HISTORY OF THE PA20NY PLANT IN CHINA AND JAPAN. 
85 
the way of masses of one peculiar form or colour. Where the sorts thus chosen are ever- 
greens, the effects are more manifest. A group of Scotch Firs on the summit of a low hill 
or swell, is, when they are old enough to have acquired all their picturesqueness, a splendid 
object ; and a mass of Larch or Spruce, also, with their spiry tops, may sometimes, in similar 
positions, be exceedingly effective. The use of the Lombardy Poplar for such purposes, in 
plantations, will be more familiar. But round-headed trees, such as Beech and Lime, and 
the elegant feathery forms of the weeping Birch, will, when planted in masses by them- 
selves, blend into the most exquisite combinations, and curve gracefully down at the 
points, so as to produce a charming softness of outline. Oaks, too, especially when they 
become aged, form the most picturesque groups ; and Cedars and Yews, if placed on the 
slope of a hill, so that their dark foliage is backed by broken ground, or grass, have a very 
noble appearance in masses. 
With respect to the sky outline of plantations, there is one aspect in which it still 
remains to be considered, and this is of peculiar interest. Any one accustomed to watch 
the effects of a fading twilight and setting sun on whatever objects come between the 
spectator and the west, or, in short, whatever forms the spectator’s western horizon, must 
have noticed that even the most ordinary beauty of outline is converted by this tender 
light into something quite exquisite, while a highly beautiful and picturesque arrangement 
is rendered really enchanting. 
To take advantage of this circumstance, and throw the various forms of plantation 
which occur on the western horizon of an estate, as viewed from the house, into the most 
varied and pleasing assemblages possible, so that the softest undulation of outline may 
prevail throughout, should be one of the principal aims of the planter or improver. 
Nor must the effect of the shadows which these trees and groups throw when the 
sun is nearing the western horizon, be at all neglected. By having the front as well 
as the surface line of the masses gently broken, with occasional single specimens standing 
forward, the finest variations of shadow may be obtained ; and, to a mind which revels in 
natural beauties, the gradual extension of this beautiful line of shadows, as twilight 
advances, will he a subject of frequent and delightful contemplation. 
A consideration of the treatment of an old estate, where the plantations actually exist, 
may possibly form the subject of another paper; the arrangement of young plantations, 
with a view to future effects, having engrossed all the space at present allotted to 
this topic. 
NOTES RELATING TO THE HISTORY, DISTRIBUTION, AND CULTIVA- 
TION OF THE PAEONY IN CHINA AND JAPAN. 
Translated from Original Chinese Works, into Dutch , by D. /. Hoffman, of Leyden; and again translated from 
the Dutch , by Mr. Polman Mooy } of Haarlem. 
[John Dickson has much pleasure in laying before the readers of “ The Magazine of 
Gardening and Botany,” the following interesting particulars on the cultivation of the 
Pseony, placed at his command by the kindness of his talented and respected friend, 
Mr. Polman Mooy, of Haarlem.] 
HISTORY AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE P^ONY IN CHINA. 
The Chinese distinguish the common Pseony from the improved sorts, and grow both, the 
common one for the use of the roots, which are considered to contain powerful medicinal 
properties ; the latter for the charming beauty of their flowers. 
The common sort is known in China by the name of Sho yo ,* and the improved sorts 
by the name of Mow tan\ or Mull tdn.\ 
