* * * * *

LIMA BEAN.

Phaseolus lunatus.

Stem ten feet or more in height; leaves comparatively long and narrow, smooth and shining; flowers small, greenish-yellow, in spikes; the pods are four inches and a half long, an inch and a quarter broad, much flattened, green and wrinkled while young, yellowish when ripe, and contain three or four beans.

The Lima is one of the latest, as well as one of the most tender, of all garden-beans; and seldom, if ever, entirely perfects its crop in the Northern States. Little will be gained by very early planting; as the seeds are not only liable to decay before vegetating, but the plants suffer greatly from cold, damp weather. In the Northern and Eastern States, the seeds should not be planted in the open ground before the beginning of May; nor should the planting be delayed beyond the tenth or middle of the month. In ordinary seasons, the Lima Bean will blossom in eight or nine weeks, and pods may be plucked for use the last of August, or beginning of September. Only a small proportion of the pods attain a sufficient size for use; a large part of the crop being prematurely destroyed by frost.

The ripe seeds are dull-white or greenish-white, with veins radiating from the eye; broad, kidney-shaped, much flattened, seven-eighths of an inch long, and two-thirds of an inch broad. A quart contains about seven hundred seeds, and will plant eighty hills.

The pods are tough and parchment-like in all stages of their growth, and are never eaten. The seeds, green or ripe, are universally esteemed for their peculiar flavor and excellence; and, by most persons, are considered the finest of all the garden varieties. If gathered when suitable for use in their green state, and dried in the pods in a cool and shaded situation, they may be preserved during the winter. When required for use, they are shelled, soaked a short time in clear water, and cooked as green beans: thus treated, they will be nearly as tender and well flavored as when freshly plucked from the plants.

The seeds are sometimes started on a hot-bed, in thumb-pots, or on inverted turf, or sods, cut in convenient pieces; and about the last of May, if the weather is warm and pleasant, transplanted to hills in the open ground.

By the following method, an early and abundant crop may be obtained in comparatively favorable seasons:—

"As soon in spring as the weather is settled, and the soil warm and in good working condition, set poles about six feet in length, three feet apart each way, and plant five or six beans in each hill; being careful to set each bean with its germ downward, and covering an inch deep. After they have grown a while, and before they begin to run, pull up the weakest, and leave but three of the most vigorous plants to a hill. As these increase in height, they should, if necessary, be tied to the stakes, or poles, using bass-matting, or other soft, fibrous material, for the purpose. When they have ascended to the tops of the poles, the ends should be cut or pinched off; as also the ends of all the branches, whenever they rise above that height. This practice checks their liability to run to vines, and tends to make them blossom earlier, and bear sooner and more abundantly, than they otherwise would do."

In tropical climates, the Lima Bean is perennial.

GREEN LIMA.

A sub-variety of the Common Lima, differing principally in the pea-green color of the seeds.

As generally found in the market, the seeds of the Common and Green Lima are more or less intermixed. By some, the Green is considered more tender, and thought to remain longer on the plants without becoming hard, than the White. The habits of the plants are the same, and there is no difference in the season of maturity. A careful selection of seeds for planting, and skilful culture, would undoubtedly give a degree of permanency to this difference in color; which appears to be the principal, if not the only, point of variation.

MOTTLED LIMA.

This, like the Green, is a sub-variety of the Common Lima. The ripe seeds are dull-white or greenish-white, mottled and clouded with purple.

In the habit of the plant, in the foliage, pods, form, or size of the seeds, or season of maturity, there are no marks of distinction when compared with the Common Lima.

* * * * *

SCARLET-RUNNER.

Phaseolus multiflorus.

From South America. Though nearly allied to the Common Kidney-bean, it is considered by botanists a distinct species; differing in its inflorescence, in the form of its pods, and particularly in the fact that the cotyledons, or lobes of the planted seed, do not rise to the surface of the ground in the process of germination. It is, besides, a perennial plant. The roots are tuberous, and, though small, not unlike those of the Dahlia.

If taken up before frost in the autumn, they may be preserved in a conservatory, or warm parlor or sitting-room, during winter, and reset in the open ground on the approach of warm weather; when new shoots will soon make their appearance, and the plants will blossom a second time early and abundantly.

The plants are twelve feet or more in height or length, with deep-green foliage and brilliant scarlet flowers; the latter being produced in spikes, on long footstalks. The pods are six inches long, nearly an inch broad, somewhat hairy while young, sickle-shaped and wrinkled when more advanced, light reddish-brown when ripe, and contain four or five seeds.

It requires the whole season for its perfection, and should be planted as early as the weather will admit. The plants will then blossom in seven or eight weeks, produce young pods in nine weeks, green seeds in twelve weeks, and ripen in a hundred and fifteen days.

The ripe seeds are lilac-purple, variegated with black, or deep purplish-brown,—the edge, or border, little, if any, marked; hilum long and white; form broad-kidney-shaped; size large,—if well grown, measuring seven-eighths of an inch long, six-tenths of an inch broad, and three-eighths of an inch thick. About five hundred and fifty are contained in a quart, and will plant eighty hills.

In this country, it is usually cultivated as an ornamental, climbing annual; the spikes of rich, scarlet flowers, and its deep-green foliage, rendering the plant one of the most showy and attractive objects of the garden.

Though inferior to some of the finer sorts of garden-beans, its value as an esculent has not been generally appreciated. The young pods are tender and well flavored; and the seeds, green or ripe, are much esteemed in many localities. "In Britain, the green pods only are used; on the Continent, the ripened seeds are as much an object of culture; in Holland, the Runners are grown in every cottage-garden for both purposes; while, in France and Switzerland, they are grown chiefly for the ripened seeds. In England, they occupy a place in most cottage-gardens, and are made both ornamental and useful. They cover arbors, are trained over pales and up the walls of cottages, which they enliven by the brightness of their blossoms; while every day produces a supply of wholesome and nutritious food for the owner. The French, now enthusiastically fond of this legume, at one time held it in utter detestation."

PAINTED LADY-RUNNER.

A sub-variety of the Scarlet-runner, with variegated flowers; the upper petals being scarlet, the lower white. The ripe seeds are paler, and the spots and markings duller. Cultivation and uses the same.

WHITE-RUNNER.

A variety of the Scarlet-runner. The plants are less vigorous, the pods are longer and less wrinkled, and the flowers and seeds pure white.

The green pods are used in the same manner as those of the Scarlet-runner, and are similar in texture and flavor; but the shelled-beans, either green or ripe, are generally considered superior to those of the Scarlet variety. They are sometimes seen in vegetable markets under the name of the "Lima;" and are probably often cultivated, as well as purchased and consumed, as the Lima. The White-runner beans, however, are easily distinguished by their greater thickness, more rounded form, and especially by their uniform whiteness.

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SIEVA.

Carolina. Saba. West-Indian. Small Lima. Carolina Sewee. Phaseolus lunatus, var.

The Sieva is a variety of the Lima, attaining a height of ten or twelve feet. The leaves and flowers resemble those of the Common Lima. The pods, however, are much smaller, and remarkable for their uniform size; generally measuring three inches in length, and about seven-eighths of an inch in width: they are green and wrinkled while young, pale yellowish-brown when ripe, and contain three, and sometimes four, seeds.

Though several days earlier than the Lima, the Sieva Bean requires the whole season for its complete maturity; and even when planted early, and receiving the advantage of a warm summer and a favorable autumn, it is seldom fully perfected in the Northern States: for, though much of the crop may ripen, a large portion almost invariably is prematurely destroyed by frost.

The variety will blossom in eight weeks from the time of planting, afford pods for shelling in twelve weeks, and ripen from near the middle of September till destroyed by frost.

The seeds are white or dull yellowish-white, broad-kidney-shaped, much flattened, five-eighths of an inch long, and nearly half an inch broad. A quart contains about sixteen hundred, and will plant about a hundred and fifty hills.

The Sieva is one of the most productive of all varieties. The young pods, however, are tough and hard, and are never eaten. The beans, in their green or ripe state, are similar to the Lima, and are nearly as delicate and richly flavored. It is from two to three weeks earlier than the last named, and would yield a certain abundance in seasons when the Lima would uniformly fail. As a shelled-bean, green or dry, it must be classed as one of the best, and is recommended for cultivation.

MOTTLED SIEVA.

A sub-variety of the Common Sieva; the principal if not the only mark of distinction being in the variegated character of the seeds, which are dull-white, spotted and streaked with purple.

It is sometimes described as being earlier than the Common variety; but, from various experiments in the cultivation of both varieties, there appears to be little if any difference in their seasons of maturity. The color and form of the flower are the same as the Sieva; the pods are of the same size and shape; and the leaves have the same elongated form, and smooth, glossy appearance.

* * * * *

CHICK-PEA.

Egyptian Pea. Cicer arietinum.

