THE VIOLA. 



13^ 



in a mild heat. The perennial sorts may be raised from 

 seed for new varieties. Sow in deep seed-pans, in soil 

 as for the annual species, in a gentle heat till it is up. 

 Also by cuttings of the short side-shoots in June, July, 

 and August. Insert the cuttings in pots filled up with 

 fine peat and a little sand, setting the pots in a close 

 cold frame pit, or under hand-glasses. Propagate also 

 b}' division of the root in the autumn or early spring. 



The Viola. 



There are several divisions in this genus, each pos- 

 sessing some peculiar feature of its own. There is the 

 Pansy, with its numerous species and innumerable 

 varieties. The Violet, with 

 its several species and varie- 

 ties. These are again sub- 

 divided. Of late years some 

 sorts of hybrids have been 

 introduced into the Viola 

 class, partaking both of the 

 Violet and the Pansy. These 

 assume more of the features 

 of the latter, and, to some 

 extent, the property of the 

 former. 



The Pansy class has pro- 

 duced some curious and novel, 

 not to say beautiful, varieties 

 of late years ; but the much-coveted scarlet Pansy, 

 pure and good, has not yet appeared, although some 

 approaches to it have been made. I had one lately 

 from the Belgian class. 



The propagation of all the Viola genus may be assi- 

 milated; all may be propagated by cuttings of the 

 young growth, taken off before it flowers, and inserted 

 in pots, pans, or in the open ground ; also in frames 

 or under handlights in a somewhat shady spot, using 



* Pansy" and Auricula cuttings should contain a little root at the 

 base in general when they are taken off the old plants. The line shows 

 the depth to insert them in the soil. 



Fig. 32. — Pansy cutting.* 



