136 
AN EXPOSITION OF THE GENUS PiEONlA. 
buds. On the contrary, a densely shaded aspect is objectionable ; inasmuch as the 
wood in such situations does not properly ripen. No spot then can answer so well 
for them as one facing the east or inclined to south-east. 
3rd. When in flower, and during- the growing- season, they require a good supply 
of water, but by no means should they be allowed to become saturated. When 
grown in pots, it is therefore indispensible to attend properly to drainage. 
4th. Previous to the season of flowering them, which is from March to the 
latter end of May, or even sometimes as late as June, they should be removed to 
the greenhouse, or f ame set apart for this purpose ; when as much air as possible 
should be given them until the flowers begin to expand, at which time they require 
a good deal ;but in windy, cold weather it is necessary to be careful on this point 
lest injury ensue. 
5th. Propagation. Cuttings of the young wood, with a portion of the preced- 
ing year's attached, prepared in August or September, and planted in a sheltered 
situation in light soil, will root freely. Also they may be increased by layering, but 
the readiest way is to strike them from cuttings. 
P. Moutan, with its varieties, are very ornamental, and produce beautiful 
blossoms, on which account they are cultivated to a considerable extent in the 
gardens throughout China and Japan. In its growth it forms a shrub from three to 
ten feet hi^h ; in China it is stated to exceed in height sometimes ten feet, but in 
this country it seldom exceeds half that height. The flowers, which show in the 
spring months, are single, and of a purple colour, generally fragrant. It is a native 
of the North of China, on mount Ho-nan. The leaves consist of a number of oval- 
oblong segments of a greenish-yellow colour underneath ; the number of carpeis is 
five, each covered with dense hairs. 
Var. papaveracea is a nearly white flower, except a purple spot, which 
occupies the base of each petal ; the number of petals are variable, sometimes they 
run from eight to thirteen, and often more, in number. The flower, when well 
opened, is handsome, and with some people much esteemed. The capsules of this 
variety are totally enclosed in the disk. 
Var. humei. The flowers of this variety are double, and have a bunch of long 
petals arising from the middle of the flower of a reddish colour. It is worthy of 
cultivation. 
Var. rosea is a semi-double rose-coloured flower, with leaves having blunted 
segments. 
Var. rosea-plena is a fine double flower of a deep pink colour and nearly jj 
scentless. i! 
Var. BanJcsii. A large and full-blown flower of this and the three following 
varieties we have lately received from Lord Mountnorris's superb collection of 
moutans at Arley Hall ; they were forwarded to us, through his lordship's per- 
mission, by Mr. Hammond, his Lordship's present gardener. No where are these 
plants cultivated more successfully than at the place we have mentioned ; neither has 
any one devoted more time, or exercised more zeal in the improvement of them, than 
his lordship, of which the flowers now before us bear ample proof. The present 
variety is a remarkable fine one ; the flowers are bold and very full of petal ; and 
