KITCHEN-GARDENING. 107 



sow seed in the open ground in May, in drills two feet asundtr, 

 and half an inch deep. When the plants are grown an inch or 

 two high, thin them to the distance of fifteen or eighteen 

 inches in the rows. The ground should be afterwards hoed 

 deep around the plants, and kept free from weeds by repeated 

 hoeings. 



The Capsicum Grossum, or Bell Pepper, is perennial, and 

 will keep in perpetual bearing in warm climates. In England 

 this species is considered superior to all others, on account of 

 its skin being thick, and also pulpy and tender. The plants are 

 therefore frequently preserved in hot-houses during the winte* 

 and spring, and kept in the open air in settled warm weather. 



PEAS. 



Pois. Pisum sativum. 



Peas will grow to different heights, according to soil and 

 season. The Dwarf Pea require less distance between the 

 rows and shorter sticks than the tall kinds; and sometimes no 

 supports at all. 



Planting the early kinds of Pea should commence as soon in 

 the spring as the ground can be brought into good condition. 

 All the other sorts, as well as the early, will answer for succes 

 sive crops. A few of the most esteemed varieties should be 

 planted at the same time every two weeks, from March until 

 the end of May. Persons desirous of having Peas throughout 

 the summer and autumn, may plant a few in June, July, and 

 August. In dry weather the Peas should be soaked in soft 

 water five or six hours before planting, and if the ground be 

 very dry, it should be watered in the drills. 



Gardeners practise different modes of planting Peas. Some 

 plant them in ridges, others in drills ; some in single rows, 

 others in double ; some use sticks for the dwarf kinds, and 

 others not. 



