THE PEONY 77 



clumps fifteen to twenty years of age continue to thrive. As a 

 general rule, however, eight years is about the limit. 



When the clumps begin to show the necessity for replanting, it 

 is best to start again at the beginning with small divisions of clean, 

 smooth roots with three or four ej^es, forcing the plant to begin 

 again, and form an entirely new root system. Divisions con- 

 sisting of large chunks of old crowns simply lie inactive in the ground 

 and sometimes decay entirely. It is a common mistake to purchase 

 old, heavy clumps, with the expectation of getting immediate 

 effect and better results. For the first year probably one may, 

 but never thereafter. 



Time to Plant. 



Any time in the year when the ground is not frozen, Peonies 

 may be moved successfully, except from the time the buds begin 

 to form until the foliage is matured and the new roots complete 

 their growth, about the middle of August. The very best time is 

 in September and early October. The growth then is fully com- 

 pleted, and the roots in a dormant state. Planted then, the new 

 feeding roots soon begin to form, and strong roots almost invariably 

 bloom the following June. November and December planting 

 is perfectly safe, but bloom must not be expected the first year, 

 and early spring is as good a time to plant as very late fall. If one 

 cannot plant in September or October, it becomes merely a matter 

 of convenience whether to plant in fall or spring. 



Diseases. 



The Peony has always been considered singularly free from 

 diseases or insect pests, and to all intents and purposes, so far as 

 the amateur is concerned, this is still true. There are two troubles, 

 however, which within the last few years have given rise to a great 

 deal of discussion, most of whicli I believe has been misleading, 

 and since scientists at a number of experiment stations where 

 investigations have been undertaken, do not fully agree upon the 

 nature or the cause of the trouble, and do not suggest a remedy, 



