LIBRARY. 



Didsion of KorticuKure, 



N. 0. Dep't of Agnoi^lture. 



CHAPTEK XVI. 



THE PAEONY. 



This flower is the highest triumph of floriculture. It 

 is the hardiest and has the widest adaptation of alL 

 It flourishes north and south, east and west, and thrives 

 up to the Artie circle. 



Many varieties have the fragrance of the rose, often 

 surpassing it in form and loveliness. Some have the 

 odor of the pond lily, others the perfume of the helio- 

 trope, and some are cinnamon scented. With a proper 

 selection of early and late varieties they continue in 

 bloom from six to eight weeks. 



In handling them they are so hardy that losses can 

 seldom occur, and invariably you plant a success in- 

 stead of a failure. They multiply rapidly instead of 

 growing less and less and going out entirely as is the 

 case with many valuable plants. They are seldom 

 troubled with disease, and they do not suffer' from in- 

 sect pests such as often destroy the rose. 



They are both patrician and plebeian in character. 

 They will grow and bloom as well in the gardens 

 of the poor as in costly estates of the rich. They are 

 the joy of the poor girl as well as the lady of fashion. 

 Their cheerful faces are an antidote for the blues. 



