Of what country the common Pea is a native is not exactly known, so far as I am aware of, nor is the exact time of its introduction into Britain recorded by any one that I know of. More than likely it was brought here from some of the warmer countries of Europe, into which quarter of the globe it is supposed to have been introduced from Egypt or Syria. Although cultivated in India and China, there is no evidence to show that it is a native of these countries. In Japan it is cultivated more plentifully, no doubt, on account of the climate being more moderate and suitable to its nature. Judging from the extent to which it suffers from drought and frosts in this country, there is reason to conclude that it is not a native of either an arid or a very cold country.

The common field Pea seems to have been introduced into this country at a very early period, for it is recorded that an English army, while besieging a fortress in Scotland in the twelfth century, having exhausted their supply of food, subsisted on the Peas and Beans which were growing in the district. The finer or garden varieties were not cultivated in England till a much later period, for they were considered a great luxury in the time of Queen Elizabeth, and were brought to the royal table from Holland. In the reign of Henry VIII. they became so common as to be hawked in the streets of London.

The Pea has long been one of the most esteemed vegetables, and a reference to seedsmen's lists shows that its varieties are very numerous. They naturally divide themselves into three sections - the earliest, second early, and late or main crop varieties. The earliest are generally much more dwarf and slender in growth, and are more hardy than the others. The late varieties are more robust and tall; and though more tender, are much finer and more prolific, so that green Peas are best when within the reach of nearly all classes. But the rich can now in many cases, by the aid of forcing and Orchard houses, prolong the Pea season from May to November, there being now some very compact-growing varieties suitable for pot culture and growth in glass-houses, such as Orchard-houses.

The two methods by which the earliest crop of Peas are produced outdoors are sufficiently distinct, both in their details and results, to warrant their being both treated of. The one way is, to sow in autumn, from the middle of October till the end of November. The other is, to sow under glass at the beginning of the year, and to transplant about the end of February or early in March.

A sheltered dry rich border should be chosen for autumn sowing. It should have a south exposure, and if closely sheltered from the north by a high wall, and protection from east winds, with their withering effect upon vegetation, all the better. If the ground has been heavily manured for a previous crop, and is naturally good, it will not be necessary to add more manure for the Pea crop; but if otherwise, a moderate dressing of well-decayed manure will be necessary - and, under either circumstance, trench it 2 feet deep. The Peas are best sown as the operation of trenching is proceeded with, so that all trampling on the ground can be avoided. The earliest sorts seldom exceed 4 to 5 feet in height, and 4 to 5 feet is sufficient space between the rows. Dryness and warmth of soil are always important conditions in raising early crops. It is therefore not advisable to draw deep drills in the level border for the reception of the seed, but, on the contrary, is better to sow near the surface, and with a rake to draw a ridge over the drills, so that the covering amounts to 3 or 4 inches of well-pulverised mould.

Mice, sparrows, and slugs are the great enemies of this crop, and a sharp look-out must be kept on all three. A good old plan is to put a covering of chopped whin or furze over the Peas before covering with soil. This makes it rather an uncomfortable run for mice to work in. But probably, the more effectual way is to poison and trap with perseverance. To keep sparrows at a distance is not an easy matter; a good way is to fix a stake at each end of every row, and to fix along near the surface of the ridge a piece of string with feathers strung on it. If not closely watched when coming through the ground, the crop may be completely destroyed in a very short time by sparrows where these pests are plentiful. Hot lime night and morning in mild weather is the best destroyer of slugs, short of hand-picking early in the morning.

When they appear above ground, and severe weather is expected, a little of the finest of the soil may be carefully drawn over them, or a little leaf-mould or dry soil can be laid over them instead, especially where the ground is of a heavy character. As soon as they are an inch or two above ground, they are best staked at once, as the stakes shelter them from cutting winds and frosts, and help to keep birds from meddling with them, and their progress will be more rapid than if left longer before being staked.

If sown in October, and with ordinary spring weather, they are ready for table by the end of May in most parts of England. In Scotland they are in most localities three weeks later.

By the end of February, or early in March, a row of early Spinach sown between the rows of Peas comes in early and useful. A few rows of Radishes may also be sown after the Peas are staked. After the crop of Peas is gathered, there is time for getting the ground manured and dug, and planted with a crop of Cauliflower, to come in by the end of October and November. In England I have frequently followed the early Peas with a crop of French Beans; but in Scotland most places are too cold and late to afford time for French Beans after Peas. But Lettuces and Endive for lifting and putting into frames for winter supply can be had after early Peas, on a warm exposure.

Sowing in pots and boxes, and transplanting from them to the open ground when the Peas are 3 and 4 inches high, I consider preferable to the plan of sowing in the open ground in autumn, and have always found that, putting one thing against another, early sowing and transplanting is attended with least labour and anxiety, and yields a more regular and better crop.