54 the book of rarer VEGETABLES 
fails to pod freely. There can be no doubt but that the 
best produce is secured from plants given field culture, as 
here in an open position the growth is firmer and 
a better bloom 
secured. In a close 
garden with a rich 
root run I do not 
advise their culture, 
though I have seen 
good results on 
sloping banks, the 
seeds being sown 
so that the plants 
had free exposure. 
As regards the cul- 
ture for seeds in a 
dried state on a 
very small scale, 
seed is best sown 
in the spring, March 
or April is the most 
suitable month, and 
the seed is best 
sown in drills 2 feet 
apart and not sown 
thickly. The stalks 
will change colour 
as the seeds or pods reach maturity ; the latter change 
to a dark colour and may then be pulled up and dried in 
the sun for a few days, turning over daily to get rid of 
any moisture, taking care to give the haulm a dry, cool 
place free of drip when storing. The Lentils may be 
thrashed out later when required for use. 
To Cook Lentils 
Having been soaked in cold water for eight or ten 
hours, Lentils are cooked by placing in cold water and 
LARGE YELLOW LENTIL 
{One-tenth natural size ; detached branchy 
natural size) 
