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 t