The Chick-pea is a hardy, annual plant, originally from the south of Europe, but also indigenous to the north of Africa and some parts of Asia. The stem is two or three feet high, erect and branching; the leaves are pinnate, with from six to nine pairs of oval, grayish, toothed leaflets; the flowers resemble those of the Common Pea, and are produced on long peduncles, generally singly, but sometimes in pairs; the pods are about an inch long, three-fourths of an inch broad, somewhat rhomboidal, hairy, inflated or bladder-like, and contain two or three globular, wrinkled, pea-like seeds.

Sowing and Cultivation.—The seed should be sown in April, in the manner of the Garden-pea; making the drills about three feet apart, an inch and a half deep, and dropping the seeds two inches asunder in the drills. All the culture required is simply to keep the ground between the rows free from weeds. The crop should be harvested before the complete maturity of the seeds.

Use.—"The Pease, though not very digestible, are largely employed in soups, and form the basis of the puree aux croutons, or bread and pea soup, so highly esteemed in Paris." They are also extensively used, roasted and ground, as a substitute for coffee.

There are three varieties, as follow:—

RED CHICK-PEA.

A variety with rose-colored flowers, and red or brownish-red seeds.

WHITE CHICK-PEA.

Both the flowers and seeds white; plant similar to those of the other varieties.

YELLOW CHICK-PEA.

This variety has white blossoms and yellow seeds. The plant, in height, foliage, or general habit, differs little from the White or the Red Seeded.

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CHICKLING VETCH. Law.

Lentil, of Spain. Cultivated Lathyrus. Lathyrus sativus.

Stem three or four feet high or long, attaching itself to trellises, branches, or whatever may be provided for its support, in the manner of pease; the leaves are small and grass-like; flowers solitary, smaller than those of the Common Pea, and generally bright-blue; the pods are an inch and a half long, three-fourths of an inch broad, flattened, winged along the back, and enclose two compressed but irregularly shaped seeds of a dun or brownish color and pleasant flavor.

Cultivation and Use.—The seeds are sown at the time and in the manner of the taller kinds of garden-pease. The plant is principally cultivated for its seeds, the flour of which is mixed with that of wheat or rye, and made into bread. It is also fed to stock; and, in some localities, the plants are given as green food to horses and cattle.

"In 1671, its cultivation and use were prohibited on account of its supposed pernicious properties; as it was thought to induce rigidity of the limbs, and to otherwise injuriously affect the system."

WHITE-FLOWERED CHICKLING VETCH.

A variety with white flowers and seeds. The foliage is also much paler than that of the Common Chickling Vetch.

Other species of the genus also produce farinaceous seeds suitable for food, but in too small quantities to admit of being profitably cultivated in this country.

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ENGLISH BEAN.

Horse-bean. Garden-bean, of the English. Vicia faba.



The English Bean differs essentially from the Common American Garden or Kidney Bean usually cultivated in this country; and is classed by botanists under a different genera, and not as a distinct species, as intimated in the "American Gardener." Aside from the great difference in their general appearance and manner of growth, the soil, climate, and mode of cultivation, required by the two classes, are very dissimilar: the American Garden-bean thriving best in a light, warm soil, and under a high temperature; and the English Bean in stiff, moist soil, and in cool, humid seasons.

The English Bean is a native of Egypt, and is said to be the most ancient of all the now cultivated esculents. It is an annual plant, with an upright, smooth, four-sided, hollow stem, dividing into branches near the ground, and growing from two to four feet and upwards in height. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, and composed of from two to four pairs of oval, smooth, entire leaflets; the flowers are large, nearly stemless, purple or white, veined and spotted with purplish-black; the pods are large and downy; the seeds are rounded, or reniform, flattened, and vary to a considerable extent in size and color in the different varieties,—they will vegetate until more than five years old.

Soil and Planting.—As before remarked, the English Bean requires a moist, strong soil, and a cool situation; the principal obstacles in the way of its successful cultivation in this country being the heat and drought of the summer. The seeds should be planted early, in drills two feet asunder for the smaller-growing varieties, and three feet for the larger sorts; dropping them about six inches from each other, and covering two inches deep. A quart of seed will plant about a hundred and fifty feet of row or drill.

Cultivation.—"When the plants have attained a height of five or six inches, they are earthed up slightly for support; and, when more advanced, they are sometimes staked along the rows, and cords extended from stake to stake to keep the plants erect. When the young pods appear, the tops of the plants should be pinched off, to throw that nourishment, which would be expended in uselessly increasing the height of the plant, into its general system, and consequently increase the bulk of crop, as well as hasten its maturity. This often-recommended operation, though disregarded by many, is of very signal importance."—M'Int.

Taking the Crop.—The pods should be gathered for use when the seeds are comparatively young, or when they are of the size of a marrowfat-pea. As a general rule, all vegetables are most tender and delicate when young; and to few esculents does this truth apply with greater force than to the class of plants to which the English Bean belongs.

Use.—The seeds are used in their green state, cooked and served in the same manner as shelled kidney-beans. The young pods are sometimes, though rarely, used as string-beans.

Varieties.—

DUTCH LONG POD.

Plant from four to five feet high, dividing into two or three branches; flowers white; pods horizontal, or slightly pendulous, six or seven inches long, about an inch in width, three-fourths of an inch thick, and containing five or six large white or yellowish-white seeds.

Not early, but prolific, and of good quality.

DWARF FAN, OR CLUSTER.

Early Dwarf. Bog-bean.

A remarkably dwarfish, early variety, much employed in forcing. Stem about a foot high, separating near the ground into two or three branches; flowers white; the pods, which are produced in clusters near the top of the plant, are almost cylindrical, three inches long, three-fourths of an inch thick, and contain three or four small, oblong, yellow seeds.

It is one of the smallest and earliest of the English Beans, and yields abundantly.

EARLY DWARF CRIMSON-SEEDED. Vil.

Vilmorin's Dwarf Red-seeded.

Plant sixteen inches high, separating into two or three divisions, or branches; the flowers resemble those of the Common varieties, but are somewhat smaller; the pods are erect, three inches and a half long, three-fifths of an inch wide, half an inch thick, and contain three or four seeds, closely set together, and nearly as large in diameter as the pod.

The ripe seeds are bright brownish-red or crimson, thick, shortened at the back, and depressed at the sides: six hundred and fifty will measure a quart.

The variety is principally esteemed for its dwarfish habit and early maturity.

EARLY MAZAGAN.

Early Malta.

This variety, though originally from Mazagan, on the coast of Africa, is one of the hardiest sorts now in cultivation. Stem from two to three feet high, and rather slender; pods four to five inches long, containing four or five whitish seeds.

The Early Mazagan is much less productive than many other sorts; but its hardiness and earliness have secured it a place in the garden, and it has been cultivated more or less extensively for upwards of a century.

EVERGREEN LONG POD. M'Int.

Green Genoa. Green Long Pod. Green Nonpareil.

This variety grows from three to four feet high. The pods are long, somewhat flattened, and generally contain four rather small, oblong, green seeds. It is an excellent bearer, of good quality, and but a few days later than the Common Long Pod. The variety is much esteemed on account of the fine, green color of the beans; which, if gathered at the proper time, retain their green color when dressed.

In planting, make the drills three feet apart, and two inches and a half deep; and allow two plants for each linear foot.

GREEN CHINA.

From two to two feet and a half high; pods long, cylindrical, containing three or four beans, which remain of a green color when dry. It is recommended for its great productiveness and late maturity.

GREEN JULIENNE. Vil.

Plant about three feet and a half high, usually divided into four branches; the pods are erect, four inches long, three-fourths of an inch thick, and contain two or three small, oblong, green seeds.

Early and of good quality.

GREEN WINDSOR.

Toker.

Stem three feet high, separating into two, and sometimes three, branches; flowers white; pods erect, often horizontal, four inches and a half long, an inch and a quarter wide, and containing three large, green, nearly circular, and rather thick seeds.

The latter retain their fresh, green color till near maturity, and, to a considerable extent, when fully ripe; and, on this account, are found in the market, and used at table, after most other varieties have disappeared.

The variety resembles the Common Broad Windsor; but the seeds are smaller, and retain their green color after maturity. Eleven or twelve well-developed seeds will weigh an ounce.

HORSE-BEAN. Law.

Scotch Bean. Faba vulgaris arvensis.

Stem from three to five feet high; flowers variable in color; the ripe seeds are from a half to five-eighths of an inch in length by three-eighths in breadth, generally slightly compressed on the sides, and frequently a little hollowed or flattened at the end, of a whitish or light-brownish color, occasionally interspersed with darker blotches, particularly towards the extremities; eye black; average weight per bushel sixty-two pounds.

An agricultural sort, generally cultivated in rows, but sometimes sown broadcast. It is not adapted to the climate of the United States, though extensively and profitably grown in England and Scotland.

