From the front come indignant letters telling of this outrageous 
condition, but suggesting that much can be done to repair what seems 
hopelessly ruined. Already the trees are being "reconstructed" by 
grafting. Those that are girdled are having grafts inserted above 
and below the barked space. Those that are cut down close to the 
ground are being "crown-grafted," which means that a series of 
grafts are inserted around the trunk at regular intervals. Espaliers 
are also being restored and trees that are not quite sawed through are 
being fastened back onto their trunks with cement, copper wire and 
"mastique." 
In the opinion of French horticulturists, most of the fruit trees 
less than forty years old have every chance of life and the older trees 
that are not cut too close to the ground, are expected to make new 
heads from the shoots they will put out. Fortunately France has 
grafting material and the energy, optimism and ability to carry 
through such an experiment. The very late spring increased the 
possibility of success. 
May another and a peaceful victory be celebrated in those scarred 
fields. K. L. B. 
Book Reviews 
The Book of the Peony; Mrs. Edward Harding. J. B. Lippin- 
cott and Co. Price S6.oo. 
Mrs. Harding is a sort of Ferrero of the Peony — she makes even 
its history delightful! But if this pleases, what shall be said of the 
body of the book? From its opening words concerning the flower 
"too little known and too seldom sung" there is not one dull word. 
In fact, negative criticism is altogether out of place; the book is so 
positively fine and valuable. Better yet, it holds a certain radiance 
of enjoyment of Peonies which is certain to prove infectious. The 
author dips her pen into a well of rare knowledge, and felicity and 
charm of writing; in even the tabulated lists of Peonies one- feels 
enthusiasm for her chosen flower; and at moments, as on page 138, 
there are word-pictures as lovely as any that may be read in the whole 
world of garden literature. My advice is to all who love the Peony — 
do not miss this book. One cannot go into details — but the plates 
in color merit the abused word, superb; the list, "Details of Types," 
is a wonderful aid to knowledge of the flower; and all description is 
so clear and true as to make the book unrivalled among its kind. 
For myself, I already look forward to June, when with this noble 
guide-book in my hand, I plan to stand before my own sixty odd plants, 
