May.] FLOWER-GARDEN. 393 
lar to that directed for hyacinths in page 340, would answer best, if 
expense and trouble were not to be considered: it will, however, 
be absolutely necessary to shade them, in some manner, during 
the period of bloom, otherwise they will continue but a short time, 
especially the dark rich coloured sorts; for, in proportion as their 
colours approach to black, is the injury they will receive from the 
rays of the sun, if it is permitted to shine upon them in full force; 
some of the very darkest cannot stand it a day without being en- 
tirely deprived of their beauty. The light coloured sorts will bear 
the sun's rays much better, reflecting them in proportion as they 
approach to white; green is the only colour that reflects and ab- 
sorbs the rays of light in equal proportion, and consequently, is 
more predominant in the vegetable kingdom than any other. 
During the continuance of the bloom, the earth round the roots, 
must be occasionally watered as directed in page 344, but when that is 
over, they will require it but seldom, and not at all, should gentle 
showers of rain occur now and then, but shading in the middle of 
hot days, will be very beneficial to the plants; it tends to prolong 
their vegetation, and the size and substance of the roots are thereby 
increased. For their further treatment, see the Flower-Garden^ in 
June. 
A Description of the Properties of a Fine Double Ranunculus. 
The stem should be strong, straight, and from eight to twelve 
inches high, supporting a large well-formed flower, at least two 
inches in diameter, consisting of numerous petals, the largest at the 
out side, and gradually diminishing in size as they approach the 
centre, which should be well filled up. 
The blossom should be of a hemispherical form; and its compo- 
nent petals imbricated in such a manner, as neither to be too close 
and compact nor too widely separated; but have rather more of a 
perpendicular than of a horizontal direction, to display its colours 
with better effect. 
The petals should be broad, and have perfectly entire well round- 
ed edges; their colours should be dark, clear, rich, or brilliant, 
either consisting of one colour throughout, or be otherwise variously 
diversified, on an ash, white, sulphur, or fire colour ground, or re- 
gularly striped, spotted, or mottled, in an elegant manner. 
There are more numerous varieties of beautiful Double Ranun- 
culuses, than of any other flower. 
Anemones. 
Gentle and moderate waterings, will be necessary for anemones, 
during their period of flowering, as well as for ranunculuses; the 
blossoms and petals of the former, are of a more soft and flexible 
texture than those of the latter, and are consequently, more liable 
to receive injury, from high winds and heavy rains; their colours 
soon fade when exposed to a strong sun; it is therefore, equally 
3D 
