$ {sativum) 



Origin — Of uncertain origin, but probably 

 a native of Central Europe or the mountains 

 of Central Asia. They have been cultivated 

 by man from a very remote time. They take 

 their name from the Greek word Pisa, a town 

 of Elis, where Peas grew very plentifully. In 

 1596 they were spelled Pe.son in England, 

 thence the present spelling. Pliny, in the 

 first century, refers to ancient writers having 

 spoken of Peas and we have numerous refer- 

 ences to them in Biblical history, especially amongst the Hebrews. We 

 are told that at Damascus there were many shops where people did nothing 

 else but fry Peas, as they were considered to be especially fine for travelers. 

 Dioscorides, the physician to Anthony and Cleopatra, recommended them very 

 highly. A. de Candolle is of the opinion that Peas were known to the Aryans 

 2000 years before Christ, and that they, perhaps, brought them into Grec( c 

 and Italy. Peas have also been found in the Swiss Lake dwellings of th< 

 Bronze Period. Peas were further introduced in England during the rt t;a 

 of Henr>' VIII. However, they were very rare until at least the time of 

 Gerard in Elizabeth's reign. 



No. 61-LAXTON'S PROGRESS 



Days to maturity, 55-60. We consider this to be the most 

 advanced development of the well-known dwarf Laxtonian type. 

 This Pea is very similar to Laxtonian except that the pod is 

 slightly longer and darker in color. It will also mature about 

 four days earlier than Laxtonian, Blue Bantam or Hundred Fold. 

 Laxton's Progress needs no brushing for the vines grow only 

 to a height of 15 inches. It is a prolific bearer and the handsome 

 appearance of the rich, dark green pods will find a ready sale. 

 One characteristic of the variety is that the pods are inclined to 

 bear more abundantly along the top of the vine, thus making it 

 easy to pick and heavy yielding. The seed is light-cream color- 

 tinged with pale green, large and wrinkled. Price, delivered: 

 1/4 lb., 15c; 1/2 lb., 25c; lb., 40c; 5 lbs., (§> 35c per lb., 10 lbs., 

 @ 30c per lb.; 50 lbs., @ 24c per lb. 



STOKES SEEDS 



I 33 1 



