CHAPTER XXVII 



CLASSIFICATION OF THE BEST VARIETIES IN THEIR 

 RESPECTIVE COLOURS 



THIS is another of the annual blessings that are con- 

 ferred on Sweet Pea growers by the Floral Committee 

 of the National Sweet Pea Society. 



A careful observation of the methods adopted by the 

 Committee in determining which are the best varieties in 

 their respective colours, reveals the fact that a great 

 amount of work is done by a goodly number of experts 

 before the recommendation is actually carried into effect. 



In 1907, for instance, no less than sixty sets of papers 

 were returned by those asked to tender their advice, and 

 judging from the comments in the " Annual," this is 

 only a small proportion- of the large number of lists 

 issued. It is a sufficient number, however, for any reader 

 desiring reliable information. Such a consensus of 

 opinion should be absolutely trustworthy, and we are 

 disposed to accept the information with grateful thanks. 

 There were numerous instances where varieties received 

 between fifty and sixty votes ^6, 57, and 58 being 

 recorded in some instances. The Committee recommend 

 two varieties in a few instances, evidently because the 

 votes recorded in favour of those jointly mentioned were 

 very much the same. For instance, in 1907, in the white 

 varieties, Dorothy Eckford received 57 votes and Nora 

 Unwin 56 votes. Again, in the crimson and scarlet 

 section, King Edward VII. received 58 and Queen 

 Alexandra 56 votes. The orange colours were also 



