142 



THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. 



sti'ength and vigour than those raised immediateiy seed* 

 The bulbs, thus raised, often exceed five inches in diameter, 

 and being more mature, preserve through the winter a perfect 

 soundness." 



SOWING FRENCH BEANS. 



At the beginning of the month, French beans may be sown 

 in a hght, rich, warm border, and towards the close of the 

 month, they may be sown on a more open spot of ground. By 

 the adoption of this plan, a regular succession of crop will be 

 obtained. In the first sowing, we would recommend the 

 speckled dwarf; and for the latter sowing, the negro. Batter- 

 sea, or the liver-colored ; they must be sown in drills about 

 two feet apart, and two inches deep, or the beans may be 

 dropped in by the hand at an inch distant; the effect ot 

 this will be, that a more even crop will be obtained; they 

 should also be sown in dry weather, as wet is apt to destroy 

 the seeds in the ground. Do not tread the ground, but cover 

 and dress it with the rake. 



If it be required to have a very early crop of French beans, 

 it will be necessary to sow them in pots or boxes, and placed 

 in the hot-house, or in a hot-bed. The seed may thus be sown 

 about the beginning of the month, and when arrived at a pro- 

 per size may be planted out in fine rich earth at the bottom of 

 a wall or hedge, having a southern aspect. If the plants be 

 set in single lines, they must be planted at three inches dis- 

 tant; but if in double lines, about a foot apart, and at four 

 or five inches distant in the line ; the plants will thereby be 

 kept as near as possible to the wall or hedge, and reap the 

 Ml benefit of its shelter. Particular care must be taken not 

 to plant too deep, and after every planting to give a little water. 



Scarlet runners may now be sown ; and if another crop be 

 sown in July, it will tend to prolong the season of French 

 beans to the very latest, as they will continue bearing until 

 they be destroyed by the fi'ost. For the latter purpose, the 

 white runners are equally good. 



The climbing sorts of French beans are not so hardy as the 

 dwarfs, therefore only a few should be sown, unless the wea- 



