LATHYRUS 141 



Lath'yrus — continued. 



L. sati'vus azur'eus — continued. 



consequence in the garden. There is a white 

 variety also. South Europe, 1640. 



L. tingitaJnus, or Tangier Pea, about 3 ft. high, 

 has small dark reddish-purple flowers. 1680. 



The culture of Sweet Peas must be properly- 

 undertaken, otherwise it is useless to try and grow 

 really fine flowers. It is essential to well prepare 

 the ground beforehand by digging deeply, in- 

 corporating at the same time some good stable 

 or cow manure in a light soil, and a good dust- 

 ing of bone meal as well, leaving it for a time 

 quite rough. At the end of February or beginning 

 of March on a dry day, when the soil is in good 

 working order, dress the ground well with old soot 

 and then fork it all over. If it is intended to sow 

 in rows, make the drills 3 ins. deep and 4 ft. 

 apart ; or if in clumps, put the seeds in, in a circle, 

 8 to 12 ins. apart. Finally rake over and make 

 firm by treading. Some gardeners like to make a 

 trench for them 3 ins. deep, like celery is grown, 

 to collect moisture. Make the ground firm and 

 place strong sticks, hazel for choice, on either side 

 of the drills or round the clumps well away from 

 the seeds, and stick into the ground close to the 

 seeds some little twigs to give the seedlings a lead 

 to the stouter supports. The remains of a worn- 

 out besom cut away from the handle is good 

 material. Protect against birds pecking the 

 seedlings when they come up by putting black 



