A SUPFOBT FOE RUNNERS. 



77 



as a rule, the larger pods, tlie second the better flavour. After 

 growing every variety of any repute that I could get, I have come to 

 the conclusion that there is not a great deal to choose between the 

 selected Longpods of our leading seedsmen. Bunj^ard's Exhibition, 

 Carters' Leviathan, Buttons' Green Giant, and Yeitchs' Exhibition 

 are all excellent, and any one of them may be chosen with confidence. 

 Of what may be termed standard types, the Seville is one of the best. 



It is much the same with the Windsors. Selected strains are 

 offered by all of the principal seedsmen. Taylor's and the Harlington 

 may be takea as good types. 



I have already, in a table, indicated the depth and distance of 

 sowing, and it is unnecessary to do more than emphasise the fact 

 that shallow and thick sowing are both bad. Three to 4 inches is 

 the right depth to cover, and 6 inches would not be too much in very 

 light soils. As respects distance, we are all of us inclined to be 



no. 47.-A SUBSTITUTE FOR RUNNER BEAN POLES. 



nervous about the quality of our seed when sowing time comes, and 

 tempted to sow thickly in consequence. If the seeds be dropped 

 in 3 inches apart, and every other plant thinned out if all grow, 

 things will work out right. 



Dwarf French Beans are a much ill-treated crop. There is often 

 much fuss to get them sown when the end of April comes, but if the 

 crop gets sandwiched in as to season between Peas and Scarlet 

 Runners half of it is never eaten. 



In large gardens the principal value of the French Bean lies in its 

 value for pot ^ culture. In my salad days Osborn's Forcing and 

 Fulraer's Forcings, wdth, in a minor degree, Syon House and Sir 

 Joseph Paxton, were the favourite varieties for this purpose. I am 

 afraid that these old stagers have passed out of favour. To be sure 

 they are grown still, Osborn's particularly, but Ne Plus Ultra and 

 the Sutton Forcing have given them the go-by. Both are very nice 

 pot Beans. 



With a few 8-, 9-, or 10-inch pots, or boxes 4 to 6 inches deep, an 

 early supply of French Beans may be had. If a heated pit is at 



