LEGUMINOUS PLANTS.
American Garden-bean. Asparagus-bean. Lima Bean. Scarlet-runner. Sieva.
Chick-pea. Chickling Vetch. English Bean. Lentil. Lupine. Pea. Pea-nut.
Vetch, or Tare. Winged Pea.
* * * * *
AMERICAN GARDEN-BEAN.
French Bean. Kidney-bean. Haricot, of the French. Phaseolus vulgaris.
The Common Garden-bean of the United States is identical with the French
or Kidney Bean of England and France, and is quite distinct from the
English or Garden Bean of French and English catalogues.
The American Garden-bean is a tender, annual plant from the East Indies,
with a dwarfish or climbing stem and trifoliate leaves. The flowers are
variable in color, and produced in loose clusters; the seeds are
produced in long, flattened, or cylindrical, bivalved pods, and vary, in
a remarkable degree, in their size, form, and color,--their germinative
powers are retained three or four years.
As catalogued by seedsmen, the varieties are divided in two
classes,--the Dwarfs, and the Pole or Running Sorts.
_Dwarfs._--The plants of this class vary from a foot to two feet in
height. They require no stakes or poles for their support; and are grown
in hills or drills, as may suit the taste or convenience of the
cultivator.
All of the varieties are comparatively tender, and should not be planted
before settled, mild weather. They succeed best in warm, light soil;
but will flourish in almost any soil or situation, except such as are
shaded or very wet.
When planted in drills, they are made about two inches deep, and from
fourteen to twenty inches apart. The seeds are planted from three to six
inches apart; the distance in the drills, as well as the space between
the drills, being regulated by the habit of the variety cultivated.
If planted in hills, they should be three feet apart in one direction,
and about two feet in the opposite. If the variety under cultivation is
large and vigorous, four or five plants may be allowed to a hill; if of
an opposite character, allow twice this number.
_To raise Seed._--Leave a row or a few hills entirely unplucked. Seed is
of little value when saved at the end of the season from a few scattered
pods accidentally left to ripen on plants that have been plucked from
time to time for the table.
BAGNOLET.
A half-dwarf, French variety. Plant strong and vigorous, with remarkably
large, deep-green foliage; flowers bright lilac; the pods are straight,
seven inches long, half an inch wide, streaked and spotted with purple
when sufficiently grown for shelling in their green state,
nankeen-yellow when fully ripe, and contain six seeds, which are nearly
straight, rounded at the ends, a little flattened on the sides,
three-fourths of an inch long, a fourth of an inch thick, and of a
violet-black color, variegated or marbled with drab.
About sixteen hundred beans are contained in a quart; and, as the plants
are vigorous growers, this amount of seed will be sufficient for three
hundred feet of drill, or for nearly three hundred hills. If planted in
drills, they should be made twenty inches apart, and two plants allowed
to a linear foot.
The variety is not early, and requires the entire season for its full
perfection. When sown as soon as the weather is suitable, the plant will
blossom in about seven weeks. In sixty days, pods may be plucked for
use; and the crop will be ready for harvesting in fifteen weeks from the
time of planting. For its green pods, the seeds may be planted until the
middle of July.
The Bagnolet is of little value as a shelled-bean, either green or ripe.
As a string-bean, it is deservedly considered one of the best. The pods
are produced in great abundance; and are not only tender, succulent, and
well flavored, but remain long on the plants before they become tough,
and unfit for use. If the pods are plucked as they attain a suitable
size, new pods will rapidly succeed, and the plants will afford a
continued supply for several weeks.
BLACK-EYED CHINA.
Plant fifteen inches high, less strong and vigorous than that of the
Common Red-eyed China; the flowers are white; the pods are comparatively
short, usually about five inches long, green and straight while young,
straw-yellow when sufficiently advanced for shelling, yellow, thick,
hard, and parchment-like when ripe, and contain five or six
seeds,--these are white, spotted and marked about the eye with black, of
an oblong form, usually rounded, but sometimes shortened at the ends,
slightly compressed on the sides, and measure half an inch in length,
and three-eighths of an inch in thickness.
