HOW TO GROW VIOLETS 79 
compost ; C, another layer being prepared by cutting off the stem, as 
shown by the dark line, just beyond the roots which are commencing 
toform. Fig. 2 shows a layer held in position by a flat stone in 
place of a peg as shown in Fig. 3. By putting a stone on the layer 
the soil is maintained in a moist condition even while the sun shines 
brightly, and early formation of roots is thus ensured. Fig. 4 shows 
a layer sufficiently rooted to be taken up for planting in a prepared 
border. During the time the layers are rooting in the frame they 
are making steady growth, and in order to obtain sturdy specimens 
for planting out, the large leaves of the parent plants must be put 
on one side so that they do not unduly overshadow the runners. 
When it is necessary to apply water, use a fine rosed watering can, 
then the compost will not be displaced. 
Planting the Layers in Open Borders.—The position for 
the plants during the suinmer must be a matter for due consideration ; 
and the nature of the soil should be taken into account. If it be of 
a very light, sandy nature, a north-west aspect is the most suitable. 
On the other hand, if it be very clayey, a south-west aspect is best ; 
but for ordinary soils a west aspect will answer the purpose. This 
is shown in Fig. 5, where the beds are formed from east to west. 
Violets thrive best in a deep, well trenched soil in which a fair 
amount of rotted manure and some wood ash or other burnt garden 
refuse has been mixed. They do not appreciate a hard rooting 
medium, and unnecessary trampling on the border must be avoided 
after the plants are put in. In Fig. 5 provision has been made for 
four rows of plants in a bed 5 feet wide ; but the varieties planted 
in such a border should be those similar in habit to Marie Louise, 
which has leaves of moderate size. Larger growing sorts, of 
which Princess of Wales is one, should have more space, so that 
three rows of plants will be sufficient in a bed 5 feet wide. By pro- 
viding alleys about 15 inches wide between the beds there will not 
be any necessity for placing a foot on the soil around the plants in 
the summer. The alleys are shown at A and the beds at B in Fig. 5. 
Water the plants regularly in hot weather, and syringe the leaves at 
7 o'clock in the evening, thoroughly wetting the under sides; this 
will do much towards keeping the plants healthy and vigorous and 
free from damage by red spider. This insect is a great enemy of the 
Violet ; I have seen beautiful plants entirely ruined by it during 
hot, dry spells of weather soon after midsummer. Good varieties 
of Violets are: Single—Princess of Wales, White Czar, Wellsiana, 
Amiral Avellan, California. Double—Neapolitan, Mrs. J. J. Astor, 
ink shade; Lady Hume Campbell, lavender and white; Marie 
ouise and Comte de Brazza, white. . 
