MAY.] FLOWER-GARDEN. 585 



lar to that directed for hyacinths in page 332, would answer best, if 

 expense and trouble were not to be considered : it will, however, 

 be absolutely necessary to shade them, in some manner, during 

 the period of bloom, otherwise, they will continue but a short time, 

 especially the dark rich coloured sorts ; for, in proportion as their 

 colours approach to black, is the injury they will receive from the 

 rays of the sun, if it is permitted to shine upon them in full force ; 

 some of the very darkest cannot stand it a day without being en- 

 tirely deprived of their beauty. The light coloured sorts will bear 

 the sun's rays much better, reflecting them in proportion as they 

 approach to white ; green is the only colour that reflects and ab- 

 sorbs the rays of light in equal proportion, and consequently, is 

 more predominant in the vegetable kingdom than any other. 



During the continuance of the bloom, the earth round the roots, 

 must be occasionally watered as directed in page 3 36, but when that is 

 over, they will require it but seldom, and not at all, should gentle 

 showers of rain occur now and then, but shading in the middle of 

 hot days, will be very beneficial to the plants ; it tends to prolong 

 their vegetation, and the size and substance of the roots are thereby 

 increased. For their further treatment, see the Flower -Gar den, in 

 June. 



A Description of the Properties of a fine DOUBLE RANUNCULUS. 



The stem should be strong, straight, and from eight to twelve 

 inches high, supporting a large well-formed flower, at least two 

 inches in diameter, consisting of numerous petals, the largest at the 

 outside, and gradually diminishing in size as they approach the 

 centre, which should be well filled up. 



The blossom should be of a hemispherical form ; and its compo- 

 nent petals imbricated in such a manner, as neither to be too close 

 and compact nor too widely separated ; but have rather more of a 

 perpendicular than of a horizontal direction, to display its colours 

 with better effect. 



The petals should be broad, and have perfectly entire well round- 

 ed edges ; their colours should be dark, clear, rich, or brilliant, ei- 

 ther consisting of one colour throughout, or be otherwise variously 

 diversified, on an ash, white, sulphur, or fire colour ground, or re- 

 gularly striped, spotted, or mottled, in an elegant manner. 



There are more numerous varieties of beautiful Double Ranun- 

 culuses, than of any other flower. 



Anemones. 



Gentle and moderate waterings, will be necessary for anemones, 

 during their period of flowering, as well as for ranunculuses ; the 

 blossoms and petals of the former, are of a more soft and flexible 

 texture than those of the latter, and are consequently, more liable 

 to receive injury, from high winds and heavy rains ; their colours 

 soon fade when exposed to a strong sun ; it is therefore, equally 



SD 



