Shaylor's Dream, costing fifty dollars, seems expensive when one 
knows that it is almost a single. It is a charming bloom when it first 
opens, but as the flower gets older the extremely reflexed petals cause 
it to lose much of its beauty. 
Mrs. C. S. Minot — a Peony which has recently appeared in a com- 
mercial list — is "rare" in more than one sense. The plant is rather 
dwarf, but a strong wholesome grower. I have had this variety in 
my garden for some time, and before I had it I knew it in a friend's 
collection. The flowers are large and the colouring is fine. The 
guard petals are a soft pink — rather a mauve pink — and melt into a 
good full center of deep cream. The petals are large throughout. 
The exquisite tinting, fine form, and the quality of lasting well make 
this Peony a most lovely cut flower. 
Among the Peonies a little older but not yet commonly known are 
two French varieties of especial charm: Suzette and Souvenir de 
Louis Bigot. 
Suzette has a briUiant colouring and a striking individuahty of 
form. It makes one think of some of the water lilies with sharp 
pointed petals — for example Nymphaea Xanzibariensis. It has 
such an expression of liveliness and energy that upon seeing it one 
smiles involuntarily. 
Somenir de Louis Bigot is of a colour which almost rivals the pink 
of Walter Faxon. Rare in colouring, lovely in form, and of good 
habit, this Peony and Suzette are among my treasures of distinction. 
Here, then, are a few of present interest. There are many others 
which are still, so to speak, on the "test block." Of some my opinion 
is not final, some I do not want at all, some I am watching with 
interest. Out of the number, several will eventually be judged fit to 
hold their place beside the finest French ones which have set so high a 
standard. 
It is unfortunate that the amateur must so often buy and try out 
these expensive varieties, unaided. Naturally the originators want to 
sell, and at as high a price as possible. From them we shall not hear of 
defects. But it seems neglectful of the amateur's interests for the 
American Peony Society to have decided that "all new varieties must 
be judged on the exhibition table, as it was not deemed practical to 
follow up their various traits in the field."* 
It is very clear that unless awards on such a basis at shows can be 
supplemented by reliable outside information as to the "various 
traits in the field," the collector is not fairly equipped to make a wise 
selection. And so — Caveat Emptor! 
•Extract from account of business session at Annual meeting of A. P. S. at Reading, igzo. 
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