562 GENERAL REVIEW. 



tains, was introduced to Ascot a year or two ago. It roots 

 freely from young tops in heat, like the other varieties. In 

 noting the introduction of this plant in 1873, the editors of 

 the 'Gardeners' Chronicle' (see p. 575) remark: "Crosses 

 made between this new species and V. venosa would in all 

 probability produce an interesting progeny, and if it were also 

 used by raisers of seedling Verbenas, for the purpose of restoring 

 something of the lost constitution which has resulted from inter- 

 breeding, the Verbenas might eventually become more popular, 

 or at least better fitted for outdoor purposes in our gardens." 



Verbena Lamberti is a strong-growing plant, bearing lilac- 

 purple flowers in dense terminal clusters (see * Bot. Mag.,' t. 

 2200). V. aubletia is another of the earlier species (see ' Bot. 

 Mag.,' t. 308). 



THE VIOLET AND PANSY FAMILY (Violacece). 



A small natural group of temperate herbaceous or sub- 

 shrubby evergreen plants, principally natives of Europe and 

 America. Viola odorata is one of the best-known examples, 

 and from this wild species we have now a race of very beautiful 

 single and double blue, purple, lilac, and white varieties. The 

 Neapolitan or Naples Violet has long been grown in our gardens 

 for its early-blooming habit, as also has " The Czar." Lee's 

 " Victoria Regina " and " Prince Consort " are even superior to 

 " The Czar " in size and colour, their fragrance being fully equal 

 to the wild species. Ten or twelve years ago Viola lutea, a wild 

 Yorkshire species, and the soft lavender purple V. cornuta or 

 Horned Violet, were introduced for bedding purposes, and 

 several races of what are known as Bedding Violas have been 

 originated by blending these species with some of the more 

 hardy and strong-constitutioned Pansies. Some of these half- 

 breeds are very beautiful, and possess the valuable property of 

 remaining in bloom for several months. One of the best of 

 the yellow-flowered varieties is V. " Sovereign," and V. " Blue 

 Perfection " is one of the best of the blue-flowered race. Mr 

 R. Dean, Mr Cannell, Mr Ware, Messrs Downie and Laird, 

 Messrs E. G. Henderson, and other raisers, have assisted in 

 the improvement of the races of Pansies and Bedding Violas. 

 One of the most vigorous of our wild species is the bluish-lilac- 

 flowered Wood Violet, V. canina, which blooms most profusely 

 along with the Primrose and Bluebells (Scilla nutans) in the 

 spring months. This plant is well worth taking in hand by 

 some intelligent hybridiser; a little cultural care, selection, 



