Chapter IX: Leguminous Plants (4)

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.

A new sort, called the "Lincoln Green," is said to possess all the excellences of the Ringwood Marrow, without the objectionable white pod.

ROYAL DWARF OR WHITE PRUSSIAN. _Cot. Gard._

Dwarf Prolific. Poor Man's Profit.

Plant of medium growth, with an erect stem, which is three feet high, generally simple, but occasionally branching. The pods are usually single, but sometimes in pairs, nearly three inches long, half an inch broad, almost straight, and somewhat tapering towards the point. The surface is quite smooth, and the color bright-green. They are generally well filled, and contain from five to six peas, which are ovate, not compressed, four-tenths of an inch long, a third of an inch broad, and the same in thickness. The ripe seed is white.

Plants from seed sown the 1st of May will blossom June 25, and supply the table about the middle of July. The crop will ripen the 25th of the same month.

This is an old and prolific variety, well adapted for field culture, and long a favorite in gardens, but now, to a great extent, superseded.

SEBASTOPOL.

Plant of rather slender habit, three feet and a half in height; pods usually single, two inches and three quarters in length, containing from five to seven peas, which, when ripe, are nearly round and smooth, cream-colored, and scarcely distinguishable, in their size, form, or color, from the Early Frame and kindred kinds.

If planted May 1, the variety will blossom June 16, afford pods of sufficient size for shelling about July 7, and ripen the 20th of the same month.

It is early, very productive, of superior quality, and an excellent sort for growing for market, or in small gardens for family use. In an experimental cultivation of the variety, it proved one of the most prolific of all the early sorts.

SHILLINGS GROTTO. _Cot. Gard._

Plant with a simple stem, four feet and a half to five feet high; the pods are generally single, but frequently in pairs, three inches and a half long, about half an inch wide, slightly curved, and, when fully matured, assuming a thick-backed and somewhat quadrangular form. Each pod contains, on an average, seven large peas. The ripe seed is white.

A great objection to this variety is the tardiness with which it fills; the pods being fully grown, and apparently filled, when the peas are quite small and only half grown. Though considered a standard sort, it is not superior to the Champion of England; and will probably soon give place to it, or some other of the more recent varieties.

SPANISH DWARF. _Cot. Gard._

Early Spanish Dwarf. Dwarf Fan. Strawberry.

Plant about a foot high, branching on each side in the manner of a fan; and hence often called the "Dwarf Fan." The pods are sometimes single, but generally in pairs, two inches and a half long, half an inch broad, terminate rather abruptly at the point, and contain from five to six rather large peas. The ripe seed is cream-white.

Sown May 1, the plants were in blossom June 26, and pods were plucked for use July 14.

The Spanish Dwarf is an old variety, and still maintains its position as an Early Dwarf for small gardens, though it can hardly be considered equal to Burbridge's Eclipse or Bishop's Long-podded.

There is a variety of this which is called the Improved Spanish Dwarf, and grows fully nine inches taller than the old variety; but it possesses no particular merit to recommend it.

TALL WHITE MARROW.

Large Carolina. Tall Marrowfat.

Plant six to seven feet in height, seldom branched; pods three to three inches and a half long, three-fourths of an inch broad, more bluntly pointed than those of the Dwarf variety, and containing six or seven peas. When ripe, the pea is nearly of the color of the Dwarf Marrow, but is more perfectly spherical, less wrinkled, and, when compared in bulk, has a smoother, harder, and more glossy appearance.

Planted May 1, the variety will blossom near the 1st of July, and will come to the table from the 15th to the 20th of the same month. It is a few days later than the Dwarf.

In this country, it has been longer cultivated than any other sort; and, in some of the forms of its very numerous sub-varieties, is now to be found in almost every garden. It is hardy, abundant, long-continued in its yield, and of excellent quality. In England, the variety is cultivated in single rows three feet apart. In this country, where the growth of the pea is much less luxuriant, it may be grown in double rows three feet and a half apart, and twelve inches between the single rows.

