RANUNCULACE.^. 5 



flower strongly the following season. In order to sow the seeds 

 regularly, it is necessary to rub them well with the hands in a 

 little sand, otherwise they will adhere to each other in lumps, 

 on account of the fleecy covering in which each seed is en- 

 veloped. Flowers in April and May, or very much owing to 

 the time of planting the roots, as a succession of flowers may 

 be kept up of two or three months' duration by planting in 

 September, October, and again in February. Native of the 

 Levant. 



A. hortensis {Garden A.) — This and the Poppy A. are very 

 near relatives, and there is little doubt but that the blood of 

 the two has become considerably mixed in the long period of 

 their dwelling together in gardens ; but the flowers of this 

 species, and of all the varieties that can be directly traced 

 back to it, are more starry in form than those of the other, and 

 the foliage more hard and leathery, and with rather broader 

 lobes. The rather rare variety named A. h. fu/ge?is, which in 

 some catalogues takes the position of a species, is a most bril- 

 liant sort, quite unapproachable in its dazzling shining crimson 

 scarlet, and, like all the varieties of this species, is remarkably 

 easily grown. The colour is much wanted in spring flower- 

 gardens, and the compact habit of the plant renders it available 

 for grouping w4th many other spring-flowering subjects with 

 striking effect. The varieties of this and the preceding species 

 should be naturalised in our parks and pleasure-grounds : they 

 are so hardy and so easily increased in any quantity by means 

 of seed. Flowers the same time as A. coronaria. Native of Italy. 



A. japonica {Japan A) — This is a fine stately species. It 

 grows to the height of 2 or 3 feet, with dark-green, rather ample 

 foliage, broadly and bluntly lobed. The flowers are large, cup- 

 shaped in opening, rose-coloured. The variety named Hono- 

 rine Jobart, with pure white flowers, is a beautiful and effective 

 plant. Both should be cultivated in quantity where large sup- 

 plies of cut flowers are required in late autumn and early 

 winter. I have had them in flower in the northern counties of 

 Scotland at Christmas in mild winters. They should be planted 

 in all situations and aspects for this purpose. Begins to flower 

 about August or September. Divide in spring. Native of 

 Japan. 



A. nemorosa. — This is the Wood Anemone which adorns our 

 woods so abundantly with its pearly-white flowers in ^March 

 and April. It is about the same in height and habit as the 

 Apennijie A. already described, and forms a beautiful compan- 

 ion to it. It may be used in spring bedding-out, and should 

 be planted everywhere that these simple spring gems of Flora 



