ON FLORISTS FLOWERS. 



35 



my own care, and I never thought it desirable to introduce 

 them to the public, and all have passed out of existence. In 

 some soils the conditions seem more favourable. Messrs. Burrell, 

 of Cambridge, and Messrs. Kelway, of Langport, grow the 

 Gladiolus successfully, and both firms seem able to place their 

 seedlings on the market. At any rate, careful cultivation is 

 necessary to ensure success. 



The Ranunculus (Ratiunatlas asiaticus). 



A charming garden flower, and one of the old-time favourites. 

 When Parkinson published "The Garden of Pleasant Flowers," 

 in 1629, he mentions only one double variety, which he terms 



Fig. 44. — Ranunculuses in Bed. 



the "double red Crowfoot of Asia." When Rea published his 

 "Flora," in 1676, the Asiatic Ranunculus had become a general 

 favourite. Parkinson's double red stands at the top of Rea's list 

 of named varieties. After describing this old variety, Rea adds, 

 " There are now several other nobler sorts of Ranunculus of 

 Asia, with gallant double flowers, much excelling this old kind 

 described, &c, &c." Scarlet and yellow were at this time the 

 prevailing colours ; and some scarlet with yellow stripes. Suc- 

 ceeding generations of gardeners improved the form of the 

 Ranunculus, by raising seedlings, and not only so, but the rich 

 and varied colours obtained were truly charming. These were 



