AN APPRECIATION OF THE PEONY 



Humei, Whitleyi, etc. ; those of P. officinalis embrace 

 albicans, anemoniflora, sabini, etc. The garden varie- 

 ties of modern times are, however, still more beautiful, 

 the flowers being in many instances delicately tinted 

 with more than one color, such as buff with bronzy 

 centre, carmine with yellowish centre, rose with orange 

 centre, white tinted with rose, etc. 



" The moutans, or tree paeonies, are remarkable for 

 their sub-shrubby habit, forming vigorous plants some- 

 times attaining a height of 6 to 8 ft., and producing in 

 May, magnificent flowers which vary in color from white 

 to lilac, purple magenta, violet and rose. . . ." 



Even had one never seen the flower, such fer- 

 vour from a mere encyclopaedia would awaken in- 

 stant interest. 



For those who as yet know the peony only 

 in a general way, I will set out in orderly array 

 no less than seven distinct and excellent reasons 

 for considering the peony the best of all 

 perennials : 



1. The sightly appearance of its blooms 



The elegance of the flower, its different forms, the 

 satiny texture of the petals and the numerous tints 

 and shades of white, pink and red make its fair- 

 ness a never-ending joy. 



In many kinds there is also found fragrance equal 

 to that of the rose, 



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