340 



merous petals, the largest at the outside, and gradually 

 diminishing in size as they approach the center of tlie 

 flower, wliich should be well filled up with them. The 

 blossom should be of a hemispherical form ; its compo- 

 nent petals should be imbricated in such a manner as 

 neither to be too close and compact nor too widely sepa- 

 rated, but have more of a perpendicular than horizontal 

 direction to display their colors with better efl^ect. The 

 petals should be broad, and have perfectly entire well 

 rounded edges ; their colors should be dark, clear, rich or 

 brilliant, either consisting of one color throughout, or be 

 otherwise variously diversified, on an ash, white, sul- 

 phur, or fine colored ground, or regularly striped, 

 spotted or mottled in an elegant manner. It is 

 said, that in no instance does the seed of the Ra- 

 nunculus produce two flowers like the original. Those 

 who have made the attempt to cultivate the Ra- 

 nunculus, and have given it proper treatment, have been 

 well rewarded for their pains, and we should be glad to 

 see it more generally cultivated ; but unless good varie- 

 ties are obtained, and the roots sound and plump, it will 

 not be best to make the experiment. 



There is another Ranunculus, called the Great Turhan 

 or Great Turkey Ranunculus^ producing large, double, 

 and very brilliant flowers. The roots are somewhat 

 larger, but similar to the other species, and the mode 

 of cultivation the same. The varieties are not so numer- 

 ous, but very brilliant. 



The bed for Ranunculus should be prepared in autumn 

 and protected from frost by leaves, and the frame covered 

 with boards to keep out the wet. In pleasant weather 

 the last of February or beginning of March, the roots 

 should be planted as heretofore directed, the soil having 

 first been dug over and made smooth. The frame is then 

 to be i^laced over the bed and the lights put in. In cold 



