THE FLORAL WOULD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 321 



THE RANUNCULUS. 



HERE is a marked difference between the old varieties 

 of this flower and the seedlings which have been raised 

 during the last i'ew years. The tubers of the former 

 are generally less robust and plump ; the foliage is often 

 weaker, and the flowers are almost always inferior in 

 size and substance of petal to those of newly-raised seedlings. The 

 act of hybridizing has been wonderfully successful with the Ranun- 

 culus, and some new beauties are annually produced. Unless the 

 old kinds are very striking and unlike the modern varieties, the 

 amateur is recommended to make his bed of new sorts. His 

 success will be more certain, and the healthy and vigorous growth 

 of the roots more satisfactory. A packet of carefully selected seed, 

 purchased of a well-known cultivator, will repay all the attention 

 bestowed in raising it ; but this task should be undertaken by one 

 who has had some general experience in the growth of the flower. 

 Three seasons must pass before all the seedlings can be expected to 

 exhibit their character, and even then the quality they will finally 

 assume cannot always be ascertained. Some of the finest sorts will 

 at first be semi-double, and time is consequently required to test 

 their real excellence. 



Raising from seed, therefore, is not the course to be pursued by 

 those who are growing ranunculuses for the first time: and although 

 I hope to be able to assist in this interesting pursuit on a future 

 occasion, it will be more requisite now to point out the best mode of 

 getting a collection of well-known and established flowers. Without 

 wishing in the slightest degree to question the integrity of seedsmen 

 and florists, I feel it necessary to caution amateurs on the subject of 

 purchasing ranunculuses, as good kinds are expensive, and a 

 failure is therefore very provoking. A very fine show may, indeed, 

 be secured by one or two hundred mixed roots, which may be pur- 

 chased at very small cost ; and where a cheap bed is an object, or 

 where the amateur fears to run a greater risk until he has acquired 

 experience, mixtures may be recommended. But if you intend to 

 raise a bed which shall excite the rivalry of your neighbours, and 

 enable you to compete at a floricultural exhibition, you must be 

 content to pay for flowers of a higher character, which are warranted 

 true to name, and which may therefore be expected to repay you for 

 your expense and care. Get them from the grower, if jou can, for 

 in changing hands, seeds and roots often change names, and dis- 

 credit the seller and vex the buyer. There are some celebrated 

 growers of ranunculuses who have devoted their energies especially 

 to this root ; and, without mentioning their names, I recommend you 

 to apply to them. You may select from their catalogues, and may 

 rely on their sending you sound tubers. Indeed, if you state the 

 size of your bed, you may leave the selection to them, as they are 

 acquainted with the varieties whose combination will produce the 

 happiest results. 



Another plan should be mentioned as suitable for those who 



November. 21 



