PURCHASING 



The number of peonies required should receive 

 careful attention from the novice. For one's first 

 purchase, the smallest number with which one can 

 possibly manage to exist is best. Make haste 

 slowly in collecting: it is likely to be less expen- 

 sive and it is a good deal more amusing. Two or 

 three years' experience will bless one with an 

 amazing amount of wisdom, and there will prob- 

 ably be a warm feeling of self-gratulation later 

 at the restraint exercised. 



As orders are filed and filled in the sequence 

 in which they are received at the nursery, the 

 earlier the order is completed and sent the better. 

 When the order is forwarded it is well to ask 

 whether the varieties specified can be furnished 

 in the quantities and ages desired. If some vari- 

 eties cannot be supplied, the plan of planting 

 may be rearranged or the order for them placed 

 elsewhere. State in the order the date on which 

 shipment is to go forward, and request a notice of 

 the shipment before it is dispatched, so that ar- 

 rangements can be made for being at home at the 

 time of planting : even the most trusted gardeners 

 sometimes make mistakes. If one cares at all for 

 peonies their arrival, unpacking and planting will 

 be both a rite and a festival. 



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