LEGUMINOUS VEGETABLES 53 



best are pierced with a small hole, the work of an insect, 

 probably still in the seed. These Beans are often regarded as 

 worthless, and consequently they have been thrown away. 

 This is an altogether unnecessary course to adopt, for repeated 

 experiments show that seeds such as these are quite capable 

 of germinating well, and developing into plants as strong and 

 healthy as others not attacked. 



The seeds may be soaked in water for a few hours to accelerate 

 germination, and sown in rows about four or five inches apart, 

 and two or three inches deep. They may be dibbled in or 

 deep drills drawn, according to the nature of the soil. When 

 the plants are a few inches high, they should be slightly 

 earthed up, especially the early batches, for these are easily affected 

 by frost. After sufficient bloom has been produced to ensure a 

 good crop, the tops of the plants should be pinched off ; this 

 will ward off an attack of the dreaded black fly. If sown in a 

 deep soil, it is not often necessary to supply water to Broad 

 Bean plants ; but if a hot spell of weather sets in a mulch over 

 the roots will be found beneficial. Bone-meal, soot, super- 

 phosphate, and liquid manure may be applied to the soil before 

 and after the crop is put therein, and all manurial applications 

 will be regulated by the quality of the soil and the prosperity 

 of the growing crop. Broad Beans can be grown to a great size 

 by good culture and a judicious use of fertilizers. The Early 

 Magazan is probably the best variety for the earliest sowings 

 on a rather dry, warm and sheltered border in November, in 

 boxes under glass in January, or in the open ground at the end 

 of February. For the main crop, the Longpods are useful ; 

 also Aquadulce, Bunyard's Exhibition, and one or two others 

 may be considered for selection as a main crop or for exhibition. 

 For later sowings, the Windsor section may be drawn upon. 



The beans, not the pods, are cooked, and if gathered before 

 maturation has been completed full-grown but still young 

 and properly cooked and served, they make a very delicate 

 and tasty dish ; although Broad Beans are not sought after like 

 Scarlet Runners or French Kidneys are, many people confining 

 their desires to one or two dishes only in the season as a palatable 

 change. 



