CHAPTER VIII 

 BREEDING AND SEED IMPROVEMENT 



Thousands of acres of peas are grown annually 

 for the sole purpose of seed. Large seed houses 

 arrange with farmers to grow a certain acreage at 

 a stated contract price per bushel. The seedsman 

 furnishes the seed and receives the entire output of 

 the individual farmer. The returns to the farmer 

 are usually a little better than from general culture, 

 although the soil requirements and cultural methods 

 are not materially different than for the general 

 crop. Therefore, the ample supply ordinarily keeps 

 prices at a comparatively moderate level. Yet the 

 harvesting must be done on time and with care, and 

 the farmer must see to it that varieties are not mixed, 

 since the seed houses are held responsible for the 

 product. The seed is delivered in good, bright con- 

 dition without being badly broken or full of for- 

 eign matter. 



Seed Growing Specialty. — Wisconsin ranks high 

 as a pea-growing state, as does also Michigan, New 

 York, and South Dakota. In the Lake Shore coun- 

 ties of Wisconsin farmers regard the pea crop of the 

 utmost importance, and it is a specialty with them. 

 The ground is usually plowed in the fall so as to be 

 ready for early spring planting. The ground is 

 fitted as early as possible in the spring, and two to 

 three bushels seed to the acre sown, depending 

 upon size. A drill or seeder is used for the pur- 

 pose, and peas are covered about three to four 



