This section is from the book "The Gardener V3", by William Thomson. Also available from Amazon: The New Organic Grower: A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener.
An attempt has been made to identify this fine new Viola, recently awarded a First-Class Certificate at one of the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society, with what was known as "Beaton's Good Gracious Pansy," or the old but worthless Double Purple variety. This was lost sight of for some time, but in 1862 was sent out by Messrs Carter & Co. under the name of Princess Alexandra, and was tried for bedding purposes, and universally condemned. It had a weedy habit and uncouth unattractive double flowers, altogether destitute of beauty. It will be found figured in the 'Florist and Pomologist' for 1862.
 
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