284 Violets. 



flowers lavender color, often very large and double, very fragrant, and with 

 long stems. This species is easily forced, and is quite an article of trade ; 

 the flowers readily commanding a dollar per hundred, and often, if the de- 

 mand is large, bringing a much higher price. It forces well in cold frames, 

 and gives an abundance of bloom. 



There are two violets which have recently come into notice as " Russian 

 Violets," called respectively the Giant and Czar. They are both very 

 strong growers, with large leaves, and flowers which often measure an inch 

 in diameter. Of the two, the Giant is rather the more desirable ; the flow- 

 ers being somewhat larger and more freely produced. The color in both 

 is dark blue, and both are delightfully fragrant. I'hey are borne well above 

 the foliage, on long foot-stalks, flower freely, and are easily forced. Too 

 much cannot be said in praise of these violets. As yet, they are rather 

 scarce ; but, as they are easily increased, they must soon become plenty. 



During the present spring, a small cold frame has given us flowers which 

 were the wonder of all who saw them. For bouquets, their size, fragrance, 

 and long stems particularly recommend them ; and when more common, 

 the flowers will be in great demand. 



Two other new violets have been extensively advertised in England the 

 past year, respectively called the " King" and " Queen" of Violets. The 

 former is a large double blue variety, and the latter a white. When the 

 flowers come perfect, they are very fine ; but, with every care, from a large 

 frame we have only obtained some half-dozen perfect flowers each year : 

 and,, in view of our experience, we can hardly consider them worth growing. 



Of our native violets, unquestionably the finest is the subject of our illus- 

 tration ( V. pedata), or the bird's-foot violet, though it is by no means the 

 earliest to blossom. It is a low-growing plant with a finely-cut mass of 

 radical leaves much resembling a larkspur, from among which are pro- 

 duced the large, handsome mauve-colored flowers in great profusion. It is 

 one of the most elegant of our native plants, and can vie with any exotic in 

 grace and beauty. In color, the flowers vary from deepest lavender to pure 

 white ; have a delicate, pleasant fragrance ; and last long in perfection. ' It 

 prefers a light, sandy soil, and sometimes covers dry, barren fields with a 

 sheet of color. The root is perennial, and the plants increase in size 

 yearly. The general opinion that it cannot be cultivated is a great mistake. 



