248 THE PEA CROP. 



districts. The stem is generally short from 2 to 3 feet ; 

 the pods small, straight, and cylindrical, containing from 

 three to five seeds, which are small, round, or slightly 

 compressed, with small purple -coloured speckles. 



Rounceval Gray, Giant, or Dutch Pea. This is the 

 latest and the largest of our field peas, and also the most 

 vigorous in its growth, the straw frequently attaining a 

 length of from 8 to 10 feet, and rarely less than 6 feet. 

 The pods are generally in pairs, broad, and rather flat- 

 sided, and contain five or six seeds, which are a good deal 

 flattened and wrinkled, of a dun-brown colour, with small 

 black eyes. It is less hardy than the foregoing, and is 

 more suitable for the climate of the south than of the 

 north of this country. 



Partridge is known also by the names of the Gray 

 Maple and Marlborough Pea. It is an early variety, 

 taking place next to the Warwick, and is very generally 

 esteemed as the best variety for cultivation in late districts, 

 as it combines the properties of being very early, prolific, 

 and of excellent quality. It is a vigorous grower, with a 

 succulent stem about 4 feet high ; leaves large and broad ; 

 and bearing broad, well-filled pods, containing from five to 

 seven seeds, roundish in form, of a medium size, and ot a 

 yellowish-brown speckled colour, with light-coloured eyes. 

 In the north this pea is usually grown with the earlier 

 varieties of field beans, as the Annfield, Heligoland, or 

 Mazagan. 



Purple-podded or Australian. This variety appears 

 at present to be but little known in cultivation, yet Mr. 

 Lawson and others, who have tried it, report most highly 

 in its favour, and consider that it possesses properties which 

 entitle it to our consideration, as especially suitable to late 

 districts. It is remarkably prolific, earlier even than the 

 Partridge, with stems growing from 5 to 6 feet high, car- 

 rying fleshy pods of a dark purple colour, containing five or 



