LEGUMINOUS VEGETABLES 51 



FRENCH OR KIDNEY BEANS (Phaseolus vulgaris). This 

 class of Bean may be described as being of a very delicate 

 character so far as flavour is concerned ; but they must be 

 well-grown to ensure this quality. So far as soil is concerned, 

 even one of poor constitution will give a fair return if planted 

 with Kidney Beans ; but that is no excuse for attempting such 

 unfair culture. A deep, light, rich soil sandy loam, for 

 example is excellent for this vegetable, and will give it a chance 

 to withstand the hottest weather without a great amount of 

 attention as to watering. One essential in the culture of Kidney 

 Beans is wide planting; nothing is gained by overcrowding. 

 To produce an early crop, seeds should be sown under glass, 

 in boxes or pots filled with fibrous soil in which the roots may 

 penetrate and fix themselves ; this facilitates transplanting, 

 which may be done in May. Growth under these conditions 

 must not be forced, for stout, sturdy plants are necessary to 

 ensure success. A rich soil, well exposed to the sun's influence, 

 should be given to these firstlings, and a little protection until 

 establishment is assured will not be wasted. The plants are 

 best planted in wide holes, keeping the ball of roots intact. 

 The main crops are sown successively from the last week in 

 April until the end of July, in the open ground. The seeds 

 should be dropped along the drill at intervals of six to twelve 

 inches, according to the variety sown ; or at three-inch intervals, 

 and the surplus plants removed and replanted elsewhere. 

 Kidney Beans are not at all exacting in their demands upon the 

 grower's attention ; if the soil is right, and kept open, moist, 

 and free from weeds, the Beans will bear abundantly. In 

 gathering French Beans, every pod must be removed when of 

 fair size ; for if allowed to mature and the seeds to swell, further 

 production is immediately stopped, and the plants cease bearing 

 altogether. A mulch between the rows in dry weather will greatly 

 assist in the formation of pods and the prolongation of bearing. 



The variations in French Beans are seemingly inexhaustible. 

 Some are quaintly and prettily marked, others produce hand- 

 some flowers, and others again pods of peculiar shape. All, 

 however, are good and delicate, and should be tried in turn as 

 interesting novelties and a welcome change from the ordinary. 

 For early use, Ne Plus Ultra, Pale Dun, and Earliest of All 

 are excellent, and the first-named forces well. The general 

 crop may contain Canadian Wonder, Golden Butter, and any 

 of the French and Jersey kinds ; whilst Excelsior and Negro 

 Mammoth are good exhibition kinds. 



