222 Peas — Old and New Varieties. 



PEAS — OLD AND NEW VARIETIES. 



By Fearing Burr, Hingham, Mass. 



During the last season, several carefully-conducted experiments were 

 made by different growers of peas in England for the purpose of test- 

 ing the comparative earliness and value of all the kinds most approved 

 and in general cultivation. Interesting statements of the results of 

 these trials were published in the Gardener's Magazine, Gardener's 

 Chronicle, and others of the leading horticultural journals of England, 

 and probably embody nearly everything connected with the progress 

 made in pea culture up to the present time. Of the sorts described as 

 new, no one appears to be put prominently forward. 



The earliest pea now known is unquestionably Carter's First Crop. 

 It fully sustained its reputation, taking the lead of all others, and was 

 ready for gathering several days in advance of any variety on trial. 

 The plant is not stocky, and the pods are small, containing, on the aver- 

 age, about four peas of medium size. To this variety was awarded the 

 prize of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, in 1869, for the best 

 peck on or before the fourth Saturday in June. 



Dan O'Rourke and Sangster's No. i are two excellent peas ; and 

 where a few days may be a matter of no importance in gathering the 

 first dish, one of these, at least, should be grown ; but in any garden, 

 where it is desirable to gather for use at the earliest moment. Carter's 

 First Crop is the pea. 



Taber's Perfection, also known as Dickson's First and Best, is an- 

 other fine early pea. Though a few days later than Carter's First Crop, 

 it remains longer in the pod, and is more productive than any other 

 equally early kind within our knowledge. 



To this class of " first earlies " should be added the Caractacus, a 

 somewhat recent sort, found, however, on the catalogues of most of our 

 principal seedsmen. Of the stock of the Dan O'Rourke, it has proved 

 early, quite productive, and is recommended for trial. 



Among the Dwarfs, — most of which are early or half early, — we 

 find Beck's Gem and Long-podded Tom Thumb — both English varie- 



