ASPARAGUS BEAN. 15 



vigorously stirred, which motion will cause the seeds to 

 become loosened and fall to the bottom, while the 

 shells will float and are slowly poured off with the water. 



In fresh water the seeds are given another washing, 

 and if this does not render them thoroughly clean, it 

 should be repeated. 



Seeds are then spread on smooth boards or on cloth 

 screens and set in the sun for a day to dry. This is 

 hastened and more properly done by giving the seeds 

 an occasional stirring or turning over while they are 

 thus spread out. They are then removed to a drying 

 loft or room and spread thinly on a cloth and left to 

 remain until they have become thoroughly dry, when 

 they may be cleaned in the seed-cleaner and afterwards 

 stored in sacks. 



Saving Seeds for Private Use. Select the largest 

 and finest berries, dry and preserve them. In their 

 dried shells, seeds keep better and retain their vitality 

 longer. 



Market. Asparagus seed is handled by all seed 

 dealers, its aggregate yearly consumption in the United 

 States being upwards of 75,000 pounds, nearly all of 

 which is produced here. 



In a favorable season, a yield ranges from 1,000 to 

 1,200 pounds per acre, at a price usually of ten cents 

 per pound to the grower. 



BEAN. 



For a seed crop of beans, either a good clay loam or 

 a fertile sandy loam is desirable; the richer the land, 

 the better and bigger the crop; stable manure when to 

 be had is the best fertilizer. 



Beans do not readily cross, and different varieties 

 may be planted near each other without mixture, but 



