AN ENCYCLOPADIA 
OF HORTICULTURE. 273 
Ranunculus—continued. 
shorter than the sepals and petals, often numerous, very 
few in some few-flowered species; achenes compressed or 
sub-globose, smooth or variously striated, ribbed, wrinkled, 
or bristly. Leaves entire or dissected; those at the 
divisions of the stem often small. According to Hooker, 
sixteen species are included in the British Flora; some 
of these, although common weeds, are pretty objects 
when in flower, and hence are described below. Except 
where otherwise stated, all the species here mentioned are 
hardy. Nearly all are of easy culture in mixed borders, 
or in rock gardens; they usually prefer rather moist 
situations and loamy soil. R. asiaticus has long been in 
cultivation. This species and its numerous varieties re- 
quire special and very different treatment from any of 
the others, but whenever the plants succeed and flower, 
their beauty will be sure to compensate for any extra 
attention bestowed. Propagation is effected by seeds, 
and by division. 
For the varieties of the garden Ranunculus (R. asia- 
ticus) special beds should be prepared by taking out the 
ordinary soil to a depth of about 1}ft. to 2ft., placing 
some drainage in the bottom, if there is a suspicion of 
stagnant moisture, and filling up with a prepared compost. 
This should consist of two parts loam to one of leaf soil 
and thoroughly decayed cowdung. Plenty of sharp, river 
or road sand should be intermixed, the compost prepared, 
and the beds made up some time, if possible, before 
planting time. The safest time to plant is towards the 
end of February, should weather permit ; autumn planting 
is sometimes practised, but it is unsafe, because of the 
roots being liable to perish through winter. The soil 
must be rendered fine on the surface, and raised a little 
above the edges. The roots, which are small and some- 
Fig. 351. Root oF GARDEN RANUNCULUS. 
what like small claws (see Fig. 351), may be inserted 
about Gin. apart, and all placed at an equal depth of 
l}in. or 2in. The claws must be set downwards, and 
pressed firmly in place; afterwards, a little sand should 
. be scattered in, and then covered with fine prepared soil. 
When the flowers begin to expand, it is advisable, if 
convenient, to place a light awning over them, to afford 
shade and shelter; but this is not absolutely necessary. 
Should the weather be dry, water must be supplied in 
sufficient quantity to prevent the soil cracking; it should 
be given at intervals in the evening. The Ranunculus likes 
plenty of moisture, but over-abundant supplies generally 
cause the leaves to turn yellow and die off prematurely ; 
a top-dressing of leaf mould or cocoa-nut fibre is of great 
service in retaining moisture. So soon as the leaves 
ripen and turn yellow, after flowering is over, the tubers 
should be lifted and stored away in a dry, airy compart- 
ment, in drawers, or suspended in paper bags, until 
planting time again arrives. This lifting of the roots at 
the proper time is a most important part of the manage- 
ment. There are two principal sections of the garden 
Ranunculus; one is known as the Persian, and the other 
the Turban. Varieties of the first-named are very com- 
pact and symmetrical in habit, and all their flowers are 
Vol. II. 
Ranunculus—continued. 
very beautiful. The Turban forms are somewhat coarser 
in growth, but are of hardier constitution than the 
Persian. There are not so many varieties of these, but 
they are well adapted for massing in beds and borders. 
Collections of varieties are usually selected and sent out 
by nurserymen and bulb merchants; it is, therefore, 
unnecessary to enumerate descriptions. 
BP < 
pte 
Fig. 352, RANUNCULUS ACONITIFOLIUS FLORE-PLENO, showing 
Habit and detached Single Flower. 
calyx pressed, smooth; petals oblong, cun 
ar 
Fa late lobes. Stem bran 
o 
we jes are known in — b; 
the name of White Bachelors’ Buttons. The double-flow: 
form is the most ornamental, and is generally known in — 
under the names of Fair Maids of France and Fair Maids of 
Kent. See Fig. 352. (B. M. 204.) 
+ 
Fie, 353. RANUNCULUS AMPLEXICAULIS. 
acris (sharp). Common Buttercup; Gold Knots. fl. yellow, 
"E in — — sepals and petals spreading, the former 
pubescent; peduncles not furrowed. April to September. 1. 
usually all petiolate, orbicular or tor gg in — three 
to seven-parted, the uppermost ones sessile ; segments o lower 
leaves cuneate, deeply cut and lobed, those of the upper ones 
IN. 