TAYLOR'S EARLY.

Similar in habit, production, and early maturity, to the Early Dan O'Rourke.

THURSTON'S RELIANCE. _Cot. Gard._

Plant strong and robust, six to seven feet high; pods generally single, but occasionally in pairs, and from three inches and a half to four inches and a quarter long. They are broad and flat, shaped like the pods of the Blue Cimeter, and contain seven or eight very large peas. Ripe seed white, large, and unevenly compressed.

This is a quite distinct and useful pea; an abundant bearer; and the pods are of a fine deep-green color, which is a recommendation for it when grown for market. It comes in at the same time as the Auvergne and Shillings Grotto, but is of a more tender constitution.

TOM THUMB.

Beck's Gem. Bush Pea. Pois nain hatif extra, of the French.

Plant of remarkably low growth, seldom much exceeding nine inches in height, stout and branching; pods single, rarely in pairs, two inches and a half in length, half an inch broad, containing five or six peas, which are cream-yellow, and measure about a fourth of an inch in diameter.

Planted the 1st of May, the variety blossomed the 12th of June, and the pods were of suitable size for plucking July 4.

In the color of its foliage, its height and general habit, the variety is very distinct, and readily distinguishable from all other kinds. It is early, of good quality, and, the height of the plant considered, yields abundantly. It may be cultivated in rows ten inches apart.

Mr. Landreth, of Philadelphia, remarks as follows: "For sowing at this season (November, in the Middle States), we recommend trial of a new variety, which we have designated 'Tom Thumb,' in allusion to its extreme dwarfness. It seldom rises over twelve inches, is an abundant bearer, and is, withal, quite early. It seems to be admirably adapted to autumn sowings in the South, where, on apprehended frost, protection may be given: it is also equally well suited to early spring planting for the same reason. It is curious, as well as useful; and, if planted on ground well enriched, will yield as much to a given quantity of land as any pea known to us."

It is a desirable variety in the kitchen garden; as, from its exceeding dwarfish habit, it may be so sown as to form a neat edging for the walk or border.

VEITCH'S PERFECTION. _Trans._

Plant three feet and a half to four feet high, of strong, robust growth, somewhat branched; pods ten or twelve on a stalk or branch, large, flat, straight, containing six or eight large peas, which are very sugary and excellent. The ripe seeds are large, of a light olive-green color; some being nearly white.

Planted the 1st of May, the variety will be in flower June 28, and the pods will be fit for use about the middle or 20th of July. It is one of the best pease for main or late crops.

VICTORIA MARROW. _Thomp._

Plant from six to seven feet high; pods remarkably large, nearly four inches in length, generally in pairs, straight, roundish, well filled, containing from six to eight peas of extraordinary size and of good quality. The ripe pease are olive-green.

The Victoria Marrow is not early. Planted May 1, it will blossom the last of June, and be fit for the table from the middle of July.

This variety bears some resemblance to Knight's Tall Marrow; but, like nearly all others, it is less sugary. Those who have a fancy for large pease will find this perhaps the largest.

WARNER'S EARLY EMPEROR. _Thomp._

Warner's Early Conqueror. Early Railway. Early Wonder. Beck's Morning-star. Early Emperor.

This variety grows somewhat taller, and is a few days earlier, than the Prince Albert: the pods and pease are also somewhat larger. It is an abundant bearer; and, on the whole, must be considered a good sub-variety of the Early Frame.

WOODFORD'S MARROW. _Cot. Gard._

Nonpareil.

Plant of strong and robust habit of growth, like a vigorous-growing Marrow; rising with a stem three feet and a half high, which is sometimes simple, but generally branching at about half its height from the ground. The pods begin to be produced at little more than half the height of the plant; and, from that point to the top, every joint produces single or double pods, amounting, in all, to ten or twelve on each. They are single or in pairs, in nearly equal proportions, about three inches and a half long, seven-tenths of an inch broad, quite smooth, and of a dark-green color. When ready to gather, they are rather flattened, but become round as they ripen. They contain, on an average, seven peas, which are of a dark olive-green color, rather thick in the skin, and closely packed; so much so as to be quite flattened on the sides adjoining.

