INTRODUCTORY NOTE 



This publication by Mr. L. D. Batchelor marks the third step in the 

 cooperative study of the peony, jointly undertaken by the American 

 Peony Society and the Department of Horticulture of the Cornell 

 University Experiment Station seven years ago. 



The first step was "The Check List," published in April, 1907. The 

 aim of "The Check List" was to cite with the fullest accuracy possible 

 as many peony names and references as could be found within the 

 range of available literature. This laborious piece of work was executed 

 by Dr. J. Eliot Coit, now of the University of California, at that time 

 in immediate charge of the peony investigation. 



The second step was taken in November, 1908, when Bulletin 259, 

 entitled "The Peony," was prepared by Dr. Coit and published by the 

 Experiment Station. This bulletin constitutes the most complete mono- 

 graph of the peony that has appeared. In the preface, however, it was 

 distinctly stated that "it is to be regarded as a preliminary step, and 

 therefore subject to modification in the light of future experience," 

 and this is the principle which has guided the investigation. It is the 

 principle on which the present publication is issued. It will stand until 

 fuller experience warrants a change. 



In the spring of 1908, Mr. L. D. Batchelor was placed in charge of 

 the peony plots on the departure of Dr. Coit for a field of greater respon- 

 sibihty. Since that time Mr. Batchelor has devoted himself assiduously 

 to peony studies, and, in conjunction with the special committee on 

 nomenclature appointed by the American Peony Society, has studied 

 the peony not only on the plots at Cornell University, but on Mr. B. H. 

 Farr's extensive trial grounds at Reading, Pa., and at the Cottage 

 Gardens Co. at Queens, Long Island. In this work of making careful 

 descriptions and the detection and elimination of synonyms, Mr. Batch- 

 elor was most fortunate in having the continuous personal assistance 

 during the peony season of Mr. B. li. Farr, president of the American 

 Peony Society, and Mr. J. Dauphin of the Cottage Gardens Co. It is 

 proper also to acknowledge the efficient assistance of the following 

 peony specialists in this country and in Europe who have aided in 

 prosecuting this investigation: 



Mons. A. Dessert, Chenonceaux, France. 



Messrs. Barr & Sons, London, England. 



Messrs. Goos & Koenemann, Rheinbau, Germany. 



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