June 2, 1920.] 



Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W, 



397 



Trials with Peas* 



B. C. MEEK, Assistant Inspector of Agriculture. 



A SERIES of tests with peas was carried out on the farm of Mr. W. P. Scarr, 

 Springside, in the Orange district. Considerable interest was displayed 

 by members of the Springside branch of the Agricultural Bureau and other 

 local farmers, and several visitors from other parts of the district also 

 inspected the plots. 



While it is not advisable to rely too much on the results of one season, in 

 this case the yields are so marked that considerable benefit should be gained 

 by a study of the figures' given. 



The soil was a grey loam, one which generally gives good results from the 

 application of fertilisers. It was fallowed over winter and worked up with 

 cultivator and harrow to a good tilth. The seed was sown along the plough 

 furrows by hand at the rate of 1| bushels per acre, this method being better 

 than drilling on account of the support the plants give one anothei' as they 

 spread across the furrows. "When in a straight line, a strong wind will blow 

 the whole row over to one side. As ploughed in, the rows were 2 feet 6 inches 

 apart. 



The rainfall was as follows : — November, 20 points ) December, i'3% points ; 

 January, 1 35 points ; total, 589 points. 



The results are given in this table. 

 Variety Test. 



The varieties were manured with 2 cwt. per acr^ of P7 (bonedust and super- 

 phosphate in equal parts), sown in the furrows by hand. 



The three later maturing varieties had the worst of the weather, as there 

 was no rainfall after 4th January. Nottingham Defiance showed up well 

 nevertheless. 



On account of its quick maturity, Hundredfold should be especially good 

 for garden purposes. 



