46 FAKM-GAKDENING AND SEED-GK OWING. 



shells, and then separate the pulp from the seed by 

 washing. 



When placed in water the seeds will settle, while the 

 pulp and shells will readily pass away in pouring off the 

 water. Repeat the washing three or four times, and the 

 seed will be clean ; it should then be placed on boards to 

 dry, in the sun and wind. After the first day remove 

 from the sun, but expose to the air in a dry loft, spread 

 thin, for ten days or more. 



The seed retains its vitality from two to three years. 



Varieties. Until quite recently the varieties of aspara- 

 gus have been mainly designated as " Purple Top Giant " 

 and " Green Top Giant," but there has virtually been but 

 one kind that growing in heavy Boil producing purple, 

 and in loamy soil green, and in very sandy soils very 

 light green or nearly white tops or heads. " Conover's 

 Colossal " is undoubtedly a distinct and improved variety, 

 growing very strong and producing stalks of enormous 

 size. Other varieties are being introduced, and any real 

 improvement will be duly appreciated, but much must 

 depend upon the treatment bestowed upon the plants, of 

 whatever variety. 



BEAN. 



Bush OF Dwarf, These varieties are available for ship- 

 ping in the green state, if packed in a manner to prevent 

 heating. 



It has generally been conceded that beans, especially 

 the white or pea bean, will grow where the land is too 

 poor to produce anything else ; but these, like all other 

 vegetables, will amply repay good treatment. 



Soil and Preparation. Select a piece of warm land, 

 rather light than otherwise ; apply twenty two-horse loads 

 of stable manure plowed in, or one thousand pounds of 

 bone-flour, or five hundred pounds of guano, harrowed in. 



