The very early blossoms are always the most welcome.  So plant some bulbs, at least twenty-five, of scillas, snowdrops, snowflakes (Leucojum vernum).  These, if left undisturbed, will increase greatly.  The chionodoxas, grape hyacinths and crocuses are all well worth planting, but do not put the latter in the grass as they will not do well there in our climate.

FOR OUR ROSE GROWERS.

Members of the American Rose Society have been raising money to employ a trained plant pathologist to study diseases of roses.  The work has been begun under Dr. L. M. Massey, of the New York State College of Agriculture, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.

By co-operating with Dr. Massey all growers of roses will greatly increase the efficiency of the investigations.  A rose disease survey will first be made.  It is here that all rose growers can help by sending specimens of diseased plants, with a statement regarding varieties affected, nature and extent of the injury, time of appearance of the disease and any other things that have been noticed regarding it.  Information for the control of the disease will be given by Dr. Massey.  The following directions are given to those sending specimens: 

“The material sent should be freshly collected and should show various stages of the development of the disease.  Where roots are sent it will usually be undesirable to enclose any soil.  Where convenient specimens should be mailed so as to reach Ithaca the latter part of the week.  Place leaves, buds, etc., between the leaves of an old newspaper, a few between each two sheets.  Then roll into a tight bundle and wrap in stout paper.  Attach one of the franked tags (which may be had upon request), on which you have written your name and address, and mail.  It will go postage free—­H.H.  Whetzel, Head of the Department of Plant Pathology, New York State College of Agriculture, Cornell University, Ithaca.”

* * * * *

Meeting of Garden Flower Society, St. Paul, Wilder building, 2:30 p.m., October 19.  Topics:  “How I Made My Garden Pay” and “Work of Garden Clubs.”  Reports of seed trials.

[Illustration:  DISTANT VIEW OF A FIELD OF THREE YEAR OLD SEEDLING PEONIES ON THE GROUNDS OF BRAND NURSERY CO., AT FARIBAULT, MINN.]

While it is not the intention to publish anything in this magazine that is misleading or unreliable, yet it must be remembered that the articles published herein recite the experience and opinions of their writers, and this fact must always be noted in estimating their practical value.

THE MINNESOTA HORTICULTURIST

Vol. 44 NOVEMBER, 1916 No. 11

Peonies—­Old and New.

A.M.  BRAND, NURSERYMAN, FARIBAULT.