In the series of "Handbooks of Practical Gardening," edited by
Harry Roberts (John Lane, 2s. 6d. not), we have the seventh volume, The Book of Vegetables, by George Withes. The volume is divided into two parts, dealing respectively with the "Culture" and the "History and Cookery" (the latter from the pen of the general editor). Some twenty kinds are specified (asparagus, with other cognate plants, was treated in a separate volume, the first of the series). The pea has, very rightly, the largest amount of space accorded to it. It is the best, the most costly, and too often the most disappointing of all the products of the kitchen-garden. Mr. Withes recognises four classes. For early peas sow in November or early December (the Chelsea Gem, Sutton Seedling, and Carter's Early Morn are among the kinds recommended) ; for second early sow in April; the main crop is after all the most important (Eureka, Magnum Bonum, and Veitch's Perfection may be mentioned). Late crops are frequently a failure. On a light soil, with a warm aspect, and indeed in Southern England generally, they will probably come to nothing. But a cold aspect, while disadvantageous in many gardening matters, will be found profitable here. Hero is what the editor says about cooking peas. Just cover them with boiling water, with a teaspoonful of salt to the pint. Add nothing else.
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