THE BOOK OF THE PEONY 



A recent device designed to protect individual 

 blooms from sun and rain is ingenious and prac- 

 tical. It consists of a cone-shaped cover about 

 seven inches broad at the base, made of oiled or 

 waxed linen, attached to a metal rod and adjust- 

 able to the height of the peony over which it 

 is placed. 



Diseases 



Compared with other garden plants, the peony 

 has a wonderful constitution and seems to lead a 

 charmed life. It is not, however, entirely free 

 from disease. Instead of with alarm, the earnest 

 gardener will read with interest and profit the 

 lecture on Diseases of the Peony, delivered by 

 Professor H. H. Whetzel, of Cornell Univer- 

 sity, before the Massachusetts Horticultural So- 

 ciety. I have reprinted this as an appendix. 

 Professor Whetzel makes several valuable sug- 

 gestions as to the control of some of the diseases 

 of the peony. 



As preventive measures are also advisable, I 

 tabulate briefly a few points which the beginner 

 may find of assistance. 



I. In purchasing, be careful in making a selec- 

 tion. Some varieties, although beautiful, are 



169 



