CHAP. XVII VILLA GARDENING 127 



and its usefulness for cutting ought to make the Ranunculus a popu- 

 lar favourite, but somehow it is not ; although admired by every- 

 body,, it is cultivated only by a few. The truth is, I supi)ose, that 

 the Persian or Asiatic Ranunculus and its many hybrid forms, 

 though not difficult to grow, yet demand a treatment different from 

 the ordinary run of popular flowers. Like the Buttercup, it thrives 

 best where the subsoil is cool and moist ; and this coolness and 

 moisture is supplied by the methodical florist in this way. Having 

 selected the site for the bed, he marks out its size, digs out 15 

 inches of the soil, taking away to another place the bad soil, if any. 

 On the bottom of the excavation a layer of cow maniu'e, moist and 

 rich, from 4 inches to 6 inches in thickness, is laid. On the top of 

 this the bed is prepared by adding fresh loam to the best of the 

 soil excavated, if the latter is fairly suitable. And as a goodly 

 number of varieties may be grown on a moderately-sized bed, the 

 objection to the extra trouble only comes from the lukewarm 

 and those who lack enthusiasm. The bed should be prepared 

 during winter, and the surface should be left rough for the weather 

 to work its will upon. In February, about the first or second week, 

 according to the Aveather, level the surface down, rake it smooth, 

 and draw drills with the corner of a hoe 3 inches deep and 6 inches 

 apart. Scatter a little light compost along the drills, consisting of 

 sharp sand and leaf-mould, and on this place the roots 4 inches 

 apart, and rake the beds smooth again. Some people plant in 

 autumn, and no doubt the autumn-planted beds flower earlier than 

 those planted in spring. But the winter, when severe, often injures 

 the plants, and the beds look patchy. Still, in warm dry situa- 

 tions, autumn planting succeeds very well in careful hands. The 

 Ranunculus, when planted in spring, commences growth at once, 

 and speedily shows above ground. If watering is necessary, as 

 in most seasons during spells of dry weather it will be, do not wet 

 the foliage more than can be avoided, but i)our the water between 

 the rows. A light mulching will be beneficial if the drought con- 

 tinues. As soon as the flowers begin to expand a shade should be 

 erected over the bed if they are to appear at their best ; and 

 as the flowering is past and the growth ripened, or say towards 

 the end of July, lift and store them away ; but before doing 

 so separate any roots that may seem to require it, as they are 

 then less likely to break than when quite dry. They should 

 be packed away in a dry cool place to keep them in a nice fresh 

 condition. 



The Tulip. — Florists' Tulips are generally divided into four 

 main sections : — 



1. Bizarres, which have a yellow ground, shaded with dark 



