THE BOOK OF THE PEONY 



eral nurseries, and comparisons of their quality 

 carefullj^ made. In Chapter VIII on Propaga- 

 tion and in Appendix B, will be found pictures 

 and descriptions of both healthy and sick roots, 

 which will be of assistance in forming a judgment 

 on the quality and condition of stock. 



Having decided where the roots are to be 

 bought, the next step in purchasing is to deter- 

 mine for what use the peonies are wanted. If 

 they are to be planted for landscape effects the 

 best for the purpose are the varieties in white, 

 strong pink and red, which colours have the ad- 

 vantage of fading less in the sun. If the peonies 

 are for the garden, varieties in any colours may 

 be chosen. If the flowers are to be used largely 

 for cutting, those that are best suited for that 

 purpose should be selected. For planting in 

 mixed borders the colours of the other perennials 

 in bloom at the same time should be remembered. 

 Edulis superba — pink — and scarlet Oriental pop- 

 pies make a clash which can be heard for miles! 

 All these considerations enable one to make a 

 choice not to be regi'etted or reversed, a procedure 

 which is usually disturbing to one's mind and 

 purse as well as to the peonies themselves. 



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