JOHNSON'S WONDERFUL. Law.

An improved variety of the Broad Windsor, recently introduced, and apparently of excellent quality. The pods are long, and contain six or eight beans, which are similar in size and form to the Windsor.

LONG-PODDED. Law.

Lisbon. Hang-down Long Pod. Early Long Pod. Sandwich. Turkey Long Pod. Sword Long Pod.

Stems from three to five feet high; pods six to seven inches long, an inch and a fourth broad, rather pendulous, and containing four or five whitish, somewhat oblong, flattened seeds, about an inch in length, and five-eighths of an inch in breadth.

The variety has been long in cultivation, is remarkably productive, and one of the most esteemed of the English Beans. It is about a week later than the Early Mazagan.

MARSHALL'S EARLY DWARF PROLIFIC. M'Int.

Plant from eighteen inches to two feet high, separating into numerous branches. It resembles the Early Mazagan; but is two weeks earlier, and much more productive. The pods are produced in clusters near the ground, and contain four or five seeds, which are larger than those of the last named.

RED OR SCARLET BLOSSOMED.

Stem three or four feet high, separating near the ground into four branches; flowers generally bright-red, approaching scarlet, but varying from pale to purplish-red and blackish-purple, and sometimes to nearly jet-black; the pods, which differ from all other varieties in their dark, rusty-brown color, are erect, four inches long, nearly an inch broad, and contain three and sometimes four seeds.

The variety is remarkably hardy and productive; but less esteemed than many others, on account of its dark color. It deserves cultivation as an ornamental plant.

RED WINDSOR. Law. M'Int.

Scarlet Windsor. Dark-red.

This variety resembles the Violet or Purple; growing about four feet high. The pods are narrower than those of the Broad Windsor, and contain about the same number of seeds: in the green state, these are darker than those of the Violet, but change to scarlet when fully grown, and to deep-red when ripe.

The Red Windsor is late, but prolific, and of good quality. It is, however, little cultivated, on account of its dark and unattractive appearance. The seed weighs about thirty-one grains.

ROYAL DWARF CLUSTER. M'Int.

A very Dwarf, and comparatively new variety; growing only twelve or fourteen inches high. It produces its pods in clusters, three or four beans in each pod, which are smaller than Marshall's Early Prolific. On account of its branching habit, it should not have less than ten or twelve inches in the line, which is nearly its proper distance between the rows. Much esteemed for the delicacy and smallness of the beans while young, and considered one of the best of the early Dwarf sorts.

TOKER. Law.

Large Toker.

Height about five feet; pods rather long, and very broad, containing three or four beans of a whitish color,—differing from the Common Windsor in being of an elongated, oval form.

This is a medium late sort, and an excellent bearer, but considered somewhat coarse, and therefore not so much esteemed as the Windsor. The ripe seed weighs thirty-six grains.

VIOLET OR PURPLE.

Violette.

Stem about four feet high, with two or three ramifications; flowers white; pods generally erect, sometimes at right angles, a little curved, four inches or upwards in length, an inch and a fourth in width, four-fifths of an inch thick, containing two and sometimes three seeds. When ripe, the beans are large, not regular in form, rather thin, of a violet-red color, changing by age to a mahogany-red; the size and shape being intermediate between the Long Pod and Broad Windsor.

The variety is of good quality, and productive; but less desirable than many other sorts, on account of its dark color.

WHITE-BLOSSOMED LONG POD. Law.

The flowers of this sort differ from all others in being pure white; having no spots on the large upper petal, or on the wings or smaller side petals. It is liable to degenerate; but may easily be distinguished, when in flower, by the above characters. Stem about four feet high; pods long, nearly cylindrical, and slightly pendulous, generally containing four and sometimes five seeds, which are black or blackish-brown, three-fourths of an inch long, and half an inch broad.

It is a moderate bearer, and of excellent quality; but not used in an advanced state, on account of its color. The variety possesses the singular anomaly of having the whitest flowers and the darkest seeds of any of the English Beans. The seed weighs about twelve grains.

WINDSOR.

White Broad Windsor. Taylor's Large Windsor. Kentish Windsor. Mumford. Wrench's Improved Windsor.

Stem about four feet high; flowers white; pods generally horizontal or inclined, five inches long, an inch and a fourth wide, seven-eighths of an inch thick, and containing two or three beans; seeds large, yellowish, of a flat, circular form, an inch broad, but varying in size according to soil, culture, and season. A quart contains from two hundred and fifty to two hundred and seventy-five seeds.

This familiar sort is much esteemed and extensively cultivated. It is considered the earliest of the late Garden varieties; and excellent as a summer bean, on account of its remaining longer fit for use than any other, with the exception of the Green Windsor. It is a sure bearer; and, as the pods are produced in succession, pluckings may be made from day to day for many weeks.

The seeds are the heaviest of all the English Beans; nine well-grown specimens weighing an ounce.

LENTIL. Law.

Ervum lens.

A hardy, annual plant, with an erect, angular, branching stem a foot and a half high. The leaves are winged, with about six pairs of narrow leaflets, and terminate in a divided tendril, or clasper; the flowers are small, numerous, and generally produced in pairs; the pods are somewhat quadrangular, flattened, usually in pairs, and enclose one or two round, lens-like seeds, the size and color varying in the different varieties,—about four hundred and fifty are contained in an ounce, and their power of germination is retained three years.

Cultivation.—"The soil best adapted for the Lentil is that of a dry, light, calcareous, sandy nature."

When cultivated as green food for stock, it should be sown broadcast; but, if grown for ripe seeds, it should be sown in drills,—the last of April or beginning of May being the most suitable season for sowing.

Use.—"The Lentil is a legume of the greatest antiquity, and was much esteemed in the days of the patriarchs. In Egypt and Syria, the seeds are parched, and sold in shops; being considered by the natives as excellent food for those making long journeys. In France, Germany, Holland, and other countries of Europe, it is grown to a considerable extent, both for its seeds and haum. The former are used in various ways, but principally, when ripe, in soups, as split pease. When given as green food to stock, it should be cut when the first pods are nearly full grown."

Varieties.—

COMMON LENTIL. Law.

Yellow Lentil.

This variety is considered superior to the Large Lentil, though the seeds are much smaller. In the markets of Paris, it is the most esteemed of all the cultivated sorts. Its season is the same with that of the last named.

GREEN LENTIL.

Lentille verte Du Puy. Vil.

The Green Lentil somewhat resembles the Small Lentil, particularly in its habit of growth; though its stem is taller and more slender, and its foliage deeper colored. The principal distinction is in the color of the seeds, which are green, spotted and marbled with black.

LARGE LENTIL. Law.

Flowers small, white, generally two, but sometimes three, on each peduncle; the pods are three-fourths of an inch long, half an inch broad, flattened, and generally contain a single seed, which is white or cream-colored, lens-shaped, three-eighths of an inch in diameter, and an eighth of an inch in thickness. The plant is about fifteen inches high.

It is one of the most productive of all the varieties, though inferior in quality to the Common Lentil.

ONE-FLOWERED LENTIL.

Ervum monanthos.

The stem of this quite distinct species is from twelve to fifteen inches high; the flowers are yellow, stained or spotted with black, and produced one on a foot-stalk; the pods are oval, smooth, and contain three or four globular, wrinkled, grayish-brown seeds, nearly a fourth of an inch in diameter.

About five hundred and fifty seeds are contained in an ounce.

The One-flowered Lentil is inferior to most of the other sorts; but is cultivated to some extent, in France and elsewhere, both for its seeds and herbage.

RED LENTIL. Law.

Seeds of the size and form of those of the Common Lentil, but of a reddish-brown color; flowers light-red. Its season of maturity is the same with that of the last named.

SMALL LENTIL. Law.

Lentille petite. Vil.

Seeds about an eighth of an inch in diameter; flowers reddish; and pods often containing two seeds.

This is the "Lentille petite" of the French; and is the variety mostly sown for green food in France, although its ripe seeds are also used. It is rather late, and grows taller than any of the other sorts, except the Green Lentil. When sown in drills, they should be from ten to fifteen inches apart, and the plants about four or five inches distant in the rows.

The Lentils are of a close, branching habit of growth; and a single plant will produce a hundred and fifty and often a much greater number of pods.

* * * * *

LUPINE.

Lupinus.

The Lupines are distinguished among leguminous plants by their strong, erect, branching habit of growth. Of the numerous species and varieties, some are cultivated for ornament, others for forage, and some for ploughing under for the purpose of enriching the soil. The only species grown for their farinaceous seeds, or which are considered of much value to the gardener, are the two following:—

WHITE LUPINE. Law.

Lupinus albus.

