174 GARDENING FOE THE SOUTH. 



tain four beans of good quality ; remains in use later than 

 the preceding. 



Broad Windsor. Stems 3 to 4 feet high ; pods short, 

 but very broad, containing two beans, very large, roundish, 

 and flattened. Best for a late crop, as it is longest in use. 



Dwarf Early. This is very early and productive, but 

 has a long tap-root, and is not suited to shallow soils. 



Culture. The early crops should be on a dry soil mod 

 erately rich and warm, to promote their growth during the 

 winter. The latter crops should be on a deep, strong 

 loam. They are to be sown in drills 2^ feet apart for the 

 Dwarf and Mazagan, and 8 feet for the others ; put the 

 beans four inches apart in the row, and cover three inches 

 deep with earth, which should be pressed upon the seed. 

 If any miss, they may be supplied by transplanting. This 

 bean will do well wherever the winters remain open, and 

 the mercury does not, in ordinary years, fall below about 

 10 Fahrenheit, and should be planted from October to 

 February inclusive. In Virginia, and where frosts are se- 

 vere, they must be put in as soon as the ground opens in 

 spring, but they are then not as productive as when they 

 can be planted during the months above named. ~No or- 

 dinary frost will injure them. When two inches high, 

 hoe between and draw the earth about the stems of the 

 plants. Continue this during their growth. When the 

 plants come into bloom, take off two or three inches of 

 the tops of the stems, which will increase the crop and 

 hasten its maturity. The crop should be gathered before 

 they are full grown, while they are still tender and delicate. 



To Save Seed. Allow a portion of the crop to remain 

 until ripe. Thresh for use. 



Use. The English use these beans while young and 

 tender, as we do green peas. They must be cooked very 

 young, and in the same manner ; or may be boiled with 

 bacon. They are not likely to come into general use. 



