KANTOCULUS. 



263 



RANUNCULUS. ■ 



Nearly one hundred and sixty species are included 

 in this genus, which is divided into two distinct classes : 

 The Herbaceous Ranunculus, which inhabit nearly 

 every country of the globe, and embrace all manner of 

 weeds, as well as showy plants ; and the Garden Ranun- 

 culus. The latter consist of many hundreds of varieties 

 obtained from the species Ranunculus asiaticus, a na- 

 tive of the Levant. This species has tuberous roots, is 

 indigenous in Persia, in meadows which are moist during 

 the winter and the growing season, but dry during a 

 great part of summer. In our climate the latter plant 

 is difficult to manage, as it should be planted in Febru- 

 ary, a season when gardening operations are wholly sus- 

 pended. If the tubers are planted then and protected 

 by a frame, they flower freely in June ; then they should 

 have a partial shading from the sun, which is too powerful 

 for them. The soil they prefer is a light and sandy one, 

 made rich with well-rotted manure ; avoid any that is 

 heating. What is known as the Turban Ranunculus 

 should be planted in November, and protected in the 

 same manner as the former. 



Very soon after the blooming season, the leaves 

 begin to fade, a sign that the roots are fit to be taken 

 up, much depending upon doing this at the proper time. 

 If taken up before they are ripe, a loss of vigor is the 

 result, and the same if allowed to remain a few days 

 beyond the proper season. The proper time is easily 

 determined, by the leaves parting from the roots with a 

 slight pull ; when this can be done, let them be at once 

 taken up. After cleansing them from the soil, spread 

 them thinly in a shaded place to dry, turning them fre- 

 quently until they are perfectly dried, then they may be 

 stored away. 



The tubers, if kept dry, will retain their vitality for 

 two or three years ; this will allow of their being planted 



