BIRD-FOOT VIOLETS (VIOLA PEDATA) 



May 10, 1858. How much expression there is in 



the Viola pedata ! I do not know on the whole but it 



is the handsomest of them all, it is so large and grows 



in such large masses. I have thought there was a 



certain shallowness in its expression, yet it spreads 



so perfectly open with its face turned upward that 



you get its whole expression. 



Journal, x, 411. 



May 17, 1853. The V. pedata presents the greatest 



array of blue of any flower as yet. The flowers are 



so raised above their leaves, and so close together, 



that they make a more indelible impression of blue 



on the eye; it is almost dazzling. I blink as I look at 



them, they seem to reflect the blue rays so forcibly, 



with a slight tinge of lilac. 



Journal, v, 165. 



FRINGED POLYGALA 



May 17, 1853. The fringed polygala surprises us 

 in meadows or in low woods as a rarer, richer, and 

 more delicate color, with a singularly tender or deli- 

 cate-looking leaf. As you approach midsummer, the 

 color of flowers is more intense and fiery. The red- 

 dest flower is the flower especially. Our blood is not 

 white, nor is it yellow, nor even blue. 



Journal, v, 164. 



