6 4 THE BOOK OF VEGETABLES 



They all like ample moisture, and do not thrive well 

 in poor dry soil, the pods in such soil being quickly 

 infested with thrips. 



BEANS 



The Broad Bean comes first on the list, being hardier 

 than the Dwarf or Runner, but it is not so much grown 

 as the two last-named, as the produce soon gets old, 

 and many persons object to it on that account. I 

 fear it is not generally known that the rough, peculiar 

 flavour may be got rid of if the beans, when of any size, 

 are skinned. Even when the seeds blacken at the outer 

 portion, the flavour is much improved by skinning. 

 Another point is that it is not necessary to allow the 

 plants to mature the pods ; it would be far better if the 

 crop were gathered earlier, as by so doing better flavour 

 would be secured, and the plants would benefit. I 

 briefly note the above, as doubtless the Editor will 

 deal fully with the subject as regards cooking. My 

 note concerns flavour. 



The culture for an early supply is most simple, if 

 the ground is not too wet or heavy. . Seed sown in 

 November will give a fair return, and, as regards hardi- 

 ness, after several years' trials, there is not much differ- 

 ence between the Early Long-pod section and the older 

 Mazagan. The last-named is remarkably hardy, and, 

 though small, for a private garden this latter point 

 should not tell against it. Sown alongside of the 

 earliest of the Long-pod section, it is the earlier of the 

 two. I would not advise the Mazagan for field culture 

 where size is an important point, but in the kitchen 

 of course only a limited quantity is needed for a first 

 supply. The Early Long-pod section sown in February 

 will give a succession until the autumn-sown come in. 

 There are several difficulties in growing beans, and 



