238 VEGETABLES OR FOOD CROPS 



Bean, Scarlet Runner. (Phaseohis innltiflorus. N. O. Legumi- 

 nosas). A herbaceous perennial climber with scarlet flowers, native 

 of South America. The tender pods are used like those of French - 

 beans, etc. The plant is seldom cultivated in Ceylon, as it has 

 been found unsuited to the climate at any elevation, though it 

 has been grown with fair success at Peradeniya, where it has 

 blossomed freely but seldom produced fruit. 



Beet, or Beetroot. (Beta viilgaris. N. O. Chenopodiaceae). This 

 grows extremely well in up-country gardens, and at low elevations 

 also it yields very fair roots, which are the parts used. The 

 plant generally thrives best in a rather heavy moist soil and, being 

 naturally a native of the sea-coast, is supposed to be benefited by an 

 application of salt to the soil. A suitable chemical manure mixture 

 is : Kainit ( 3 parts), superphosphate (5 parts), sulphate of ammonia 

 (2 parts), using 3 to 4 oz. per square yard. The ground should be 

 dug deeply, burying the manure \vell under. Secure an even and 

 fine surface by means of an iron rake, and draw small drills about 

 li in. deep, and 10 inches apart ; into these sow the seed thinly 

 and evenly, and cover with fine soil, afterwards pressing down the 

 surface. The seed germinate in a few days. The seedlings must 

 be thinned out when well above the surface, and these may be 

 transplanted if desired. 



VARIETIES. "Electric," "Dell's Crimson," "Middleton Park" 

 and "Turnip-rooted" are excellent sorts. On the plains in India, 

 acclimatised seed is considered to give the best results. 



Leaf-beet. (Beta cicla. N. O. Chenopodiaceae). This variety of 

 Beet is grown for its leaves which are used in soups, etc., for 

 flavouring. Cultural requirements similar to those given for the 

 common Beet. 



Borecole, Kale, or Curly Greens- (Brasslca oleracea acephala. 

 N. O. Cruciferae). A variety of cabbage characterized by very 

 crumpled or curly leaves, which spread out in plume-like fashion, 

 and do not form a compact head. These are not considered fit 

 for use in England until they have had some frost. Owing to 

 their ornamental appearance, they are frequently employed for 

 garnishing as well as for cooking purposes. The plants can be 

 grown successfully at medium and high elevations. Not commonly 

 grown in market gardens in Ceylon. Cultural directions the same 

 as for Cabbage. 



Broccoli. (Brassica oleracea Botrytis. N. O. Cruciferae). This 

 is practically a kind of Cauliflower in which the flowers do not 



