mixing, be the most likely to produce pleasing varie-ties, and then, with a camel-hair pencil, collect pol-len from those having stamens, and convey it tothe stigmas, or points of the carpels,—incipient seed-vessels, of those flowers first selected without sta-mens. Although these would not have homo seed,if left to nature, still a portion of the organs of fruc-tification are perfect, which admit of fertilization bythe means here directed; and the tendency to pro-duce petals, instead of stamens, is continued in theoffspring. The more perfectly this transformationof parts is effected, the more valuable becomes theflower to the florist. Those flowers which are tobe the seed-bearers, will generally be fit to receivethe pollen on the fourth day after they begin toexpand.

Now that the means have been employed, whichare placed within our power by an all-wise Creator,permitting us to assist in carrying out his works ofwisdom, it must not be forgotten that our Ranuncu-luses arc in England, and not their native country —Asia , therefore they demand our further attention.The spike of seed must be protected from the rainsof our moist climate, or they will be destroyed. Anexamination of the spikes of seed, after rain, willshow the prejudicial tendency they have to retainmoisture.

When the seed begins to turn brown, cut off thestems, and place them in an airy situation to dry;after which, the seed may be separated from thestalks, and stored till required for sowing; an opera-tion, the performance of which, we shall, in duetime, give directions.