242 A GUIDE TO FLORICULTURE. 



This beautiful flower was introduced into Europe as far 

 "back as 1569, and has always been cultivated as a florist's 

 flower. Its appearance and habit being similar to the 

 Butter Cup, found near marshy places ; it has passed under 

 the name of the " Persian King Cup." The form of the 

 flower resembling the Rose, the petals being shorter and 

 more compact ; their colors ranging from white to black ; 

 some edged, like the Picotee, and others striped like 

 the Carnation; others selfs of a richness and delicacy 

 unsurpassed. 



Possessing such a diversity of colors, the Ranunculus 

 has a most beautiful and imposing aspect. The flower 

 stem is generally about fifteen inches high, with a flower 

 at the top, and laterals ; and frequently one plant will be 

 embellished with from ten to sixteen blossoms ; 



" Emblems of modest grace, 

 Of unaffected dignity and ease, 

 Of pure and elegant simplicity." 



The root is formed of tubers, similar to the Dahlia, but 

 small, only about one inch in length. Some gardeners 

 profess to have as many as eighteen hundred varieties with 

 names. It is generally conceded that JOSEPH TYSO and SON, 

 of Wallingford, Berkshire (authors of a treatise on crossing 

 this flower artificially), have the best collection in England. 

 Generally speaking, this flower has not succeeded in this 

 country, which, I think, must be attributed to want of 

 attention, in not planting them in suitable soil, and in a 

 situation congenial to them in this climate. Mr. WALKER, 

 of Dorchester, near Boston, an enterprising florist, I am 

 informed, cultivates them to perfection. A collection car. 



