212 VEGETABLES AND FOOD PRODUCTS 



from 4 to 6 days, and when a few inches high they should have 

 the earth drawn up to them. Stakes should then be fixed in the 

 ground along both sides of the rows for support to the vines. 

 Both this and the following bean are among the best vegetables 

 found in the tropics, and may be grown in a variety of climates. 



Phaseolus vulgaris, var. Dwarf. French, or Kidney Bean. 

 See under Temperate or Sub-tropical Vegetables. 



Psophocarpus tetragonolobus. Winged Bean, Goa Bean,. 

 Manila Bean, Princess Bean, " Dara-dhambala " S. A strong- 

 growing climbing bean, native of Malaya, with large pale blue 

 flowers, bearing peculiar four-cornered pods. The latter are 6 to 

 8 inches long, and have a leafy fringe running along the length of 

 each of their four corners. They are cooked when green, and 

 usually much relished. In Burma the plant is largely cultivated 

 for its fleshy tuberous roots, of which the yield is said to be from 

 1 J to 2 tons per acre. When grown for the roots, seeds are not 

 allowed to ripen. Propagated by seeds, which may be sown in 

 drills or where the plants are to remain. There are several 

 varieties in cultivation, these being distinguished by length of pod, 

 breadth of wings, and colour of seeds. 



Vigna sinensis. Cow Pea ; Yard-long Bean; " Me-karal," 

 " Diya-mekaral" or " Polon-me " S. An annual climbing bean, 

 bearing long narrow pliant, cordlike pods, which reach from 

 lg to about 3 feet in length. These are used like French Beans, 

 and the ripe seeds also are eaten. The plant is suited to low and 

 medium elevations, and thrives in rather poor as well as rich soil. 

 In Australia it is said to bear plentifully in seasons of drought. 

 Vigna Calling, V. unguiculata, and V. sesquipedalis are considered 

 to be only varieties of V. sinensis. 



SECTION 2 iCUCURBITACE^E. 



GOURDS, PUMPKINS, SQUASHES AND MELONS. 



These comprise a group of climbing plants which yield 

 excellent vegetables and sometimes dessert fruits. The plants are 

 characterised by having unisexual flowers (the sexes in separate 

 flowers), being in some cases dia'ceous (the sexes on separate plants). 

 They are of rapid growth, and therefore require rich soil and 

 abundant water at the root. As a rule, they yield larger and 

 better fruits in a rather dry climate, under irrigation. Propagation 

 is usually by seed, but in many cases it may be effected also by 

 cuttings. 



