VEGETABLES OR FOOD CROPS 237 



roots. In Europe the seed is generally sown where the plants are 

 to remain. A bed of Asparagus is considered to be in its prime at 

 five years old, and lasts for a number of years. None of the 

 shoots or branches should be cut during the first 2 years after 

 sowing, so as to encourage the plant to make vigorous crowns or 

 root-stocks. 



Beans, Broad ( Vie/a Faba. N. O. Legnminosae). Broad- 

 bean are grown successfully in only very few gardens at the 

 higher elevations in Ceylon ; the plants set fruit but sparsely, even 

 in the cool dry months, and when pods are produced they are 

 usually small and lacking in flavour. By pinching back the tops, of 

 the plants when in blossom, and artificially pollinating the flowers, 

 the production of pods may, however, be considerably increased. 

 The best time to sow seed is in October or November. Seeds should 

 be soaked in hot water for some hours, and then sown 4 inches 

 apart in drills, with 1 8 inches between the latter ; cover the seeds 

 with 3 inches of soil. There are two distinct kinds, the " Long 

 Pod" and " Broad Windsor ;" the former is considered the better 

 suited to cultivation in the tropics. 



Beans, Kidney or French. (Pliascolus rulgiin's. N. O. Legu- 

 minosae). " Bonchi," S. This excellent vegetable can be grown 

 in the moist and cool season at all elevations from sea-level, but to 

 most perfection at 5,000 to 6,000 feet, being commonly cultivated 

 in market gardens about Nuwara Eliya. The varieties come under 

 two distinct classes, viz. (a) " Dwarf " sorts, which attain a height 

 of 12 to 16 inches and do not need stakes for supports ; (b) the 

 tall or " Runner-Beans," which are climbers and grow 6 or 8 ft. in 

 length, requiring supports as Peas. The conditions of culture for 

 the tall and dwarf sorts are the same. The latter come into 

 bearing sooner and are more prolific than the Runner-beans, which, 

 however, remain productive for a longer period. The seeds should 

 be sown in rows, in well-manured soil, with a distance of li to 2 ft. 

 between the rows. Frequent sowings should be made so as to 

 keep up a succession of crops ; sowings made towards the end of 

 the monsoon rains should give the best returns. The seeds germi- 

 nate quickly, and the plants usually come into bearing in about six 

 weeks from the time of sowing. Among the best of the Dwarf 

 sorts are: ''Canadian Wonder," "Butter Beans," ("Mont d' Or"), 

 " Sutton's Perfection," and "Yeitch's Hybrid." Runner Beans : 

 "Chelsea Giant White," "Epicure," "Excelsior," "White Long 

 Pod," etc. 



