MULTIFLORA BEAKS. 



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MULTIFLORA, OR RUNNER, BEANS (PHASEOLTJS COCCINEUS). 



This species, which has sometimes been called Phaseolus multi- 

 jlorus by botanists, is commonly known in this country as Multiflora 

 and in England as Runner beans. The species is a very important 

 one in English gardening, and is represented by many varieties, but 

 in this country practically but four sorts are in cultivation, divided 

 into pole and bush forms. 



BUSH VARIETIES. 



The bush forms of the Multiflora beans are comparatively new and 

 but little grown. Those described below tend strongly to revert to 

 the pole form and are more or less trailing in habit and never strictly 

 dwarf, like some of the more erect bush varieties of kidney beans. 



AROOSTOOK BUSH LIMA. 



Listed by 1 seedsman. Seeds tested: Jerrard, 1905, 1906. 



Description. — Plant large-medium, very thick stemmed, spreading, with many 

 drooping fruit branches and sometimes many runners, green throughout, very early 

 for Lima or Multiflora class, late compared to Kidney varieties, long in bearing, lightly 

 productive. Leaf very large, medium green, fairly smooth. Very floriferous. Flow- 

 ers white, extremely large, being several times the size of those of Kidney varieties, 

 10 to 25 blossoms borne on numerous prominent flower stalks but only a few flowers 

 setting pods. Snap pods varying greatly in size, medium in length, much curved, 

 flat, very dark green, of very rough surface, brittle, stringy, of moderate fiber, fair as 

 to quality, free from anthracnose. Point of pods very short, thick, and curved. 

 Green shell pods borne on numerous large clusters high above foliage, never colored 

 or splashed, about 4| inches long, each containing 3 to 5 seeds well separated in pod. 

 Dry seeds very large, thickened, roundish oval through cross section, mostly well 

 rounded at ends, almost straight at eye, very smooth and glossy, solid white, veining 

 absent or indiscernible. 



Comparison. — little known and planted. Not strictly a Lima, at least not belonging 

 to the same species as the common bush Lima, being rather a bush form of White Dutch 

 Runner. Decidedly the earliest variety of the Multiflora class. Ripening several 

 weeks before the true bush Limas it is claimed to be a great acquisition, especially at 

 the extreme North, where bush Limas do not always give full crops. Where right con- 

 ditions prevail, such as in the eastern part of Washington State, it may prove a valuable 

 substitute for Limas, but in most parts of our country it is very unreliable in both easi- 

 ness and productiveness and its real value is not yet exactly known. Decidedly the 

 earliest of the Multiflora class and resembling Barteldes's Bush Lima more than any 

 other variety, differing principally in earlier season and smaller size. Seeds fully as 

 large and of nearly as good quality as the true Limas and pods excellent as snaps. 



Confusing name. — Early Aroostook Field, a very different type of bean. 



History. — Introduced in 1905 by the George W. P. Jerrard Company, who state that 

 the seeds came from a customer. 



Illustrations. — Dry seeds are similar to Barteldes's Bush Lima (PI. IV, 25); cross 

 sections of partially developed pods, to White Dutch Runner (PI. V, 32 and 33); and 

 green shell pods, to White Dutch Runner (PI. XVIII, 1), differing principally in 

 larger and flatter shape. 



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