A quart contains fifteen hundred beans, and will plant a drill, or row,
of two hundred feet, or a hundred and fifty hills.
The variety is early. When sown at the commencement of the season, the
plants will blossom in six weeks, produce pods for the table in seven
weeks, pods for shelling in ten weeks, and ripen in eighty-seven days.
It yields well, ripens off at once, and, on account of the thick,
parchment-like character of the pods, suffers much less from wet and
unfavorable seasons than many other sorts.
As a string-bean, it is of fair quality, good when shelled in the green
state, and farinaceous and mild flavored when ripe.
BLUE POD.
A half-dwarf variety, growing from two to three feet high, with a
branching stem, deep-green foliage, and white flowers. The pods are five
inches long, pale-green while young, light-yellow as the season of
maturity approaches, cream-white when fully ripe, and contain five or
six seeds.
Its season is intermediate. If sown early, the plants will blossom in
seven weeks, afford pods for stringing in eight weeks, green beans in
ten or eleven weeks, and ripen their seeds in ninety-seven days. It is a
week earlier than the White Marrow, and ten days in advance of the
Pea-bean. Plantings may be made as late as the last week in June, which
will yield pods for the table in seven weeks, and ripen the middle of
September, or in about twelve weeks.
The ripe seed is white, oblong, flattened, rounded on the back, often
squarely or angularly shortened at the ends, half an inch long, and a
fourth of an inch thick: twenty-seven hundred will measure a quart.
It is a field rather than a garden variety; though the green pods are
tender and well flavored. If planted in drills two feet apart, five
pecks of seed will be required for an acre; or four pecks for the same
quantity of ground, if the rows are two feet and a half apart. If
planted in hills, six or eight seeds should be put in each; and, if the
hills are three feet apart, twelve quarts of seed will plant an acre.
The Blue Pod is the earliest of the field varieties; more prolific, more
generally cultivated, and more abundant in the market, than either the
Pea-bean or the White Marrow. It is, however, much less esteemed; and,
even in its greatest perfection, is almost invariably sold at a lower
price.
On account of its precocity, it is well suited for planting in fields of
corn, when the crop may have been partially destroyed by birds or
insects, and the season has too far advanced to admit of a replanting of
corn. In field-culture, Blue-pod beans are planted till the 25th of
June.
CANADA YELLOW.
Round American Kidney. _Law._
The plants of this variety are from fourteen to sixteen inches high, and
of medium strength and vigor; flowers lilac-purple; the pods are five
inches long, nearly straight, green while young, yellow at maturity, and
contain from four to six seeds.
Season intermediate. If sown early, the plants will blossom in six or
seven weeks, supply the table with pods in eight weeks, green
shelled-beans in ten weeks, and ripen off in ninety days. When planted
after settled warm weather, the variety grows rapidly, and ripens
quickly; blossoming in less than six weeks, and ripening in seventy
days, from the time of planting. For green shelled-beans, the seeds may
be planted till the middle of July.
The ripe seeds are of an ovoid or rounded form, and measure half an inch
in length and three-eighths of an inch in thickness. They are of a
yellowish-drab color, with a narrow, reddish-brown line about the eye;
the drab changing, by age, to dull nankeen-yellow. About seventeen
hundred are contained in a quart; and this amount of seeds will plant
two hundred and fifty feet of drill, or a hundred and seventy-five
hills.
The variety is quite productive, and excellent as a shelled bean, green
or dry. The young pods are not so tender as those of many other sorts,
and are but little used.
CHILIAN.
Plant sixteen or eighteen inches high, sturdy and vigorous; foliage
large, deep-green, wrinkled; flowers pale-lilac; the pods are five
inches and a half long, slightly curved, pale-green while young,
yellowish-white when ripe, and contain five seeds.
