As the material thus necessary to life seems to abound more in air than in water, the subaquatic leaves of this plant, and of sisymbrium, coenanthe, ranunculus aquatilis, water crowfoot, and some others, are cut into fine divisions to increase the surface; whilst those above water are undivided.

ACONITE, monk's-hood, a poisonous plant of the ranunculus order with a tapering root.

A species of ranunculus supplies his coach-wheels, and in some parts of the country ferns are said to supply his brushes.