An annual species, with a sturdy, erect stem two feet high; leaves oblong, covered with a silvery down, and produced seven or eight together at the end of a common stem; the flowers are white, in loose, terminal spikes; the pods are straight, hairy, about three inches long, and contain five or six large, white, flattened seeds,—these are slightly bitter when eaten, and are reputed to possess important medical properties.

"The White Lupine was extensively cultivated by the Romans for its ripened seeds, which were used for food; and also for its green herbage, which was employed for the support of their domestic animals."

It is of little value as an esculent; and, compared with many other leguminous plants, not worthy of cultivation.

The seeds should be sown where the plants are to remain, as they do not succeed well when transplanted. Sow early in May, in drills sixteen to eighteen inches apart; cover an inch and a half deep, and thin to five or six inches in the rows.

YELLOW LUPINE. Law.

Lupinus luteus.

The Yellow Lupine is a native of Sicily. It is a hardy annual, and resembles the foregoing species in its general character. The flowers are yellow; the pods are about two inches long, hairy, flattened, and enclose four or five large, roundish, speckled seeds. It blossoms and ripens at the same time with the White, and is planted and cultivated in the same manner.

This species is grown in Italy for the same purposes as the White, but more extensively. It is also grown in some parts of the south of France, on poor, dry grounds, for cutting in a green state, and ploughing under as a fertilizer.

* * * * *

THE PEA.

Pisum sativum.

The native country of the Pea, like that of many of our garden vegetables, is unknown. It is a hardy, annual plant; and its cultivation and use as an esculent are almost universal.

To give in detail the various methods of preparing the soil, sowing, culture, gathering, and use, would occupy a volume.

The following directions are condensed from an elaborate treatise on the culture of this vegetable, by Charles M'Intosh, in his excellent work entitled "The Book of the Garden:"—

Soil and its Preparation.—The Pea comes earliest to maturity in light, rich soil, abounding in humus: hence the practice of adding decomposed leaves or vegetable mould has a very beneficial effect. For general crops, a rich, hazel loam, or deep, rich, alluvial soil, is next best; but, for the most abundant of all, a strong loam, inclining to clay. For early crops, mild manure, such as leaf-mould, should be used. If the soil is very poor, stronger manure should be employed. For general crops, a good dressing may be applied; and for the dwarf kinds, such as Tom Thumb, Bishop's New Long Pod, and the like, the soil can hardly be too rich.

Seed and Sowing.—A quart of ripe pease is equal to about two pounds' weight; and contains, of the largest-sized varieties, about thirteen hundred, and of the smaller descriptions about two thousand, seeds. A pint of the small-seeded sorts, such as the Daniel O'Rourke, Early Frame, and Early Charlton, will sow a row about sixty feet in length; and the same quantity of larger-growing sorts will sow a row of nearly a hundred feet, on account of being sown so much thinner. A fair average depth for covering the seed is two and a half or three inches; though some practise planting four or five inches deep, which is said to be a preventive against the premature decay of the vines near the roots.

As to distance between the rows, when pease are sown in the usual manner (that is, row after row throughout the whole field), they should be as far asunder as the length of the stem of the variety cultivated: thus a pea, that attains a height or length of two feet, should have two feet from row to row, and so on to those taller or lower growing.

They are sometimes sown two rows together, about a foot apart, and ten, twenty, or even fifty feet between the double rows; by which every portion of the crop is well exposed to the sun and air, and the produce gathered with great facility. There is no loss of ground by this method; for other crops can be planted within a foot or two of the rows, and this amount of space is necessary for the purpose of gathering.

A common practice in ordinary garden culture is to sow in double rows twelve or fourteen inches apart, slightly raising the soil for the purpose. When so planted, all of the sorts not over two feet in height may be successfully grown without sticking. When varieties of much taller growth are sown, a greater yield will be secured by bushing the plants; which is more economically as well as more strongly done if the planting is made in double rows. The staking, or bushing, should be furnished when the plants are three or four inches high, or immediately after the second hoeing: they should be of equal height, and all straggling side-twigs should be removed for appearance' sake.

Early Crops.—The earliest crops produced in the open garden without artificial aid are obtained by judicious selection of the most approved early varieties, choosing a warm, favorable soil and situation, and sowing the seed either in November, just as the ground is closing, or in February or March, at the first opening of the soil; the latter season, however, being preferable, as the seed then vegetates with much greater certainty, and the crop is nearly or quite as early. Great benefit will be derived from reflected heat, when planted at the foot of a wall, building, or tight fence, running east and west. It is necessary, however, when warm sunshine follows cold, frosty nights, to shade the pease from its influence an hour or two in the morning, or to sprinkle them with cold water if they have been at all frozen.

They are sometimes covered with a narrow glass frame of a triangular form, and glazed on both sides, or on one only, according as they may be used on rows running from north to south, or from east to west. In the latter case, such frames may have glass in the south side only.

Subsequent Cultivation.—"When the crop has attained the height of about five inches, a little earth should be drawn around the stems, but not so closely as to press upon them: it should form a sort of ridge, with a slight channel in the middle. The intention here is not, as in many other cases, to encourage the roots to diverge in a horizontal direction (for they have no disposition to do so), but rather to give a slight support to the plants until they take hold of the stakes that are to support them. Those crops which are not to be staked require this support the most: and they should have the earth drawn up upon one side only, that the vines may be thrown to one side; which will both facilitate the operation of gathering, and keep the ground between them clear at the same time, while it supports the necks of the plants better than if the earth was drawn up on both sides."

Mildew.—One of the most successful cultivators (T. A. Knight) says, "that the secondary and immediate cause of this disease is a want of a sufficient supply of moisture from the soil, with excess of humidity in the air; particularly if the plants be exposed to a temperature below that to which they have been accustomed. If damp and cloudy weather succeed that which has been warm and bright, without the intervention of sufficient rain to moisten the ground to some depth, the crop is generally much injured by mildew."

"While engaged in the production of those excellent pease which bear his name, he proved this theory by warding off mildew by copious waterings of the roots. The fashionable remedy, at present, is the application of sulphur. This, no doubt, subdues the disease, but does not remove the cause."—M'Int.

Gathering.—The crop should be gathered as it becomes fit for use. If even a few of the pods begin to ripen, young pods will not only cease to form, but those partly advanced will cease to enlarge.

Use.—"In a sanitary point of view, pease cannot be eaten too young, nor too soon after they are gathered; and hence people who depend on the public markets for their supply seldom have this very popular vegetable in perfection, and too often only when it is almost unfit for use. This is a formidable objection to the use of pease brought from long distances. It is, of course, for the interest of the producer to keep back his pease till they are fully grown, because they measure better, and, we believe, by many are purchased quicker, as they get greater bulk for their money. This may be so far excusable on the part of such: but it is inexcusable that a gentleman, having a garden of his own, should be served with pease otherwise than in the very highest state of perfection; which they are not, if allowed to become too old, or even too large."—M'Int.

"Pease, in a green state, are with difficulty sent to a distance, as, when packed closely together, heat and fermentation speedily take place. This is one of the causes why pease from the South, or those brought by long distances to market, are discolored, devoid of flavor, and, worst of all, very unwholesome to eat. Pease intended for long transportation should be packed in open baskets (not in boxes or tight barrels), and laid in layers not more than two inches thick; and, between such layers, a thick stratum of clean straw or other dry material should be placed."

Varieties.—These are very numerous, and, like those of the Broccoli Lettuce, not only greatly confused, but often based on trifling and unimportant distinctions.

From experiments made a few years since in the gardens of the London Horticultural Society, under the direction of Mr. Thompson, who planted no less than two hundred and thirty-five reputed sorts (all of which were then enumerated in seedsmen's catalogues), only twenty-seven of the number were selected as being really useful. About the same time, upwards of a hundred sorts were grown by Mr. M'Intosh, from which twelve were selected as being truly distinct and valuable.

"New sorts are yearly introduced: and it would be injudicious not to give them a fair trial; for as we progress in pea-culture, as in every other branch of horticulture, we may reasonably expect that really improved and meritorious sorts will arise, and be substituted for others that may be inferior."

AUVERGNE. Cot. Gard.

White Sabre. White Cimeter.

The plant is of moderately strong habit of growth, producing a single stem from four to five feet high, according to the soil in which it is grown; and bears from twelve to fifteen pods. These are generally single, but sometimes in pairs; when fully grown, four inches and a half long, and over half an inch broad; tapering to the point, and very much curved. They contain from eight to ten peas, which are closely compressed, and of the size of the Early Frames. Even the small pods contain as many as six or seven peas in each. The ripe seed is white.

Plants from seed sown May 1 were in blossom June 26; and the pods were sufficiently grown for plucking, July 12.

The Auvergne Pea was introduced from France into England some years ago by the London Horticultural Society. Although it very far surpasses most of the varieties of the White Pea, it has never become much disseminated, and is very little known or cultivated. It is, however, a most characteristic variety, and always easily distinguishable by its long, curved pods. It is one of the most productive of all the garden pease.

