386 BRECK’S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 
VIOLA.—VI0ter. 
(The ancient Latin name.} 
“ Violets, sweet tenants of the shade, 
In purple’s richest pride arrayed, 
Your errand here fulfil ; 
Go bid the artist’s simple stain 
Your lustre imitate in vain, 
And match your Maker’s skill.” 
This is an extensive genus of plants, of dwarf habit, 
suitable for the border or rock-work. There are many in- 
digenous species which flourish well in the garden, and 
will repay the trouble of collecting them from the woods, 
meadows, and pastures. 
Vidla odorata, the Sweet-scented Violet, should not be 
wanting in any collection of plants, on account of its 
fragrance and early appearance. A single flower will per- 
fume a large room, The flowers appear in April, and con- 
tinue through May. There are the single white and 
single blue, and the double blue and white varieties; the 
double sorts are the most desirable; they succeed best in 
a shady, sheltered place, and are rapidly multiplied by di- 
visions of the plant. 
The double Neapolitan Violet is a variety with pale- 
blue flowers, extensively grown for small hand bouquets, 
and much admired on account of its exquisite scent. The 
Sweet-scented Violet is a native of every part of Enrope, 
in woods, amongst bushes, in hedges, and on warm banks. 
The Violet is said to be an emblem of faithfulness. 
‘ Violet is for faithfulness 
Which in me shall abide ; 
Hoping likewise from your heart 
You will not let it slide.” 
It isa pity that our American species do not possess 
the fragrance, which is so characteristic of the European 
Violet. We have some beautiful species, however, well 
worthy the attention of the lovers of flowers. 
