54 The Bulletin. 



The Velvet Bean. 



In North parolina the velvet beau could hardly be considered an 

 economic crop for other purposes than that of soil improvement, and 

 only for that in the cotton growing territory. 



This plant has been grown in Florida for a number of years, where it 

 succeeded finely, but with us the seasons are too short for its full ma- 

 turity. For that reason we will have to look to Florida for our seed. 

 It is a rank growing plant, the vines often growing fifteen or more feet 

 in length under favorable conditions. 



The seed can be broadcasted or planted in rows, but best results will 

 be obtained when planted in rows and cultivated. When planted in 

 rows the rows should be 4 or 5 feet apart and the hills from 2 to 3 

 feet apart in the rows. Plant about 3 beans to the hill. They should 

 be planted about the middle of May. 



In the vicinity of Raleigh I have seen a field of velvet beans that was 

 waist high when killed by frost. The crop was used for the purpose of 

 turning under for improving the soil. But with our short seasons it is 

 questionable if velvet beans will prove to be a better soil improver than 

 cow peas or soy beans. They can be tried on a small scale and each 

 person determine for himself which crop is best suited to his soil and 

 conditions. They will doubtless do much better and grow a more satis- 

 factory crop on the lighter soils of the eastern and southern parts of the 

 State than they would on the clay lands or heavier doils of the Piedmont 

 section. If nodules fail to :ippear on the roots, that is evidence that 

 inoculation is needed. 



For more detailed information about the legumes treated in this 

 Bulletin I refer the reader to the following bulletins issued by the 

 United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. They 

 are to be had by writing to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washing- 

 ton, D. C. 



Farmers Bulletin, No. 214, Beneficial Bacteria for Leguminous Crops. 

 Farmers Bulletin, No. 455, Red Clover. 

 Farmers Bulletin, No. 550, Crimson Clover. 

 Farmers Bulletin, No. 485, Sweet Clover. 

 Farmers Bulletin, No. 441, Lespedeza or Japan Clover. 

 Farmers Bulletin, No. 339, Alfalfa. 

 Farmers Bulletin, No. 515, Vetches. 



Farmers Bulletin, No. 529, Vetch Growing in the South Atlantic States. 

 Farmers Bulletin, No. 372, Soy Beans. 



The Culture of the Cow Pea, North Carolina Department of Agriculture, 

 No. 6, June, 1910, Raleigh, N. C. 