BATT'S WONDER. Trans.

Plant three feet in height, of robust growth; foliage dark-green; pods narrow, nearly straight, but exceedingly well filled, containing seven or eight peas of medium size, which, when ripe, are small, smooth, and of a bluish-green color.

Planted May 1, the variety will flower about July 1, and the pods will be fit for use the middle of the month.

The variety withstands drought well, and the pods hang long before the peas become too hard for use. It is an excellent pea for a second crop.

BECK'S PRIZE-TAKER. Trans.

Prize-taker. Rising Sun.

Plant four and a half to five feet in height; pods roundish, curved or hooked near the end, well filled, containing seven to eight middle-sized peas of a fine green color when young, and mixed olive and white when ripe.

Sown May 1, the variety will blossom June 25, and the pods will be suitable for plucking about the 12th of July.

It is one of the best varieties for the main crop. Similar to, if not identical with, Bellamy's Early Green Marrow.

BEDMAN'S IMPERIAL. Cot. Gard.

The plant generally produces a single stem, which is from three to four feet high; the pods are usually in pairs, but sometimes single, three inches and a quarter long, five-eighths of an inch broad, somewhat curved, and terminate abruptly at the points. Each pod contains six to seven peas, which are of an ovate form, and about a third of an inch in their greatest diameter. The ripe seed is pale-blue.

Planted May 1, the variety blossomed the last of June, and furnished pease for use about the 18th of July. For many years, this variety stood foremost among the Imperials; but is now giving place to other and greatly superior sorts.

BELLAMY'S EARLY GREEN MARROW. Cot. Gard.

Plant of strong and robust habit of growth, sometimes with a single and often with a branching stem, four and a half or five feet high, and producing from twelve to eighteen pods: these are in pairs, rarely single, three inches and a half long, seven-tenths of an inch broad, slightly curved, thick-backed, and terminate abruptly at the point. The surface is smooth, and of a very dark-green color. They contain, on an average, from six to seven large bluish-green peas. The ripe seed has a mixed appearance; some being dull yellowish-white, and others light olive-green, in about equal proportions.

Plants from seed sown the first week in May were in blossom the last week in June, and pods were plucked for use about the middle of July.

The variety is highly recommended, both as a good bearer and a pea of excellent quality, whether for private use or for marketing: for the latter purpose it is peculiarly adapted, as the pod is of a fine deep-color, handsomely and regularly shaped, and always plumply filled.

BISHOP'S EARLY DWARF. Law.

Pods single or in pairs, about two inches long, bent back at both ends, and increasing in size towards the middle; pea about a fourth of an inch in diameter, and irregularly shaped, cream-colored, with blotches of white, particularly about the eye. The plant grows little more than a foot high, and is fairly productive. Early sowings will give a supply for the table in about ten weeks.

This once-popular, Early Dwarf sort is now rapidly giving place to Bishop's New Long-podded,—a more prolific and much superior variety.

BISHOP'S NEW LONG-PODDED.

Stem about two feet high; pods nearly straight, almost cylindrical, containing six or seven white peas. It is an early variety, an abundant bearer, of excellent quality, and in all respects much superior to the Common Bishop's Early Dwarf. Planted the 1st of May, it will blossom June 14, and yield pease for the table the 10th of July.

M'Intosh describes it as "a most abundant bearer, producing a succession of pods during most of the pea-season. Like all pease of its class, it requires a rich soil, and from four to six inches between the seed in the line. It is one of the most valuable sorts for small gardens and for domestic use. It originated in England with Mr. David Bishop; and is a hybrid between Bishop's Early Dwarf and one of the Marrowfats, carrying with it the characters of both its parents."

BLACK-EYED MARROW.

Plant about five feet high, strong and vigorous; pods generally single, sometimes in pairs, three inches and a quarter in length, three-fourths of an inch in breadth, becoming rough or wrinkled on the surface as they approach maturity, and containing about six large, round, cream-white or brownish-white black-eyed seeds, about three-eighths of an inch in diameter.

Its season is nearly the same with the Dwarf and Missouri Marrow. If sown the 1st of May, the plants will blossom the 28th or 30th of June, and yield pease for the table about July 15: the crop will ripen the last of the same month.

This is a very prolific as well as excellent variety. It is little cultivated in gardens at the North, though sometimes grown as a field-pea in the Canadas. In the Middle States, and at the South, it is a popular market-sort, and its cultivation is much more extensive.

The dark color of the eye of the ripened seed distinguishes the variety from all others.

BLUE CIMETER. Thomp.

Sabre. Dwarf Sabre. Blue Sabre. New Sabre. Beck's Eclipse.

Plant about three feet high; pods generally in pairs, well filled, long, roundish, gradually curved from the stem to the point, or cimeter-shaped; seeds of good quality, larger than those of the Prussian Blue, from which the variety doubtless originated, and to which, when grown in poor soil, it has a tendency to return.

If planted the 1st of May, it will blossom about the 28th of June, and the pods will be suitable for plucking about the middle of July.

It bears abundantly, but not in succession; and, for this reason, is much prized by market-gardeners. The most of the pods being fit to pluck at the same time, the crop is harvested at once, and the land immediately occupied with other vegetables.

BLUE IMPERIAL.

Dwarf Blue Imperial.

Plant strong and vigorous, four feet in height, with large, healthy foliage; pods single and in pairs, three inches and a quarter in length, three-fourths of an inch in breadth, containing six or seven large peas.

The ripe seed is somewhat indented and irregularly compressed, three-eighths of an inch in diameter, and of a greenish-blue color.

With respect to season, the variety is intermediate. If planted the 1st of May, it will blossom the 26th of June, and the pods will attain a size fit for plucking about the 12th of July. It is very hardy; yields abundantly; thrives well in almost any description of soil or situation; and, though not so sweet and tender as some of the more recent sorts, is of good quality. It vegetates with much greater certainty, and its crops are more reliable, than the higher-flavored varieties; and these qualities will still secure its cultivation by those who prefer a certain and plentiful supply of fair quality, to a precarious and limited yield of extraordinary sweetness and excellence. It has long been grown in this country, and is considered a standard variety.

BLUE PRUSSIAN. Cot. Gard.

Dwarf Blue Prussian. Prussian Blue. Green Prussian.

Plant of a vigorous but not robust habit of growth, with a single stem about three feet high, which is sometimes branching. The pods are generally produced in pairs, but are also sometimes single, and vary from twelve to sixteen on each plant. They are from two and three-fourths of an inch to three inches long, three-fourths of an inch wide, somewhat curved, and rather broader towards the point, where they terminate abruptly. They contain about seven peas, which are four-tenths of an inch long, seven-twentieths of an inch wide, about the same in thickness, and compressed on the sides, from being so close together. The ripe seed is blue.

Sown the 1st of May, the plants blossomed June 28, and yielded pease for use the middle of July.

It produces abundantly, and is a valuable sort for late summer use. "It is unquestionably the parent of the Blue Imperial and all like varieties."

BLUE SPANISH DWARF. Cot. Gard.

Groom's Superb. Blue Fan.

Plant from a foot and a half to three feet high. The pods are single and in pairs, in about equal proportion, two inches and a half long, containing from six to seven peas each. The ripe seed is pale-blue.

Plants from sowings made the first of May will blossom the last of June, and yield pease for use the middle of July.

It is a useful variety for small gardens, as it is a low grower and a fair bearer; but it is now much surpassed by Bishop's Long-podded and Burbridge's Eclipse, both of which are considered more prolific and better flavored.

BRITISH QUEEN. Cot. Gard.

Hair's Defiance. Tall White Mammoth. Erin's Queen.

The plant is of a showy and robust habit of growth, from six to seven feet high, sometimes with a single stem, but generally branching within nine inches or a foot of the ground, and frequently furnished with two and even three laterals, which are of the same height as the whole plant. The pods begin to be produced at the first joint above the first lateral shoot, and are in number from thirteen to eighteen on each plant. They are generally single, but frequently in pairs, from three inches and a quarter to three inches and three-quarters long, rather flattened and broad when first fit to gather, but becoming round and plump when more advanced. They are quite smooth, of a bright-green color, slightly curved, wavy on the upper edge, and contain from five to seven exceedingly large peas, which are not so close together as to compress each other. The ripe seed is white, large, and wrinkled.

Sown the 1st of May, the plants will blossom about the 30th of June, and pods may be plucked for use about the 15th of July. They will ripen off about the 1st of August.

This is one of the best late peas in cultivation. It belongs to the class known as Wrinkled, or Knight's Marrow; but is much superior in every respect to all the old varieties usually called Knight's Marrows, being much more prolific and richly flavored. As an intermediate variety, it deserves a place in every garden.

