CHAPTER XXII 



How NEW SWEET PEAS ARE RAISED 



OWING to the increasing popularity of the Sweet Pea 

 it behoves all who are interested in promoting its culture 

 to maintain the enthusiasm of its devotees, and to continue 

 to whet their appetite with new and choice varieties each 

 season. 



Much has been done in recent years in improving the 

 flower, and we are quite safe in saying, much more yet 

 remains to be accomplished before growers will be 

 satisfied that their ideal has been attained. 



Fortunately for Sweet Pea growers, there are well- 

 defined properties on which to base their judgment 

 of blooms of new varieties. These are settled by 

 the National Sweet Pea Society, and its definition 

 of points of merits should receive the careful con- 

 sideration of all who are interested in improving the 

 flower. 



The properties of the Sweet Pea are defined as 

 follows : 



FORM. The standards must be erect, waved or only 

 slighty hooded. The standard wings and keel to be in 

 such proportion to each other as will constitute a 

 harmonious and well-balanced flower. 



NUMBER OF BLOOMS ON A STEM. No variety shall be 

 recognised that has not at least three blooms on a stem, 

 gracefully disposed. 



COLOUR. Distinct and clear self colours are most to 

 be desired and, therefore, striped, watered, and edged 



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