Sown May 1, the variety blossomed June 28, and pease were gathered for the table July 17.

This is a very characteristic pea, and may at once be detected from all others, either by the ripe seed or growing plants, from the peculiar dark-green color, which, when true, it always exhibits. It is well adapted for a market-pea; its dark-green color favoring the popular prejudices.

* * * * *

EATABLE-PODDED OR SUGAR PEASE.

String-pease. Skinless Pease. Pisum macrocarpum. _Dec._

In this class are included such of the varieties as want the tough, inner film, or parchment lining, common to the other sorts. The pods are generally of large size, tender and succulent, and are used in the green state like string-beans; though the seeds may be used as other pease, either in the green state or when ripe. "When not ripe, the pods of some of the sorts have the appearance of being swollen or distended with air; but, on ripening, they become much shrivelled, and collapse closely on the seeds." The varieties are not numerous, when compared with the extensive catalogue of the kinds of the Common Pea offered for sale by seedsmen, and described by horticultural writers. The principal are the following:--

COMMON DWARF SUGAR. _Law. Vil._

Dwarf Crooked-podded Sugar.

Stalk about two feet high, dividing into branches when cultivated in good soil; flower white; pods single or in pairs, six-seeded, three inches long by five-eighths of an inch broad, crooked or jointed-like with the seeds, as in all of the Sugar Pease, very prominent, especially on becoming ripe and dry; pea fully a fourth of an inch in diameter, white, and slightly wrinkled.

The variety is quite late. Sown the beginning of May, the plants blossomed the last week in June, and pods were gathered for use July 17.

It is prolific, of good quality as a shelled-pea, and the young pods are tender and well flavored.

EARLY DWARF DUTCH SUGAR. _Vil._

Early Dwarf de Grace.

Plant about twenty inches high, branching; leaves of medium size, yellowish-green; flowers white; pods two inches and three-quarters in length, half an inch wide, somewhat sickle-shaped, swollen on the sides, flattened at the lower end, and containing five or six peas, which, when ripe, are roundish, often irregularly flattened or indented, wrinkled, and of a yellowish-white color.

The variety is the lowest-growing and earliest of all the Eatable-podded kinds. If sown at the time of the Common Dwarf Sugar, it will be fit for use twelve or fourteen days in advance of that variety. It requires a good soil; and the pods are succulent and tender, but are not considered superior to those of the Common Dwarf Sugar.

GIANT EATABLE-PODDED. _Vil._

Giant Sugar.

Stalk four to five feet high; leaves large, yellowish-green, stained with red at their union with the stalk of the plant; flower reddish; pods transparent yellowish-green, very thick and fleshy, distended on the surface by the seeds, which are widely distributed, curved, and much contorted, six inches long, and sometimes nearly an inch and a half in diameter,--exceeding in size that of any other variety. They contain but five or six seeds, which, when ripe, are irregular in form, and of a greenish-yellow color, spotted or speckled with brown.

It is about a week later than the Large Crooked Sugar.

LARGE CROOKED SUGAR. _Thomp._

Broadsword. Six-inch-pod Sugar.

Plant nearly six feet in height, and branching when grown in good soil; the leaves are large, yellowish-green; flowers white; pods very large,--measuring from four to five inches in length and an inch in width,--broad, flat, and crooked. When young, they are tender, and easily snap or break in pieces, like the young pods of kidney-beans; and are then fit for use. The sides of the pods exhibit prominent marks where pushed out by the seeds, even at an early stage of growth. The ripe pease are somewhat indented or irregularly compressed, and of a yellowish-white color.

It is one of the best of the Eatable-podded sorts, and is hardy and productive. It is, however, quite late; blossoming, if sown May 1, about the last of June, and producing pods for use in the green state about the 20th of July.

