28o Improved Peas. 



as for larger ones ; and for the very obvious reason, that, as the mould in 

 pots becomes dry, as regards time, somewhat in proportion to their size, 

 much in the same ratio does the necessity for drainage increase. Accord- 

 ing to this rule, then, and more especially when fine, large specimens are 

 the objects sought, too much care cannot be exercised in draining well, and 

 at the same time guarding against their ever being choked. For, should 

 this happen, all expectation and hope will be frustrated b\' the conversion 

 of the mould into mud ; thereby rendering it utterly unfit for the mainte- 

 nance of plants in good health. But, in the case of small pots, the system 

 might be dispensed with without incurring any such risk. Hence, florists 

 whose stock in trade consists chiefly of small plants, potted in fall or win- 

 ter to be planted out at the return of spring, seldom use drainage ; some 

 not at all, others only in special cases. 



It seems to me, then, that if it is wrong in theory, and useless in practice, 

 \o drain flower-pots, it is a theory and practice on the side of safety, and 

 has, withal, received the sanction and support of, by all odds, the most in- 

 telligent and capable plant-growers in modern times. 



IMPROVED PEAS. 



Looking over the catalogues of our seedsmen, we find several new peas, 

 which appear to be deserving of notice. Some of these we have already 

 tested ; while others are unknown to us except by description, and have 

 probably never been grown in this country. Two or three kinds originated 

 by Mr. Thomas Laxton, an English grower, who seems to have been 

 signally successful in his eftbrts for the improvement of this vegetable, 

 are peculiarly fine and promising. 



Laxiofi's Early Prolific Long-Pod, introduced two or three years since, is 

 a valuable accession to our list of halfearly or intermediate kinds. We 

 have rarely seen plants more healthy or productive ; and we know of fe^v 

 varieties the pods of which are longer, or that fill out more completely. It 

 is recommended for cultivation, and will probably become a standard sort. 



Laxtoji's Supreme, a more recent pea, will be found included in our 

 seedmen's lists of new vegetables. In England, it appears to be univer- 



