DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF GARDEN PEAS. 
123 
require to be placed in the best position, 
covered with paper, and pressed gently with 
any flat weight, though it may be. taken as a 
general rule, that there is no pressure better 
than that of sand-bags, because when bags are 
only half filled, the sand is as free to run into 
hollows as if it were out of the bag, and 
presses everything close to the under surface. 
Heaths, however, are so little trouble, that if 
ihe specimens were placed in a common book 
they would be safe, though, by absorbing the 
moisture in paper best adapted for it, you are 
more rapid in the operation, and retain more of 
the colour in the flowers, which considerably 
enhances the beauty of the specimens. When 
once you have dried and arranged your speci- 
mens, they should not be wantonly opened, 
because air is very destructive of colour, and 
therefore the less they are exposed the better. 
Very succulent subjects require the papers to 
be changed many times, but the damp ones, 
taken away one day, may be dried and used 
for the change the nest ; and if a specimen be 
not thoroughly dried before being put away, 
its rapid decay is a matter of certainty. There 
are some plants much more easily preserved 
than others, by reason of their resinous or 
gummy nature ; but even these ought to be 
regularly treated, for there is a good deal of 
watery moisture that may be absorbed. The 
Conrferse generally are of this nature, and it is 
scarcely worth trying to save these with the 
cones on them, except in a very incipient 
state. The cones preserve, but, when ripe and 
taken off' the branches, the specimens are better 
without them, and pack better. In all cases 
it is necessary that the specimens be thoroughly 
dried before putting away ; and everything 
should have its name, and the locality from 
which it was taken, whether it be indigenous 
or not. No person ought to be without a 
1 tortus Siccus. 
DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF GARDEN 
PEAS, WITH THEIR VARIETIES, AND 
SYNONYMKS. 
The Pea (Pisum sativum, Linnaeus,) is 
found wild in the south of Europe, and some 
of the garden varieties have been in culti- 
vation in this country for many centuries, 
although not extensively, as in the time of 
Queen Elizabeth they were imported from 
Holland, with other line vegetables then in 
request. 
1'isinn iiKiritimum, another species, is found 
wild on the sandy sea coast of various parts of 
England, especially in Norfolk and Suffolk ; 
and the young pods are sometimes gathered 
and dressed as the garden varieties, although 
tin sir flavour is bitter and disagreeable. 1 tow- 
fiver, as an ornamental plant, it has sonic claims 
to be admitted to the garden, as it produces a 
profusion of pretty purple blossoms, well 
entitling it to such a distinction. 
The varieties of Pea now in cultivation 
are very numerous, and additions are being 
continually made ; but the following list con- 
tains all those which are believed to be really 
distinct. No attempt has been made to keep 
them strictly in classes, although the most of 
the common sorts, known by their white seeds, 
are ranged first, followed by the Marrows and 
Prussians; those of less common occurrence, 
as the Sugar and Grey Peas, being placed at 
the end. As selections of the best sorts will 
be given, little inconvenience will result from 
their not being more scientifically arranged. 
Cormack's Prince Albert Pea was raised 
irorn their Early Kent Pea, and is in bearing 
from ten to fourteen days earlier than the 
Early Warwick, or almost any other sort. It 
is of rather dwarf growth, productive, and 
hardy. 
Waiters Queen of Dwarfs Pea is a new 
variety, not much exceeding a foot in height, 
very prolific, and the peas very large. A most 
desirable sort. 
Bishop's Dwarf Pea, of strong growth to 
the height of about two feet, with four or five 
peas in a pod. A moderate bearer, but later 
than several others. 
The Early Dwarf Pea grows about 
eighteen inches high, of a deep green colour, 
with about five peas in a pod. A prolific pea, 
but rather later than the last. 
Cormaclts Early Kent Pea is of about the 
same height, and nearly as hardy, as the 
Prince Albert, but is about six or seven days 
later in coming into bearing, and is hardly so 
productive. 'Altogether a variety of consider- 
able merit. 
Girling's Danecroft Early Pea is said to 
be earlier than the Prince Albert, and is a 
pea of the same class as the Warwick, but 
larger, and distinct in its foliage. It is a good 
bearer, producing six or seven peas in a pod, 
and is highly spoken of. 
Fame's first Early Pea grows about two 
feet high, and, sown at the same time as the 
Warwick, was fit for use ten days before that 
variety. A good deal grown in some districts. 
Warner s Early Emperor Pea grows about 
two feet high, producing large pods, and is 
quite hardy. 
The last three Peas are now Varieties, and 
require further cultivation before their true 
merits will be fully known, but report speaks 
favourably hitherto. 
Shilling's Grotto Pea is an excellent 
variety, growing about three feet high, and 
highly esteemed. Sown as an early spring 
crop, it comes into bearing in little more than 
ninety days. 
