With Directions for Planting, <^c. 327 



from this successful trial, I made up my mind to try my 

 new compost and spring planting, which I did the present 

 year. 



Having prepared my bed in the summer of 1843, I im- 

 ported, in November, from Messrs. Tyso & Son, of England, 

 1000 roots, (I ordered 1400 plants, but they could only 

 supply 1000 of their strong, free-growing seedlings,) which 

 I planted on the thirteenth of March of the present year. 

 The result more than realized my expectations. The 

 bloom was equal to any I ever saw in England ; the roots 

 came up plump, and are larger than they were when they 

 were planted ; — a pretty good sign that the soil suited them, 

 and that they will do well another season. 



Directions for the Cultivation and Planting of the Ra- 

 nunculus. — The soil should be trenched 18 or 20 inches, 

 and composed of good rich loam, to which add 1-6 part of 

 very old, well rotted cow manure, and the same quantity 

 of clay broken into small pieces: add to this a little sand, 

 and thoroughly mix the whole; if the soil binds, add some 

 sandy peat ; make the bed on a level with the path or 

 walks; the plants would do better if the bed was below 

 rather than above the level. 



Having prepared the soil, as above, sometime during the 

 summer or autumn, take the earliest opportunity in the 

 spring succeeding to stir up the bed one spit, and take oif 

 1 1-2 inch of the soil; then place the plants in an upright 

 position on the surface, 6 inches apart each way, and re- 

 place the soil carefully, which will cover the crown of the 

 Ranunculus about 1 1-2 inch ; deeper planting would be 

 injurious. After the plants appear, keep them free from 

 weeds, and press the soil firmly around the plants after 

 they get two inches high. If the weather prove dry, water 

 them freely early in the morning, ^nd shade them from the 

 sun from 9 o'clock, A. M. to 3 o'clock, P. M. As soon as 

 the foliage becomes yellow, take the roots up and dry them 

 thoroughly in the shade, and keep them in a dry place. 



The Ranunculus loves a cool and moist location, but no 

 stagnant water should be permitted, nor should they be 

 placed under the shade or dripping of trees. The morning 

 sun, free circulation of air, and shade as directed, will en- 

 sure success. 



S. Walker. 



Roxbitry, August M, 1844. 



