Pras 1499 
This is a special machine having long-fingered guards to lift the 
vines. These guards are placed on the cutter bar of a specially 
constructed mowing machine. The knives of the machine cut 
the vines, which are rolled by specially constructed arms so that 
the pea vines will be left in a swath. Ten acres per day under 
favorable conditions can be harvested with machines of this type. 
Where an ordinary mowing machine is used, a side delivery rake 
is often employed, leaving the vines in a windrow. Immediately 
following this side delivery rake, hay loaders are used which place 
the vines upon wagons. Where a hay loader is not used, the pea 
vines are thrown in the wagon by hand, similarly to loading hay. 
The vines are then carried to the cannery or viner. 
MARKET GARDEN 
The peas are separated from the vine by hand and the pods 
collected in hampers or baskets. Some gardeners make but one 
picking, tearing up vines and all and separating the pods from the 
vines. The vines are dried and used for hay. Other men make 
two or three pickings, at each time removing only the largest 
pods. 
The average price for picking a bushel of peas varies, ac- 
cording to the labor supply and the heaviness of the yield, from 
fifteen to twenty-five cents per bushel. It would be a good prac- 
tice for the harvesters to grade the peas as they are picked at 
least into two grades, the first being the highest quality and 
others culls. The baskets containing the peas should be sealed at 
once and shipped immediately. Pre-cooling is desirable, because 
the crop heats easily. If this crop is slightly moist when har- 
vested, cars will heat and often arrive at their destination in poor 
condition. 
HOME GARDENING 
The peas are harvested in the home garden by hand, the peas 
being carefully separated from the vine. Only peas of plump- 
ness should be taken, thus assuring those fit to eat and of the high- 
est yielding. Several pickings can be made from each variety, 
and, if a succession is planned, pods will be available over a long 
period. 
