purple, lilac, pale rose-coloured, or white, 



VfOLA CANINA, and V. ODORATA. 



and all these tints may sometimes be discovered on the 

 same bank. The roots possess the medicinal properties 

 of Ipecacuanha, and the flowers are used as a laxative 

 for children. An infusion of the petals is employed as 



