398 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



periments of ours with this most delicious of all beans may be of public in- 

 terest. We find by trial that poling is not only unnecessary but decidedly a 

 disadvantage. When the tendrils begin to start we nip them off. Two or 

 three times after this we go over the vines clipping off the climbing tendrils. 

 The plants become low and bushy and loaded with early maturing pods. 



In connection we will state that we have Lima beans varied in color, habit 

 of errowth, and time of maturity, bv crossina^ with Early Mohawk and Ilorti- 

 cultural Pole. We selected last spring from varied colors euough beans of 

 uniform light-pink color to plant an isolated row. We do not find the color 

 uniform in the product, yet a majority of the pods follow the seed planted in 

 size and color. By repeated selection we do not doubt the variety will become 

 established. In this way we can beyond doubt modify any of our fruits or 

 vegetables not quite meeting our climatic conditions. 



Iowa Agricultural College. Prof. J. L. Budd. 



HIGH PEAISE FOR THE USEFUL TOMATO. 



This is one of the most healthful as well as the most universally liked of all 

 vegetables, says Hall's Journal of Health. Its healthful qualities do not de- 

 pend on the mode of preparation for the table ; it may be eaten thrice a day, 

 cold or hot, cooked or raw, alone or with salt and pepper or vinegar, or all 

 together, to a like advantage and to the utmost that can be taken with an 

 appetite. Its healthful qualities arise from its slight acidity, this making it 

 as valuable as berries, cherries, currants and similar articles. It is also highly 

 nutritious. Its chief virtue, however, consists in its tendency to keep the 

 bowels free, owing to the seeds which it contains, they acting as mechanical 

 irritants to the inner coating of the bowels, causing them to throw out a 

 larger amount of fluid matter than they would otherwise have done, with the 

 effect of keeping the mucous surface lubricated and securing a greater solu- 

 bility of the intestinal contents; precisely on the principle that figs and white 

 mustard seed are so frequently efficient in removing constipation in certain 

 forms of disease. 



PARSLEY FOR WINTER USE. 



A great boon to the good housekeeper is a little bit of fresh parsley in the 

 wintertime; for if trust is placed on the store or the market she is of ten 

 doomed to disappointment. In view of this many sow a box in the spring, 

 which if fair luck be had in raising plants will give something to crop from 

 all the winter, if the box is placed in a temperature but little above the freez- 

 ing point. If this has been neglected, spring-sown plants may at this time be 

 taken up out of the garden and set in pots or boxes for the purpose. They 

 require to be well-watered after being replanted, and kept in partial shade for 

 about a week afterwards, before thev will again be able -.o bear the full sun- 

 light. 



Some housekeepers make quite ornamental objects for windows out of 

 parsley. The plants may be grown in shells or baskets, or anything that will 

 hold earth. Some get small kegs and make holes with an auger, and 