BURBRIDGE'S ECLIPSE. Cot. Gard.

Stubbs's Dwarf.

Plant a robust grower, always with a simple stem, attaining the height of a foot and a half to about two feet; pods in pairs, rarely single, and from three inches to three inches and a quarter long, seven-tenths of an inch broad, perfectly straight, and of equal width throughout, with a slight waving on the upper edge,—they contain from five to seven peas, which are ovate, nearly half an inch long, a third of an inch broad, and the same in thickness.

Seed was planted May 1, the plants blossomed June 26, and pods were plucked for use July 14.

This may be classed among the valuable contributions which have been made to the list of peas during the last few years. Unlike most of the dwarf varieties, it is a most productive sort; and thus its dwarf character is not its chief recommendation. For private gardens, or for cultivation for market, few peas surpass this and Bishop's Long-podded.

CARTER'S VICTORIA. Trans.

Carter's Eclipse.

Plant six to seven feet high; pods large, slightly curved, containing seven or eight large peas, which are sweet and of excellent quality. The ripe seeds are white, and much shrivelled or wrinkled.

Plants from seeds sown May 1 blossomed July 1, and the pods were fit for plucking the 18th of the month.

The variety continues long in bearing, and the peas exceed in size those of Knight's Tall White Marrow. It is one of the best late tall peas.

CHARLTON. Cot. Gard. Law. Thomp.

Early Charlton.

The original character of this variety may be described as follows:—

Plant about five feet high, and of vigorous growth; leaves large, with short petioles; tendrils small; pods broad, containing six or seven peas of excellent quality. They are rather larger than those of the Early Frame, with which this is often confounded. The Early Charlton may, however, be distinguished by its stronger habit of growth, flat pods, larger seeds, and by being fit for use about a fortnight later than the Early Frame; so that, when sown at the same time, it forms a succession.

According to the Messrs. Lawson, this is the oldest, and for a long period was the best known and most extensively cultivated, of all the varieties of white garden-pease. Its history can be traced as far back as 1670; and from that time till about 1770, or nearly a century, it continued to stand first in catalogues as the earliest pea, until it was supplanted by the Early Frame about 1770. It is further said by some to be the source from which the most esteemed early garden varieties have arisen; and that they are nothing else than the Early Charlton Pea, considerably modified in character from the effects of cultivation and selection. Although this idea may seem far-fetched, it is not improbable, especially when we take into consideration the susceptibility of change, from cultivation and other causes, which the Pea is ascertained to possess. Thus if the Early Charlton, or any other variety, be sown for several years, and only the very earliest and very latest flowering-plants selected for seed each season, the difference in the time of ripening between the two will ultimately become so great as to give them the appearance of two distinct varieties; and by sowing the earlier portion on light, early soils, and the later on strong, black, coarse, or low soils, the difference will become materially increased. It is therefore probable, that the Early Frame, with its numerous sub-varieties (including the Dan O'Rourke, Prince Albert, Early Kent, and a multitude of others), may have originated in the Charlton, though some of them differ essentially in their habit of growth.

The various names by which it has been known are Reading Hotspur, Master's or Flander's Hotspur, Golden Hotspur, Brompton Hotspur, Essex Hotspur, Early Nicol's Hotspur, Charlton Hotspur, and finally Early Charlton; the last name becoming general about 1750.

An English writer remarks, "that the variety now exists only in name. That which is sold for the Early Charlton is often a degenerated stock of Early Frames, or any stock of Frames which cannot be warranted or depended upon, but which are, nevertheless, of such a character as to admit of their being grown as garden varieties. The Early Charlton, if grown at all by seed-growers as a distinct variety, is certainly cultivated to a very limited extent."

Of the popular American improved early sorts, the Hill's Early, Hovey's Extra Early, Landreth's Extra Early, are hardy, as well as very prolific; and are not only well adapted for private gardens, but may be recommended as the most profitable kinds for cultivating for early marketing. In an experimental trial of these kinds with the Early Daniel O'Rourke, and some of the most approved of the earliest foreign varieties, they proved to be nearly or quite as early, fully as prolific, continued longer in bearing, and were much more stocky and vigorous in habit.

CHAMPION OF PARIS. Cot. Gard.

Excelsior. Paradise Marrow. Stuart's Paradise.

Plant of vigorous growth, with a simple stem five to six feet high, rarely branched, producing from eight to ten pods. These last are generally single, but sometimes in pairs, from three inches and a quarter to three inches and three-quarters long, and five-eighths of an inch wide. They are curved almost as much as those of the Cimeter; and, when near maturity, become quite fleshy, wrinkled, and thick-backed. They contain from six to seven large peas, which are close together without being compressed. The ripe seed is white, medium-sized, somewhat flattened and pitted. If sown May 1, the plants will blossom June 28, and the pods will be ready for plucking July 16.

This is a very excellent pea, an abundant cropper, and considerably earlier than the Auvergne and Shillings Grotto; to both of which it is also greatly superior.

CLIMAX. Trans.

Napoleon.

Plant three feet and a half high, of robust habit; pods single or in pairs, three inches long, containing five or six peas; when ripe, these are of medium size, pale-blue or olive, sometimes yellowish, shaded with blue, and, like the Eugenie, much wrinkled and indented.

If sown the beginning of May, the variety will blossom about the 15th of June, pods may be plucked for use the 10th of July, and the crop will ripen the 25th of the same month.

English catalogues represent the Napoleon as being "the earliest blue pea in cultivation, podding from the bottom of the haum to the top, with fine large pods." In a trial growth, it proved early and productive; not only forming a great number of pods, but well filling the pods after being formed. In quality it is tender, very sweet and well flavored, resembling the Champion of England. Its season is nearly the same with that of the Eugenie, and the variety is well deserving of cultivation.

Mr. Harrison, the originator of the Eugenie and Napoleon, states that both of the peas were originally taken from one pod.

DANTZIC. Law.

Plant six to seven feet high, branching; pods in pairs, two and a half inches long, half an inch broad, compact, and slightly bent. When ripe, the seed is the smallest of all the light peas, quite round or spherical, of a bright-yellow color, beautifully transparent, with whitish eyes.

If sown the 1st of May, the plants will blossom the 8th of July, afford pease for the table about the 25th of the same month, and ripen from the 10th to the middle of August.

It is not a productive variety, and is seldom cultivated in England or in this country; but is grown extensively on the shores of the Baltic, and exported for splitting, or boiling whole.

DICKSON'S FAVORITE. Trans.

Dickson's Early Favorite.

Plant five feet high, stocky, vigorous, and very prolific; pods ten to twelve on a stalk, long, round when fully grown, curved, hooked at the extremity, but not so much so as in the Auvergne,—to which, in many respects, it bears a strong resemblance. The pods are remarkably well filled, containing from eight to ten peas of medium size, round, and very white.

Planted the 1st of May, the variety blossomed June 25, and pods were gathered for use the 12th of July.

This pea is highly deserving of cultivation as a second early variety.

DILLISTONE'S EARLY. Cot. Gard.

The plant is of slender habit of growth, produces a single stem two feet high, and bears, on an average, from seven to nine pods: these are smaller than those of the Dan O'Rourke, generally single, but occasionally in pairs, almost straight, and contain seven peas each. The seed, when ripe, is white.

Sown at the time of the Dan O'Rourke, the plants were a mass of bloom three days before the last named had commenced blossoming, and the crop was ready for gathering seven days before the Dan O'Rourke.

This is undoubtedly the earliest pea known, and is quite seven or eight days earlier than the Dan O'Rourke, which has hitherto been regarded as the earliest variety. A striking feature of Dillistone's Early is, that its changes take place at once. It blooms in a mass, its pods all appear together, and the whole crop is ready to be gathered at the same time.

In the Chiswick Garden, England, where a hundred and sixteen varieties were experimentally cultivated, during the season of 1860, under the supervision of Robert Hogg, LL.D., this variety was beginning to die off, when the Dan O'Rourke was yet green and growing.

DWARF MARROW.

Dwarf White Marrow. Dwarf Marrowfat. Early Dwarf Marrowfat.

Plant from three to four feet in height, generally with a single stem, but sometimes branching; pods somewhat flattened, generally single, but sometimes produced in pairs, three inches to three inches and a half long, three-fourths of an inch broad at the middle, tapering with a slight but regular curve to both ends, and containing about six closely-set peas: these are cream-colored and white; the white prevailing about the eye, and at the union of the two sections of the pea; not perfectly round, but more or less compressed, slightly wrinkled, and measuring nearly three-eighths of an inch in diameter.

Planted the 1st of May, the variety blossomed the last of June, and afforded pease for the table the 15th of July.

