THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. Ill 



the different varieties of Peas, that people are sometimes disap- 

 pointed ill the time thej should come into bearing ; for, by following 

 the usual course of sowing at stated times — say every three weeks 

 — they find, when different varieties are grown, that there is a blank 

 in the order of coming into use. It is therefore necessary to study 

 the different characters of the sorts, to avoid these mishaps. Those 

 who prefer those kinds of shorter growth may choose Sishojy's Long 

 Pod, Advancer, Bicksoii's Favourite, and Bellami/s Green Marrow. 

 These last four may be sown as soon as the previous crop is about 

 two inches above ground, and then they will come in succession ; 

 but it is not advisable to sow later than the end of June. All tall- 

 growing Peas, such as the Champion of Enghmd and British Queen, 

 should be sown ten to twelve feet apart from row to row, and the 

 space between occupied with some other summer crop. But the 

 dwarf-growing ones, such as are here named, may be grown six feet 

 apart. To sow them at a less distance is to seriously shut out the 

 influence of sun and air, when they attain their usual height, and 

 the consequence is a poor crop. 



To grow late crops of Peas successfully, there should be a special 

 preparation, similar to the way that trenches are prepared for 

 celery. Pirst, dig out a trench, and place the soil on one side. 

 Put into the trench about four inches of rotten dung, and fork it up 

 well with the soil in the bottom of the trench. Then fill in the 

 trench again, and sow the Peas. This process gives a trifle more 

 labour than the old plan, but it is infinitely superior to it, as Peas 

 so treated are not so much subject to mildew as when sown in the 

 ordinary way. 



It is always desirable to earth Peas as soon as they are a couple 

 of inches above ground, as it prevents the wind from rocking them 

 to and fro, as well as assists the formation of new roots on the 

 surface. This is especially desirable in early Peas, as then the roots 

 are induced to work upwards where the soil is warmest, although at 

 the same time they require a generous open under-surface, so that 

 they may work vigorously both ways. 



"While on the subject of Peas, I cannot help saying that very 

 many gardens are destitute of Peas when they ought to be plentiful, 

 simply for the want of being cultivated ; for we so often see them 

 so huddled together that no parts of the rows, except the outside 

 and a few sprigs at top, have a chance of forming pods. Yet people 

 will go on continually in their own old track of sowing thick and 

 complaining quick. How absurd it is to sow Peas at three, or even 

 four feet apart that will grow from six to eight feet high, and expect 

 them to be productive, when the least distance when sown side by 

 side should be six feet ; and even this distance does not give them 

 sufficient room for development, as those who sow at ten or twelve 

 feet apart can testify. 



Then, again, how many content themselves with the most com- 

 monplace preparations for late Peas. Yet these are the first to 

 complain when mildew appears, and the Peas cease to be productive. 

 Except in very sandy or poor peaty soil, it is no difficult matter to 

 get a supply of Peas in an ordinary summer, if they are prepared 



