Notes and Gleanings. 239 



Culture of the Tree-P^ony and its Varieties. — Tree-pcconies are 

 among the most beautiful of hardy shrubs, and are great ornaments to tlie 

 flower-garden when in bloom during the month of May. They are not, how- 

 ever, grown so generally as their very great merits entitle them to be. The 

 reason is, that many persons think they are not sufficiently hardy to endure our 

 severe winters. A strong, rich soil, with plenty of moisture during the growing 

 season, has generally been recommended as best adapted for them. They will 

 grow very well in such a soil ; but if the subsoil be of a retentive nature, and 

 the situation low and confined, the young wood and buds will not get properly 

 matured in unfavorable summers, and they will, in consequence, suffer more or 

 less should severe winters follow. 



The tree-pceony and its varieties will succeed well in the open border with- 

 out any protection whatever, and without any particular preparation of the soil, 

 if only the subsoil be dry. The best time for planting them is towards the end 

 of October or beginning of November, or, indeed, in early spring, before the 

 buds break ; but, with care, they may be removed at any time, except, perhaps, 

 while in flower. With a little management, they force well, and are very useful 

 for decorating the conservatory in spring. 



They are increased by cuttings taken off in August, or in the early part of 

 September, with part of the wood of the preceding year attached, and planted 

 in a sheltered situation where they will root freely. They may also be increased 

 from single eyes, like vines ; also by layering, and by dividing the old plants. 



If the tree-pcEony were a new plant, how much would be thought of it ! and 

 how eagerly would it be sought after ! But, because it is an old plant, it is 

 neglected. 



Fish-Guano. — Among the many special manures that are offered for sale 

 at certain seasons of the year is the article of fish-guano, or, more properly, 

 ground-fish. The oil has been expressed from the fish, leaving the residue 

 quite dry, and easy to manage. It should either be composted with loam or 

 muck, and allowed to remain for a time ; or it should be mixed with water, and 

 used as a liquid manure. When applied in its raw state, it burns every thing 

 that it touches : even grass will not stand the heat. It usually costs about 

 eighteen or twenty dollars a ton, in barrels, delivered in the cities. At such a 

 price, we think it a good thing to purchase for grass-land and for some other 

 purposes. 



Iron for Pear-Trees. — Some years ago, there was quite a rage for putting 

 old iron, in some form or other, about pear-trees. Some used iron filings quite 

 plentifully, much to their disappointment. Of late, however, we have heard but 

 little about this iron business ; and we conclude that the advocates of this theory 

 have found, that, in practice, it was of no value. It is very much like the notion 

 of driving nails into the trunks of peach-trees to prevent the disease known as 

 the yellows. Can anybody give any facts in favor of the use of iron for pear or 

 other trees ? 



