If not already done, it is advisable that a good sowing should be made early in February. Nothing, however, will be gained by sowing early, "in spite of everything " - quite the reverse, as much depends upon having the ground in a suitable condition for the reception of the seed. My practice is to sow on the first favourable opportunity during January or early in February, taking care that the soil is so far dry as not to bind badly when trodden. The ground selected is generally previously occupied with either late Cauliflowers or early Broccoli, which help to keep the soil somewhat dry. A dry time prevailing, the manure is wheeled on, the ground deeply and roughly dug, and allowed to lie till the next day, or perhaps for two days, when it breaks up readily. If allowed to get sodden, it is weeks before it is again in good condition; and on the other hand, if it gets very dry and hard it also works badly. Although Peas delight in a good depth of rich soil, we do not trench for the earliest, as we find they succeed better on ground trenched the previous season for Potatoes. It is better for being firm, and is also generally drier.

In the winter of 1877 we trenched for Peas, but owing to the continued wet weather were obliged to shovel out the drills and use fresh light and dry soil below and above the seed. Since that time we have altered our practice. While on this subject I may remark that, with this or any other important crop, it is imperative to "strike while the iron is hot," - or to be plain, one man should not be set to do all the important work, as that means many opportunities lost. Muster a sufficient number of hands where possible, so as to get a job completed quickly.