400 SPRING FLOWERS, AND 



which are water plants. To describe, or even to name 

 all these, would exceed the limits of our pages ; we 

 will only mention those which are called by the general 

 name of Buttercups. 



Ranunculus fascicularis. A low growing species, bloom- 

 ing on rocky hills in April and May. Perennial. Flow- 

 ers yellow, about an inch broad. 



Ranunculus repens. Flowers as large or larger than 

 the last. The plant sends out long runners, by which it 

 is easy to distinguish it from the other species, but in 

 spring it often flowers from upright stems. Very variable 

 in size and foliage. 



Ranunculus bulbosus. The most common species in 

 eastern New England, seldom found in the interior (Gray). 

 Root solid, fleshy, acrid. Stem erect, leafy. Flower com- 

 posed of six or seven petals, of a bright, glossy yellow. 



Ranunculus acris. A taller species than the last ; 

 flower nearly as large, but not so bright a color. This 

 and the last are those most commonly met with in pas- 

 ture and mowing lands. The Double Buttercup is common 

 in our gardens, and very ornamental. There appear to 

 be two species, the one a low growing, running plant, 

 which often increases so rapidly as to almost become a 



