VARIETIES AND CULTURE. 161 



character of both species is similar, but runners rise to considerable 

 height if supported by their tendrils. These tendrils axe remarkable for 

 their habit of always turning to the right in a direction contrary to 

 the apparent course of the sun, and contrary to the habit of other 

 plants. This circumstance has been attributed to the supposition that 

 its native place is south of the equator, and that, in northern latitudes, 

 it turns in the direction it would turn if in its native climate ; that is, 

 towards the sun. 



The dwarf varieties were introduced into England against much 

 prejudice, but they are now found equal in flavor and tenderness to 

 others, while they are more productive and hardy. Numerous varie- 

 ties have been introduced within the last 50 years, and among these 

 are the dwarf varieties of the kidney. These are the large and small. 

 The latter are best for forcing and are generally planted for the first and 

 last crops, as they come quickly in and go quickly off. Of these are 

 the dun-colored, red-speckled, black and purple speckled, yellow or cream 

 colored. The 3d and 4th are probably the best. They are also known 

 here as English dwarfs, early mazagan, sword long pod, green nonpariel, 

 Broad Windsor, &c. 



The running varieties, or pole beans, are the scarlet ; from the color 

 of its blossoms, the white Dutch, and Jlzouian kidney. The 2d and 

 3d are most esteemed. The latter is small and flat, producing pods 6 

 or 8 inches long in clusters of 4 to 6 on each joint from the ground 

 to 20 feet high. The zebra and painted lady are sorts some cultivated. 



The soil for early dwarf kidneys should be rich, light and dry, and 

 manured for a crop or two before. It being well wrought and leveled, 

 drills are drawn 2 inches deep ; and, for a chief crop, at 2 or 2 feet 

 distance, and the seeds are planted 2 or 3 inches apart, about the 1st 

 of May. Subsequent culture requires the ground to be kept clear 

 from weeds. When the first rough leaves are expanded, the earth is 

 drawn around them. 



For successive crops a few rows are sown every 3 weeks, from May 

 to Aug. The last crop is often what the English call the negro vari- 

 ety, which continues to Oct. The seed and drills may be soaked with 

 water, as with the pea. The Canterbury and Battersea, if sown in 

 May, come in earlier than the main crop ; and by peculiar culture, like 

 that of the pea, they may be obtained still earlier. 



The culture of the running varieties is easy and simple, which may 

 be made to form a fine arbor or natural porch to a dwelling, by run- 

 ning on a frame or strings. When planted in drills, like other kinds, 

 or little farther distant, they are hoed when 3 or 4 inches high, and 

 roush stakes are put down, or strings are used ; after which they are 

 hoed 2 or 3 times. The scarlet bean requires a more bushy pole than 

 other kinds. If cut down and the roots are covered with litter, it will 

 produce an early and good crop the following summer ; and it may be 

 14* 



