RAGGED ROBIN. 241 



its beautiful double pink colored flower. It is inclined 

 to run, as the stem will grow from twelve to eighteen 

 inches. It is perfectly distinct from the Cuckoo Flower 

 (L. Jlosculi), which is often sold for it by gardeners. 

 The treatment of one, however, is the same as the other; 

 it is easily propagated by division of the root. It does no: 

 seed in this country ; it should be shifted once or twice 

 in the year into a rich loam, and is better for being 

 protected through the winter. From May to June it is 

 covered with blossoms of a rich pink color, and double. 

 It is a good border flower, being perfectly hardy, and at 

 the same time a fine plant for parlor culture. 



RANUNCULUS. 



(RANUNCULUS ASIATICUS.) 



" Yet still shall there be joy, 



When God hath poured forth beauty, and, in the voice 

 Of human love, shall still behold in praise 

 Over his glorious gifts ! O, Father! Lord, 

 The all beneficent .' I bless thy name 

 That thou hast mantled the green earth with flowers, 

 Liking our hearts to nature." 



The Ranunculus is a beautiful, half hardy, tuberous- 

 rooted perennial ; a native of the Levant, generally covered 

 from May to June with magnificent flowers of various col- 

 ors. The leaves are ternate ; segments toothed or cut, tri- 

 fled j the stem upright and branching, flowers at the extreme. 

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