1906] ADDRESS. 67 



Eighteen inches of soil is none too much. An abundance of 

 dressing should be deeply worked in before planting. If they 

 are grown for propagation, a lighter soil is recommended, but 

 where they are to remain and simply produce flowers, a little 

 heavier soil is required. Some gardeners recommend excavat- 

 ing the entire bed, and after the drainage has been cared for 

 placing six inches of barnyard manure on the bottom, and filling 

 up 12 to 18 inches with rich loam, while others only dig out a 

 hole two feet in diameter and treat in a similar manner. 



The p^eony will grow almost anywhere but will respond to 

 liberal treatment. Fall is considered the best time to plant, but 

 early in the spring will produce good results. It must be borne 

 in mind that nothing ought to be expected the first year, for that 

 should be devoted to root growth. Often when planted in the 

 spring they do not make any top growth, and so we are sur- 

 prised on examination to find a vigorous set of eyes under the 

 surface all ready for the following season. There is a differ- 

 ence of opinion concernmg the time a pseony should be left 

 undisturbed, some recommend eight to eleven years, while 

 others say twenty. 



In separating the roots they are apt to break, being so brit- 

 tle, but if they are left in the shade for a few hours and wilt, 

 they can then be readily divided, after which they can regain 

 their original plumpness by being placed in damp moss. In case 

 you are dividing rare varieties, do not throw away the broken 

 roots, for many times these, if planted, will form eyes and in 

 time make plants. 



Where the grounds will admit, paeonies should be planted 

 three feet or more apart, with their crowns three inches below 

 the surface. Fine manure worked into the ground about the 

 plant in the spring is desirable. In the fall a heavy mulching 

 of manure four or five inches, should be placed over the crown. 



Pceonies are now quite extensively grown for the use of cut 

 flowers. As cut flowers they should be cut early in the day, 

 and immediately placed in a jar deep enough so that the flowers 

 will almost touch the water, and after a few hours they can be 

 arranged in a vase in the usual manner. The flowers of the 



