158 THE COMPLETE FARMER 



' The ground is dug over in the usual way, and the spaces 

 to be occupied by the future rows of peas are well soaked 

 with water. The mould upon each side is then collected so 

 as to form ridges seven or eight inches above the previous 

 level of the ground, and these ridges are well watered. The 

 seeds are now sown in single rows, along the tops of the 

 ridges. The plants grow vigorously, owing to the depth of 

 soil and abundant moisture. If dry weather at any time set 

 in, water is applied profusely once a week. In this way, 

 the plants continue green and vigorous, resisting mildew, 

 and yielding fruit till subdued by frost.' — Hort. Trans, vol. ii. 



To save Seed. ' Like other vegetables, the pea is sus- 

 ceptible of considerable improvement, and by the simple 

 means of marking the finest plants of each variety, and keep- 

 ing them for seed. Wilson's frame and the Knight pea 

 have been formed in this way, and afford sufficient proof of 

 the wonders produced by a very small degree of observation 

 and care.' — Armstrong. 



Field-culture of the Pea. The most common mode of 

 sowing peas is broad-cast ; but the advantages of the row 

 culture, in a crop so early committed to the ground, must 

 be obvious. Loudon says, ' In Kent, Avhere immense quanti- 

 ties of peas are raised, both for gathering green and for 

 selling ripe to the seedsmen, they are generally sown in 

 rows from eighteen inches to three feet asunder, according to 

 the kind, and well cultivated between. Peas laid a foot 

 below the surface will vegetate ; but the most approved 

 depth is six inches in light soil, and four inches in clay soil ; 

 for which reason they ought to be sown under furrow when 

 the ploughing is delayed till spring. Of all grain, beans ex- 

 cepted, they are in the least danger of being buried too deep.' 

 — Loudon. 



Deane observed, that 'for field peas, land that is newly 

 ploughed out of sward is generally accounted best ; and 

 land which is high and dry, and has not been much dunged. 

 A light, loamy soil is most suitable for them ; and if it 

 abound with slaty stones, it is the better. But they will do 

 in any dry soil. The manures that suit peas best are marl 

 and lime. Our farmers do not commonly allow a sufficient 

 quantity of seed for peas, in broad-cast sowing. When peas 

 are sowed thin, the plants will lie on the ground, and per- 

 haps rot ; when they are thick, the plants will hold each 

 other up with their tendrils, forming a continued web, and 

 will have more benefit of the air.' 



