134 THE RANUNCULUS. 



Many florists use stimulating manures ; but their effect is 

 bad on the tubers, causing rotting and disease, though often 

 the size of the flower is increased. 



In forming beds, it is frequently the practice to place a 

 layer of well-rotted cow-dung about nine inches below the 

 surface, which operates in the twofold service of retaining 

 moistur eand supplying nourishment. 



The compost given above will, however, grow the tubers 

 well, and give satisfactory bloom, without any manure. 

 The bed should be dug out about a foot deep, and filled in 

 with the compost, and the tubers be planted two inches 

 deep in November, the earth being pressed close around 

 them. On the approach of very frosty weather, the bed 

 should be covered with a frame filled with oak-leaves, and 

 this again with boards, to exclude the frost. Early in the 

 spring, remove the frame, and the plants will soon appear. 

 Keep them clear of weeds, and fork the earth loosely around 

 them, watering them thoroughly if there should be a season 

 of drought. As they come into bloom, and begin to color, 

 shade them from the sun by an awning. When the flowers 

 have faded, and the foliage turned yellow, take up the tubers, 

 and keep them in a cool place until the return of the plant- 

 ing season. 