The Dwarf Marrow is hardy and productive. Though not so sweet or well flavored as some of the more recent sorts, its yield is abundant and long continued; and, for these qualities, it is extensively cultivated. The variety, however, is rarely found in an unmixed state; much of the seed sown under this name producing plants of stronger habit of growth than those of the true Dwarf Marrow, and more resembling the Tall White variety.

EARLY DAN O'ROURKE.

Dunnett's First Early. Waite's Dan O'Rourke. Carter's Earliest. Sangster's Number One. Cot. Gard.

Plant from three and a half to four feet high,—in general habit not unlike the Early Frame, of which it is probably an improved variety; pods usually single, two inches and three-fourths long, containing five or six peas.

When fully ripe, the pea is round, cream-colored, white at the eye and at the junction of the cotyledons, and nearly a fourth of an inch in diameter.

Plants from seeds sown May 1 were in bloom June 7, and pods were gathered for use from the 25th of the month.

The Dan O'Rourke is remarkable for its precocity; and, with the exception of Dillistone's Early and one or two American varieties, is the earliest of all the sorts now in cultivation. It is hardy, prolific, seldom fails to produce a good crop, appears to be well adapted to our soil and climate, is excellent for small private gardens, and one of the best for extensive culture for market.

Its character as an early pea can be sustained only by careful culture, and judicious selection of seeds for propagation. If grown in cold soil, from late-ripened seeds, the variety will rapidly degenerate; and, if from the past any thing can be judged of the future, the Dan O'Rourke, under the ordinary forms of propagation and culture, will shortly follow its numerous and once equally popular predecessors to quiet retirement as a synonyme of the Early Frame or Charlton.

EARLY FRAME. Thomp.

Early Dwarf Frame. Early Double-blossomed Frame. Law. Essex Champion. Single-blossomed Frame.

Plant three to four feet in height; pods in pairs, slightly bent backwards, well filled, terminating rather abruptly at both ends, and about two and a half inches long by from three-eighths to half an inch in breadth. The pease, when fully ripe, are round and plump, cream-colored, white towards the eye and at the union of the cotyledons, and measure nearly a fourth of an inch in diameter.

Sown the 1st of May, the variety blossomed June 20, and the pods were ready for plucking the 6th of July.

This well-known pea, for a long period, was the most popular of all the early varieties. At present, it is less extensively cultivated; having been superseded by much earlier and equally hardy and prolific sorts. "The flowers sometimes come single, and sometimes double; the stalk from the same axil dividing into two branches, each terminating in a flower: hence the names of 'Single-blossomed' and 'Double-blossomed' have both been occasionally applied to this variety."

EARLY HOTSPUR.

Early Golden Hotspur. Golden Hotspur. Superfine Early. Reading Hotspur.

Similar to the Early Frame. Mr. Thompson represents it as identical. The Messrs. Lawson describe it as follows: "Pods generally in pairs, three inches long, half an inch broad, nearly straight, and well filled; pea similar to the Double-blossomed Early Frame, but rather larger."

EARLY WARWICK.

Race-horse.

Once at the head of early pease: now considered by the most experienced cultivators to be identical with the Early Frame.

EARLY WASHINGTON.

Cedo nulli.

A sub-variety of the Early Frame; differing slightly, if at all, either in the size or form of the pod, color and size of the seed, or in productiveness.

Once popular, and almost universally cultivated: now rarely found on seedsmen's catalogues.

EUGENIE.

Plant about three feet in height, with pale-green foliage; pods single or in pairs, three inches long, containing five or six peas. When ripe, the peas are of medium size, cream-colored, and much shrivelled and indented.

Plants from sowings made May 1 were in blossom June 14, green pease were plucked July 10, and the pods ripened from the 18th to the 25th of the same month. English catalogues describe the variety as being "the earliest white, wrinkled marrow-pea in cultivation; podding from the bottom of the stalk to the top, with fine large pods." In a trial-growth, it proved hardy and very prolific; and the pease, while young, were nearly as sweet as those of the Champion of England. The pods were not remarkable for diameter; but, on the contrary, were apparently slender. The peas, however, were large; and, the pods being thin in texture, the pease, when shelled, seemed to be equal in diameter to the pods themselves. As a new variety, it certainly promises well, and appears to be worthy of general cultivation. It will come to the table immediately after the earliest sorts, and yield a supply till the Marrows are ready for plucking.

FAIRBEARD'S CHAMPION OF ENGLAND. Cot. Gard.

Champion of England.

Plant of strong and luxuriant habit of growth, with a stem from five to six feet in height, which is often undivided, but also frequently branching. The laterals are produced within about eighteen inches of the ground, and sometimes assume a vigorous growth, and attain as great a height as the main stem. They produce pods at the first joint above the lateral, and are continued at every succeeding joint to the greatest extremity of the plant. The pods are generally single, but frequently in pairs, about three inches and a half long, slightly curved, and terminate abruptly at the point; the surface is quite smooth, and the color light-green till maturity, when they become paler and shrivelled. They contain six or seven quite large peas, which are closely packed together and compressed. The ripe seed is wrinkled, and of a pale olive-green.

Sown the 1st of May, the plants were in flower June 25, and pods were gathered for use the 12th of July.

This variety was originated in England, by Mr. William Fairbeard, in 1843; and, with the Early Surprise, came out of the same pod,—the produce of a plant found in a crop of the Dwarf White Knight's Marrows, to which class it properly belongs. It is, without doubt, one of the most valuable acquisitions which have been obtained for many years; being remarkably tender and sugary, and, in all respects, of first-rate excellence. The rapid progress of its popularity, and its universal cultivation, are, however, the best indications of its superiority.

The variety was introduced into this country soon after it was originated, and was first sold at five dollars per quart.

FAIRBEARD'S NONPAREIL. Cot. Gard.

Stem branching, three and a half to four feet high, with a habit of growth and vigor similar to the Early Frames. The pods are full and plump, but do not become thick-backed and fleshy as they ripen, like those of the Frames. They contain from six to eight peas, which are close together, much compressed, and of that sweet flavor which is peculiar to the Knight's Marrows. The ripe seed is small and wrinkled, and of the same color as the other white, wrinkled pease.

The variety was originated by Mr. William Fairbeard, who also raised the Champion of England. It is earlier than the last-named sort, nearly as early as the Frames, and a most valuable acquisition.

FAIRBEARD'S SURPRISE. Cot. Gard.

Early Surprise. Surprise.

The plant of this variety is of a free but not robust habit of growth, and always with a simple stem, which is about four feet high. The pods are produced at every joint, beginning at about two feet and a half from the ground. They are generally single, but sometimes in pairs, three inches long, slightly curved, but not quite so much as those of the Champion of England. They contain from six to seven peas, which are of good size, but not so sweet as those of the last-named sort. The ripe seed is somewhat oval, and of a pale, olive-green color.

The variety is a day or two earlier than the Champion of England. It originated from the Dwarf White Knight's Marrow, and was taken from the pod in which was found the Champion of England.

FLACK'S IMPERIAL. Cot. Gard.

Flack's Victory. Flack's Victoria. Flack's New Large Victoria.

The plant is of a robust habit of growth, with a stem which is always branching, and generally about three feet in height; the pods are numerous, varying from twelve to eighteen on a plant, generally produced in pairs, but often singly, three inches and a half long, three-fourths of an inch broad, and considerably curved,—terminating abruptly at the point, where they are somewhat broader than at any other part. Each pod contains from six to eight very large peas, which are of an ovate shape, half an inch long, seven-twentieths of an inch broad, and the same in thickness. The ripe seed is blue.

Plants from seed sown May 1 will blossom June 28, and supply the table July 15.

It is one of the most prolific peas in cultivation; grows to a convenient height; and, whether considered for private gardens or for market supplies, is one of the most valuable varieties which has been introduced for years.

GENERAL WYNDHAM. Cot. Gard.

The plant is of a robust habit, six to seven feet high, and frequently branched; the foliage is dark-green and blotched; the pods are either single or in pairs, and number from ten to fourteen on each plant,—they contain eight very large peas, which are of the deep, dull-green color of the Early Green Marrow. The ripe seed is white and olive mixed.

This is a valuable acquisition, and was evidently procured from the Ne Plus Ultra; but it is a more robust grower, and produces much larger pods.

The plant continues growing, blooming, and podding till very late in the season; and, when this is in the full vigor of growth, the Ne Plus Ultra is ripening off. The pease, when cooked, are of a fine, bright-green color, and unlike those of any other variety.

HAIR'S DWARF MAMMOTH.

Plant strong and vigorous, from three to three feet and a half high, branching, with short joints; pods single or in pairs, broad, comparatively flat, containing about six very large peas, which are sugary, tender, and excellent. The ripe seeds are shrivelled, and vary in color; some being cream-white, and others bluish-green.

Sown May 1, the plants will blossom July 1, and the pods will be ready for use the 15th of the same month.

Very prolific, and deserving of cultivation.

HARRISON'S GLORY. Trans.

