240 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



4. Bulbous Crowfoot — Ranunculus bulbosus. Stem erect, rising from a bulb-like 

 base to the height of about one foot. Radical leaves, three-divided, the side divisions 

 sessile, the terminal one-stalked, and three-parted. Flowers deep glossy yellow, often 

 more than an inch broad. 



A weed of European origin, whicli has made itself perfectly at 

 home with us, growing in fields, meadows and pastures throughout 

 the eastern States. The juice is very acrid, especially in the bulb, 

 and it is said that the " Beggars in Europe use it for the purpose 

 of causing ulcers in order to excite sympathy." " Before the 

 introduction of Spanish flies, this and other species were used 

 to produce blisters ; being uncertain in their operation they are 

 now seldom employed," {Darlington's American Weeds and Useful 

 Plants.) Wherever it makes its appearance it should be eradicated 

 as soon possible, "as it is a troublesome weed when fully estab- 

 lished." 



5. Creeping CROwroOT — Ranunculus repens. Stem at first erect, finally sending out 

 creepers or runners to the distance of two or three feet. Leaves in three divisions, which 

 are, at least the terminal one, long stalked and cleft. Flowers often larger than those of 

 the common Buttercups, and of a bright, shining yellow. 



A low native species, very common in many parts of the State, 

 growing in abundance by the sidewalks and by the roadsides ; as 

 well as in moist meadows and along the borders of streams, which 

 are its more common places of growth. By cultivation this plant 

 becomes perfectly double, and presents a very pleasing appearance. 



6. CoMMO.v Buttercups — Ranuncuhis acris. Root perennial. Stem one to three feet 

 high. Flowers about an inch in diameter, bright yellow. 



An introduced species — the most common of its genus, growing 

 in meadows and pastures, sometimes so abundant as to make the 

 field appear at a distance like a sea of gold. It has become thor- 

 oughly naturalized. The juice of this species also, is very acrid 

 and bitter when green, and cattle will not eat the plant until it has 

 become dry, when it loses its volatile acrid principle. Buttercups 

 make very poor fodder at best, and are generally considered a 

 nuisance by farmers. The best mode of eradication is by a rotation 

 of Spring crops. Both R. bulbosus and R. acris become perfectly 

 double by the transformation of thoir organs of fructification into 

 petals, and are sometimes cultivated in gardens. 



Order 2. POPPIES— Papaverace.e. Mostly natives of the 

 temperate parts of the northern heinispliere. They are principally 

 herbs with a milky juice, which, in most species, is acrid and 

 narcotic. 



