AGRICULTURAL TEXT-BOOK. 155 



this plant rentier the soil very friable ; and in this respect arc beneficial, 

 mechanically, on adhesive- clnys. 



370. BKANS. In the United States, the English Bean, (a,) 

 (which in that country takes so important a place in the rota 

 tion in clay soilsj does not prosper. Our climate appears to 

 be eilher too hot or too dry for it. With us three species or 

 varieties, belonging to the genus Phaseolus (b,) are commonly 

 grown as a field crop, the la rye white bean, the small white 

 bean, and the China bean, the latter having a spot of deep red 

 upon it. Some 30 other varieties may be found in gardens 

 known as climbing beans and bush beans; and in France and 

 England as Ilarricot Beans. 



371. The above (b,) will grow well on any soil, but sandy 

 or gravelly lands are generally preferred, both on account of 

 their being more easily kept clean, and because upon them the 

 seed is less apt to be damaged in case of rain when ripening. 

 Upon clay and other retentive soils, the pods which lie upon 

 the ground are easily injured and rotted when nearly ready to 

 harvest. Upon sandy lands, also, the seeds ripen earlier and 

 more evenly. 



372. Beans may be grown in hills, in rows, or broadcast. 

 The following is considered the best mode of culture, succeed 

 ing a hoed crop manured the previous season. Plough twice, 

 and harrow well, or plow once, and render the surface fine with 

 the cultivator, and roll. About the 1st June, plant in rows 22 

 inches apart, either usino^ a drill, or having marked out the 

 rows with a corn marker, at the rate of six beans to the foot. 

 Hoe about the 26th of June, and again about the 16th of July; 

 perfectly destroying the weeds. It is believed by the most skil 

 ful growers of this crop, that it is better not to plow, or other 

 wise disturb the ground, if the weeds can be kept down by hoe 

 ing. When the pods have turned yellow they are ready for 

 harvesting, which is done by pulling the plants, and striking the 

 roots against a stick held in the left hand, till they are clean ; 



