CHAPTER X 

 THE SWEET VIOLET 



(BY THE EDITOR) 



"Violets dim 



But sweeter than the lids of Juno's eyes 

 Or Cytherea's breath I " 



NOTWITHSTANDING the attractions of other sections of 

 Violas, they are surpassed by the matchless perfume of the 

 Sweet Violet. Some of the flowers are single, others 

 double, whilst they exhibit shades in blue, purple, and 

 mauve, in addition to certain varieties which are pure- 

 white. These Violets are all varieties of Viola odorata, 

 a species indigenous to many parts of Europe, includ- 

 ing Britain. Just as the Pansy (Viola tricolor) is the first 

 flower a child usually desires to cultivate, so Violets are 

 amongst the first wild flowers children learn to gather 

 from the roadside. They are not the less sought after 

 because their habit is so humble that the fragrant 

 blossoms are frequently hidden by the ranker vegetation 

 around them. 



" It takes us so much trouble to discover, 

 Stands first with most and ever with a lover." 



77 



