ASPARAGUS—BEAN., 15 
vigorously stirred, which motion will cause the seeds to 
become loosened and fall to the bottom, while the 
shells will float and are slowly poured off with the water. 
In fresh water the seeds are given another washing, 
and if this does not render them thoroughly clean, it 
should be repeated. 
Seeds are then spread on smooth boards or on cloth 
screens and set in the sun foraday to dry. This is 
hastened and more properly done by giving the seeds 
an occasional stirring or turning over while they are 
thus spread out. They are then removed to a drying 
loft or room and spread thinly on a cloth and left to 
remain until they have become thoroughly dry, when 
they may be cleaned in the seed-cleaner and afterwards 
stoted in sacks. 
Saving Seeds for Private Use.—Select the largest 
and finest berries, dry and preserve them. In their 
dried shells, seeds keep better and retain their vitality 
longer. 
Market.—Asparagus seed is handled by all seed 
dealers, its aggregate yearly consumption in the United 
States being upwards of 75,000 pounds, nearly all of 
which is produced here. 
In a favorable season, a yield ranges from 1,000 to 
1,200 pounds per acre, at a price usually of ten cents 
per pound to the grower. 
BEAN. 
For a seed crop of beans, either a good clay loam or 
a fertile sandy loam is desirable; the richer the land, 
the better and bigger the crop; stable manure when to 
be had is the best fertilizer. 
Beans do not readily cross, and different varieties 
may be planted near each other without mixture, but 
