SCARLET-RUNNER. 291 



its value as an esculent has not been generally appreciated. 

 The young pods are tender and well flavored ; and the seeds, 

 green or ripe, are much esteemed in many localities. u In 

 Britain, the green pods only are used ; on the Continent, the 

 ripened seeds are as much an object of culture ; in Holland, 

 the Runners are grown in every cottage-garden for both pur- 

 poses ; while, in France and Switzerland, they are grown 

 chiefly for the ripened seeds. In England, they occupy a 

 place in most cottage-gardens, and are made both ornamental 

 and useful. They cover arbors ; are trained over pales and 

 up the walls of cottages, which they enliven by the bright- 

 ness of their blossoms ; while every day produces a supply 

 of wholesome and nutritious food for the owner. The 

 French, now enthusiastically found of this legume, at one 

 time held it in utter detestation." 



A sub-variety of the Scarlet-runner, with Painted 

 variegated flowers, the upper petals being ner. 



scarlet, the lower white. The ripe seeds are 

 paler, and the spots and markings duller. Cultivation and 

 uses the same. 



A variety of the Scarlet-runner. The plants white-run- 

 are less vigorous, the pods are longer and less 

 wrinkled, and the flowers and seeds pure white. 



The green pods are used in the same manner as those of 

 the Scarlet-runner, and are similar in texture and flavor ; 

 but the shelled-beans, either green or ripe, are generally con- 

 sidered superior to those of the Scarlet variety. They are 

 sometimes seen in vegetable markets under the name of the 

 " Lima," and are probably often cultivated, as well as pur- 

 chased and consumed, as the Lima. The White-runner 

 beans, however, are easily distinguished by their greater 

 thickness, more rounded form, and especially by their uni- 

 form whiteness. 



