THE BOOK OF THE PEONY 



Successful purchasing of peonies, as of most 

 things, resolves itself into three factors — knowing 

 quality and prices, knowing where to get the best 

 and knowing what one wants. In other words, 

 the buyer of peonies who desires the satisfaction 

 of feeling that he has used good judgment, must 

 study (1) the difference between good and bad 

 stock; (2) the individuals and firms in the peony 

 business and what they offer, and (3) his own 

 taste and requirements. 



Catalogues 

 While it is often enthralling and always en- 

 lightening to secure catalogues from a number 

 of growers and dealers and to compare the lists, 

 both of varieties and prices, it must be remem- 

 bered that the beauty of the printed matter does 

 not always necessarily correspond with the qual- 

 ity of the plants offered. Advertising is a branch 

 of any business which is artistically or carelessly 

 done, as its importance is or is not recognised by 

 the advertiser. But neither the beauty nor the 

 simplicity of the printed matter affects the vary- 

 ing margin between euphemism and accuracy. 

 The general reputation for integrity of the 



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