64 FLOWER-GARDENING. 



Anemones and Ranunculuses may be planted during October 

 or November, in drills two inches deep and six inches apart ; 

 the roots should be placed with claws downwards, about four 

 inches distant from each other, and covered up, leaving the 

 bed quite level. The awning need not be erected over the 

 beds until they come into bud, which will be early in May. 

 The extreme heat of the American climate is, however, unfa- 

 vorable to the perfect development of their beautiful blossoms 

 in ordinary seasons, even when shaded. 



CROCUS. 



These are hardy Httle bulbs, said to be natives of Switzer- 

 land. There are in all about fifty varieties of this humble, yet 

 beautiful plant, embracing a great variety of hues and com- 

 plexions, and their hardiness, and earliness of flower, offer a 

 strong motive for their cultivation. The bulbs may be planted 

 in October or November, in rows about six inches from the 

 edgings ; if in beds, they may be placed in ranks of distinct 

 colors, about four inches apart, and from one to two deep, 

 which will afford to their admirers considerable amusement 

 and gratification, and that at a very early season. They are 

 generally in full perfection early in April. 



CROWN IMPERIAL. 



This is a species of the genus Fritillaria, of which there 

 are about twenty species and varieties, chiefly natives of Per- 

 sia. These squamose bulbs produce tall, luxuriant stems, em- 

 bellished with green glossy foliage, and flowers of various 



