1 Frep,, 1900.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 111 
€normous roots for a bean, and the roots are covered with nodules, some of 
Which are of large size. When allowed to occupy the ground for any length of 
me, it sheds a great number of leaves, so that on lifting up the vines it 1s a 
Common thing to see a covering of at least 2 inches of rotting leaves on the 
stound. This bean is very suitable for spelling worn-out land, as previously 
Tecommended, and I believe that its use for this purpose—namely, allowing it 
occupy the land for a couple of years—will be found to be a most effectual 
Way of renovating such soils. This bean is well spoken of by the officers 
of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company, and is said to be very rich 
Mnitrogen, but an analysis made by Mr. Briinnich in 1892, from plants eight 
Weeks old, showed that the produce was only 10 tons to the acre, containing 
- of nitrogen, or less dhs half the percentage of nitrogen contained in 
Cow peas of the same age. Teen tons of green manure is a small crop for this 
ean, and the analysis was evidently taken before the crop was fit for ploughing 
i. In the Southern part of the colony this bean does not produce any pods 
ull it has been planted six months, and it takes at least two months to cover 
Ae ground—in fact, at two months old, it is only commencing to grow properly. 
Series of analyses of this and other pulses suitable for green manuring, taken 
at different periods of their growth, is badly wanted, as we have no reliable 
"P-to-date data to go on. Iam glad to say, however, that the Department's 
“temist hopes to make this want good at no very distant date. - 
Mauritius Beans.—There are several varieties of this species of Mucuna, 
all very similar, but differing somewhat in the colour of the seeds, time of 
“pening, and prolificness. The black Mauritius bean has been already described 
™ this Journal, but two varieties of it that have been grown at Redland Bay 
€ comparatively new. One of these produces a long raceme of white flowers, 
and the bean is of a dirty yellowish white colour. This variety is a more 
Prolific seeder than the black’ and, if ‘anything, more vigorous in growth. The 
Seed of the other variety is somewhat similar in colour, but not in shape, to the 
Yelvet bean, but the erowth and flower are similar to the black variety. These 
fans are strong growers, producing a large amount of leaves and vines, which 
'¢ off in the Southern part of the colony when cool weather comes. They are 
‘gely crown. by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company for green manuring, and 
“re spoken highly of. 
The Poor Man’s Bean.—Vhis is also a perennial bean, but inferior as a 
Steen manure to the small Mauritius. It is a rampant grower, producing a 
sreat quantity of vines, but not so much leaf as several other varieties already 
scribed, Although it stands over the second season, it does not make a 
qitistactory growth, but is apt to become patchy and thus allow weeds to grow. 
18 bean makes an excellent fodder, sarah relished by stock, and increases the 
W of milk in the case of dairy stock. It will make a good change crop, and 
a probably pay best to feed off, as by that means the land will be improved 
€ roots, the fallen leaves, and by the excreta of the animals which have 
~ “Ohsumed it, 
Lhe Narico Bean.—This bean has also stood over the winter at Redland 
of} and produced a large quantity of leaves, vines, and seeds. It is a variety 
°t Dolichos Lablab, the same family to which the poor man’s bean belongs, but 
~“perior to that variety as a green manure. Like the small Mauritius, it is 
hatable for spelling land. No analyses of this‘and the preceding variety have 
ey made that I am aware of, so that it is impossible to say what their manurial 
€ 
Is, but from its growth and general habits the Narico bean should prove 
© & good nitrogen producer. ; 
asf There are many other leguminous crops suitable for green manuring, such 
are eld peas, lupine, vetches, crimson clover, &c., but I do not know of any that 
eu tah Suitable to Queensland conditions as those already given, as they are all 
ae le to the climate, and are all vigorous growers, producing their most rapid 
Stowth during hot humid weather, when many other varieties of leguminous 
“nts will not thrive. 
