February 



quarters. While in the seed-pans they must be kept moist, although 

 excessive watering is to be avoided. Should the summer prove dry, 

 they will also need water when in the open ground. 



Primroses of good colours are admirably adapted for indoor 

 decoration, and there is no occasion to grow them in pots for the 

 purpose. Lift the required number from the reserve border without 

 exposing the roots ; pot them, and place in a cool frame until esta- 

 blished. Plenty of space, no more water than is absolutely essential, 

 and progressive ventilation, comprise all the needful details of 

 cultivation. 



Ranunculus. Although it is not usual to grow this flower from 

 seed, it is both easy and interesting to do so. Sow in boxes con- 

 taining from four to six inches of soil, and as there need be no trans- 

 planting, each seed should be put in separately, about an inch and a 

 half apart. A cool greenhouse or frame will supply the requisite 

 conditions for growing the seedlings. When the foliage has died 

 down, sift out the roots, and store in dry peat or cocoa-nut fibre 

 for the winter. 



To secure an immediate display of Ranunculuses it is necessary 

 to plant mature roots. The soil in which they especially thrive is 

 an adhesive loam or clay. This happens to be unfavourable to their 

 safety in the winter, and therefore it is wise to defer planting in such 

 soils until this month. The culture of the Ranunculus was formerly 

 regarded as somewhat of a mystery, and amusing recipes as to the 

 sorts and proportions of certain manures have been occasionally 

 disclosed by the learned in such matters. A very simple procedure, 

 however, will suffice to produce handsome, richly coloured flowers. 

 If possible, choose for the bed a heavy soil in an open situation, and 

 dress it liberally with decayed manure. Give the land a deep digging, 

 and lay it up rough, that it may be benefited by frosts. In January 

 and February fork it lightly over several times, with the double pur- 

 pose of making it mellow and of enabling birds to clear it of vermin. 

 Traps made of hollowed potatoes will also assist the latter object. 

 Not later than the third week of February the roots should be planted 

 in drills drawn six inches apart and two inches deep. Put them at 

 intervals of four inches in the rows, with the claws downwards, and 

 cover with fine soil. Keep the bed free from weeds, and give abun- 

 dant supplies of water in dry weather. When the foliage is dead, lift 

 the roots and store for the next season. 



The Turban Ranunculus is less delicate than the named varieties, 

 and there need be less hesitation about autumn planting. 



335 



