88 MY SHRUBS 
peat bed. It arrived only last autumn, and seems contented and 
full of growth. 
Peonia cannot be enlarged upon here, but I find that Pzon, the 
physician, is said to have given the precious plant its name, and 
the word is used by Theophrastus for the family. The countless 
varieties of P. Moutan, from China and Japan, are gorgeous addi- 
tions to any garden where they thrive. I have a few good pieces 
that came directly from the East, but here the bud is developed 
so early that the plants need close attention if frost is in the air. 
They make magnificent specimens in favoured gardens, and I have 
seen the old P. Moutan with a hundred immense blossoms displayed 
on one plant. A good mulch of well-rotted cow manure in autumn 
is very desirable, and plenty of water through the summer. The 
choice varieties are generally struck on common stocks, and when 
vigorous points thrust up round your plants they should receive 
a cold welcome and be removed well below the soil. P. lutea is a 
rare Chinese shrubby pzony, which failed with me, but must be 
attempted again. 
Paliurus aculeatus, the Christ Thorn, has a pale yellow inflo- 
rescence in July. This deciduous Mediterranean shrub is only of 
botanical interest. It shares, in common with many other prickly 
plants, the legend that from its branches was woven the Christian 
Saviour’s crown of thorns. 
Panax is near Aralia. 1 have an infant plant of P. Murrayi, 
a deciduous species from Queensland. It grows steadily, but 
slowly. 
Parrotia persica is a stately little tree, whose autumn colours 
of purple, scarlet, and gold are really magnificent. This admirable 
plant is hardy, and thrives anywhere in full sunshine. The 
