PEAS. 567 



but, like some of the above, they are nominal only, 

 having no distinguishable character. Those denoted by 

 an asterisk (*) may be considered as forming an assort- 

 ment of the most approved sorts. Bishop's Early 

 Dwarf is a very excellent variety for an early crop. The 

 Double and Single-podded Frame scarcely differ, ex- 

 cept that the latter has several of its blossoms solitary 

 at the joint, instead of being in pairs ; excess of vigour 

 in the plant, however, will destroy this character. 

 The Charlton Pea is only known by name ; the same 

 may be said of the Golden Hotspur. The Marrowfat 

 Peas, particularly those called Knight's Marrowfats, 

 have distinguishing characters, and they are all excellent ; 

 the latter particularly so for late crops. The Egg Pea, 

 and Spanish Morotto, may be considered as the poor 

 man's pea, being the most hardy and abundant bearers. 

 Some of the other sorts mentioned in the list, no doubt, 

 possess considerable merit ; but, it is apprehended, not 

 sufficient to exclude those I have recommended. 



For the first crop, the early peas are generally sown 

 upon a south border in November, and again in January 

 or February if the weather be open ; but in hard winters 

 the early sowings are frequently destroyed, notwith- 

 standing the greatest care has been bestowed upon them. 



A much better way of obtaining an early crop, and at 

 one twentieth part of the trouble, is to sow the peas in 

 January, in shallow pots, and place them under a com- 

 mon frame, where they may be protected from frost. 

 Towards the middle of March, the plants must be turned 

 carefully out of the pots, so as not to injure their roots, 

 and planted out an inch apart in drills, under a south 

 wall, at three feet and a half, or four feet from the foot, 

 drawing a ridge of mould six inches high at the back of 

 the plants, and protecting them by a few closely-placed 

 spruce fir branches on the north side. In this manner, 

 peas may be brought much forwarder than those sown 



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