46 VIOLACE.E. 



used to make wine of Violets, and the Turks still infuse it in 

 their sherbet. According to Lightfoot, the Highland ladies 

 of former times used the Violet as a cosmetic, the old Gaelic 

 receipt being, "Anoint thy face with goat's milk in which 

 Violets have been infused, and there is not a young prince 

 upon earth who will not be charmed with thy beauty." 



The Sweet Violet has no main stem ; its leaves and flowers 

 spring from the roots. It increases rapidly by runners as well 

 as by throwing out its seed. 



The Hairy Violet (V. hirta), has a considerable resemblance 

 to the Sweet one ; but it lacks its scent, does not throw out 

 runners, and its narrower leaves are covered with hairs, as 

 well as the flower-stalks. I have found it near Richmond and 

 in Durham ; but it is not very common. 



The Marsh Violet (V. puhistris), the third stemless species, 

 flowers earlier than these, producing its paler blooms in March. 

 I found it near Richmond in Yorks, and near Callander, and 

 Fanny has leaves of it from near Harrowgate. Its leaf is 

 kidney instead of heart-shaped, as in the species before men- 

 tioned. 



The Dog Violet (V. canina), is a gay and frequent ornament 

 of our woods and moors. It has a stem, and leaves and flowers 

 grow from it, as well as from the root. It blooms later than 

 the other Violets, is of a paler colour, with pencilled stripes 

 across its white centre, and purple-tinged leaves. 



The yellow Mountain Violet (V. liitea), grows freely on our 

 Yorkshire moors, especially where water has stood. It is 

 often seen growing side by side with the purple Butterwort, 

 and the effect of the contrast is charming. In form it rather 

 resembles a Pansy than a Violet ; but both belong to the same 

 family. The stem is very decided in this species. 



The Corn Pansy (V. tricolor), is familiar as a corn weed, 

 as well as a run-off plant in neglected gardens. Our handsome 

 garden Pansies are, many of them, cultivated varieties of this ; 

 and, when left uncared for in a poor soil, they return to 



