256 THE PEA CROP. 



the upper portion, which continues its growth even after 

 pods are formed below. The crop is ready for harvesting 

 generally in about six to eight weeks after the period of 

 flowering has commenced. The right time for cutting is 

 determined by the lower pods being properly matured 

 and yielding readily to the pressure of the thumb. Those 

 on the upper part are then sufficiently advanced to ripen 

 while lying in the field ; while the last-formed pods, at the 

 extreme end of the plant, if they yield no seed, add con- 

 siderably to the nutritive value of the straw for feeding 

 purposes. 



The cutting is usually performed with a sickle or hook 

 in some places the scythe is used; but if the crop be 

 heavy, or much laid on the ground, the scythe is very apt 

 to cut through the pods, and leave a larger proportion of 

 the seed on the ground than when the hook is used. 

 Where peas have been sown with beans, the scythe may 

 be used with advantage. In the north good work is made 

 with a tool called a " peas-make," made of an old scythe 

 blade fixed in a short handle, a hooked or curved stick in 

 the left hand holding the stems while being severed, and 

 collecting them when cut. In the south a large hook is 

 used, and the trailing stems are collected with an old 

 worn-out hook, in the same manner. "When cut they are 

 generally loosely rolled up in small bundles, or wads, and 

 left lying in rows on the field. These require to be care- 

 fully turned every, or every other, day, until they are fit 

 for carrying, which of course must be determined by the 

 condition they are in at the time. The price paid for 

 cutting varies with the crop and the season. It may, 

 however, be taken at about half that which is being paid 

 for wheat (reaping), as the rows are wider apart and no 

 binding is required. Care should be taken not to cart the 

 crop until it is sufficiently dry for stacking, as, owing to 

 the soft nature of the straw, it sinks down very close, and. 



