THE RANUNCULUS. 169 



feet, and the roots large and good, you may divide 

 it into six rows, and set the roots four inches apart. 

 In covering, be careful not to displace them, and let 

 them be buried as near an inch and a half as pos- 

 sible : you may then take the flat side of the spade, 

 and beat down the surface level : this will in some 

 measure prevent the worms from casting them out. 

 Let it be remembered, that the bed is to be per- 

 fectly level and even, that it may receive all the rain 

 or water in an equal proportion. 



As soon as they shoot up for bloom, if the weather 

 should be dry, they will require an abundant supply 

 of soft water, to encourage a quick growth. I am 

 at a loss to know why the ancients have given to this 

 flower the name of Ranunculus, or Frog-plant, unless 

 it be meant to imply that during the time of its 

 flowering it delights in a plentiful supply of water, 

 which must be given between the rows, and not over 

 the blossoms. The tints of those flowers, particularly 

 the darker sorts, are so fine and delicate, that they 

 soon get tarnished and fade, if they are not sheltered 

 from the scorching rays of the sun. The duration 



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