Runner Bean Garden Beet 



recommended, except in cases where there are special reasons for its 

 adoption. It is seldom profitable to sow Runners before the month 

 of May is fairly in, for they are less hardy than the Dwarfs ; but as 

 late supplies are everywhere valued, it is of great importance to sow 

 again in June and July. Of course these late crops are subject to 

 the caprices., of autumnal weather, although they often continue in 

 bearing until quite late in the season. The rows of Runner Beans 

 are often injuriously close, and the total crop is thereby diminished. 

 The single rows should be at least five feet apart ; and double rows, 

 allowing nine inches between the two rows, should be six or eight 

 feet apart. It will always pay to give support by stakes or trellises, 

 because of the increased production ; but Runners make a good 

 return when kept low by tipping, and without any support whatever. 

 When so grown, they should in the height of the season be tipped 

 once or twice a week to keep them within bounds. 



In some gardens Runners are grown in groups running up three 

 rods tied together at the top, and when these groups are arranged at 

 regular intervals on each side of a path, the result is extremely 

 pleasing. This mode of culture interferes to a very trifling extent 

 with other crops, and the ornamental effect may be enhanced by 

 choosing varieties which have white as well as red flowers. 



The preservation of the roots of Runners is sometimes recom- 

 mended. We can only say that it is a ridiculous proceeding. The 

 utmost care is required to keep the roots through the winter, and 

 they are comparatively worthless in the end. A pint of seed will 

 give a better crop than a thousand roots that have cost great pains 

 for their preservation. 



GARDEN BEET 



Beta vulgaris 



As a food plant the Beet scarcely obtains the attention it deserves. 

 There is no lack of appreciation of its beauty for purposes of gar- 

 nishing, or of its flavour as the component of a salad ; but other 

 uses to which it is amenable for the comfort and sustenance of man 

 are sometimes neglected. As a simple dish to accompany cold 

 meats the Beet is most acceptable. Dressed with vinegar and white 

 pepper, it is at once appetising, nutritive, and digestible. Served as 

 fritters, it is preferred by many to Mushrooms, as it then resembles 

 them in flavour, and is more easy of digestion. It makes a first-rate 



21 



