246 PEAS. 



as they appear above ground they will require to have the soil 

 stirred with hoe or cultivator, and the weeds kept in subjection. 

 This should be kept up until they take possession of the ground, 

 which they will soon do. It is a good practice to soak the seed 

 in a little tepid water for four or five hours before sowing ; this 

 helps forward their germination, and enables them to appear 

 sooner above ground. Peas are not to be depended upon to grow 

 after they are two years old. By sowing a few every fortnight 

 until the first of June, they may be had in succession for a long 

 time. To enjoy Green Peas in perfection, they should be 

 gathered when about three-fourths of their full size, and cooked 

 the same day they are taken from the vines. It is often com- 

 pulsory on those who live in the cities to use Peas that have been 

 picked, perhaps, for two or three days, and, as they measure bet- 

 ter when full grown, often when they are too large ; but those 

 who can gather them from their own garden ought to have them 

 when at their best, and cooked when fresh gathered. 



There are many really good varieties, but we mention only a 

 few which seem best adapted to our wants. 



McLean's Little Gem. — ^A green wrinkled marrow, combin- 

 ing the excellence of the late -wrinkled Peas with early maturity. 

 The habit is dwarf, not usually more than a foot in height, and 

 very prolific. The Peas have the delicious sweetness and flavor 

 of the tall-growing wrinkled sorts. 



McLean's Advancer. — ^A dwarf blue wrinkled marrow, also 

 of excellent flavor. The vines grow about two feet high, and 

 are abundant croppers. They may be sown in rows eighteen 

 inches apart, and require no brush or stakes. 



"With these two varieties alone one may enjoy the most de- 

 licious Green Peas for a long time. K desired to have some late 

 Green Peas, the Little Gem will yield a crop if sown about the 

 middle of August. 



Daniel O'Rourkb. — This is a favorite early sort, especially 

 among market gardeners. It should be sown in rows about two 

 and a half feet apart, on account of its length of vine. It is of 

 hardy constitution, and very prolific. 



