NEW ZEALAN'*&Ps j A-R J J &A. 101 



The pods should be gathered when of the size of a small 

 pea ; if left on the plant too long- the seed within them be- 

 comes hardened, which renders them unfit for use. Some- 

 times the young shoots are used as a salad alone, or for 

 mixing with lettuce. 



The best variety for kitchen garden purposes is the com- 

 mon Dwarf. 



NEW ZEALAND SPINACH. 



This is not really a spinach, but its leaves are used in the 

 same way. It is very useful for this purpose, as it grows 

 freely, and flourishes under the heat of our summer's sun. 



It requires a rich, moist, well-pulverized soil. The seeds 

 may be sown in the open ground from April to July, in 

 drills three feet apart and two inches deep. The plants 

 should be about a foot apart on the row. In five or six 

 weeks after sowing the gathering of the leaves for use may 

 be commenced, taking care not to injure the ends of the 

 young shoots. The gathering may be continued until frost, 

 as the leaves retain then- succulence through the summer. 



If the weather should be very dry, give the plants plenty 

 of water. 



Fifteen or twenty plants will supply a large family. 



OKEA. 



The unripe seed-pods of this plant, known in the South 

 as Gumbo, are used sliced up to thicken soups and similar 

 dishes, to which they also impart a rich flavor. 



It thrives in any good garden soil. The seed should be 

 sown in May, in drills an inch deep and two feet apart, two 

 or three seeds being dropped together every foot of dis- 

 tance on the row. After the plants have grown beyond the 



