360 On the Cultivation of the Lathyrus Tuberosus. 



Magazine, Vol. 4. Plate 111. It bears some resemblance 

 to, but is much smaller than, the common Everlasting Pea. 

 The tubers are formed on the long fibrous roots of the 

 plant, to which they are attached, by what (in comparing 

 them with mice) may be called their head, whilst, from the 

 other end, which is the less obtuse of the two, proceeds a 

 small, short fibre, resembling the tail. When two inches or 

 upwards in length, they may be considered as fit for use ; 

 and are to be prepared in the following manner. Boil them 

 from two to three hours, till a fork will pass through them ; 

 when sufficiently soft, dry them, and roast them gently, serv- 

 ing them up in a cloth in the same manner as Chesnuts, for 

 which they are a good substitute ; and persons used to them 

 become very fond of their flavour. 



The plant will grow in any ground, but a light rich soil 

 suits it best. As the roots, if not restrained, spread exten- 

 sively, as well as penetrate very deep, both which properties 

 are inconvenient, it is advisable to form a border enclosed all 

 round with brick work, about 20 inches deep, paving the 

 bottom with bricks. The bed thus made is to be filled with 

 the soil suited to them. The tubers (each of which will 

 produce a plant) should be put into the earth, about six 

 inches from each other, and three inches below the surface. 

 In the first year, some tubers may be large enough, but in 

 two years they will become fit for use, and should be taken 

 up as wanted. The bed in which they grow should be dug 

 in regular course from one end, leaving the smaller tubers 

 and fibres, to produce a succession of plants, and encourag- 

 ing their fresh growth by the addition of some good rich soil, 

 every year. 



