•JO THE FLORIST. 



that portion of the petal which is seen ; their distribution must be 

 regular, and in concentric layers symmetrically rising in exact and 



gradual proportion to the summit of the flower, denominated the centre 

 or eye ; here all must be close and compact, yet still maintaining due 

 regard for an artistic whole : too much solidity is nearly as objection- 

 able as an open centre. The texture should be close, by which sub- 

 stance is secured, and with increased substance should be the necessary 

 density of colour, which, of what shade or tone soever, should be bright; 

 all markings must be uniform, well denned, clear, distinct, and decided. 



No flower is staged at exhibitions with worse taste than the Ra- 

 nunculus ; it should be shewn on the same principle as the Dahlia ; 

 that is, secured in the w T ater-tube by a plug of wood, free from all 

 fancy perforated cards, and raised a given distance from the surface 

 of the show-board ; the Ranunculus like the Dahlia requiring neither 

 support nor dressing ; as they are grown without cards, so let them be 

 displayed. 



The size of the flower has all to do with the relative distances they 

 should be set apart for their best display ; two inches are given as the 

 least admissible dimensions of a bloom, so the latter should be staged 

 two inches apart ; the holes for the water-tubes being made four inches 

 apart each way, measuring from the centre of each hole, giving a 

 margin of three inches to the show-board, again measuring from the 

 centre of the outside holes ; thus will a board eighteen inches long 

 by fourteen inches broad give ample scope for the arrangement of 

 twelve flowers in three rows, each consisting of four blooms : for in- 

 creased numbers the same measurement and system should be main- 

 tained ; collections, some with three, others with four rows of flowers, 

 are highly objectionable as well as injurious to the best interests of 

 floral exhibitions. 



The most needful corrections to the existing examples are, less 

 shoulder ; greater elevation of centre ; increased obtuseness of petal ; 

 in fewer words, more exact rotundity. 



Points of excellence : uniformity of size ; distinct varieties ; ar- 



