BUTTERCUP. 



Ranunculus sp. 



SPERMATOPHYTES; ANGIOSPERMS; RANUNCULACE^. 



PRELIMINARY. 



DURING spring, summer, and early autumn various 

 species of Ranunculus are fairly abundant, especially 

 along fence-rows in low grounds and in and about woods. 

 Several species are sprawling and resemble the straw- 

 berry plant. The flowers of some of the species are 

 formed in water, but those are undesirable for this study. 

 If the plant is not to be studied at the time it is in flower, 

 it may easily be preserved in sufficient quantity to serve 

 for classes of considerable size. Caltha will serve as 

 an excellent substitute for Ranunculus, or any other 

 relatively simple Dicotyledonous plant may be used. 



LABORATORY WORK. 

 GROSS STRUCTURE. Compare with Trillium. 



I. STEM. 



Is the main stem underground? If so, compare: 



1. Form and size. 



2. Direction of growth. 



3. Branching. 



4. Buds and origin of roots. 



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