22 RANUNCULACE.'E. 



but friable loam is suitable for them, but it must be well manured 

 in order to have strong growth, on which depend the excel- 

 lence and abundance of the bloom. They may be planted in 

 beds of one colour or of various colours, or in clumps of a few 

 roots, as taste and circumstances may direct. The beds and 

 clumps may be prepared for planting by deep trenching, turn- 

 ing in, in the operation, a liberal supply of old well-decomposed 

 dung, at the depth of 6 or 7 inches from the surface. This 

 should be done, in favourable weather, some time before plant- 

 ing-time. The roots may be planted in October, November, 

 December, Januar}-, and February; but for most localities Feb- 

 ruary will be found the best month, as the after-culture from 

 that time is, on account of the gradually-improving weather, 

 more simple and easy as regards both attention and labour — a 

 consideration of much importance to amateurs, and all who 

 must, from necessity or choice, cultivate their own gardens. 

 When the ground is tolerably dry, a line day should be chosen 

 for planting. The beds should be 4 feet wide, and the surface 

 raked fine and level before proceeding to plant the roots. A 

 line should then be stretched lengthwise on the bed, 6 inches 

 from the edge, and a neat trench cut along it about 2 inches 

 deep. A little clean river or pit sand should then be strewed 

 into the bottom of the trench, and the roots pressed firmly on 

 the top of it, claws downwards, and about 4 or 5 inches apart. 

 Finish the line by drawing the earth removed from the trench 

 back on the top of the roots, making all firm and smooth again 

 with the rake. Stretch the line again 6 inches from that fin- 

 ished, and proceed in the same manner till the bed is filled. 

 In the case of clumps the operation of planting is the same 

 essentially, but it is more convenient to remove the surface to 

 the depth of 2 inches and the breadth to be planted, and place 

 the roots in circles 5 inches apart each way, marking the spot 

 by means of a tally or stake fixed in the centre before the roots 

 are planted. A cool moist situation should be chosen in 

 which to cultivate them ; and after the leaves begin to appear, 

 the ground should be kept very firm about them — treading 

 may even be necessary in cases where the soil is of a light, soft 

 texture ; and a mulching of old manure, put through a coarse 

 sieve, should be equally laid between the plants, in order to 

 prevent cracking of the surface from drought. Water when 

 drought is severe, if necessar}^, but do it thoroughly and care- 

 fully, taking care to prevent it falling heavily on the plants. 

 If frost should occur after the foliage has appeared, some pro- 

 tection will be needful ; a few hoops may be stretched across 

 the bed for this purpose, on which to fasten a mat or other 



