CULTURE OF THE RANUNCULUS. 
43 
The gracilis, fumariwfolius, macropeialus, Illyricus, Krapjia , and Asiaticus, 
will grow in any common garden soil, either in a wet or dry situation ; these are 
usually increased by offsets from the roots, and occasionally from seeds. The 
Asiaticus is the common Ranunculus of florists, the numerous varieties and sub- 
varieties of which make such a splendid show in our gardens in May and June. 
To grow the garden Ranunculus to great perfection, it is necessary to subject it 
to a peculiar treatment. Good rich soil is indispensable, and plenty of rotten 
manure is a desideratum ; but certain rules must be attended to, or they will not 
flourish ; and therefore, 
1. The Ranunculus prefers a fresh loamy soil, rather inclined to be strong than 
otherwise ; it also requires to be well manured. Therefore, in preparing a bed, take 
out the old soil to the depth of one foot or more at the bottom of this trench, lay 
about six inches thickness of well rotted cow-dung at the bottom of the trench ; 
then obtain some good rich loam, and break it well, mixing about one-eighth of 
very well rotted cow-dung with it ; then fill the trench with the compost to six 
inches above the level of the surrounding surface, forming a slope on each side from 
the middle. This should not be done later than the beginning of October. 
2. Plant all the broad-leaved varieties about the end of October or beginning 
of November, and cover them with some long litter, to prevent their being damaged 
by the frost ; but^ if possible, delay planting the narrow- leaved ones until February 
or March ; for the latter evidently suffer more from severe weather than the former 
whilst the broad-leaved ones appear to suffer more than the latter by being kept in 
a dry state all winter ; and if kept in sand, they are liable to become mouldy. 
3. In planting, either during the autumn or spring, never plant in either holes 
or drills, a practice not uncommon ; but, having marked with a rod some lines 
across the bed four or six inches apart, place the roots carefully with the crowns 
upwards, foilr inches apart in the rows, and lay a portion of sand round and upon 
each root, and then cover them with not more than two inches thickness of light 
dry soil. 
4. Never select the largest roots to plant for a flowering-bed, for they generally 
divide into offsets, and seldom flower well ; choose the middle size, and your expecta - 
tions will not be disappointed. 
5. It is indispensable that the roots never be allowed to come in contact with 
raw dung, or they are sure to become more or less diseased. To prevent this, when 
the roots" are taken up, dig the bed to the bottom, turning up and mixing the old 
cow-dung well with the soil ; when dahlias or ornamental plants may be planted on 
it till the beginning of October, when the bed should be again trenched, and another 
layer of cow-dung placed under the soil as before. Take off from the surface about 
four inches thickness of the old soil, and lay on two inches of new loam ; plant on 
this new soil, using sand, and covering with light dry sandy loam as before. 
6. It is indispensable that no raw turf be in the soil in which the roots are 
planted, or they will be materially injured by coming in contact with it. 
7. When the leaves appear above ground, choose a dry day and press the soil 
firmly about the roots with the hand, as if the weather proves dry, and the crowns 
of the roots happen to be exposed, they will suffer material injury. 
