CULTIVATION OF PEAS. 157 



Different varieties require different distances at which peas should 

 be sown. 3 feet apart for those not over 3 feet high, and 4 and 5 for 

 those over that, is thought the best average distance between the 

 rows ; but some dwarf kinds need not be over 2. Nothing is gained 

 by sowing too thick. A pint of seed for early small kinds is sufficient 

 for a row of 20 yards, and for main crops, this will sow a row of 33 

 yards. Peas grown without sticks require least room. 3 peas within 

 an inch of each other, of the frame ; 2 of the hotspur and dwarf mar- 

 row-fat ; 3 in 2 inches of the Prussian blue and middle sorts, and larger 

 sorts 1| inches, and Patasonian, 2 inches apart, are good distances. 

 But field peas are not usually sown thick enough, for when thick they 

 support one another. 3 bushels are sown on an acre, and 20 are the 

 average product. One row only of high peas is advised leaving 

 within, a bed of 12 feet for onions or carrots. Some sow peas between 

 hills of potatoes, and find them very productive ; 3 peas in each hill 

 after the potatoes are planted. 



Two earthings are necessary for peas that are to have sticks ; the 

 1st when 4 inches high, and the 2d when 6 or 8. If a succession of 

 peas is required, they are sown more or less every 3 or 4 weeks from 

 Feb. to July. If the weather be dry, the drills are to be soaked with 

 water, and the peas also during the night previous. Lines of strings, 

 a foot apart, are often run along and attached to each stake, and the 

 tendrils entwined by hand around them. Stakes and strings thus al- 

 low little place for birds to light to destroy the pea, and also a free 

 circulation of air. Mice are said to be kept from peas and beans by 

 sowing the tops of furze, cut fine, in the drills. Soaking the peas a 

 day or two in train oil is better. 



For forcing, the mode is like that of beans. They may be sown in 

 pots or pans, placed in a frame, under glass, and transplanted in frames 

 or pits, 2 or 3 inches apart. Early dwarfs are best for this. But fall- 

 sowing is thought preferable. The soil should be very dry for these, 

 and they should be protected from frosts by straw or brush-wood. Some 

 top the leading sprouts when in blossom, to hasten the sitting and ma- 

 turity of the fruit. 



Knight's marrow pea is thought best for late crops, sown at intervals 

 of 10 days. A new variety has lately been brought from Cuba to Charles- 

 ton, S. C., by Dr. Strobel, which is said to be of a very superior quality, 

 yielding in Spain 300 bushels to the acre, and selling in Havannah for 

 $1.00 to $1.50 per bushel. Bishop's early dwarf prolific pea, 12 or 14 

 inches high, is spoken of as one of the best varieties. 



The finest plants of a variety should be preserved for seed. Peas 

 are often sown broad-cast, but the row culture is the best, sown 2 ft. 

 or so apart, and 6 inches deep in light, and 4 in clay soil. By sow- 

 ing peas 10th of June, the pea-bug has been effectually avoided. This 

 bug, or fly, lays its eggs or larvse when the plant is young, and when 

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