The Ranunculus, or Crowfoot. 165 



and is remarkable for its undivided glaucous leaves, 



hch clasp the stem, and its white flowers, which have some- 



• es a tin^e of pink or purple. R. aconitifolius, came originally 



r m the middle of Europe, and a variety of it, with double 



flowers, as represented in the plate, is very commonly cultiva- 



d as a garden flower, under the name of the Fair Maid of 

 France, or White Batchelor's Buttons. It is hardy and easy 

 of culture. These species we have figured in preference to 

 the common native species, since the latter are so well known 

 as to make their appearance familiar to every one. Equally 

 familiar is the very common cultivated species, JR. Asiaticus, 

 so many varieties of which are known to the lover of floricul- 

 ♦ure. The varieties are indeed innumerable, and scarcely any 

 two plants raised from the seed will be alike. The following 

 directions for cultivating the garden Ranunculus, in our climate, 

 are given by Mr. Eley, a most experienced and skilful florist, 

 of Hartford, Connecticut. 



As this plant is rather more tender than the Anemone, and 

 more liable to be killed by the frost and wet in this climate, 

 unless it is well protected, the best way to secure a show of 

 flowers, is to prepare a bed in the fall, (say October,) and plant 

 the roots in the spring. Having selected the bed intended for 

 them, spread it two or three inches thick with decayed cow 

 manure, and dig it in pretty deep, laying the soil up in a ridge 

 in the centre, to carry off the water. Early in April, level 

 down the bed, and spread over a thin coat of sandy loam ; 

 mark with a rod some lines across the bed, six inches apart, 

 place the roots carefully in the rows, with the crowns upwards, 

 four or six inches apart, and lay a portion of sand round and 

 upon each root ; then cover them over with about two inches 

 of the loam. 



Never select the largest roots to plant in a flower-bed, for 

 they generally divide into offsets, and seldom flower well ; but 

 choose those of the middle size, with the crown high and 

 firm to the touch. It is indispensable that the roots never be 

 allowed to come in contact with the manure or decaying vege- 

 table substance, as they will become more or less injured. 

 When the leaves appear above ground, choose a dry day, and 

 press the soil firmly about the roots with the hand, as if the 



