364 Cultivation and Managevieiit of the Ranunculus. 



where it is subjected to the rays of the mid-day sun, it is im- 

 portant that it should be formed lengthways, from east to 

 west ; as thus, by erecting a temporary side awning, or shade, 

 along its southern side, there will be afforded to it the neces- 

 sary and welcome protection from a scorching sun. Such 

 defence will not, of course, be required at all times, or in all 

 seasons; but during the continuance of sunny, droughty 

 weather, its value will be fully appreciated by all who adopt 

 it. To those who will have recourse to artificial watering in 

 hot, dry weather, let this rule, at least, be imperative — never 

 water the ranunculus bed without, at the same time, shading 

 it ; otherwise it is mere waste of labor, and donhhj hurtful to 

 the plants. The turning yellow of the leaves, I have previ- 

 ously shown, is, in nearly every instance, produced by the 

 ill-judged practice of watering in hot weather; though, ni a 

 few cases, it is dependent upon looseness of the soil about the 

 crown of the root ; an event which is much more likely to 

 happen when the tubers are planted in open drills than when 

 they are set by dibbling, as I have recommended. 



It is only in dull, cloudy weather that watering can be had 

 recourse to with benefit and impunity; but advantage may 

 always be taken of even a slight shower to apply it as abun- 

 dantly as may be required. For at this time the atmosphere 

 itself IS in a kindred state — an harmonious condition now sub- 

 sisting between the moistened earth and roots, the leaves and 

 the surrounding air, wholly opposite to that which obtains in 

 hot, droughty weather, on water being supplied copiously 

 and artificially to the roots, whilst the leaves are exposed to 

 a parching air — an iiicongrtdty of which the ranuncvlus is 

 especially impatient. Watering is, moreover, a greatly unne- 

 cessary evil ; for, if the bed be properly prepared, and a cov- 

 ering of sand be used, as before pointed out, and, it may be 

 added, if the bed be shaded, as much moisture will be secured 

 to the plants (since the roots of the ranunculus strike deep) 

 as, under the conditions of the atmosphere, is suitable ; and 

 surely it is better to keep in the moisture than to apply it ar- 

 tificially. When the flowers are expanding, and the awning 

 is erected, it is well to give the bed one rather plentiful wa- 

 tering, to enable the plants to support the great demand now 

 made upon them. 



No management, however judicious, can fully compensate 



