310 CALIFORNIA VEGETABLES. 



winter growth. They may be used green as peas are, but 

 are hardly as desirable. The dry seeds are used in soups, 

 stews, etc. Lentils are rarely seen in California, probably 

 because peas are preferred, not only because of flavor, but 

 because of more easy handling. The lentil bears but two 

 seeds in a pod. Owing to their early winter growth they 

 may come into use here for cattle food as in Europe. 



Another two-seeded pod bearer is the garbanzo or chick 

 pea, which is a hairy plant of the vetch family. Its uses 

 are like those of lentils, but it has also served widely as a 

 coffee substitute. Its culture is easy, like the pea in 

 method, but the product is always used dry or mature. 

 The plant is more hardy against drouth than the peas. Its 

 production in California is small, but seems to be in- 

 creasing. 



