78 



VIOLACE^E. 



a chemical test, being changed to red by acids, and by 

 alkalies to green. The flowers are said to communicate 

 their flavour to vinegar in which they have been steeped, 

 and it is also said, that they are used in the preparation 

 of the Grand Seignor's sherbets. Fl. March, April. 

 Perennial. 



3. V. palustris (Marsh Violet). Leaves heart- or 

 kidney-shaped, quite smooth sepals obtuse ; spur very 

 short ; root creeping ; scions none. Bogs and marshy 

 ground, common. Flowers delicate lilac, with darker 

 veins ; leaves light green, often purplish beneath. Fl. 

 April June. Perennial. 



** With an evident stem. 



4. V. canina (Dog Violet). Stem channeled, leafy, 

 ascending ; leaves heart-shaped, acute ; sepals acute ; 

 stipules long, toothed and fringed \ bracts awl-shaped 

 entire. Hedges, heaths, and rocky ground ; the most 

 common species. Flowers light blue, purple or white, 

 more abundant, and lasting longer than any of the 

 preceding, but less beautiful, and scentless. This 

 species appears to have received its specific name as 

 a reproach for its want of perfume. Three varieties 

 with very pale blue flowers and narrow leaves, are by 

 some botanists considered distinct species, and named 

 V. Idctea, V. pumila, and V. stagnina. Fl. April 

 July. Perennial. 



5. V. tricolor (Pansy or Heartsease). Stem angular 

 branched ; leaves oblong, crenate ; stipules deeply cut, 

 terminal lobe broad, crenate. Cultivated fields. Very 

 different in habit from any of the preceding, and vary- 

 ing considerably in the size and colour of its flowers, 

 which are, however, most frequently light yellow, either 

 pure, or tinged with purple. The cultivated varieties 

 are countless. Fl. all the summer. Generally annual. 



6. V. lutea. (Yellow Mountain Violet, or Mountain 

 Pansy). Stem angular, branched principally at the 



