182 FLORA HISTORICA. 



with care, so as not to break off the tubers. The 

 stems should next be cut close off, and their claws 

 well cleansed and separated, before they become dry 

 and brittle. 



It is recommended, on taking them out of the 

 ground, to put them into a sieve with a fine wire 

 bottom, and then to work the sieve in a tub of 

 water, by which means the earth will be washed 

 from the claws without breaking or loosening the 

 small and new-formed tubers; but it must be ob- 

 served not to let the water run over the top of the 

 sieve. The tubers should then be placed in a dry, 

 airy, but shaded room, until they are dry enough 

 to be tied up in bags and suspended from the ceil- 

 ing of a dry room. 



The offsets of the Ranunculus generally attain 

 perfection in the season of their formation on the 

 old plant, but where the offsets are few, and it is 

 desirable to increase the number of a good variety, 

 it may be done by carefully dividing the tubers 

 with a sharp knife ; for, on closely examining the 

 crown of these roots, several small protuberances 

 will be found, from each of which a shoot will arise. 



When these plants are raised from seed, it should 

 be procured from semi- double flowers, that grow 

 on strong, tall stems, where the petals are of a 

 clear and rich colour. The seed should remain on 

 the plant until it has lost its verdure, and become 



