298 LEGUMINOUS PLANTS. 



the middle ; the intention being to give a slight support to 

 the plants until they take hold of the stakes. 



Gathering. The crop should be gathered as it becomes 

 fit for use. If even a few of the pods begin to ripen, young 

 pods will not only cease to form, but those partly advanced 

 will cease to enlarge. 



Use. " In a sanitary point of view, peas cannot be eaten 

 too young, nor too soon after they are gathered ; and hence 

 people who depend on the public markets for their supply 

 seldom have this very popular vegetable in perfection, and 

 too often only when it is almost unfit for use. This is a 

 formidable objection to the use of peas brought from long 

 distances. It is, of course, for the interest of the producer 

 to keep back his peas till they are fully grown, because they 

 measure better, and we believe, by many, are purchased 

 quicker, as they get greater bulk for their money. This may 

 be so far excusable on the part of such ; but it is inexcusable 

 that a gentleman having a garden of his own should be 

 served with peas otherwise than in the very highest state of 

 perfection, which they are not, if allowed to become too old, 

 or even too large." 



Varieties. These are very numerous, and, like those of 

 the Broccoli and Lettuce, not only greatly confused, but often 

 based on trifling and unimportant distinctions. 



" New sorts are yearly introduced ; and it would be in- 

 judicious not to give them a fair trial ; for as we progress 

 in pea-culture, as in every other branch of horticulture, we 

 may reasonably expect thatjeally improved and meritorious 

 sorts will arise, and be substituted for other* that may be 

 inferior." 



Advancer. Height three feet ; pods single or in pairs, long 



and well filled, yielding seven or eight large peas. 



The ripe seeds are green, but vary in depth of color ; 



wrinkled ; and somewhat resemble those of the Champion of 



England. 



