OP ORNAMENTAL PERENNIALS. 
87 
frames which are likely to be unoccupied in the autumn and winter months. Dig a trench round the piece one 
spit deep and one wide, merely to keep the piece dry on which the frame will have to stand. Let the earth be 
thrown on the piece, and be neatly pointed down. Plant with young plants, about eight inches apart each way, 
and water them as soon as planted. If the weather is hot at the time of planting, shading for a few days while 
the sun is on them will be of service. A little water as occasion may require, and keeping free from weeds, are 
all that will be necessary till October ; at which time the frame or frames may be placed over. Let it be 
particularly observed that the situation should be as open as possible, provided the sun will not shine into the 
frames during the winter months. I do not like them stuck behind a north wall, as such a place is usually 
damp ; but in most places such a situation as I have described may be found. If not, and the sun must shine 
upon them, let the lights be shaded when the sun breaks out ; otherwise the plants will be excited, and will 
suffer more from cold and damp afterwards than if they had never been protected. Whenever there is no fear 
of rain, and it is not frosty, let the lights be kept off; and if they are obliged to be on, let them be tilted behind 
at all favourable opportunities, night or day, as a dry atmosphere is of the highest importance. It will be found 
that violets treated in this way will not lose their foliage from damp, like those which have been potted ; and, 
being exposed to the air, the foliage will not be drawn up so as to hide the flowers. If, when the frames are put 
on, the soil is lightly stirred, and decayed leaves and rubbish picked out, it rarely occurs that it will be necessary 
to repeat it all the winter. I do not recollect that mine have been picked over since the frame was put on ; and 
I think that you will agree that this winter has been damp enough to prove it. 
" By observing the above rules, abundance of flowers will be produced, and the plants may be potted a few at 
a time, choosing those for early potting whose flowers are most forward, and taking them into the greenhouse or 
elsewhere to open. If the plants are strong, one plant in a 48-sized pot will do, or two may be placed in a 32, 
as most convenient. I have sometimes planted a few about the borders of a conservatory ; and, if they are 
allowed to open their flowers before they are taken from the frame, they look pretty and scent the house." — 
Gard. Mag. for April, 1842. 
The Russian violet has single flowers, but it is so hardy that it will blossom all the winter without any care 
or protection. It should be planted in July or August, or the seeds sown as soon as ripe. If runners are 
planted, they should be shaded for a day or two till they have established themselves. They will require no 
further care, but will continue to flower, in spite of frost and snow. As they have few runners and take up but 
little room, they are very suitable for a small garden. 
8._VI0LA CANINA, Lin. THE DOG-VIOLET. 
stipules acuminated, sen-ated, or finely jagged ; bracteas awl-shaped, 
entire ; sepals awl-shaped ; peduncles glabrous j capsules elongated, 
■with acuminated valves ; seeds pear-shaped, brown. (G. Don,) 
Stnonymis v. sj-lvestris, Lam. ; V. neglecla, Schmidt. 
Engraving. — Eng. Dot. t. 620 ; 2nd ed. t. 331. 
Specific Chakacter. — Stigma papillose, somewhat reflexcd ; adult 
stems ascending, branched, glabrous ; leaves oblong, heart-shaped ; 
Description, &c. — This well-known species is a native of Great Britain, Its flowers are pretty, but 
without fragrance ; their colour is blue, with a white centre, streaked with very dark lines. The species is not 
worth cultivating, but it frequently springs up spontaneously in moist places among other violets. There are 
several varieties, one of which has white flowers, and another is a native of Japan. The British species continues 
in flower all the summer, and it will grow in any moist soil and shady situation. 
