212 On the Cultivation of Ranunculuses in Pots. 



cot above spoken of; not, gentle reader, that I would be conspicu- 

 ous at that time of life, but because it would suit my desire. The 

 wood would be a pleasing source for my researches of botanical 

 specimens of native plants, and the trees and shrubs about my 

 dwelling a fine retreat for the different kinds of birds which would 

 visit my ' cot,' as their different migrations suit their approach in 

 the neighboring wood. The honeysuckle would impart, in the 

 flowering season, a luscious repast to the little queen of birds — the 

 humming-bird ; and my flower-garden would serve to amuse my 

 leisure hours in healthy employment. The fruit, raised by my 

 care, would add to its flavor, and some to give to a friend, to friend- 

 ship. A few choice books for my amusement, and to recall what had 

 been seen and done in horticulture ; and. at times, to read to rela- 

 tives and friends, who should always find hospitality in my rustic 

 manners, and the welcome repast of the wearied traveller, sums up 

 my desire of a thatched cottage. 



New Jersey, April, 1836. Junius. 



Art. IV. On the Cultivation of Ranunculuses in Pots. By 



S. SWEETSER. 



Having been very successful in flowering ranunculuses in pots 

 the past winter, and having, also, often been asked what course I 

 pursued to bloom them so well, I send you a few hasty remarks, 

 which, if you think they are of sufficient importance to be of any 

 benefit to your readers, you are at libert}^ to use them as you 

 please. 



For two or three years I have planted ranunculuses in pots or 

 boxes, but have never succeeded in procuring but few flowers, and 

 those very inferior. The roots that were planted were large 

 and strong, and the soil such as is generally recommended for 

 them to be grown in. Being a favorite flower with me, I could 

 not be induced to give them up without further trial. In all the 

 directions that I have ever read for planting ranunculuses, shallow 

 pots or boxes have been recommended ; but as in these they did 

 not flourish, I came to the conclusion that the little soil that was 

 generally allowed for them to grow in, was not sufficient for the 

 purpose. In planting beds, it is particularly stated that the soil 

 should be loosened to the depth of eighteen or twenty inches, as 

 their roots run to a considerable length ; from this hint, and from 



