THE DOUBLE P^^OXY. t9 



and multiplies it by cutting it up. Thereupon the plant 

 begins tu change its haljits, and, in the course of a few 

 geuerationSj it ceases to produce seed. A very different 

 order of argument is possible, however, and will occur to 

 the reader. The variati(_>ns that obtain so much attention 

 are, let us say, strictly according t(j the course of nature, 

 but when Ihey fail to obtain the notice of man they 

 pass away, or a quite small proportion survive, and become 

 established. But man exerts his skill to keep them, and 

 thus it is that plants with double Hcjwers and variegated 

 leaves abound in gardens. From this point of view we 

 have ail illustration of the origin of varieties by selection, 

 and it is suggested to us that were man obliterated, a very 

 considerable proportion of the varieties he has cherished 

 would pass away, leaving no permanent mark whatever on 

 the species they represent. 



The splendour of the peonies is well known, but we 

 do not often see collections in gardens. The brief duration 

 of their flowers perhaps accounts Un- this ; but while they 

 last they arc so beautiful that the amateur desirous of 

 doing full justice to the finest of our hardy garden flowers 

 would find them worthy of special attention. The plant 

 before us will grow anywhere, in sun or shade, and in any 

 kiud of soil. We have had it scattered amongst the rough 

 herbage on the banks of the stream with daffodils and 

 other flowers of bold growth, and the crimson flowers pre- 

 sented a glorious appearance in the month of June. 



But a good collection could not be grown in this rough 

 way. It would be necessary to ]jrovide for them a bed of 

 sufficient length, and four and a half feet wide, this width 

 being convenient for the necessary work of weeding and 

 tying-up, the flowers needing a little support to insure 



