FOR THE HOME BEAUTIFUL 119 



I have called but three by name ; of course there 

 are dozens and dozens of other choice varieties 

 worthy of mention, from which to make selections. 



To see the Peony of today is to love this remark- 

 able flower instantly, to grow them is to quickly 

 become an enthusiast. 



The Peony we have been describing is the herba- 

 ceous type, and in addition, there is also the less 

 commonly known type, the Tree Peony, which is 

 previously mentioned in this chapter as having 

 been so valued by the ancient Chinese as to find an 

 jhonored place in the emperor's gardens. 



Tree Peonies have been noted growing to a 

 height of eight to ten feet, and bearing several 

 hundred exquisite blooms in a single season, but 

 the present day types that we have in this country 

 grow gradually to a height of four to five feet. 

 t Small wonder that heathen Chinee and 'Melican 

 Man find common ground to enthuse over such a 

 flower. 



Blooming several weeks ahead of the earliest of 

 the herbaceous type, care must be taken to pre- 

 vent the buds of the Tree Peony from freezing 

 after they begin to swell. The plants themselves 

 should also be well protected by other shrubbery, 

 or planted close up to and on the sheltered side 

 of a building. 



The flowers of the Tree Peony are large and 

 delicately tinted, and truly they are magnificent. 



