72 WRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



planted where it is destined to stand, in a rich, mellow loam. 

 When propagated by layers, the outer shoots are bent down 

 into the soil in the spring; but before they are fastened down 

 with a hook or pegs, a longitudinal split should be made in the 

 inner side of the bend ; this should be done with great care, as 

 the shoots are extremely liable to be broken off where they 

 bend. It takes two years for a layer of the Peony to be suffi- 

 ciently rooted to be detached. If seed is saved, it should be 

 planted as soon as ripe in autumn. I have not raised the 

 Peony from seed, but probably it would appear above ground 

 the next spring, and in the course of a few years produce 

 flowers, and perhaps a new variety. It is best to cover the 

 crowns of all varieties and species, in autumn, with coarse 

 stable manure ; the plants flower stronger for it. 



With a collection of Peonies of the different sorts, the garden 

 will not be without some of the kinds being in bloom from the 

 first of May to the first of July. 



RANUNCULUS. 



Ranunculus Asiaticus. 



The Asiatic Ranunculus is one of the most splendid class 

 of florist's flowers in cultivation; but, unfortunately, our climate 

 is so uncongenial for its perfection, and it requires so much skill 

 and care, that it has received but little attention in the vicinity 

 of Boston, except by a few individuals. To have this splendid 

 flower in all its beauty and strength, it should be kept growing 

 very moderately all winter ; but our climate is so severe that 

 this is impossible, in the open air, without too much covering, 

 which would cause the plants to become drawn and weakened 

 in such a manner as to be ruined. In a green-house this may 

 be done; but how shall they be managed in the open air? 

 Samuel Walker, Esq., formerly President of the Massachusetts 

 Horticultural Society, has been the most successful of any 



