224 PLAIN AND PLEASANT TALK 



its flavor unrivalled, and nearly the same in the dry bean 

 as when cooked in its green state, a quality which has 

 never, we believe, been found in any other variety. To 

 supply the deficiency of this variety in earliness, we know 

 of none equal to the Horticultural. With these two kinds 

 one has no need of any other, Pole beans will not bear 

 frost, and are among the last seeds to be planted, seldom 

 before the last of April, The bush-bean may precede 

 them a fortnight. 



The English dwarf ( Viciafaba) is a native of Egypt ; but 

 has been cultivated in England from time immemorial, and, 

 it is supposed, was introduced by the Romans. 



The kidney dwarf {Phaseolus vulgaris) is a native of 

 India, and was introduced into England about tho 

 year 1597. 



The pole bean {Phaseolus multijloris) is a native of 

 South America, and was introduced to England in 1G33. 



Pole beans are not strictly annuals. In a climate where 

 the winter does not destroy them they bear again the 

 second year, and we believe yet longer. Gov. Pinney, 

 of Liberia, on the African coast, stated in a lecture, speak- 

 ing of the vegetable productions of that region, that the 

 bean was a permanent vine like the grape, bearing its crops 

 from year to year without re2:)lanting. The bush bean is 

 strictly an annual. If the pole bean were protected in the 

 ground, or raised and put away like sweet potatoes, 

 dahlias, etc., in the cellar and replanted in the spring it 

 would bear again the second season. Perhaps an earlier 

 crop of beans might thus be secured. 



The bean crop, by field culture, is not to bo overlooked. 

 Great quantities of dried beans are consumed by families, 

 by the army and in the navy, and they always bear a good 

 price, when they are well grown and well cured. They are 

 excellent for sheep, not from their fattening properties, but 

 for improving their fleece. Analysis has shown them to be 

 rich in those properties which are " wool-gathering." 



