THE SWHET PEA, dA 
pride in growing fine flowers will do well to secure seeds of 
some ot the named varieties of sweet peas that are offered 
by the great seed-houses, for they are distinct and glorious, 
and will contribute in a most especial manner to the 
delights of the garden, and at a cost so small that it would 
be a breach of politeness in this connection to talk about 
money. Secure a supply of each of the sorts that are on 
offer, and sow them separately; you will then bave only 
half a dozen rows at the utmost, for there are not more 
than as many sorts in the lists. Or—happy thought !— 
mix them and sow them thinly in well-made ground, and 
then you will be able to gather several sorts on the 
same spot, which will often prove a convenience. They 
are extremely usetul for decorative purposes and large 
“nosegays,” but must be used with caution in bouquets 
and button-holes. 
Peas are “ papilionaceous ” 
their Howers are like butterflies. 
plants—that is to say, 
‘Tere are sweet peas, on top-toe for a thght, 
With wings of gentle flush o’er delicate white.” 
They are also “leguminous ” plants—from /eywmen, pulse 
—the seeds being substantial nutritive things produced in 
cases or pods which are sometimes like parchment, some- 
times like paper, and sometimes tender and sweet, so that, 
as in the sugar pea, the whole thing is eaten, or, as people 
say, the “whole hog, skin and bristles.” Poor “ Bully 
Bottom”? called upon Master Peas-blossom to scratch his 
head, and being thus seratched by Master Peas-blossom, 
he must needs have a donkey’s appetite, and desire “a 
bottle of hay” or “a handful or two of dried peas.” 
Nor need the donkey be ashamed of his relative, for the 
