386 breck's new book of flowees. 



VIOLA.— Violet. 



[The ancient Latin name.] 



" Violets, sweet tenants of the shade, 

 In purjile's ricliest pride arrayed, 

 Your errand here fulfil ; 

 ' Go bid llie artist's simple stain 



Your lustre imitate in vain, 



And match your Maker's skill." 



This is an extensive genus of plants, of dwarf habit, 

 suitable for the border or rock-work. There are many in- 

 digenous species which flourish Avell in the garden, and 

 will repay the trouble of collecting them from the woods, 

 meadows, and pastures. 



Viola odorata, the Sweet-scented Violet, should not be 

 wanting in any collection of plants, on account of its 

 fragrance and early appearance. A single flower will per- 

 fume a large room. The flowers appear in April, and con- 

 tinue through May. There are the single white and 

 single blue, and the double blue and white varieties ; the 

 double sorts are the most desirable ; they succeed best in 

 a shady, sheltered place, and are rapidly multiplied by di- 

 visions of the plant. 



The double Neapolitan Violet is a variety with pale- 

 blue flowers, extensively grown for small hand bouquets, 

 and much admired on account of its exquisite scent. The 

 Sweet-scented Violet is a native of every part of Europe, 

 in woods, amongst bushes, in hedges, and on warm banks. 



The Violet is said to be an emblem of faithfulness. 



" Violet is for faithfulness 

 Whicli in ine shall abide ; 

 Hoping likewise from your heart 

 You will not let it slide." 



It is a pity that our American species do not possess 

 the fragrance, which is so characteristic of the Euroj^ean 

 Violet. We have some beautiful species, however, well 

 worthy the attenti<m of the lovers of flowers. 



