20 THE FLORIST, AND 



them, for it would be a difficult matter to find one who would not 

 contract the ruby lip at the sight of a fragrant "Pen see." 



Notwithstanding the many attractions which it inherits, we sel* 

 dom see its beautiful proportions and bright and varied colprg in 

 perfection, or even the cultivation rightly understood ; still this is 

 simple and inexpensive, and can be accomplished with little trouble. 



The Pansy, although so generally admired, is only a naturalized 

 republican. The species of Viola, tricolor and lutea, have each 

 contributed to make up the amalgamation of the different classes of 

 colors which it exhibits. Viola tricolor, in its native state, is found 

 in cultivated fields and hedge rows, and V. lutea generslly on the 

 sides of elevated hills. Often have I been enchained to the spot 

 by the sight of this lovely gift of Flora, while botanizing in alpine 

 districts, and oftener has its aurean splendor and modest effulgence 

 captivated the senses of many a botanist, and made him forget the 

 world and its dizzy throng. The singular natural beauty of the 

 Pansy, has long since brought it under the changing operations of 

 the hybridizing florist, and the all important (with him) standards 

 of form, color, and size, have been established in outline and tex- 

 ture, till perfection has mounted the last pinnacle ; but this standard 

 of excellence is not seen in the long horse-jaw formed flowers and 

 muddy colors that we generally meet with. It consists of a well 

 formed, smooth and circular outline ; the petals thick, firm, flat, 

 and each overlapping the other, so as not to show the divisions. — • 

 Whatever the colors they should be clear, bright, and well defined. 

 If belted, the margin ought to be even and not run into the ground 

 color of the centre, which centre should be of a uniform shade. — 

 The size of the flower is but of secondary consideration, but, to be 

 up to the standard, ought not to be less than two inches in diameter, 

 (I have occasionally had them three inches) and supported upon a 

 footstalk, elevated above the foliage. The eyes should be either a 

 well defined blotch upon the base of each of the three lower petals, 

 or finely feathered. The blotch is generally acknowledged as best, 

 but when prettily pencilled \t does not disqualify ag an exhibition 

 flower. 



It appears somewhat strange that there are so many ladies who 

 seem so enthusiastically fond of flowers, and yet so few attempts are 

 iQiie bv them to, cultivate and improve these mirrors pf themselves. 



