==Turban Ranunculus.==—­This class is remarkably handsome, of hardier constitution and freer growth than the edged and spotted varieties.  For the production of masses of colour, and to form showy clumps in the borders, the Turban varieties are of the utmost value.  They require a good loam, well manured, and the general treatment advised for the named varieties; but as they are not so delicate they will thrive under less congenial conditions.

==Scilla==

The Blue Squill may be grown in exactly the same manner as the Roman Hyacinth for indoor decoration, and it makes a charming companion to that flower.  It is perfectly hardy, and for its deep, lovely blue should be largely grown in the open border, where it appears to especial advantage in conjunction with Snowdrops.  It is also valuable for filling small beds, and for making marginal lines in the geometric garden.

The =Scilla praecox=, or =sibirica=, thrives on the mountains of North Italy, where masses of it may be seen growing close to the snow, and in this country it withstands wind and rain which would be the ruin of many another flower.  Still we like to see it in a sheltered border, where it has a fair chance of displaying its beauty without much risk of injury.  In such a position it will flower in February, and in the bleakest quarter it will open in March.  It is not at all fastidious as to soil, but when planted will give no further trouble until the foliage withers, and it is time to lift the bulbs to make way for other occupants.  If convenient, the roots may remain for years in one spot.

The =Scilla campanulata= deserves more attention than it has hitherto received.  After almost all other spring-flowering bulbs are over, it makes a beautiful display, which lasts until nearly the end of May.  It somewhat resembles the wild Blue-bell, but is much larger than that woodland flower.

==Snowdrop==

Snowdrops are among the hardiest flowers known to our gardens, and are invaluable for their welcome snow-white bells in the earliest days of the opening spring.  They should be planted in clumps, and left alone for years.  The double-flowering variety is exquisitely beautiful:  we might, indeed, speak of it as a bit of floral jewellery.  The flowers are bell-shaped, closely packed with petals, like so many microscopic petticoats arranged for the ‘tiring’ of a fairy:  they are snow-white and sometimes delicately tipped with light green.  This variety is as hardy as the single, and the best for growing in baskets and pots.  When employed in lines the planting ought to be very close together, and the line should be composed of several rows, making, in fact, a broad band.  Such a ribbon when backed with =Scilla sibirica= is very beautiful.  The best way of displaying the Snowdrop alone is in large groups densely crowded together.  The effect is much more telling than when the same number of bulbs is spread over a larger area.  Put the roots in drills, two inches deep, and if possible in a spot where they need not be disturbed for two or three years.  Snowdrops may be grown in pots, and be gently forced for Christmas.  But unless wanted very early, it will answer to lift clumps from the border in November and pot them.