- 54 



considered early and sowing the main crop generally commences in 

 March and finishes about the end of September. 



However each var. seems to possess a favourite period of sowing 

 and a var. such as the American! thrives much better when sown 

 early in April than at any other time. 



V : Harvesting varies with the different kinds from 40 80 days. 

 The var. (a) is the earliest of all, (b) is a little later, (c) requires 

 about 2 months and (d) nearly 2 \/2 months. The time that the plants 

 continue in producing fruit depends on many circumstances : time of 

 planting, variety grown, etc. and varies considerably. As the green 

 pods are gathered others will continue to be formed in abundance ; 

 but if old seed-forming pods are allowed to remain, the formation 

 of young ones will be greatly checked. Therefore beans should be 

 gathered when of, a proper size ; this is the only way to ensure a 

 long-continued supply of good quality both as to colour and ten- 

 derness. 



VII : The vegetable is cooked in a variety of ways. Young pods 

 are often pickled. A wholesome and nutritious vegetable. The dried 

 seed is considered useful in cases of flatulence ; also as carminative. 

 The whole plant is a valuable fodder. 



VIII : All kinds are very tender to excessive cold and frost and 

 require a warm sunny exposure. In selecting a var. for growth, 

 earliness of production is of the highest importance. Abundance ol 

 production next claims consideration. 



f lhe soil should be rich and in excellent tilth. Should be grown 

 in a rich light loamy soil and sheltered situation. Although beans 

 are nitrogen-gathering plants, it is nevertheless advisable to apply 

 a dressing of well-rotten animal dung, particularly in the case of 

 Americani. 



Plenty of water is necessary and sticks for the climbing sorts. 



Portulaca Oleracea ; Rigla: Purslane: Portulacaceae. 



I : A common trailing weed in light ground, but also cultiva- 

 ted in improved strains as a pot herb, bearing a great resemblance to 

 Spinach and Mallow. In sandy and loamy soils it is one of the com- 

 monest and most persistent of weeds, particularly among cotton, bul 

 it i > little known on heavv lands . 



