CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 
243 
as fresh and plump as possible. Half-bushel baskets are 
often used for local markets. 
Green shell beans are usually marketed in berry bas- 
kets in both pint and quart sizes. Green shell limas 
are regarded as quite a luxury and usually command good 
prices. 
315. Yields and returns. — In 1900 the average yield of 
field beans in the United States was 11 1-5 bushels an 
acre. The most successful growers often obtain double 
this yield. The price varies considerably, but ranges 
from $1.50 to $2 a bushel. Snap beans should produce 
200 bushels an acre, although the yield is often less. A 
net return of $100 an acre, after deducting freight and 
commission charges, is regarded as satisfactory. Prices 
vary greatly from year to year, and the net profits some 
seasons are not encouraging. 
316. Bean weevil (Bruchus obtt'Jus ). — While the bean 
has a number of insect enemies, the weevil is the most 
destructive. This insect is about l /% inch long and cov- 
ered with fine brown, gray and olive pubescence. Ovi- 
position begins in the field, where the female deposits 
eggs in holes in the pods made by the jaws or by the 
drying and splitting of the pods. Breeding continues 
after storage, a large number of individuals frequently 
developing in a single bean. The beetles emerge the 
following spring to repeat their work of destruction. 
Field treatment of any kind has not been satisfactory, 
so that preventive measures before planting must be em- 
ployed. Fumigation with bisulphide of carbon is the 
most effective treatment. The New Hampshire Station 
(N. H. Bui. 59) recommends the following plan: “Use 
an ordinary coal oil barrel, which will hold close to five 
bushels of beans. This can be treated with 3 ounces Oi 
bisulphide of carbon, which may be poured on the beans. 
Care must be taken to close the top tightly; the ex- 
posure should be for 48 hours. The bisulphide should 