Plant three feet high, of a bushy, robust habit of growth; pods rather short, nearly straight, and flattish, containing five or six medium-sized peas, of good quality: when ripe, the seeds are light-olive, mixed with white, and also slightly indented.

If planted May 1, the variety will flower June 23, and the pods will be fit for gathering about the 10th of July.

A good variety; but, like Harrison's Glory, the pods are frequently not well filled.

HARRISON'S PERFECTION. Trans.

Plant three feet in height, of vigorous habit; pods small, straight, containing five peas of good size and quality.

Sown the 1st of May, the variety will flower June 23, and the pods will be fit for plucking about the 12th of July.

The only defect in this variety is, that the pods are often not well filled. When growing, it is scarcely distinguishable from Harrison's Glory; but, in the mature state, the seeds of the former are smooth and white, while those of the latter are indented, and of an olive-color.

KING OF THE MARROWS.

Plant six feet in height, stocky, and of remarkably vigorous habit; pods single or in pairs, containing five or six large seeds, which, when ripe, are yellowish-green, and much shrivelled and indented, like those of the Champion of England.

If planted May 1, the variety will blossom the last of June, and pods for the table may be plucked about the 15th of July.

Though comparatively late, it is one of the best of the more recently introduced sorts, and well deserving of general cultivation. When the pods are gathered as fast as they become fit for use, the plants will continue to put forth new blossoms, and form new pods for an extraordinary length of time; in favorable seasons, often supplying the table for five or six weeks.

It is very tender and sugary, and little, if at all, inferior to the Champion of England.

In common with most of the colored pease, the ripe seeds, when grown in this country, are much paler than those of foreign production; and, when long cultivated in the climate of the United States, the blue or green is frequently changed to pale-blue or yellowish-green, and often ultimately becomes nearly cream-white.

KNIGHT'S DWARF BLUE MARROW.

A dwarfish sub-variety of Knight's Marrows, with wrinkled, blue seeds.

KNIGHT'S DWARF GREEN MARROW.

Knight's Dwarf Green Wrinkled.

Plant about three feet high; pods in pairs, three inches long, three-fourths of an inch wide, flattish, and slightly bent. The ripe pease are of a light bluish-green color. It differs from the foregoing principally in the height of the plant, but also to some extent in the form of the pods.

KNIGHT'S DWARF WHITE MARROW. Law.

Knight's Dwarf White Wrinkled Marrow.

Plant three feet high; pods in pairs, three inches long, three-fourths of an inch wide, straight, or nearly so, well filled, and terminating abruptly at both ends; pea, on an average, about three-eighths of an inch in diameter, flattened, and very much wrinkled; color white, and sometimes of a greenish tinge. It is a few days earlier than the Dwarf Green.

KNIGHT'S TALL BLUE MARROW.

A sub-variety of Knight's Tall Marrows, with blue, wrinkled, and indented seeds. It resembles the Tall White and Tall Green Marrows.

KNIGHT'S TALL GREEN MARROW. Law. Thomp.

Plant from six to seven feet in height, of strong growth; pods large, broad, and well filled; the seed, when ripe, is green, and much wrinkled or indented.

If planted the first of May, the variety will blossom towards the last of June, and supply the table the middle of July.

The peas are exceedingly tender and sugary; the skin also is very thin. "From their remarkably wrinkled appearance, together with the peculiar sweetness which they all possess, Knight's Marrows may be said to form a distinct class of garden-pease; possessing qualities which, together with their general productiveness, render them a valuable acquisition, both to cultivators and consumers."

If planted not less than six feet apart, these pease will bear most abundantly from the ground to the top: they also yield their pods in succession, and are the best for late crops.

KNIGHT'S TALL WHITE MARROW.

Knight's Tall White Wrinkled Marrow.

Height and general character of the plant similar to Knight's Tall Green Marrow. Pods in pairs. The ripe seed is white. Very productive and excellent.

MATCHLESS MARROW. Cot. Gard.

This is a good marrow-pea, but now surpassed by the improved varieties of the Early Green Marrow. It possesses no qualities superior to that variety, and is not so early. The plant grows from five to six feet in height; and the pods contain about seven large peas, which are closely compressed together.

MILFORD MARROW. Cot. Gard.

The plant is of a strong and robust habit of growth, always with a single stem, attaining the height of four and a half or five feet, and producing from twelve to sixteen pods, which are almost always in pairs, three inches and three-quarters long, and three-quarters of an inch wide. They do not become broad-backed, thick, or fleshy, but rather shrivelled, and contain from six to seven very large peas, which are roundish and somewhat compressed, half an inch long, nearly the same broad, and nine-twentieths thick.

Its season is near that of Bellamy's Early Green Marrow; if planted May 1, blossoming June 28, and being fit for plucking about the middle of July.

MISSOURI MARROW.

Missouri Marrowfat.

Plant three feet and a half or four feet high, strong and vigorous, generally simple, but sometimes divided into branches; pods single and in pairs, three inches long, wrinkled on the surface as they ripen, nearly straight, and containing about six peas, rather closely set together. When ripe, the pea is similar to the Dwarf Marrow in form, but is larger, paler, more wrinkled, and much more regular in size.

Plants from seed sown May 1 were in blossom the 30th of June, and pods were gathered for use the 14th of July. It is a few days later than Fairbeard's Champion of England, and nearly of the season of the Dwarf Marrowfat, of which it is probably but an improved or sub-variety.

It is of American origin, very productive, of good quality, and well deserving of cultivation.

NE PLUS ULTRA. Cot. Gard.

Jay's Conqueror.

This is comparatively a recent variety. It belongs to the wrinkled class of pease; is as early as Bellamy's Green Marrow; and possesses, both in pod and pea, the same fine, deep, olive-green color.

The plant is of strong and robust habit of growth, six to seven feet high, with a branching stem. It begins to produce pods at two or two and a half feet from the ground; and the number, in all, is from twelve to eighteen. The pods are generally in pairs, three inches and a half long, three-fourths of an inch wide, very plump and full, almost round, slightly curved, and terminate abruptly at the end. Their color is deep, bright-green, and the surface smooth. They contain seven very large peas, each of which is half an inch long, nearly the same broad; and, although they are not so closely packed as to compress each other, they fill the pods well.

When sown the first of May, the variety will blossom the last of June, and afford peas for use the 15th of July.

It is one of the best tall Marrows in cultivation. The ripe seed is mixed white and olive.

NOBLE'S EARLY GREEN MARROW. Cot. Gard.

A sub-variety of Bellamy's Early Green Marrow. It is a much more abundant bearer; producing from eighteen to twenty pods on a plant, which are singularly regular in their size and form.

PRINCE ALBERT.

Early Prince Albert. Early May. Early Kent.

Plant from two and a half to three feet in height, usually without branches; pods generally in pairs, two inches and a half in length, half an inch broad, tapering abruptly at both ends, slightly bent backwards, and well filled; pea, when fully ripe, round, cream-colored, approaching to white about the eye and at the line of the division of the lobes, and measuring about a fourth of an inch in diameter.

Sown May 1, the plants blossomed June 15, and pods were plucked for use July 6.

The Prince Albert was, at one period, the most popular of all the early varieties, and was cultivated in almost every part of the United States. As now found in the garden, the variety is not distinguishable from some forms of the Early Frame; and it is everywhere giving place to the Early Dan O'Rourke, Dillistone's Early, and other more recent and superior sorts.

QUEEN OF THE DWARFS. Cot. Gard.

A very dwarfish variety, from six to nine inches high. Stem thick and succulent; foliage dark bluish-green. Each plant produces from four to six pods, which are of a curious, elliptic form, and contain three or four large peas. Ripe seed white, of medium size, egg-shaped, unevenly compressed.

The plants are tender; the pods do not fill freely; and the variety cannot be recommended for cultivation.

RINGWOOD MARROW.

Flanagan's Early. Early Ringwood. Cot. Gard. Beck's Gem.

Plant three and a half to four feet high, usually simple, but sometimes sending out shoots near the ground. The pods are single and in pairs; and, as they ripen, become thick and fleshy, with a rough, pitted, and shrivelled surface: they contain from six to seven large peas, which are nearly round, and about seven-tenths of an inch in diameter in the green state. The ripe seed is white.

The variety is comparatively early. If planted May 1, it will blossom about the 25th of June, and the pods will be ready to pluck about the 10th of July.

A very valuable sort, producing a large, well-filled pod, and is a most abundant bearer. It has, however, a peculiarity, which by many is considered an objection,—the pod is white, instead of green, and presents, when only full grown, the appearance of over-maturity. This objection is chiefly made by those who grow it for markets, and who find it difficult to convince their customers, that, notwithstanding the pod is white, it is still in its highest perfection. So far from being soon out of season, it retains its tender and marrowy character longer than many other varieties.