2.V2 



which it yields a large proportion. The plant is also extensively cultivated 

 in the United States, India, China, and other countries, both for its Nuts 

 and the manufacture of oil. The. oil is obtained by pressure, and the 

 Nuts are said to contain nearly fifty per cent. This oil is said to be 

 equal to that obtained from the Olive, and is not so liable to become 

 rancid very quickly. The cake that remains after the oil is expressed is 

 <i valuable material for feeding stock, and more especially dairy cattle or 

 pigs. From the tops of the plants, when cut green and dried, a very 

 nutritious hay is obtained, which is said to materially increase the milk 

 of cows. For the Nuts there is an enormous demand in some countries, 

 and more especially in the United States, where they are eaten very 

 generally. In these colonies there is but a comparatively moderate 

 demand as yet, but probably it will be greatly increased in the future. 

 The plant may be grown successfully in all but the coldest parts of 

 Australasia, and is certainly worthy of more attention than it now 

 receives. Cultivators would probably find the Pea Nut a profitable crop, 

 as considerable quantities are now imported, which might be raised in the 

 colonies, and if the demand for the produce is not equal to the supply, 

 the surplus may always be utilized for making oil. 



CULTIVATION. 



The Pea Nut may be grown successfully in any ordinary good soil that 

 is not too heavy, but it thrives to the greatest perfection in light calcareous 

 or sandy ground. In preparing the land it must be remembered that 

 deep and thorough cultivation is essential to the obtaining of a strong 

 growth and a heavy crop. Ordinary deep ploughing may be sufficient in 

 rthe case of very open soils, but when the ground is heavier it will be 

 advisable to subsoil. The seeds should be planted in rows about three 

 feet apart, leaving half that space between in the lines. The seed should 

 be covered to the depth of about two inches. As regards the proper time 

 for planting, the middle of August will be early enough in the more 

 forward districts, and, as a matter of course, some weeks later' in the 

 cooler regions. Special care must be taken to keep the plants free from 

 weeds in the early stages of growth, but after they get well started they 

 will be able to hold their own without much attention. As soon as the 

 ;fi owers make their appearance it will be advisable to earth up the rows, 

 -as is done with potatoes and some other crops, so that the pods will 

 .readily reach the soil. In harvesting the crop care should be taken to 

 lift the plants free from the soil, using a fork, as a spade is likely to 

 injure many of the pods. After the plants are lifted they should be left 

 on the ground for a day or two to dry, when the pods may be gathered 

 .and stored away. The shells, however, must be allowed to get thoroughly 

 dry before the pods are stored in bulk, or otherwise they are in danger of 

 heating or rotting. When carefully dried they will keep for a considerable 

 time, but fresh seeds are sweeter and more palatable than old ones. 

 Should the weather be unfavourable for drying on the ground when the 

 jpods are lifted, they should be spread out in a loft, or some other place 

 under cover, till they are fit for storing. The Pea Nut is a very prolific 



