26 A. H. Hoffman, Inc., Seedsmen, Landisville, Lancaster Co., Pa. 
Cow Peas 
The Cow Pea Crop occupies the same place in the agriculture as does that of the Soy 
Bean. The crop has the same uses, namely : — the improvement of the soil by drawing 
from the air to the roots, great quantities of nitrogen — the production of hay — forage — 
silage — and peas. The hay has just about the same richness of protein and fats as that 
of Soy Beans and therefore same feeding values. Methods of growing, time of seeding 
and harvesting correspond with Soy Beans. Both crops are great producers of nitro- 
gen when properl)' inoculated, and therefore 
splendid soil improvers. There are two 
chief differences between the two crops — 
viz., the Cow Peas can be grown on even 
poorer ground than Soys, — Cow Peas are 
more recumbent than Soys, and therefore 
more difficult to harvest. However, we 
offer varieties that have upright tendencies. 
For pasturing or hogging, or for turning 
under for soil improvement, the trailing 
habit is no objection. Statements made on 
previous page relative to the " Facts About 
Soy Beans " are equally applicable to 
Cow Peas. 
Instructions for Growing Cow Peas 
Important — Don't Plant too Early 
Some folks confuse Cowpeas with Can- 
ada Field Peas. Please note this especially. 
Canada Field Peas are planted very early, 
mostly along with Oats — but Cowpeas dare 
not be planted until the ground is good and 
warm, or they will rot in the ground. Don't 
plant Cowpeas in ground that is too cold or 
too wet — this is strictly a warm-weather crop. 
Plant m in. deep. Follow general instruc- 
tions on Soy Beans printed on previous 
pages, as your guide for planting, harvesting 
and threshing Cowpeas. Inoculate the Seed 
with Farmogerm, so that the little nodules on 
the roots of the Cowpea plant will form and 
store up the nitrogen the plant will gather 
from the air. 
Field of Cow Peas 
Varieties of Cow Peas 
" Whippoorwill." This is an early variety that is perhaps more widely used than any other. 
It has been grown successfully in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and other points in the same latitude. 
Whippoorwill is a good general purpose variety. Grows vigorously, matures early, is fairly erect, 
yields well both of hay and grain. See Price List. 
The " Gray Crowder." Also called the Gray Whippoorwill, is becoming a favorite in Cowpea 
sections. It is a speckled variety like Whippoorwill. The Gray Crowder yields well of peas, plenty 
of hay, and has considerable root growth. These qualities make the Gray Crowder variety well-liked 
for its production of hay and peas, and among the leading sorts as a soil imiprover. See Price List. 
" New Eras." Wc are rather partial to the New Era variety as an all-around variety for 
general culture — in the North and Middle Atlantic States. It is an early variety. In the South, two 
crops of New Eras are grown in one season. The New Era has more erect habits than other sorts. 
The crop of this variety can be mowed easily. The vines are fine with many branches, and on the 
whole the hay of this sort is more desirable than that of some other kinds. Beginners in Cowpea 
growing would do well in selecting the New Eras, whether they seek the peas, hay, silage, pasture, or 
soil improvement. See Price List. 
" Blacks." This variety yields heavily of forage, but grows probably less grain, is slightly later 
than the other kinds. Has the trailing habit. One of the best to plant in corn for pasture or for 
turning under for improving the soil. See Price List. 
