PLANTING AND CULTIVATION 



weak and susceptible to disease. A rigid inspec- 

 tion of every peony root before it is planted in 

 one's garden soil is important. 



II. Use great caution in applying manure. 



III. In the fall, remove and bui-n all foliage. 



IV. Do not plant peonies twice in the same 

 soil. 



Rose-bugs and Ants 

 In this country the only insect enemy of the 

 peony that has come to my knowledge is the rose- 

 bug or rose-chafer. Sandy soil is the usual 

 breeding place of this energetic pest. Clay soil, 

 unless in the vicinity of sandy soil, is seldom in- 

 fested. As early as 1810, the pernicious activi- 

 ties of the rose-bug caused anxiety to gardeners : 

 in recent years it has become more and more com- 

 prehensive in its tastes until now its diet includes 

 not only roses, but many other garden plants, par- 

 ticularly those bearing white flowers. Rose-bugs 

 take an especial gustatorial delight in the grape, 

 but in seasons when they are numerous they de- 

 vote their energies with striking impartiality to 

 other fruits, to vegetables, and to field crops, such 

 as corn and wheat. The rose-bug is now such a 

 menace that it has become the subject of inves- 



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