Pois. Erbsen.

No. 1059. - The Pea is a hardy annual plant, and its cultivation is almost universal. The green Pea is a delicious vegetable, and is highly esteemed for its flavor and taste. To have them in perfection they must be plucked before they mature, and should be shelled and cooked as soon after as possible, as they lose much of their tenderness and flavor if kept for any length of time. The fact that those brought from a distance seldom reach the markets in their perfect state is an objection to their use, which, coupled with the knowledge that when they are closely packed they become intensely overheated and are rendered devoid of taste and unwholesome, deters many from using this popular vegetable. When sent from a distance they should be packed in open baskets (not in boxes, barrels or sacks), and laid in layers two inches deep, alternating with layers of clean straw. There are hundreds of varieties, but they differ very little from each other. New kinds are introduced annually, each claiming to be superior sorts, but the locality has a great deal to do with their quality. The field Peas can be used in their dry state for purees and soups, but they are not as easily digested as the other kinds.

Culture

No. 1060. - Peas come earliest to maturity in light rich soil. For a general crop a deep loam or a soil strongly inclining to clay is best. For an early crop decomposed leaves or leaf mold should be used, or, if the soil is very poor, stronger manure may be used. For general crops a good dressing should be applied, and for the dwarf growing kinds the soil cannot be too rich. When grown as a maiket crop Peas are never staked, and are sown in single rows two or three inches deep and from two to three feet apart, according to variety or the strength of the soil. When grown in small quantities for private use, they are generally sown in double rows sis or eight inches apart, and the tall varieties are staked up with brush. For an early crop sow them in February, March or April, according to latitude, as soon as the ground can be worked. Make repeated sowings every two weeks in succession. After the first of June, sowing should be discontinued until the middle of August, when a good crop may sometimes be secured by sowing an early sort.

Extra Early Sorts

The American Wonder

No. 1061. - A highly improved variety, with stout branching vines that grow early, about nine inches high, and are covered with long well filled pods. The Peas are of the best quality.

Kentish Invicta

No. 1062. - A round blue Pea, about two feet in height, with straight, well filled pods. It is the earliest of the blue sorts, and is superior in flavor to any of the white varieties.

Laxton 's Alpha

No. 1063. - This is the earliest wrinkled Pea known, and is about three feet in height. The seeds are indented and wrinkled, of a light blue color and delicious flavor. A good variety.