THE 



FLORIST, FRUITIST, AND GARDEN 



THE RANUNCULUS. 



"We need scarcely state that this old favourite is still advancing 

 towards perfection ; a fact which (if proof were wanting) our 

 present Illustration, we hope, fully demonstrates. The blooms 

 from which our artist made the drawings were forwarded to 

 us last June by Mr. G. Lightbody of Falkirk, N.B., by whom 

 they were raised, but unfortunately it was found impossible to 

 shew more than two in the space afforded by our Plate, so fine 

 were the flowers. The third variety, of which we have a 

 drawing, is equally as handsome as those figured. 



Mr. Lightbody informs us that he has kept no account of 

 what kinds they were raised from. One of them he has had 

 a considerable time ; but being so slow to increase, he has never 

 been able to part with it. Nothing could be more beautiful 

 than the flowers sent, either as new varieties, or as specimens 

 of fine growth. 



It is with much regret we are compelled to admit that this 

 flower is now but little grown, i. e. little compared with its merit; 

 yet as an out-door Florists' flower what is more beautiful than 

 a fine Ranunculus ? all admire them, yet nearly all fail in their 

 management. The few that do succeed tell you that their 

 culture is easy enough. We fear there is often great neglect 

 at taking-up time, and still greater negligence the remainder 

 of the time they are out of the ground ; thereby diminishing 

 considerably the chance of a good bloom for years to follow. 

 To assist those, however, who may be induced to give the 

 Ranunculus a fair trial, we have much pleasure in subjoining 

 an excellent concise practical treatise on the subject by Mr. 

 Lightbody, whose long experience and success in the growth 

 and management of this fine flower is well known to most of 

 our readers. Mr. L. remarks, 



" The cultivation of the Ranunculus is a very simple matter. 



NEW SERIES, VOL. III. NO. XXV. B 



