CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 243 



as fresh and plump as possible. Half-bushel baskets are 

 often used for local markets. 



Green shell beans are usually marketed in berry bas- 

 kets in both pint and quart sizes. Green shell limas 

 are regarded as quite a luxury and usually command good 

 prices. 



315. Yields and returns. In 1900 the average yield of 

 field beans in the United States was 11 1-5 bushels an 

 acre. The most successful growers often obtain double 

 this yield. The price varies considerably, but ranges 

 from $1.50 to $2 a bushel. Snap beans should produce 

 200 bushels an acre, although the yield is often less. A 

 net return of $100 an acre, after deducting freight and 

 commission charges, is regarded as satisfactory. Prices 

 vary greatly from year to year, and the net profits some 

 seasons are not encouraging. 



316. Bean weevil (Bruchus obtectus). While the bean 

 has a number of insect enemies, the weevil is the most 

 destructive. This insect is about y$ inch long and cov- 

 ered with fine brown, gray and olive pubescence. Ovi- 

 position begins in the field, where the female deposits 

 eggs in holes in the pods made by the jaws or by the 

 drying and splitting of the pods. Breeding continues 

 after storage, a large number of individuals frequently 

 developing in a single bean. The beetles emerge the 

 following spring to repeat their work of destruction. 



Field treatment of any kind has not been satisfactory, 

 so that preventive measures before planting must be em- 

 ployed. Fumigation with bisulphide of carbon is the 

 most effective treatment. The New Hampshire Station 

 (N. H. Bui. 59) recommends the following plan: "Use 

 an ordinary coal oil barrel, which will hold close to five 

 bushels of beans. This can be treated with 3 ounces of 

 bisulphide of carbon, which may be poured on the beans. 

 Care must be taken to close the top tightly; the ex- 

 posure should be for 48 hours. The bisulphide should 



