THE VIOLET. 195 



VIOLET. 

 Viola. 



Welsh, Crinllys, Gwiolydd, Mill, Millyn. Irish, Sail covah. 

 Gaelic, Sail-chuach. French, Violette. German, Viole. 

 Italian, Viola. Greek, Ion. Arabic, Benefsig. Persian, 

 Benefse, or benefsch. 



LINN JSAN . NATURAL . 



Pentandria. Violacece. 



Monogynia. Violece. 



" VIOLETS/' says Gerarde, " haue a great preroga- 

 tive aboue others, not only because the mind con- 

 ceiueth a certain pleasure and recreation by smell- 

 ing and handling those more odoriferous floures, but 

 also for that verie manie of these violets receiue 

 ornament and comely grace, for there be made of 

 them garlands for the head, nosegaies, and posies, 

 which are delightful to look upon, and to smel to ; 

 speaking nothing of their appropriat vertues ; yea 

 gardens themselves receiue by these the greatest 

 ornament of all, chiefest beauty, and most excellent 

 grace, and the recreation of the mind which is taken 

 hereby cannot be but very good and honest ; for 

 they admonish and stirre vp a man to that which is 

 comely and honest ; for floures through their beautie, 

 varietie of color, and exquisite forme do bring to a 

 liberal! and gentle manly minde the remembrance of 

 honestie, comlinesse, and all kind of vertues ; for it 



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