CULTURE OF POD-BEARING CROPS. 65 



stakes, placing the first string eight inches from the 

 ground and adding others as growth proceeds. This 

 answers admirably, especially for dwarf and medium 

 height peas. Another method of supporting peas is 

 to use 4-inch mesh wire netting 30 to 36 inches wide, 

 which may be cut the length of the rows and be tied 

 firmly to stout stakes, 2 inches square, driven into 

 the ground 5 feet apart along each side of a row. 



Later Treatment. During dry weather the dutch 

 hoe should be kept going frequently along the sides 

 of the rows for the reasons already explained under 

 surface cultivation. In the case of very dry sandy 

 soils a mulch of manure, or lawn mowings, placed 

 along the sides of the rows, is beneficial in keeping in 

 soil moisture and heat. Peas should not be allowed 

 to suffer from drought at the roots, and in the event 

 of continued drought should be given a good soaking 

 with water at the roots, afterwards using means to 

 conserve the moisture. The taller main-crop peas 

 are benefited by an occasional application of weak 

 liquid manure, from the time the peas have com- 

 menced swelling freely in the pods onwards. Should 

 dull or perfectly still weather prevail while the plants 

 are in bloom, shaking them at the middle of the day 

 will assist the pollenation of the flowers. 



Gathering the Crop. Peas are in the best con- 

 dition for use when the pods are well filled, but still 

 in a fresh green condition. The fullest pods should 

 be taken at each picking, then the resources of the 

 plants will be concentrated on the development of 

 the younger ones. When a surplus exists, or a 

 quantity of pods become over-ripe for immediate 

 use late in the season, they may be allowed to become 



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