338 FLORA DOMESTICA. 



SCARLET-BEAN. 



PHASEOLUS MULTIFLORUS. 



LEGUMINOS^. DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA. 



Called also Scarlet-runners. 



THE species of bean, commonly called the Scarlet-runner, 

 will thrive well in a deep pit or box ; and is well worthy 

 of attention for the beauty of its blossoms. It will clothe 

 whole walls or fences, for a time, with a luxuriant green 

 and red tapestry. If sown in pots, one seed will suffice 

 for each ; but the better way is to have a box of some 

 length, placed against the wall of a court, area, &c., and 

 there to sow the seeds, about six inches apart and an inch 

 deep : this should be done towards the end of April, or 

 early in May. Sprinkle the earth with water on sow- 

 ing the seed ; after which, be sparing of it till the plants 

 begin to shoot: they should then, in dry weather, be 

 watered three times a week. When the plants have risen 

 six or eight inches, sticks should be placed to support 

 them ; unless they are against a wall, which may serve for 

 that purpose, and they will quickly spread over it in luxu- 

 riant beauty. Before Miller's time, it was cultivated 

 less for its fruit than for the beauty and durability of its 

 blossoms, which the ladies put into their nosegays and 

 garlands. He brought it into general use for the table ; 

 and, because it has been found so useful, people seem 

 to think it can no longer be ornamental, which is surely 

 a vulgar mistake. 



