A Curious Violet.
Not long ago I noticed in the Table an article on violets, in which the particular violet I know was not mentioned. It grows in great abundance about my house, and I call it curious, because it defies all traditions about the "sweet spring violet," by refusing to stop blossoming with the rest of its sisterhood, and shows its dainty head throughout the summer and autumn, till covered by our early October snows.
The flower is fully as large as a small pansy, and pure white, save for a delicate purple tinge on the under side of the petals, and the usual yellow and red markings in the centre of the flower. These markings are sometimes varied by narrow purple lines. The flower itself springs from the base of the leaves, not from the root, as blue violets nearly always do. If any Knight or Lady can tell me where else this violet grows, it will oblige me.
Michigan.
Sophie Rood St. Clair.
Questions and Answers.
G. Ellery Crosby, Jun., asks if imagination stories are wanted as Table morsels. We reply that they are not. The reason is that a limit must be set somewhere, and we have set it at the practical and useful. Sir Ellery lives in the city that, for its size, has more insurance companies than any other in the world. Possibly we need not qualify the comparison by "for its size." Who can tell what city it is, and can Sir Ellery tell us something of the insurance "industry" of his city? Sadie Chandler, Anderson, Tex., is fifteen years old, and is interested in poetry. Are you?
Upton B. Sinclair, Jun., asks if a story in verse may be sent in competition for our prizes. No. John Pohland, Ahnapee, Wis., may apply to the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, for information about studies at Annapolis, and to his member of Congress to learn when there will be a vacancy there from his district. There are no cadets at Annapolis who are active members of our Order, but some sons and daughters of naval officers there have a vigorous Chapter. Sir John wants to hear from members in foreign countries.
In reply to several inquiries: The new badges are an exact reproduction of the rose in the centre of what is said to be the original round table of King Arthur and his knights. You can see a picture of the top of this table on the back cover page of our Prospectuses. The badges are: in silver, 8 cents and 2 cents for postage; in gold, 85 cents, no postage charged. Members are not required to buy badges. Those who purchase Harper's Round Table weekly on news-stands should send a postal card or letter applying for our 1896 Prospectus. It is sent free, of course. We send it to all subscribers without application, and we would mail it to weekly purchasers did we know their names.