"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.