STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 155 



to the stakes. By this method the ripening of the tomato is accel- 

 erated, and its flavor is improved, because every part of the plant 

 is exposed to the free action of the sun and air. It is not soiled 

 by coming in contact with the ground ; is not so apt to decay, and 

 more ripe tomatoes can be raised in a limited space ; but it requires 

 constant care and industry. Still, it will pay for the extra labor, 

 as we and others have ascertained by the experience of many years. 



Among all the tomatoes tried, the Trophy has been the mos* 

 satisfactory. It is very large, solid, quite smooth, productive, and 

 of excellent quality. It ripens first every other part except a 

 green disc around the stem, which is the last to color. The only 

 objection to it is its late maturity, but this may be obviated by 

 starting it in the house or hot-bed in March. 



The Ilathaway's Excelsior and Conqueror are about ten days 

 earlier. The Hathaway's Excelsior is of medium size, very smooth, 

 solid, productive and good. The Conqueror, too, is of medium 

 size and is satisfactory in color, shape and quality. These three 

 kinds, after trial in this city, can be confidently recommended as 

 the best for home use and for market. And by selecting and 

 reserving every year the earliest, smoothest and largest, their 

 good qualities may long be maintained, and they may even be 

 improved. 



The cuUivation of Peas for Family Use. — After trial for a score 

 of years we have found the following method of raising peas in a 

 small space the most remunerative and satisfactory : 



Dig trenches in a warm sheltered location, soon after the frost 

 leaves the ground, about one and a half feet wide and three feet 

 apart, fill the bottom with old compost and cover the manure with 

 loam, upon which sow the peas very thickly and cover them six 

 inches deep. This depth of covering has been ascertained to 

 be the best, after a trial of difi^ereut depths from six inches to one 

 foot in a garden of light friable loam. 



After the first weeding, insert in the ground a row of sticks on 

 each side of the trenches, or rows, so that the tops of the sticks 

 shall be at least five feet above the surface of the ground. 



The advantages of this mode of cultivation are, that this vege- 

 table comes up strong and vigorous, is not preyed upon by fowls 

 and pigeons, is not so easily pulled up, is not so much affected by 

 the droughts of summer, is more prolific and furnishes peas for a 

 longer season, or about three weeks. 



