176 THE MANSE GAKI>EN. 



divide the ground used for such crops as are cleared 

 off every year into four parts, allotting one to the 

 pea in succession. It becomes unprolific when too 

 frequently on the same soil. By this method you 

 avoid the ugliness of stakes in all places of the gar- 

 den; and make the remembrance easy as to the appli- 

 cation of manure, which is of importance, as peas 

 grow only to straw on soil that is too rich, and ought 

 not to be sown except on ground that has been ma- 

 nured for the previous crop. Begin sowing the pea 

 quarter at the side remotest from the sun, that the 

 subsequent portions of the crop may not suffer shad- 

 ing by those more advanced. Sow two drills six 

 inches apart, and the next two at the distance of 

 four feet. This wide space may serve for a crop of 

 spinach. A very simple art in staking is worthy of 

 notice : shape the branches flat like a wall tree ; 

 insert the largest, one to every yard; and fill the 

 intervals with short ones having branches near the 

 ground. By this means the peas have more air, 

 and a fourth part of the wood commonly used will be 

 quite sufficient. Small twine is better than nothing 

 where stakes cannot be had. There is a dwarf sort 

 of pea, not otherwise to be preferred, which needs 

 no support. Frequent hoeing, whilst it promotes the 

 fruitfulness of the crop, has an excellent effect in dis- 

 turbing the slug. This enemy, when very trouble- 

 some, may be further treated with quick lime, which, 

 adhering to its slimy skin, disposes the creature to 

 rub itself below ground and to travel less on the sur- 

 face. Some have supposed that the mouse will not 

 find out your newly sown peas unless, through care- 

 lessness, some straggling seeds be left uncovered ; but 



