54 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



THE RANUNCULUS. 



j]OR the culture of the Ranunculus let the ground, what- 

 ever its texture, he well manured, and thoroughly dug 

 and pulverized. The best time for planting is the last 

 week in February ; the surface should be entirely 

 removed to the depth of ahout two inches, not more, 

 and being raked level, the roots are placed on it, and the surface 

 mould returned. Some recommend the month of October for 

 planting ; this we object to, except in the case of requiring an 

 early bloom for flower-garden purposes, when it is best to plant only 

 the hardy turban varieties ; with the others there is considerable 

 danger of their receiving injury from frost and excessive wet, 

 and consequently, it is preferable to defer it to the season first 

 mentioned. When the blooms are advancing, it is no unusual thing 

 for the weather to set in dry ; when this happens, the ranunculuses 

 must have abundance of water given them, and if every other 

 application be diluted liquid manure, it will give them additional 

 vigour. A slight shade is necessary to preserve the flowers, and 

 every available means should be resorted to at this time to keep the 

 plants in vigour, as they are not only supporting the flowers, but the 

 new roots are just arriving at perfection, and therefore should have 

 every encouragement. A top-dressing of half-rotten leaves, or 

 partially-decomposed manure will be beneficial, and the paths may 

 be filled up with old tan ; in short, every means likely to keep the 

 earth moist should have attention. Very soon after the blooming 

 season, the leaves will begin to decay, a sign that the roots are fit 

 to be taken up ; a great deal depends on this being done at exactly 

 the right time, for if taken up before they are ripe, a loss of vigour 

 is necessarily felt, and the same happens if they are allowed to 

 stand even for a few days beyond the proper time. The fit state 

 is easily known by the leaves parting from the roots with a slight 

 pull ; when this can be done, let them be at once removed, and after 

 cleansing them from the soil, spread them thinly in a shaded place 

 to dry, turning them frequently, and at last give them one or two 

 hours' exposure to the sun to finish them completely, and make 

 them fit for storing away for the winter. 



THE USES OE THE GARDEN ERAMB. 



|N treating of the uses of the garden frame, we shall 

 endeavour to show, first, the many advantages to be 

 derived from its application to a hot-bed, being what is 

 usually termed a hot-frame ; and, secondly, its applica- 

 tion as a hybernatory or cold-frame. 

 It is in the light of a hot-frame that this useful appliance is 

 generally regarded by the amateur gardener ; but few are aware of 

 the many great results to be derived from a judicious management of 



