4io 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
grown for the canneries. This variety is inferior to some 
other early varieties in flavor. 
All of the seedsmen offer strains of extra early peas, 
often of the Alaska type. Some are probably superior 
to the well-known variety bearing this name. Two that 
are largely grown are Extra Early and Surprise. 
EXTRA EARLY WRINKLED PEAS 
Gradus is a very early, largely planted variety. The 
large pods contain large peas which mature only a few 
days later than the smaller, smooth peas. Vines grow 
about 3 feet high. 
Thomas Laxton is a close rival to Gradus, ripening 
a few days later. Pods and peas are large and of fine 
quality. Vines grow to the height of about 3 feet. 
Nott’s Excelsior is an improvement on the old Ameri- 
ican Wonder, the pods being larger and the plants much 
more prolific. Average height is about 14 inches. It is 
a popular early variety of high quality. 
Little Marvel is a productive variety of high quality, 
and one of the most popular grown to-day. 
MEDIUM AND LATE PEAS 
Improved Stratagem grows to the height of about 2 
feet and does not need support. Pods are large and well 
filled with peas of the best quality. 
Telephone, which produces very large pods containing 
10 to 12 peas, is a popular variety. Height 5 feet. 
Other varieties valued for late use are Alderman, 
Abundance, Champion of England and Duke of Albany. 
Giant Sugar, Dwarf Gray Sugar and Mammoth Melt- 
ing Sugar are the edible-podded varieties. 
557. Climatic requirements. — The pea is sensitive to 
heat. It thrives best in cool weather. For these reasons 
