TUBEROUS-ROOTED PLANTS, 41 



Orchis folicsa (Madeira Orchis); 0. latifolia (Marsh 

 Orchis); 0. spectabilis (North American Orchis); laxifi- 

 flora (Guernsey Orchis) ; and purpurea (Lady Orchis) ; also 

 to Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchis); O. aranifera (Spider 

 Orchis) ; O. muscifera (Fly Orchis) ; and O. tenthredinifera 

 (Sawfly Orchis). A spare corner should certainly be found 

 for these quaint plants. Grow the Calapogon in equal 

 parts of peat and leaf-mould in a special bed in partial 

 shade ; Habenaria bifolia on a raised border in leaf-mould 

 and loam under the shade of trees; Habenaria blephari- 

 glossis, ciliaris, and fimbriata in a bed of moist peat and 

 leaf -mould in a shady spot; the orchises in a bed of 

 two parts loam and one part of equal proportions of leaf- 

 mould and decayed manure, in a sunny spot; and the 

 Ophrys in a special bed composed of at least one foot of 

 a compost of two parts of turfy loam, and one part of 

 equal proportions of chalk or broken limestone and leaf- 

 mould. They may also be grown on a turfy limestone 

 or chalk bank. 



Ranunculus. The various kinds grown in gardens 

 under the names of Turban, Scotch, Persian, Dutch, 

 Italian, and French Ranunculi, and varieties of Ranun- 

 culus asiaticus, are asiatic species. They have claw-like 

 tubers, and bear double or semi-double flowers in early 

 summer. The Turban strain have large, double yellow, 

 crimson, orange, rose, scarlet, or white self-coloured 

 flowers. The French and Italian forms have larger flowers 

 and a more robust constitution. The Persian strain are 

 compact growing, and bear double flowers of striking 

 colours. The Dutch and Scotch strain are dwarf forms 

 of the latter, with edged or spotted flowers. The Turban 

 type is the hardiest of the various strains. Ranunculi 

 require a deep, rich, moderately moist soil, and a shady 

 position. Before planting add plenty of decayed cow 

 manure and leaf-mould to the soil. Plant the Turban 

 strain in October or February ; the Persian one in February 



