136 FOOD-GRAINS OF INDIA. 



The mean of a large number of analyses, made of peas grown 

 in Europe, shows an almost complete accordance with the above 

 results, which yield a nutrient-ratio of i : 2^4 and a nutrient- 

 value of 81, in the unhusked pulse. 



In some districts this pea is not much esteemed in comparison 

 with other pulse. Undoubtedly it has a tendency to produce 

 flatulence, and is unwholesome when imperfectly cooked or im- 

 perfectly freed from the tough coat of the seed. In the south of 

 the Purniah District it is largely eaten uncooked, and causes or 

 aggravates dysentery and diarrhoea. 



The field pea, sometimes called Pisum arvense, is a variety or 

 sub-species of this species. It is sown and reaped at the same 

 time as the garden pea. It is rightly regarded as more in- 

 digestible than the latter, but there is no constant difference of 

 chemical composition between the two sorts. The garden pea has 

 round seeds and 4 to 6 leaflets, the field pea marbled compressed 

 seeds and 2 to 4 leaflets. 



For methods of preparing these peas for food see page 1 20. 



THE LENTIL. 

 Lens esculenta, Moench. 



Synonyms Ervum lens (L.) ; Cicer lens (Willd.). 



Hind. Masiiri, Mussiir. Beng. Buro-Mussiir, Mussiiri. 



This plant belongs to the tribe Viciese ; the botanical name 

 by which it is best known is Ervum lens, but the genus Ervum 

 has now been sunk, partly in Lens. The lentil is a branched 

 annual with oblong leaflets, usually 8 in number. The pod is 

 broad and short, and contains 2 seeds, weighing from i to 

 i/^ grain apiece in the large seeded variety. The seeds are 

 compressed, and have the form of a bi-convex lens. This plant 

 has been largely cultivated from very ancient times ; its native 

 country is unknown. 



The lentil may be grown on almost all soils ; it flourishes 

 upon those which, while light, lie low. It is grown like peas as 