If planted early in the season, the variety will blossom in seven weeks,
yield pods for the table in about eight weeks, and ripen in a hundred
days, from the time of planting.
The ripe seeds are of a clear, bright pink, or rose color; gradually
becoming duller and darker from the time of harvesting. They are
kidney-shaped, a little flattened, and of large size; generally
measuring three-fourths of an inch long, and three-eighths of an inch
thick. Twelve hundred and fifty are contained in a quart, and will be
sufficient for planting a row or drill of two hundred feet, or for a
hundred and twenty-five hills.
The variety is healthy, and moderatively productive; not much esteemed
for its young pods, but is worthy of cultivation for the large size and
good quality of the beans; which, either in the green or ripe state, are
quite farinaceous and mild flavored.
CRESCENT-EYED.
Height fourteen or fifteen inches; flowers white,--the upper petals
slightly stained with red; the pods are five inches and a half long,
pale-green and somewhat curved when young, yellowish-white when fully
ripe, and contain five seeds.
Season intermediate. If planted early, the variety will blossom in seven
weeks, yield pods for stringing in eight weeks, supply the table with
green beans in eleven weeks, and ripen in about ninety days. When
planted and grown under the influence of summer weather, pods may be
plucked for the table in fifty days, and the crop will ripen in about
twelve weeks.
The beans, when ripe, are white, with a large, rose-red patch about the
eye; the colored portion of the surface being striped and marked with
brownish-red. The fine rose-red changes by age to a brownish-red, and
the red streaks and markings become relatively duller and darker: they
are somewhat kidney-shaped, and measure three-fourths of an inch in
length and three-eighths of an inch in thickness. A quart contains
nearly thirteen hundred seeds, and will plant a hundred and fifty hills,
or a row of two hundred feet.
The variety yields well, and the green pods are tender and well
flavored. It is, however, generally cultivated for its seeds, which are
of large size and excellent quality, whether used in a green or ripe
state.
DUN-COLORED.
Plant of vigorous, branching habit, sixteen inches in height, with
broad, deep-green foliage and purplish-white flowers; the pods are five
inches and a half long, half an inch broad, green and nearly straight
while young, yellow and slender when fully ripe, and contain five or six
beans.
The ripe seeds are dun-colored or dark-drab, usually with a greenish
line encircling the eye, kidney-shaped, five-eighths of an inch long,
and about a fourth of an inch thick. A quart contains about seventeen
hundred beans, and will plant a row of two hundred and twenty-five feet,
or a hundred and seventy-five hills.
It is one of the earliest of the dwarf varieties; blossoming in about
six weeks, producing young pods in seven weeks, and ripening in
eighty-five days, from the time of planting. When sown after settled
warm weather, pods may be gathered for use in six weeks; and, for these,
plantings may be made until the 1st of August.
As a shelled-bean, green or dry, it is of little value, and hardly
worthy of cultivation. As an early string-bean, it is one of the best.
The pods are not only succulent and tender, but suitable for use very
early in the season. It is also quite prolific; and, if planted at
intervals of two weeks till the last of July, will supply the table to
the last of September.
The variety has long been cultivated in England and other parts of
Europe, and is much esteemed for its hardiness and productiveness.
DWARF CRANBERRY.
Plant vigorous; and, if the variety is pure, strictly a Dwarf, growing
about sixteen inches high. As generally found in gardens, the plants
send out slender runners, eighteen inches or two feet in length. The
flowers are pale-purple; the pods are five inches long, sickle-shaped,
pale-green in their young state, nearly white when ripe, and contain
five or six seeds.
The ripe seeds are smaller than those of the running variety, but of the
same form and color: sixteen hundred are contained in a quart, and will
plant nearly two hundred feet of drill, or a hundred and seventy-five
hills.
