HABDY HERBACEOUS FLOWERS. 301 



dividing the root, taking care to have a bud upon each piece. A 

 piece of root "without a hud mil remain many years in the soil 

 seemingly alive, but we have never knovni one to throw up a 

 shoot. They thrive best if the roots are divided in September 

 and planted out in the border, but they are tenacious of life, 

 and can be transplanted in the spring or faU, though when 

 transplanted at these times they will not usually blossom well 

 the next year. There are many varieties of herbaceous Peonias, 

 and more names in our nurserymen's catalogues than distinct 

 varieties, the distinction being in many cases without any impor- 

 tant difference. Having flowered or seen in flower some hundred 

 different names, we select from them the following as being the 

 most distinct and worthy of cultivation, and they are truly a 

 most superb collection of most showy flowers. Those who have 

 seen only the old crimson P. Officinalis, have usually formed 

 the opinion that the scent of the flowers is unpleasant, but the 

 perfume of these is sweet, in many instances resembling that of 

 the Eose. 



Festiva Maxima. — This is a favorite variety, on account of 

 the size, purity, and beauty of its flowers. They are very large 

 and full, of the purest white, vrith occasional streaks of carmine, 

 which serve to relieve the sameness and heighten the snowy 

 whiteness of the flower. 



Queen Caroline. — A worthy companion to the preceding, per- 

 fect in form, very large and double, in color a rich deep rose, 

 truly a perfect beauty. 



Whitleji. — Is a white flower with light cream-colored centre, 

 very large and double, changing to pure white when open for 

 a time. 



Humei. — A large, showy, very double flower, of a purplish- 

 rose color, continuing in bloom later than most of the other sorts. 



Delaeliii. — Is a very dark purphsh crimson, much resembling 

 Potsii, but more double, and on that account to be preferred. 



Queen Victoria. — A very large, showy flower; the outer 

 petals are of a clear rose color, the inner petals nearly white, 

 slightly tinted with pink. 



