GARDEN RANUNCULUS. 115 



same way, and by similar management, as is 

 advised for the anemone; indeed, no two distinct 

 genera can be more alike in habitude and consti- 

 tution. The whole family of the ranunculi, from 

 the fluviatalis to the arvensis, affect humidity, 

 both of soil and atmosphere. 



Different cultivators have different opinions as 

 to the best time for planting the ranunculus. It 

 is, however, very generally admitted, that autumn 

 planting is most seasonable, provided the rigours 

 of winter can be sufficiently guarded against. 

 That the autumn is also the most natural season, 

 has been already shown (and it is trusted 

 proved); and by the mode suggested of shelter- 

 ing with elevated straw mats, all the objections 

 to autumn planting are answered. It is proper 

 to add, however, that spring-planted beds will 

 succeed ; and with judicious management, do 

 constantly succeed, when circumstances of soil, 

 situation, and season, are favourable. If the first 

 four months of the year be temperate and moist, 

 with no bleak easterly winds to dry the earth and 



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