>HE object of this list is simply to give a list of varieties from 
which to sell roots. It is plain on purpose to be reason- 
able in price. To spend $300.00 for a list and $100.00 for 
mailing would have to come out of the buyer. I prefer 
to put it into the roots. This I do ; giving strong roots 
at a fair price. A full page advertisement and a glowing catalogue is 
no insurance that the roots will be good or true to name. I 
do not believe in overpraising, or in rewriting descriptions in 
such terms as to catch customers. Plain descriptions and good roots 
shipped true to name, is better. To do this I attend to this business myself. 
It has never been entrusted to help. For over ten years I have given my 
individual attention to studying and growing Paeonies. I have maintained 
a trial ground at my own expense, and bought from first hands every known 
good Paeony which I could learn about. The best in the world can be found 
here. I believe there is not another place in America where so many fine 
varieties can be found, or where one can get them with such certainty of 
their being just what they buy. 
I do not sell small nursery roots. They do not give satisfaction. I 
have often shipped a bill of Paeonies and been informed the next year that 
every one bloomed, or that all bloomed but one. I do not say that they all 
will, but a good part of them will. 
Set them out well — it will be time well spent to do this the best possible. 
Use old manure — one year old anyway. Give the plants each spring after 
they come up some bone meal and some fertilizer — strong in potash — working 
them both in around the roots. Set the eyes three to four inches below the 
surface. The flowers are not as perfect the first year or two as they will be 
after the plants are well established. 
I do not believe in heralding the letters of recommendation which I have 
received. I could fill pages with them if I choose. My garden three years 
ago, received the first premium from the Massachusetts Horticultural So- 
ciety, and as an additional appreciation the Committee gave me a Silver 
Medal. For 1910 my flowers were only shown at this same Society’s Exhi- 
bition for pleasure, but the Committee wished to make some recognition of 
my exhibit, and they gave me another Silver Medal. 
In June, 1911, this society honored me with their Gold Medal. No higher 
honor can be received in America. 
The season for shipping begins September 1st and lasts until freezing. 
Better set in September if your ground is ready. 
