THE FLORAL WORLD AXD GARDEN GUIDE. 
321 
THE RANUNCULUS. 
s,HERE is a marked difference between the old varieties 
of this flower and the seedlings which have been raised 
during the last few years. The tubers of the former 
are generally less robust and plump ; the foliage is often 
weaker, and the flowers are almost always inferior in 
size and substance of petal to those of newly-raised seedlings. The 
act of hybridizing has been wonderfully successful with the Ranun- 
culus, and some new beauties are annually produced. Unless the 
old kinds are very striking and unlike the modern varieties, the 
amateur is recommended to make his bed of new sorts. His 
success will be more certain, and the healthy and vigorous growth 
of the roots more satisfactory. A packet of carefully selected seed, 
purchased of a well-known cultivator, will repay all the attention 
bestowed in raising it ; but this task should be undertaken by one 
who has had some general experience in the growth of the flower. 
Three seasons must pass before all the seedlings can be expected to 
exhibit their character, and even then the quality they will finally 
assume cannot always be ascertained. Some of the finest sorts will 
at first be semi-double, and time is consequently required to test 
their real excellence. 
Raising from peed, therefore, is not the course to be pursued bv 
those who are growing ranunculuses for the first time; and although 
I hope to be able to assist in this interesting pursuit on a future 
occasion, it will be more requisite now to point out the best mode of 
getting a collection of well-known and established flowers. Without 
wishing in the slightest degree to question the integrity of seedsmen 
and florists, I feel it necessary to caution amateurs on the subject of 
purchasing ranunculuses, as good kinds are expensive, and a 
failure is therefore very provoking. A very fine show may, indeed, 
be secured by one or two hundred mixed roots, which may be pur- 
chased at very small cost ; and where a cheap bed is an object, or 
where the amateur fears to run a greater risk until he has acquired 
experience, mixtures may be recommenced. But if you intend to 
raise a bed which shall excite the rivalry of your neighbours, and 
enable you to compete ..t a floricultural exhibition, you must be 
content to pay for flowers of a higher character, which are warranted 
true to name, and which may therefore be expected to repay you for 
your expense and care. Get them from the grower, if you can, for 
in changing hands, seeds and roots often change names, and dis- 
credit the seller and vex the buyer. There are some celebrated 
growers of ranunculuses who have devoted their energies especially 
to this root ; and, without mentioning their names, I recommend you 
to apply to them. You may select from their catalogues, and may 
rely on their sending you sound tubers. Indeed, if you state the 
size of your bed, you may leave the selection to them, as they are 
acquainted with the varieties whose combination will produce the 
happiest results. 
Another plan should be mentioned as suitable for these who 
November. 21 
