chap. VI.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 167 
inch to two inches., or even more apart in 
the drills. Dwarf Marrowfats and Blue 
Prussians are, however., frequently sown about 
three in two inches. The time of sowing 
usually varies from April to July; but 
where no early peas are grown, even the late 
kinds may be sown as early as February or 
March. The tall-growing kinds should, 
however, never be suffered to stand the win¬ 
ter; and thev should not be sown before 
March, unless the weather appear likely to 
be open, on account of the greater difficulties 
attending tall-growing plants. It may in¬ 
deed be here observed, though the fact is 
obvious, that all dwarf-growing plants are 
much better adapted for forcing, than the 
tall-growing kinds; from their being much 
more easily sheltered and protected. Peas 
should always be eaten when freshly gather¬ 
ed, as they are perhaps more injured by 
keeping than any other vegetable. The pea 
is a native of the south of Europe, and it 
is supposed to have been introduced in the 
reign of Henry VIII. 
Beans , though belonging to the same na¬ 
tural order as peas, and generally classed 
