JUNE. 



97 



M. Can anything equal the splendor of 

 this Paeony ? 



H. No class of flowers has attracted more 

 attention of late, than this in Europe and 

 America. Many superb varieties have been 

 introduced from China, which throw this, 

 beautiful as it is, quite in the back ground. 

 The species you hold in your hand, was in- 

 troduced into Antwerp a little more than two 

 hundred years ago, and then sold for an enor- 

 mous price. 



M. It is common now in every garden, 

 and justly considered worthy of the highest 

 place. Nothing can exceed the richness of 

 its crimson petals, and if other kinds are supe- 

 rior to this, I should like to have them. 



H. There are as many as fifty different 

 species and varieties ; some a pure white, 

 blush, and shades of red and purple ; but the 

 price of them is so high, that we must content 

 ourselves without them. 