PURPLE-PODDED OR AUSTRALIAN. _Law._

Blue-podded. Botany-bay Pea.

Plant five feet high, generally without branches; pods usually in pairs, flattened, with thick, fleshy skins, and commonly of a dark-purple color; but this characteristic is not permanent, as they are sometimes found with green pods; in which case, they are, however, easily distinguished from those of other pease by their thick and fleshy nature. When ripe, the pease are of medium size, often much indented and irregularly compressed, and of a light, dunnish, or brown color. Season intermediate.

It is very productive, and seems possessed of properties which entitle it to cultivation.

RED-FLOWERED SUGAR. _Vil._

Chocolate.

Stem four or five feet in height, generally simple, but branching when grown in rich soil; leaves long, yellowish-green, tinged with red where they connect with the stalk of the plant; flowers pale-red; pods three inches long, seven-tenths of an inch broad, more or less contorted, containing six to eight peas; seed comparatively large, pale-brown, marbled with reddish-brown.

Season nearly the same as that of the Common Dwarf Sugar. It is productive, remarkably hardy, and may be sown very early in spring, as it is little affected by cool and wet weather; but the green pease are not much esteemed, as they possess a strong and rather unpleasant flavor. The green pods are tender and good; and, for these, the variety may be worthy of cultivation.

TAMARIND SUGAR.

Late Dwarf Sugar. Tamarind Pea.

Plant similar to the Common Dwarf Sugar, but of more luxuriant habit, and with larger foliage; flowers white; pods single or in pairs, six to eight seeded, very long and broad,--often measuring four inches in length and an inch in breadth,--succulent, and generally contorted and irregular in form. A few days later than the Common Dwarf Sugar.

Hardy, prolific, and deserves more general cultivation.

WHITE-PODDED SUGAR. _Vil._

Stem four to five feet high; leaves yellowish-green, and, like those of the Giant Eatable-podded, stained with red at their insertion with the stalk; flowers purple; pods nearly three inches long, five-eighths of an inch wide, sickle-shaped and contorted, of a yellowish-white color, containing five or six peas. The ripe seeds are irregularly flattened and indented, of a greenish-yellow color, marbled or spotted with brown or black.

The variety is quite late. Sown May 1, the pods were not fit for use till July 24.

The pods are crisp and succulent, though inferior in flavor to most of the Eatable-podded varieties.

YELLOW-PODDED SUGAR. _Vil._

Stem three to four feet high; leaves large, yellowish-green; flowers white, tinted with yellow; pods four inches long, tapering slightly at the ends, greenish-yellow, thick and fleshy, containing six or seven peas, widely separated. The ripe seeds are oblong, rather regular in form, and of a creamy-white color.

It is one of the earliest of the Eatable-podded sorts; coming to the table, if planted May 1, about the middle of July. It is of good quality, but not hardy or productive; and seems to have little to recommend it, aside from the singular color of its pods.

* * * * *

PEA-NUT.

Ground Bean. Earth Nut. _Vil._ Pindar Nut. Ground Nut. Arachys hypogea.

A native of Africa, and also of Central and Tropical America. It is an annual plant; and the stem, when full grown, is about fifteen inches in height. The leaves are pinnate, with four leaflets, and a leafy, emarginate appendage at the base of the petioles; the flowers are yellow, and are produced singly, in the axils of the leaves; the fruit, or pod, is of an oblong form, from an inch to an inch and a half in length, rather more than three-eighths of an inch in diameter, often contracted at the middle, but sometimes bottle-formed, reticulated, and of a yellowish color; the kernels, of which the pods contain from one to three, are oblong, quite white, and enclosed in a thin, brown skin, or pellicle.

A remarkable peculiarity of this plant is, that the lower blossoms (which alone produce fruit), after the decay of the petals, insinuate their ovaries into the earth; beneath which, at the depth of several inches, the fruit is afterwards perfected.

The seed, or kernel, retains its germinative property but a single season; and, when designed for planting, should be preserved unbroken in the pod, or shell.

