226 VEGETABLE GARDENING 



become brown and lifeless, but before they have become 

 brittle, is universally regarded as the best means of con- 

 trol. Plants of great vigor are not so subject to attack. 

 In seasons of drouth the disease is especially troublesome, 

 and irrigation is considered a means of reducing loss 

 from this malady. Some plants are more resistant to rust 

 than others, and this fact has led to the establishment of 

 a breeding station at Concord, Mass., where investiga- 

 tions and experiments are being made under the direction 

 of the United States Department of Agriculture. It is 

 hoped that new varieties which will be entirely immune 

 from this dreaded disease will be developed. 



BEAN (Vicia, Phaseolus) 



288. History. — The Broad bean (Vicia faba), believed 

 to have originated in southwestern Asia, was known in 

 ancient times. It is produced largely in Europe for stock 

 feeding, and also grown to a considerable extent in Can- 

 ada. It requires cool weather and a long season, and for 

 these reasons the plant does not thrive in the United 

 States. It is valued in Europe and in Canada as a for- 

 age crop, and the large flat, angular seeds when ground 

 are used as meal. 



According to leading authorities, the common or kid- 

 ney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), from which all of our field 

 and garden varieties have been derived, originated in 

 tropical America. Although definite knowledge of its 

 nativity has not been ascertained, there seems to be no 

 doubt that many varieties were grown in America before 

 they became generally cultivated in European countries. 

 Beans were commonly grown by the Indians. The early 

 settlers placed a high value upon this crop. 



289. Classification. — Kidney beans and lima beans 

 (Phaseolus hmatiis) are the species of greatest importance 

 in vegetable gardening, while several others are valued for 

 soil improvement, stock feeding or for ornamental purposes. 



