1.  Only one book can be taken at a time.

2.  Books with a star (*) before the title, as found in the published library list, are reference books and not to be taken from the library.

3.  In ordering books give besides the name also the case and book numbers, to be found in the same line as the title.

4.  Books will be sent by parcel post when requested.

5.  When taking out, or sending for a book, a charge of ten cents is made to cover expense of recording, transmission, etc.

6.  Books are mailed to members only in Minnesota and states immediately adjoining.  When sent to points outside the state a charge of fifteen cents is made.

7.  A book can be kept two weeks:  If kept longer a charge of two cents per day will be made.

8.  The library list, to December 1, 1915, is published in the 1915 annual volume of the society.  Additions to this list will be published year by year in the succeeding annual volumes.

GARDEN HELPS

Conducted by Minnesota Garden Flower Society

Edited by MRS. E. W. GOULD, 2644 Humboldt Avenue So. 
Minneapolis.

Mr. H. H. Whetzel, of the plant disease survey, U.S.  Department of Agriculture, stationed at Cornell University, where the American Peony Society has its test grounds, has made a study of the stem-rot disease of the peony and has set forth the results in an address before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, from which the following has been culled: 

“The botrytis blight is by far the most common and destructive disease of the peony so far as known at present.  This disease is frequently epidemic, especially during wet springs.  It occurs wherever peonies are grown, apparently the world over.

“This disease usually makes its appearance early in the spring when the stalks are coming up.  Shoots will suddenly wilt and fall.  Examination will show they have rotted at the base or just below the surface of the ground.  The rotted portion will soon become covered with a brown coat of spores—­much like felt.  Generally it is the young stalks that are affected, though sometimes stalks with buds just opening will suddenly wilt and fall.  It is thought the spores are carried through the winter on the old stubble, after the tops have been cut off.  They are in the best position to give rise to a new crop of spores in the spring, and the new shoots become infected as they appear.

“To eradicate this disease the old stubble should be carefully removed in the fall or early spring by removing first the soil from the crown so as not to injure the buds, and cutting off the old stalks.  These should be burned and the soil replaced with clean soil or preferably sand.  Whenever a shoot shows sign of the disease it should be cut off and burned.  The buds must also be watched and any that begin to turn brown or black and die must also be cut off and burned, as spores will be found upon them, and these will be spread by the wind and insects.  Spotted leaves should also be picked off.  In wet seasons the peonies should be closely watched.  For the small garden, with comparatively few clumps of peonies, this treatment will be entirely practical and effective.”