xxxvi LETTERS TO MARCO 249 



explained in his chapter 298 on violets, which, 

 as it is very expressive and characteristic, I 

 cannot refrain from sending to you at length : 



There might be described many kinds of flowers under 

 this name of violets, if the differences should be more curi- 

 ously looked into than is necessorie : for we might joine 

 heereunto the Stock Gilloflowers, the Wall Flowers, Dame's 

 Gilloflowers, Marian's Violets, and likewise some of the 

 bulbed Flowers, bicause some of them by Theophrastus are 

 termed Violets. But this was not our charge, holding it 

 sufficient to distinguish and divide them as neere as may be 

 in kindred and neighbourhood ; addressing myselfe unto the 

 Violets called the blacke or purple Violets, or March Violets 

 of the Garden, which have a great prerogative above others, 

 not only bicause the minde conceiveth a certain pleasure 

 and recreation by smelling and handling of these most 

 odoriferous flowers, but also for that very many by these 

 Violets receive ornament and comely grace : for there be 

 made of them Garlands for the heade, nosgaies and poesies, 

 which are delightfull to looke on and pleasant to smell to, 

 speaking nothing of their appropriate vertues ; yea, Gardens 

 themselves receive by these the greatest ornaments of all, 

 cheifest beautie, and most gallant grace ; and the recreation 

 of the minde which is taken heereby, cannot be but verie 

 good and honest : for they admonish and stir up a man to 

 that which is comely and honest ; for flowers through their 

 beautie, varietie of colour, and exquisite forme, do bring to 

 a liberall and gentle manly minde, the remembrance of 



