

TREE PEONIES. 



By Marshall P. Wilder, President of the American Pomological Society. 



The Tree or Shrubby Pteony (^Pceonia arborea) has, Hke the pear 

 and camelha, been, for many years, one of my special pets. When I 

 commenced forming my collection, forty years ago, there were but 

 few varieties recognized in our catalogues except those originated in 

 China, where this species is indigenous, and is known as the ]\Ioutan. 

 With this plant, as with almost every other, hybridization had scarcely 

 given an intimation of its capabilities in the production of new varieties. 

 Since then many new and beautiful varieties have been produced in 

 Europe as well as in this country. 



What was then supposed to be impossible, — the production of other 

 colors than the white with lilac tinge, of the original Moutan, or slight 

 variations from it, — has been accomplished, and n6w we have numer- 

 ous varieties produced by hybridization, embracing self-colored flowers, 

 in all the gorgeous shades of rose, crimson, and even the royal purple. 

 Many varieties have been originated by the French, Belgian, German, 

 and English cultivators. In our own country some very fine varieties 

 have been jDroduced by Dr. Kirtland, of Cleveland, Professor Jackson, 

 of Schenectady, and other amateurs. To those who are acquainted 



