244 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
The types of cuttings illustrated on the preceding page 
represent the Pansy as well as the Viola. The rooted forms 
generally make the strongest plants. 
Show Pansy. — This is a type of Pansy formerly grown 
extensively for exhibition. Its points from the florist’s view 
are as follows : Blooms circular, flat and smooth, without wavy 
or crinkly edges ; petals thick, velvety and lying closely over 
*ach other ; principal or ground colour of three lower petals 
pure white or yellow ; dark circular blotch in centre of flower ; 
orange eye ; dark narrow belt of same colour as upper petals 
to three lower petals, diameter, iiin. The flowers are further 
classified into sections as Yellow Grounds, White Grounds, also 
Dark, White, Primrose and Cream and Yellow Selfs. These 
pansies are more difficult to grow than the other types, and 
rarely do well in the south or warm parts of England, thriving 
best in the cooler and moister climate of the north. They 
require a rich soil and a partially shady moist position, and 
ought preferably to be planted in autumn. Named sorts are 
to be had from florists, and very good flowers can be obtained 
from a mixed packet of seed sown as advised for Fancy 
Pansies. W’e, however, do not attach much importance to this 
type of Pansy for garden decoration, the Tufted and the Fancy 
types being far superior in beauty and easier to grow. 
Sweet Violets. — Of all the Viola family the Sweet 
Violet is one of the most pleasing, sweet and beautiful. Its 
modest fragrant flowers are always highly esteemed, whether 
growing in the garden and permeating the air with its exqui- 
site odour, or used as a buttonhole or spray, or arranged as a 
posy in a vase in the house. Everybody has a keen desire to 
grow them, but only those who dwell in the country, away from 
a smoke-laden atmosphere, really succeed in growing them 
well. It is sheer waste of time to attempt to grow them in 
suburban gardens. In the warmer parts of the kingdom 
violets may be had in flower from autumn to spring in the 
open garden, but in less favoured parts it is necessary to 
grow them in the open during summer, lift and replant them 
in frames in autumn to yield their flowers. The best site for 
a violet bed is a border under a wall or fence facing north- 
cast, or under the shade of fruit trees. The soil should be 
deeply dug and have plenty of rotten manure added freely to 
it. J,If inclined to be heavy add decayed leaves and burnt 
refuse as well as manure. Do the digging in fine weather. 
Early in April fork the surface over, make it fine, and if light, 
tread or roll it moderately firm. About the middle of the 
month divide the old plants into single crowns and plant 
these gin. apart each way. In dry weather give the plants a 
