s long, narrow and lance-shaped, some being cut or toothed near
the tips; the crown of the root is rather bulky; the roots are long and
fleshy.

The following are varieties; all are handsome and worth growing: _V. p.
alba_, new; flowers white, not so robust as the type. _V. p. bicolor_,
new; flowers two colours. _V. p. flabellata_ (syn. _V. digitata_);
flowers light purple. _V. p. ranunculifolia_ (syn. _V. ranunculifolia_);
flowers nearly white.

[Illustration: FIG. 110. VIOLA PEDATA.

(Two-thirds natural size.)]

As this plant requires a moist and partially shaded situation, it is not
eligible for doing duty indiscriminately in any part of the garden;
still, it will thrive under any conditions such as the well-known
violets are seen to encounter. On the north or west side of rockwork, in
dips or moist parts, it will be found to do well and prove attractive.

The propagation of all the kinds may be carried out by allowing the seed
to scatter itself, and, before the winter sets in, a light top-dressing
of half rotted leaves and sand will not only be a natural way of
protecting it until germination takes place, but will also be of much
benefit to the parent plants. Another mode of increase is to divide the
roots of strong and healthy specimens; in this way only can true kinds
be obtained; seedlings are almost certain to be crossed.

Flowering period, May and June.

Viola Tricolor.

THREE-COLOURED VIOLET, PANSY, or HEARTSEASE; _Nat.
Ord._ VIOLACEAE.

[Illustration: FIG. 111. VIOLA TRICOLOR.

(One-third natural size.)]

This well known herbaceous perennial is a British species. It has long
been grown in gardens, where, by selection and crossing, innumerable and
beautiful kinds have been produced, so that at the present time it is
not only a "florist's flower," but a general favourite. Besides the
above-mentioned common names, it has many others, and it may not be
uninteresting to repeat them--"Love in Idleness," "Call me to you,"
"Kiss me ere I rise," "Herb Trinity," and "Three Faces under one Hood."
Although this plant is herbaceous, the old stems remain green until the
new growths come into flower, and, in many varieties, by a little
management in plucking out the buds during summer, flowers may be had in
the autumn and well into winter. If, also, from other plants early
cuttings have been taken, and become well rooted, they will produce
large flowers very early in spring, and so the Pansy may be had