340 BRECX’S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 
merous petals, the largest at the outside, and gradually 
diminishing in size as they approach the center of the 
flower, which should be well filled up with them. The 
blossom should be of a hemispherical form ; its compo- 
nent petals should be imbricated in such a manner as 
neither to be too close and compact nor too widely sepa- 
rated, but have more of a perpendicular than horizontal 
direction to display their colors with better effect. The 
petals should be broad, and have perfectly entire well 
rounded edges; their colors should be dark, clear, rich or 
brilliant, either consisting of one color throughout, or be 
otherwise variously diversified, on an ash, white, sul- 
phur, or fine colored ground, or regularly striped, 
spotted or mottled in an elegant manner. It is 
said, that in no instance does the seed of the Ra- 
nunculus produce two flowers like the original. Those 
who have made the attempt to cultivate the Ra- 
nunculus, and have given it proper treatment, have -been 
well rewarded for their pains, and we should be glad to 
see it more generally cultivated ; but unless good varie- 
ties are obtained, and the roots sound and plump, it will 
not be best to make the experiment. 
There is another Ranunculus, called the Great Turban 
or Great Turkey Ranunculus, producing large, double, 
and very brilliant flowers. The roots are somewhat 
larger, but similar to the other species, and the mode 
of cultivation the same. The varieties are not so numer- 
ous, but very brilliant. 
The bed for Ranunculus should be prepared in autumn 
and protected from frost by leaves, and the frame covered 
with boards to keep out the wet. In pleasant weather 
the last of February or beginning of March, the roots 
should be planted as heretofore directed, the soil having 
first been dug over and made smooth. The frame is then 
to be placed over the bed and the lights put in. In cold 