_Soil and Cultivation._--The Pea-nut succeeds best in a warm, light, loamy soil. This should be deeply ploughed and well pulverized, and afterwards laid out in slightly raised ridges two feet apart. As the plants require the whole season for their perfection, the seed should be planted as early in spring as the weather becomes suitable. Drop nine inches apart in the drills, and cover an inch and a half or two inches deep. Weeding must be performed early in the season; as, after the blossoming of the plants, they are greatly injured if disturbed by the hoe, or if weeds are removed about the roots.

It is rather tropical in its character, and cannot be cultivated with success either in the Northern or Middle States.

"The seeds are sometimes dibbled in rows, so as to leave the plants a foot apart each way. As soon as the flowers appear, the vines are earthed up from time to time, so as to keep them chiefly within the ground. When cultivated alone, and there is sufficient moisture, the yield of nuts is from sixty to seventy-five bushels to the acre. If allowed to grow without earthing up, the vines will yield half a ton of hay to the acre. They are killed by the first frost; when the nuts will be mature, and ready for use."

_Varieties._--

AFRICAN PEA-NUT.

A comparatively small, smooth, and regularly formed sort. Shell thin, usually enclosing two kernels.

WILMINGTON PEA-NUT.

Carolina.

Similar to the African. The pods, however, are longer, and the shell is thicker and paler. They rarely contain less than two, and often enclose three, kernels. Extensively cultivated in the Carolinas and Gulf States.

TENNESSEE PEA-NUT.

Pods large, thick, and irregular in form; the reticulations very coarse and deep. The pods usually contain two kernels. Less esteemed than either of the preceding varieties.

* * * * *

VETCH, OR TARE.

Vicia sativa.

The Vetch, or Tare, in its properties and habits, somewhat resembles the Common Pea. There are numerous species as well as varieties, and the seeds of all may be used for food; but they are generally too small, or produced too sparingly, to repay the cost of cultivation.

The only variety of much importance to the garden is the following:--

WHITE TARE, OR VETCH. _Law._

Lentil, of Canada. Napoléon Pea.

Annual; stem slender and climbing, about three feet high, the leaves terminating in a branching tendril, or clasper; flowers purplish; pods brown, slender, containing from eight to twelve seeds, or grains, which are globular, sometimes slightly flattened, smooth, and of a yellowish-white color; they retain their germinative quality three years; an ounce contains about six hundred seeds.

In France and Canada, the seeds are used as a substitute for pease, both green and ripe, in soups and other dishes. They are also ground, and made into bread; but in this case their flour is generally mixed with that of wheat, or other of the edible grains.

The seeds may be sown in drills, in April or May, in the manner of garden-pease, or broadcast with oats for agricultural purposes.

_Varieties._--

SUMMER TARE, OR VETCH.

An agricultural variety, grown at the north of England and in Scotland. It is sown broadcast, and cultivated as wheat or barley. Both the haum and seed are used.

WINTER TARE, OR VETCH.

Extensively grown in England and Scotland; usually sown in autumn, mixed with rye, for early spring food for stock. The seeds are smaller than those of the summer variety.

Not sufficiently hardy to survive the winters of the Northern States.

* * * * *

WINGED PEA.

Red Birdsfoot Trefoil. _Mill._ Lotus tetragonolobus.

A hardy, creeping, or climbing, annual plant, fifteen or eighteen inches in height, or length; leaves trifoliate; flowers large, solitary, bright-scarlet; pods three inches and a half long, with four longitudinal, leafy membranes, or wings; seeds globular, slightly compressed, yellowish-white.

_Use._--The ripened seeds are sometimes used as a substitute for coffee; and the pods, while young and tender, form an agreeable dish, not unlike string-beans. It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant; and, for this purpose, is generally sown in patches, four or five seeds together on the border, where the plants are intended to remain.

When grown as an esculent, sow in double drills an inch and a half deep, and two feet apart; the single rows being made twelve inches from each other.