ct 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 fo