S6 BIGGLE GARDEN BOOK 



and then the vines are allowed to grow as they 

 please. After the vines have attained size and have 

 fallen over, they need turning every two or three 

 days or they may rot on the under side ; simply 

 "flop" them gently over from one side to the other, 

 using a long, round stick for the purpose. 



Picking and marketing : Peas are at their best 

 when the pods have filled out plump but have not be- 

 come hard. For large areas, pickers will need to be 

 hired; they should be instructed not to tear the 

 vines, to pick only marketable pods, and not to leave 

 on them long pieces of vine. Each variety should 

 be kept by itself, and no over-ripe yellow-looking 

 pods should be packed. Peas are sold in a variety 

 of packages in bags, ventilated barrels, baskets, 

 crates, etc. For long-distance shipment the small 

 package is preferable, for peas in bulk are likely to 

 heat and spoil in a short time. A round, one-third- 

 barrel veneer basket is a favorite Maryland and New 

 Jersey package for peas. In some localities near can- 

 ning factories, peas can be profitably grown under 

 contract for the factories. 



Varieties : There are two types of seed the 

 smooth and the wrinkled. There are short and tall 

 varieties of both types. My experience is that wrin- 

 kled kinds are superior in quality, but if planted very 

 early are more likely to rot in the ground than the 

 smooth varieties. Among the early kinds, the fol- 

 lowing are well-known : Nott's Excelsior, American 

 Wonder, Daniel O'Rourke, Little Gem, Gradus. 

 Mid-season : Shropshire Hero, Abundance, Advancer, 

 Heroine. Late : Telephone, Stratagem, Champion of 

 England, Yorkshire Hero, Marrowfat. 



Insects and diseases : Often the tips of the vines 

 are covered with little green aphis (lice). Any of 



