IN THE EVERGLADES 73 



being excluded from the pack. About 29 or 30 pounds are usually 

 packed in the ordinary bean hamper. Should the packer be inex- 

 perienced, it is best to weigh out the quantity of beans and pack 

 a few hampers so as to familiarize himself with the required 

 amount to put in each crate. The upper layer should be nicely 

 topped off so as to have a pleasing appearance to the eye. This 

 will go a long way toward selling the bean in its future market. 

 Probably the greatest quantity of our beans are sold f. o. b. in our 

 local markets, numerous buyers being here annually, interesting 

 themselves in this valuable product. They usually sell here 

 through the season for $2 to $3 per crate, f. o. b., and are con- 

 sidered a very profitable crop at this figure. 



The amount grown per acre varies with the variety, selection 

 of soil and other conditions, 200 crates per acre being consid- 

 ered a good average crop by those who are conversant with the 

 industry. 



The vines are a very important adjunct to the value of the 

 general crop, and if carefully pulled at the last picking are worth 

 at least $20 per acre as feed for horses or cattle. If carefully 

 cured, the leaves are worth at least as much as wheat bran for 

 animal food. They are best gathered by pulling up the vines and 

 shaking the soil therefrom and putting them in small piles, gen- 

 erally putting four rows in a windrow. Then after they have 

 cured on one side for a few days, they should be turned early in 

 the morning, when there is still a slight dew upon them ; the other 

 side being exposed to the sun's rays, they will dry very quickly. 

 They should at once be put under cover, about a peck of salt being 

 added to each ton of fodder thus stored, and thoroughly sprinkled 

 between the layers as they are laid away. If grown for the early 

 market, it is often very profitable to follow them with a crop of 

 cucumbers. 



Beans are also frequently used as an auxiliary crop between 

 Irish potatoes. In this case, the rows should be planted about 

 three and one-half feet apart. After they have had their second 

 application of fertilizer, or after they show their character leaves, 

 potatoes are planted between the rows. The beans will then be 



