VEGETABLES. 216 



THE TEA. 

 This is one of the most important of all vegetables. In 

 competition, a dish of peas in a perfect condition takes a high 

 place. Three of the best varieties for exhibition are Duke of 

 Albany, Stratagem, and Telephone. To grow it to perfection, 

 the Pea requires a strong rich loam. "Where the soil is un- 

 favourable, trenches should be filled with a mixture of turfy 

 loam and well-rotted manure six inches deep, and the Peas 

 sown thinly on it, covering them with an inch deep of ordinary 

 soil. For exhibition in August and September, two sowings 

 should be made in May. As soon as they are fairly above the 

 ground they must be properly staked, and if the weather is drj', 

 they should be mulched with long litter and regularly watered. 

 When they have grown to nearly their ftill height, the tops 

 may be pinched off. If the crop is heavy, it should be thinned 

 by removing the small and badly formed pods, and also all that 

 are hkely to be too forward. By this means, fresh, plump, 

 well-filled pods are secured. Peas should be shown in their 

 pods, and a certain number of pods should always be stipulated 

 for. The points of merit are : (1.) Length and girth of pod, 

 which should be straight and well filled, and all of an equal 

 size ; and (2.) Peas large, plump, dark-green, tender, and sweet 

 to the taste. 



THE POTATO. 



The varieties of this useful esculent have increased very 

 rapidly within the last few years. They have also been very 

 much improved in appearance, but whether or not the quality 

 has improved in the same degree cannot be definitely stated. 

 We are, however, indebted to those specialists who by careful 

 cross -fertilisation have been enabled to produce varieties, proof, 

 at least for a time, against the attacks of disease. 



Among the best twelve for exhibition are Ashleaf Fluke, 

 Beauty of Hebron, Excelsior, Freedom, International, King of 

 Russets, Schoolmaster, Snowflake, Snowdrop, The Cobbler, 

 Vicar of Laleham, and Village Blacksmith. White and 

 round varieties being most popular, should predominate in all 

 collections. 



