172 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



coloring. This section is more difficult to manage as a 

 house plant than the common Geranium, needing more di- 

 rect light to keep it stocky, and being troubled by insects. 

 Still, all the trouble taken to grow them will be well repaid 

 by the handsome blossoms. Take cuttings in late spring, 

 after flowering, and blooming plants may be had the fol- 

 lowing year. Good results are sometimes secured by keep- 

 ing these plants two or three years. Cut back after each 

 blooming season. 



For house culture the Geraniums need a rich, fibrous 

 loam, with the addition of a little sand; good drainage is 

 also an essential. 



Peony. The herbaceous Peony has long had 

 a place in the garden, and is now in general use as an early 

 flowering plant. It is perfectly hardy, and free from the 

 many diseases and insects that attack so many fine plants. 

 The single and semi -double varieties are very fine, the 

 flowers becoming large as the plant becomes well estab- 

 lished. The herbaceous section is readily increased by divis- 

 ion. The tree Peonies are increased by grafting. They grow 

 in some cases to the height of 3 or more feet, and are covered 



with large, very double flowers of rich colors. 



Height 2 to 3 feet. 



Peppers are tender while young, although 

 they will endure a heavy frost in the fall. Their 

 culture is that recommended for eggplants. A small 

 seedsman's packet of seed will be sufficient for a large 

 number of plants, say two hundred. The large Bell 

 Peppers are the mildest, and are used for making 

 "stuffed Peppers" and other dishes. The small, hot 

 Peppers are used for seasoning and sauces. 



Petunia. The improvement made in the size 

 and markings of the Petunia has been marked of late. Now 

 almost every shade of color may be found, aside from yellow. 

 A bed of Petunias makes a mass of color equaled by few other 



