426 , VILLA GARDENING part v 



earth. From their freedom from disease, and heavy cropping 

 qualities, and the very small amount of expense attending their 

 cultivation, they might, where land was plentiful, be grown for 

 stock feeding, as all things about a farm eat them readily, even 

 rabbits and hares being fond both of tops and tubers. 



As A Screen in summer they are useful to hide any unsightly 

 object, even bmldings being hidden in a short time by the rapidly- 

 ascending stems, clothed with broad Sunflower-like leaves ; in fact, 

 the plant is a tuberous Sunflower, as may be seen by an examina- 

 tion of its flowers, which are produced freely enough by weU- 

 developed plants in a warm summer. When grown as a blind 

 they may be left in the ground till March, then trench the ground 

 over, taking out the largest tubers, but leaving a sufiiciency of the 

 remainder to plant the land again. In ordinary culture the crops 

 shoidid be taken up before growth begins — say about the end of 

 February, and all the tubers should be taken out, as every bit will 

 grow if left in the ground. Rotation of crop may not have as 

 much weight with this plant as many others ; still it is as well to 

 have a change annually, following the same routine as other crops. 

 This must always be regarded as a background plant ; ])ut in no 

 case should it be planted under trees. 



CHAPTER VII 



Broad Beans. — The first sowing, if made in the open ground, 

 should take place in December or January, when the soil is in 

 suitable condition. Select a warm sheltered situation, draw drills 

 5 or 6 inches wide and 2 inches deep, plant the Beans in a double 

 row by placing them alternately on each side of the drill 5 inches 

 apart, and cover with the dry soil. Mice are very fond of these 

 beans, and as soon as they are planted set two or three of the 

 common brick traps. A few coal ashes sprinkled along the surface 

 of the soil over the rows generally act as a deterrent. The best 

 way of raising the first early Beans, however, is to sow in January 

 in boxes, and place them in some house or pit where there is a 

 little artificial heat. A temperature of 50° wiU be ample. 



Beans Transplant Well. Early in March, when they have 

 been sufliciently hardened oft", they should be planted out in rows 

 in the open ground, sheltering them by drawing up ridges of soil 

 on each side and sticking a few Spruce or Yew tree branches on the 

 windward side. They may be planted either in single or double 

 rows — I confess I like the single rows best. I always find trans- 

 planted Beans are more branching in their habit, generally throwing 



