ON FLORISTS FLOWERS. 



85 



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. ]\Iessrs. Burrell, 

 of Cambridge, and ]\Iessrs. 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 [Ra^iimciiliis 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. — Raxuxculuses ix 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 



