below the surface of the ground, and if they are to be planted 
in a permanent bed give each plant about twelve square feet 
of space. Any good garden soil will do for peonies, but best 
results are obtained in a reasonably heavy clay loam. Do 
not expect good results from plants set in gravel or in shady 
places. When fertilizer is used in connection with planting, 
it should be well incorporated with the soil and should be 
used sparingly, being careful not to let it come in direct com 
tact with the roots, as it is very likely to cause root'rot. It 
might also be well to cover the plants with a mulch of straw 
or leaves to a depth of three or four inches during the 
first winter. 
RATING 
The most constructive and helpful work of the American 
Peony Society has been the publication of the Symposium of 
votes by its members upon the merits of all the varieties in 
general cultivation. A vote of 10 points means that the 
variety is perfect, 9 points nearly perfect, 8 points extra 
good, 7 points good. The figures prefixed to the name of 
each variety that has been voted upon represents the aver' 
age of all the votes on the variety. Where ratings have been 
omitted, the variety either did not receive twenty votes, or no 
vote has been taken. 
It is impossible to describe on the printed page the rare 
beauty that is to be found in the living flower, and we advise 
that when possible, a peony planting be visited. Our own 
planting is always open to visitors during the blooming sea' 
son, which usually comes the second and third week in June, 
and it is not uncommon for us to receive several thousand 
visitors in a single day. Our main planting is now located 
on East Garfield Ave., which is the southern boundary of 
the city, and comprises about ten acres consisting of nearly 
a hundred of the best varieties. 
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