48 FARM-GAKDENIXG AND SEED-GROWING. 



selecting a dry time, and. being careful to avoid breaking 

 with the flail. Heavy rains on them after they are pulled 

 are apt to injure the color and brightness of the seed, 

 hence it is essential to avoid this, if any way possible. 

 After thrashing, spread thin in a loft for two weeks or 

 more, when they may be passed through the fan-mill, and 

 stored in bags or barrels, until required for shipping. 

 They will be much improved in appearance by sifting 

 with No. 5 sieve and removing all imperfect grains by 

 hand. 



They retain their vitality two years. 



Varieties. The varieties are numerous, and I will only 

 describe some of the leading sorts. 



Early Valentine, Plant compact and upright, rather 

 dwarf; pods short and round; seeds oblong, sometimes 

 irregular, color pale pink, variegated with bright pink and 

 occasionally white streaks or spots ; eighteen hundred of 

 them will measure one quart. One of the most produc- 

 tive of the dwarfs, and perhaps the best early variety 

 for using in the green state. 



Early Mohawk, Plant strong and vigorous, a strag- 

 gling grower; pods long and flattened; seeds large and 

 flattened, color dull purple, variegated with drab and 

 brown; fifteen hundred of them will measure a quart. 

 Not so early as the Valentine, but more hardy and quite 

 productive. 



Early China, Plant compact and upright, dwarf; 

 pods short and round, seeds short, thick, and round, white 

 with distinct red eye ; seventeen hundred of them will 

 measure a quart. A very fine bean to use in the dry state, 

 the only objection being the color of the eye, which 

 spoils the looks when cooked. 



Early Newington Wonder, Plant tali and vigorous, 

 sometimes inclined to run ; pods small, seeds small, flat- 



