50 VEGECUJ/IURE 



roots will spring into life and afford a supply of Beans much 

 earlier than from seed-sowing. It should be particularly noted 

 that, although the pods and young seeds are edible and harmless, 

 the matured seeds are very poisonous, and should be kept out 

 of the way of children. The Scarlet Runner has been of late 

 greatly improved, and fine strains may be bought. 



Other excellent Runner Beans may be found in the Painted 

 Lady, an ornamental variety, the white-flowered Czar, and 

 the variety that produces those enormous, yard-long pods, 

 which is more novel than useful. The tall " Butter Beans " 

 are also worthy of notice, for they are extremely tender and a 

 great table delicacy. Mont D'Or and Early Golden Cluster 

 are two of the best of these. 



Although few vegetables enjoy more popularity than the 

 Scarlet Runner or climbing Kidney Bean, many growers fail to 

 give the plants rational treatment, as may be inferred from the 

 poor crops of small pods (especially in -towns), which are often 

 the rule. These poor crops may usually be traced to out-of- 

 date varieties, sowing on poor ground, overcrowded rows, 

 inadequate support, and too little attention after pods begin to 

 form. If justice is to be done to a plant capable of growing 

 twelve or more feet in height, and flowering and setting pods 

 throughout its entire length, the provision of a root-run, three 

 feet deep, into which manure of some sort has been freely added, 

 is most essential. 



The overcrowded row is a great mistake. Many sorts are 

 quite capable of growing pods eighteen inches long, but only 

 where plenty of room is afforded ; and for such as these, one 

 foot between the plants must be the smallest space allowed, 

 If grown in a double row, allow a foot and a half between the 

 rows. Plants growing under these conditions must also have 

 good stakes, ten to twelve feet long, to support the strong 

 growth. This allows of a foot or more being in the ground, 

 ensuring safety from wind. By the advent of August the 

 full length will be covered with extra large leaves, forming an 

 impenetrable fence, ensuring privacy in what might otherwise 

 be an exposed garden. Runner Beans are essentially moisture- 

 loving plants, and any serious lack of this is soon apparent. 

 In giving water do not make the fatal mistake of using it fresh 

 drawn from the tap or pump. Overhead syringing, especially 

 after the flowers open, is greatly beneficial. It should be remem- 

 bered that pods too old for use are not only worthless, but their 

 presence prevents further growth . 



