DWARF FRENCH, or KIDNEY BEANS. 
(Phaseolus vulgaris.) 
French, Haricots nains. 
CULTURAL NOTES. 
’ The Kidney Bean is justly regarded as a table delicacy. It is every- 
where sown at the earliest moment consistent with the safety of the crop, 
aud in many gardens supplies from the open ground are maintained until 
the low temperature of autumn destroys the plants. Where facilities also 
exist for growing Beans under glass it is possible to ensure a succession 
practically the whole year through. 
Preparation of the Soil. Kidney Beans thrive best in a good but 
somewhat light soil, although any fairly productive loam will answer the 
purpose. The crop will vield an ample return for such reasonable digging 
and dressing as the careful cultivator will not fail to bestow, but as the 
Kidney Bean is capable of assimilating almost unlimited supplies of plant 
food, few crops better repay the grower for deep tillage and a liberal use 
of manure. Immediately in advance of sowing, a good dressing of wood 
ashes evenly distributed over the surface and well raked in will prove 
highly beneficial. 
Early Crops. For the production of early crops which are eventually 
to come to maturity in the open ground, the first sowings may be made 
early in April, in boxes or frames. Jn districts where frost frequently 
prevails in May, and on heavy soils where early Ssowings outdoors are 
impracticable in a wet spring, the forwarding of plants under glass is very 
desirable, but the actual date for sowing must depend on local conditions. 
The protection afforded by a cold frame will suffice, and every endeavour 
should be made to produce. sturdy plants. Freely ventilate the frames 
atall times, removing the lights altogether for a few days before trans- 
ferring to the open ground as soon as mild ‘weather occurs. On dfy soils 
a small sowing may be made about the second week of April ona sheltered 
south border. Sow in double rows six inches apart, and allow a distance 
of two feet between the double rows. When the seedlings appear give 
protection if necessary, and in due course thin the plants to six inches 
apart in the rows. 
Maincrops are sown from the last week in April to the middle of June. 
The distance between the rows may be from one anda half to two feet, 
according to the vigour of the variety, the strongest growers requiring fully 
two feet, and the distance between the plants may be eight to twelve 
inches; therefore it is well to sow the seed two or three inches apart, and 
thin out as soon as the rough leaves appear. The depth for the seed may 
be from two to three inches on light soil, but on heavy ground two inches 
is deep enough. 
Late Crops. To extend the outdoor suppiy sowings may be made 
early in July. When the ground has become dry and hard, it is advisable 
to soak the seed in water for five or six hours; the drills may also be 
watered, and, if possible, the ground should be covered with rotten dung, 
spent hops, or some other mulchy stuff to promote and sustain vegetation. 
General Cultivation. Apart from keeping the plot free from 
weeds, Kidney Beans require but little attention. The plants, however, 
must not be allowed to suffer for want of moisture, and in droughty 
weather a heavy watering now and then will be visibly beneficial. In 
exposed situations and where storms are prevalent, it is an excellent 
practice to support the plants with bushy twigs. Immediately the pods 
have attained a fair size they should be removed, for the over-development 
of a few beans will soon cause the plants to cease bearing. 
Autumn and Winter Supplies. By successional sowings under 
glass a continuous supply of beans may be obtained through autumn and 
winter. The earliest sowings should be made at fortnightly intervals, from 
mid-July to mid-September, in cold frames filled with well-manured soil. 
Put in the seeds two inches deep and six inches apart, in rows one foot 
apart. Water copiously during the hot months and give protection when 
the nights become cold. After mid-September crops of dwarf-growing 
varieties should be raised in heated pits, or in pots placed in a warm 
temperature. Apply water judiciously, and when a few pods are formed 
feed the plants with alternate applications of soot water and liquid manure, 
commencing with highly diluted doses. Thoroughly syringe the plants 
twice daily to combat Ked Spider. ‘At night a temperature of from 55° to 
60° must be maintained. 
Full details on the culture of Vegetables are given in Sutton’s Book on Gardening, Fifteenth edition, price 10s. 6d. net. 
The asterisks indicate varieties suitable for forcing as well as for open ground culture. 

COPYRIGHT S. &S. 
New Dwarf French Bean, 
Sutton’s Early Giant. 
Sutton’s Early Giant.* Raised at our Experimental Grounds, 
this admirable Dwarf Bean, which we now offer for the first 
time, is the result of crossing two of our choicest varieties— 
Sutton’s Superlative and Sutton’s Magnum Bonum, and the fact 
that our latest introduction inherits the best characteristics of 
both parents is of itself sufficient to commend 
it to all who desire to have beans of the finest it Novelty. 
quality. Although Sutton’s Early Giant 
comes in extremely early it is an unusually free cropper, and the 
individual pods are also very large. Indeed, we doubt whether 
any other variety will produce pods of equal size in so short a 
period. The table quality is all that can be desired. (/llustrated) 
per packet, 2s. 6d. and 3s. 6d. 
Sutton’s Satisfaction.* Another remarkable Dwarf Bean 
raised by crossing Sutton’s Superlative and Sutton’s Master- 
piece, and introduced by us in 1918. In growth the plant 
much resembles our Superlative, having strong healthy dark 
foliage and bearing pods on long branching stems. The beans 
are broader than those produced by Superlative, and are 
darker than those of Masterpiece, and when young they are 
perfectly stringless. In our trials embracing all the leading 
varieties Sutton’s Satisfaction has proved to bean exceptionally 
heavy cropper, and we have no hesitation in stating that it is 
one of the finest Dwarf Beans with which we are acquainted. 
The seed is distinct from that of either parent. Award of Merit, 
R.H.S., 1919 per #-pint, 2s.; pint, 3s. 6d. 
Sutton’s Superlative.* An early Dwarf Bean which has 
achieved remarkable success both as a forcing variety and 
for growing in the open ground. The pods are very quickly 
produced and are exceedingly tender. Asa proof of the robust 
character of the plant, we may state that the foliage remains 
green and healthy after other varieties are over. Award of 
Merit, R.H.S., 1919. Crop failed. 

SUTTON & SONS, Seed Growers and Merchants, READING, ENGLAND. 
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