2 50 WINDOW GARDENING. 
Sparaxis, are more dwarf and compact in habit than the Ixia, while their col- 
ors are as varied and beautiful. For pot culture and window decoration they 
cannot be too strongly recommended. 
The Tritonia, in habit and form, is very similar to the Sparaxis. They are 
plants of rare beauty, colors principally selfs. For good eflfect about twice as many 
bulbs should be put in a pot as of the Ixia. 
Tlie Babiana, in habit and growth, is nearly the same as the two former, but 
as unlike in color as is possible for such near relatives. While the others are 
mostly crimson and white, with their various shades, these are nearly all purple 
and blue. Together, the}*^ are most desirable, and are annually becoming more 
extensively used for window decoration. 
Eanunculus. 
This family is almost endless in variety, embracing some of the most common 
forage plants. While the Persian and Turban varieties produce the most elegant 
and diversified colored flowers, that for symmetry and compactness are unequaled. 
When properly grown they are completely covered with flowers nearly as large 
and quite as desirable as roses. But little attention has been given them as pot 
plants; our experience with them, as such, has been most pleasing, having had 
more truly handsome flowers than from almost any other plant, with the same 
amount of trouble and expense. 
For winter flowering, if possible, select roots that have been kept out of ground 
the previous season as they come into flower much earlier than those taken up 
the previous summer. The roots keep well in a dry place for two years, so that 
B succession of bloom can be obtained by planting at proper intervals, the whole 
season. 
The Ranunculus, requires a strong, fresh, loamy soil, made very rich by well 
rotted cow manure ; with such components use equal parts. For early bloom- 
ing, commence potting the first of August. Use four-inch pots, into which put 
three roots of separate colors, selection of which to suit the taste ; place the roots 
firmly in the mould, and cover half an inch; plunge the pot or put in a shaded 
frame; bring in as wanted, commencing the first of October, give them a light 
warm situation, and shade from the sun which completely destroys their bright 
colors. 
For flowering the whole season, pot from August to April, and forward as 
wanted. The Persian varieties are the earliest, consequently should be planted 
first, to be followed by the Turban varieties. These two are the only varieties 
desirable for pot culture ; but there are hundreds of named sorts, to be selected 
from seedsmen's catalogues that generally list the most desirable kinds. After 
blooming they can be dried off gradually, put in a dry place and kept for next 
year's flowering. The low price they are sold at does not make it an object to 
keep them for flowering the second year, as roots grown in the open border are 
generally more satisfactory. 
