VIOLACE.Ti;. 15 



terminal portion becoming the rootstock of the young plant, which 

 thus conmieuces a separate existence. Scapes produced from the 

 axils of the leaves, 2 to 4 inches high, with two small nearly 

 opjiosite lanceolate denticulated bracts about, or above the middle. 

 Plowers drooping, ^ to f inch across, bluish purple, lilac, or 

 wliite. In tlie white variety the lateral petals are often destitute of 

 the little hairy tuft, and in this state it is the Viola imberbis of 

 Lcighton, but it seems to be rather a state than a true variety. In 

 the puri)le llowers the lower petal has darker lines at the base, 1)ut 

 in the wiiite these are not present. Spur of the lower petal very 

 short, blunt. Capsule about f inch in diameter, roundish, almost 

 truncate or retuse at the apex. Plant rather deep green ; the 

 petioles, margins and veins of the leaves, the peduncles, the edges 

 of the sepals, and the capsule, with sliort scattered hairs. 



Sweet Viulet. 



French, Violette Ochrante. German, WuhlriecJiewles Veilchen. 



To describe the Violet, or to write of the qualities and useful properties of a flower 

 so surrounded with the atmosphere of poetry and sentiment, is a somewhat ditEcult 

 task; yet this pretty flower is not only valued for its beauty and delicious scent, but 

 has its reputation in the practice of the healing art even at the present day. A syrup 

 is made from the petals which is a favourite remedy for infantile disorders, and is 

 certainly less dangerous than many which are administered by those who believe in 

 doses. The root is a powerful emetic, and is frequently used to adulterate ij)ecacuanlia. 

 A dose of from forty to fifty grains of the powdered root acts powerfully. M. BouUay 

 has discovered the presence of a principle called violine in all parts of the plant, analagous 

 in external characteristics to the emeta of ipecacuanha, and possessing the same emetic 

 properties. It is an alkaline substance, and forms salts by its union with acids ; it is 

 soluble in alcohol, but hardly so in water. The flowers of the Violet yield their pui'ple 

 colour to water, and form a good test for the presence of acids iu the same way as 

 litmus is used. In olden times they were used as remedies iu many disorders, and were 

 supjiosed to be especially serviceable to the eyes and in ague. Vitruvius tells us that 

 the flowers were not only used to adulterate or counterfeit the celebrated blue of Athens, 

 but were also employed to " moderate anger, to cure ague and inflammation of the 

 lungs, to allay thirst, procure sleep, and comfort and strengthen the heart, as well a.s 

 for cooling jilaisters," besides being worn in garlands as a charm against the "falling 

 sickness" and headaches. Pliuy gi\es a long list of their virtues, afiirming they ai-e 

 good for inflammation, cooling to weak eyes, quinsey, swellings, tfec, and recommends 

 tlie blossoms to be worn as garlands for the jireservation of the head. The seeds were 

 formerly believed to counteract the effect of a scorpion's sting. " Violets," says Gerarde, 

 " have a gieat prerogative above others, not only because the mind couceiveth a certain 

 pleasure and recreation by smelling and handling those most odoriferous flowers, but 

 also for that very many by these Violets receive ornament and comely grace ; for there 

 be made of them garlands f'>r the head, nosegaies, and posies which are delightful to 

 look on and pleasant to sujell to, speaking nothing of their appropriate vertues. Yea, 

 gardens themselves receive 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 admouisii and sur up a man to that which is comely 



