i 7 8 



VIOLA TRICOLOR. 



They are easily propagated by seed, cuttings, or 

 layers. Seed should be saved only from the finest 

 varieties and sown in April in boxes of leaf-mold 

 covered with glass. When little more than an inch 

 high, transplant those designed for the window in 

 deep boxes or pots. Those for winter-flowering 

 should only be allowed to bloom once that the 

 finest may be discovered and preserved. Pinch off 

 the buds and cut the tops back until fall and they 

 will make strong, healthy plants for winter. 



As seed is not certain to come true, choice vari- 

 eties may be increased by cuttings. Cut off three 

 inches of the ends of the shoots directly below a 

 joint, strip up the lower leaves and root them in 

 wet sand under glass. Shade from the hot sun. 



Layering from plants grown in the open ground 

 is easily done. Sink a few pots filled with compost 

 conveniently near the old plant. Make an incision 

 at a joint, half severing a new shoot. Fasten this 

 point down in a pot and cover with soil. When 

 rooted they may be severed from the parent plant. 



The largest blossoms are produced by young 

 plants. To keep them thrifty and blooming freely, 

 do not allow them to seed, but pick the flowers 

 before they fade. If exhausted by over-blooming, 

 cut off the plant a few inches above the surface of 

 the ground, this will check growth and allow time 

 for recuperation by the formation of new roots. 

 Liquid manure is beneficial ; they are not troubled 

 with insects and need little care. 



