RANUNCULWUS. 263 
RANUNCULUUS. 
Nearly one hundred and sixty species are included 
in this genus, which is divided into two distinct classes : 
The Herbaceous Ranunculus, which inhabit nearly 
every country of the globe, and embrace all manner of 
weeds, as well as showy plants; and the Garden Ranun- 
culus. The latter consist of many hundreds of varieties 
obtained from the species Ranunculus asiaticus, a na- 
tive of the Levant. This species has tuberous roots, is 
indigenous in Persia, in meadows which are moist during 
the winter and the growing season, but dry during a 
great part of summer. In our climate the latter plant 
is difficult to manage, as it should be planted in Febru- 
ary, a season when gardening operations are wholly sus- 
pended. If the tubers are planted then and protected 
hy a frame, they flower freely in June; then they should 
have a partial shading from the sun, which is too powerful 
for them. ‘The soil they prefer is a light and sandy one, 
riade rich with well-rotted manure; avoid any that is 
Neating. What is known as the Turban Ranunculus 
should be planted in November. and protected in the 
same manner as the former. 
Very soon after the blooming season, the leaves 
begin to fade, a sign that the roots are fit to be taken 
up, much depending upon doing this at the proper time. 
If taken up before they are ripe, a loss of vigor is the 
result, and the same if allowed to remain a few days 
beyond the proper season. The proper time is easily 
determined, by the leaves parting from the roots with a 
slight pull; when this can be done, let them be at once 
taken up. After cleansing them from the soil, spread 
them thinly in a shaded place to dry, turning them fre- 
quently until they are perfectly dried, then they may be 
stored away. 
The tubers, if kept dry, will retain their vitality for 
two or three years; this will allow of their being planted 
