No. 133.] 389 



quarter in circumference near the base, requiring, therefore, no 

 support, yielding at every joint branches of pcd?, each contain- 

 ing two or three peas, the whole in such quantity that they 

 would probably cover the ground where they grow. 



The following letter from Mr. Ernst was read : — 

 To the Secretary of the Farmers Club. 



Bpring Garden, Jan. 5, 185?, 



My Bear Sir, — Knowing the deep interest your Institution takes 

 in everything calculated to add to the comfort and happiness of 

 the country, I send you this morning by Adams and Go's. Express, 

 a small package of seed of a new article of agricultural impor- 

 tance to our country, and one which seems to me will prove a 

 valuable acquistion to its products. It v/as introduced into tl:o 

 country by one of those chance accidents which result in good to 

 all the world, throwing the germs of the products of distant 

 and inaccessible countries and climes over the wideworld, for the 

 benefit of all. Heaven often brings about that which mau, by 

 other means, seeks in vain. 



The crew of a Japan vessel in distress was relieved by an Amer- 

 ican ship, and carried into San Francisco, witlj some of the stores 

 among which was found what resembled a pea. A few of 

 these were brought to Alton, in Illinois, last year (1851)., A part 

 of that produced was last spring sent to our Horticultural Socie- 

 ty, by Mr. John H. Lee, of that place. These I send you weie 

 grown in my grounds from those. I do not know where it should 

 be classed. Doubtless Professor Mapes, or some other scientific 

 member of your " Farmer's Club," will be enabled to assign it a 

 place. The growth is peculiar; it is upright, stiflT, woolly, seed 

 pods numerous, small, and woolly ; seen when green and forming, 

 resembles a bean in shape, but at maturity assumes the round 

 form of the pea. The yield is very great, and it has all the ap- 

 pearance of a valuable article for v» inter food. I have not 

 thought it best to subject any of the seed I have to test its fla- 

 vor, as I have but a small quantity, which I prefer to distribute; 

 but the flavor is said to be fine, resembling green peas. Wheth- 

 er this is when cooked in a green state or dried, T do not know. 



