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stakes were used, which probably had the effect of diminishing the yield of the taller 

 growing varieties. Careful record was taken of the time of blooming, podding ; first 

 picking; last picking; total yield; character; quality of peas and height of vine. These 

 tests will be repeated next year as with other vegetables tested, when it is hoped 

 more complete and accurate imformation can be published. With the experience of 

 the season, the following are among the most reliable : — 



Early. 



LaxtorCs Earliest of All (Yaughan). — Half dwarf ; smooth ; about 2 feet in height, 

 bearing short, thick pods, well filled ; gave the highest yield of the very early kinds ; 

 picked 30th June. \ 



Carter's Lightning (Pearce). — Same season as above; half dwarf; is not a 

 heavy bearer, but gives nearly the whole crop at one picking. 



Dan'l O'Rourke (Henderson). — Tall - growing ; 36 inches and over; one of 

 the earliest of this class ; picked 1st July. 



Philadelphia Extra Early. — Tall-growing ; 36 inches ; smooth. This may be 

 omitted when the last is in cultivation. 



Alaska (Pearce). — An old variety, too well and favourably known to need com- 

 ment ; very productive. 



American Wonder (Henderson). — One of the best dwarf earl^'-wrinkled sorts ; 

 unequalled in its class for home use ; pods very large ; not very productive ; picked 

 3rd July. 



First of All (Henderson). — Half dwarf; smooth ; gave the largest yield of any of 

 the early varieties on trial the past season ; picking beginning 4th July ; pods me- 

 dium size ; well filled. 



Second Early. 



Those giving most satisfactory results of this season were Market Garden, 

 Stratagem, Advancer and Blue Mohawk. 



Among late varieties may be mentioned American Champion, very tall-growing 

 and productive ; Sanders' Marrow, and Sai7's Dwarf Mammoth. 



RADISHES. 



The great number of varieties of this vegetable now offered by the trade is 

 quite puzzling to the amateur grower when selecting his supply of seed for spring 

 planting. Again, the number of duplicates add to the confusion. 



The value of a radish very largely depends : 1. On its earliness ; 2. Its quality, 

 as denoted by juice, crispness, and freedom from pungency ; and 3. The length of 

 time it retains this pleasant crispness. 



Forty-four varieties were tested last season, particular attention being given 

 to the points above noted. 



The presence in great numbers of what is known as the radish maggot, was no 

 doubt due in a large measure to a heavy coat of manure with which the soil was 

 treated, and which was ploughed under previous to sowing. 



Early Varieties, 



Sutton's Rosy Gem (Pearce & Co.) — As noted by Mr. Hilborn in the report of 

 last year, this was again the best early turnip shaped radish of its class, and 

 remained in eating condition longer than any of the early varieties. Owing to the 

 unfavourable weather for rapid growth in spring, vegetables of all kinds were much 

 slower in maturing than is the case generally. This radish was ready for the table 

 38 days after sowing the seed and 4 days ahen.d of any other varietj-. 



Early Fireball (Livingston). — A little later than the above, round ; firm, crisp and 

 tender. 



Long Scarlet Short Top (Yaughan). — Proved to be one of the most satisfactory 

 varieties of this class ; I'eadj' for table in 43 days from sowing seed. 



