226 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
oped through co-operative experiments of the Concord 
Asparagus Experiment Station and the United States 
Department of Agriculture. These strains include Wash- 
ington, Martha Washington, and Mary Washington, 
millions of whose progeny have been and will be planted 
in all parts of the United States, largely replacing other 
varieties that have been grown in the past. 
With older varieties, as Palmetto, rust may be held 
somewhat in check by keeping the plants growing vig- 
orously, irrigating in dry weather, and mowing and burn- 
ing the tops in the fall, after they are brown and life- 
less, but before they become brittle. 
BEAN (Vicia, Phascohis) 
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 recpiires 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 (Phascohis 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 
(Phascohis hmatiis) are the species of greatest importance 
in vegetable gardening, while several others are valued for 
soil improvement, stock feeding or for ornamental purposes. 
