CONTEMPORARY WRITINGS. 
237 
planted in this way, and the space protected 
in early spring from the scythe ; and in no 
situation could they seem to be more appro- 
priately placed. 
It is surprising that more attention has not 
been paid to the growth of this, and other 
orchids in pots after the manner that hyacinths 
are grown ; for such a course of treatment 
they are well adapted, and, at least, all the 
more vigorous ones will grow readily. The 
present subject may be ranked among these 
latter. The plants should be taken up from 
their wild habitats when in flower, as they 
can then be better known, and transferred to 
a pot, without at all disturbing their roots. 
If they are thus removed just as they begin 
flowering, the blooms will then be available 
for ornament. After flowering, set them in a 
sheltered place out of doors, and attend well to 
watering them so that the leaves may be well 
perfected ; allow them to die away gradually, 
at the same time becoming partially dry ; and 
in winter set the pots in a dry cool frame, the 
soil being in a medium state of dampness. 
As spring comes on give them water, and in 
due time they will make their appearance, and 
flower, when the same course must be repeated. 
Or they may be accelerated by removal to a 
warmer situation if that be desirable. A good 
soil for them in pots is equal parts loam and 
peat, mixed with a portion of sand, some 
lumps of chalk and charcoal being mixed in 
at the time of potting. Re-potting may be 
done in the spring, just as their growth is per- 
ceived. The singular structure of these flowers 
should recommend them to especial notice. 
CONTEMPORARY WRITINGS 
AND ORIGINAL NOTES, CONNECTED -WITH HORTICULTURE AND NATURAL HISTORY. 
The Ranunculus ; how to grow it.* 
In the excellent pamphlet recently published 
by Messrs. Tyso, than whom few have been 
more successful in the growth of this flower, 
we find the following judicious remarks on 
* " The Ranunculus ; how to grow it :" By Tyso 
and Son, Florists, Wallingford. London : Jackson 
and Walford, St. Paul's Churchyard. 1847. 
soils and manures: — " The foundation of all 
good culture, is the adaptation of the com- 
post to the natural habitats of the plants. 
Experience teaches that the Ranunculus 
delights in a rich hazelly loam. If, therefore, 
the natural soil of the garden be unfavourable, 
procure the top spit of a pasture of rather 
heavy and tenacious but not clayey qualities, 
with the turf, and lay it in a ridge some 
months, and turn it two or three times before 
