74 ^ THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



vigorous and sustained display of its beautiful blossoms, from 

 early spring until the fall of the leaf in autumn, when frosty 

 nights check the growth of the plants. Of course, during the 

 period between early spring and late autumn, the plants require 

 the careful hand of the gardener to keep up a good display 

 of blossoms. There is nothing to do during the early months 

 of the year, except to keep the plants free from weeds, and stir 

 up the surface of the soil occasionally, as it is apt to become 

 caked by rains, and not in a condition to promote a healthy, 

 vigorous growth. The Viola, as well as the Pansy, must be 

 kept moist at the roots. Few plants have such an immense 

 mass of rootlets, spreading m all directions, and if dry weather 

 sets in they soon extract the moisture from the surrounding 

 soil. It is therefore very desirable, as soon as hot, dry weather 

 sets in, to place a thin layer of decayed manure all over the 

 surface of the beds, and to water freely. A good soaking is 

 necessary, so that the water will go down to the rootlets. It 

 will carry the fertilising properties of the manure with it, and 

 will aid greatly in keeping up the blossom in fulness and 

 quality all through the season ; but it is not well to allow 

 the plants to become overcrowded with growth and blossom. 

 If, as sometimes happens, a brilliant display of blossom is wanted 

 on a particular date — and this applies to Pansies as well as 

 Violas — I advise picking off the blossoms about two weeks 

 before the date, giving a surface-dressing, and pegging the 

 shoots down into it. Even if the plants have become exhausted 

 by a long period of plentiful blossom, they will start again if 

 well supplied with water (if needed) like giants refreshed, and 

 the blossoms will be abundant and of good quality. 



There are now two sections of Violas. The early types had 

 rays of colour, striking out from the centre of the blossom, but 

 after a time seedlings were obtained of better form, and without 

 rays, or, at least, the rays were inconspicuous, and from the 

 point of view of the florist, the rayless varieties were the best, 

 and this type of flower has been greatly improved in recent 

 years. 



Planting should be done in the autumn, in order to get a good 

 display in spring, and they should be strong, well-established 

 plants. Propagation should take place in July and August, in 

 the same manner as advised for Pansies. Plant out permanently 

 in September or October the same distance, viz., a foot between 

 the plants. It will also be well to plant out a bed or 



