76 GARDENING FOR ALL. 
one which is in general cultivation, he concludes that he 
has secured something new, and presently announces it to 
the world under a new name, and at a high price. But it is 
the old variety notwithstanding.”’ 
The foregoing remarks are so true of fruit, flowers, and 
vegetables generally that I offer no apology for quoting them. 
Peas do well upon stiff and calcareous soil; but when 
sown upon light soil they must be abundantly manured. 
They require a good supply of potash, lime, magnesia, soda, 
and phosphoric acid, and a constant supply of moisture; 
drought is nearly fatal to peas. In fact, food and moisture 
in abundance are absolutely necessary for the production of 
good crops of peas. 
The earliest crops of peas are obtained by sowing seed 
at the end of October and early in November on a warm 
border, in rows three or four feet apart; these usually 
produce pods for picking early in May. As there is some 
risk of injury to these early sown peas on account of their 
having to withstand the inclemency of winter, and a greater 
liability to the depredations of mice and birds, they are 
seldom sown except in large private gardens. Peas may be 
obtained earlier by sowing on borders under glass frames, or 
in large greenhouses. 
January and February is usually soon enough for sowing 
early peas, and these will produce pods ready for use early in 
June, and sometimes at the end of May if they have been 
well sheltered and protected. Sow in rows four feet apart in 
‘warm and sheltered positions. 
Successional sowings may be made up to June, which 
will keep up a supply as long as the weather will permit the 
plants to continue active circulation of the sap. Sow in rows 
twelve feet apart, and plant other vegetables between the 
rows. 
The mid-season and late crops ought to be sown in rows 
twelve to twenty feet apart in gardens, the plants then will 
be healthier and stronger for not being overcrowded, and 
will produce enormous crops of sp!endid peas, and the ground 
between the rows will produce good crops of other vegetables. 