The genuine Dwarf Cranberry is not one of the earliest varieties, but
rather an intermediate sort. If sown as soon as the weather will admit,
the plants will blossom in seven or eight weeks, and the young pods may
be gathered for use in nine weeks. In favorable seasons, the crop is
perfected in about ninety days. If planted in June, the variety will
ripen in ten weeks.
It is hardy and productive; and the young pods are not only succulent
and tender, but are suitable for use at a more advanced stage of growth
than those of most varieties. The beans, in their green state, are
farinaceous and well flavored, but, after ripening, are little used; the
color being objectionable.
A variety with a brownish-red, oval, flattened seed, half an inch in
length, is extensively known and cultivated as the Dwarf Cranberry. It
is ten or twelve days earlier, the plants are smaller and less
productive, the young pods less tender and succulent, and the seeds
(green or ripe) less farinaceous, than those of the true variety. With
the exception of its earlier maturity, it is comparatively not worthy of
cultivation.
DWARF HORTICULTURAL.
Variegated Dwarf Prague.
Stem about sixteen inches high; plant of vigorous, branching habit;
flowers purple; pods five inches long, green while young, but changing
to yellow, marbled and streaked with brilliant rose-red, when
sufficiently advanced for shelling in their green state. At maturity,
the clear, pale-yellow is changed to brownish-white, and the bright-red
variegations are either entirely obliterated, or changed to dull, dead
purple. If well formed, the pods contain five (rarely six) seeds.
It is a medium or half-early sort; and, if planted as soon as the
weather becomes favorable, will blossom in seven weeks, produce pods for
the table in about eight weeks, and ripen in ninety-five or a hundred
days. Planted and grown in summer weather, the variety will produce
green pods in seven weeks, and ripen in ninety days.
The ripe seeds resemble those of the running variety in form and color;
but they are smaller, a little more slender, and usually flattened
slightly at the sides. When pure, they are egg-shaped; and a much
compressed or a longer and more slender form is indicative of
degeneracy. Fourteen hundred beans are contained in a quart; and this
quantity of seed will be sufficient for planting a row of a hundred and
seventy-five feet, or a hundred and forty hills.
The Dwarf Horticultural Bean is quite productive, and the young pods are
tender and of good quality. It is, however, not so generally cultivated
for its young pods as for its seeds, which are much esteemed for their
mild flavor and farinaceous quality. For shelling in the green state, it
is one of the best of the Dwarfs, and deserves cultivation.
DWARF SABRE.
Dwarf Case-knife. Dwarf Cimeter.
A half-dwarf, French variety, two and a half to three feet high. As the
running shoots are quite slender, and usually decay before the crop
matures, it is always cultivated as other Dwarf sorts. Foliage large,
wrinkled, and blistered; the flowers are white; the pods are very large,
seven to eight inches long, and an inch in width, often irregular and
distorted, green while young, paler as the season of maturity
approaches, brownish-white when ripe, and contain seven or eight seeds.
The ripe bean is white, kidney-shaped, flattened, often twisted or
contorted, three-fourths of an inch in length, and three-eighths of an
inch in width: about twelve hundred are contained in a quart. As the
variety is a vigorous grower, and occupies much space, this quantity of
seed will plant a row of two hundred feet, or two hundred and
twenty-five hills.
Season intermediate. The plants blossom in seven weeks, produce young
pods in about eight weeks, pods for shelling in their green state in
eleven or twelve weeks, and ripen in ninety-seven days, from the time of
sowing. If cultivated for its green pods, the seeds may be planted to
the middle of July.
The Dwarf Sabre is one of the most productive of all varieties; yielding
its long, broad pods in great profusion. From the spreading, recumbent
character of the plants, the pods often rest or lie upon the surface of
the ground; and, being unusually thin and delicate, the crop often
suffers to a considerable extent from the effects of rain and dampness
in unfavorable seasons.
The young pods are remarkable for their tender and succulent character;
and the beans, both in a green and dried state, are mild and well
flavored. It is hardy, productive, of good quality, and recommended for
cultivation.
DWARF SOISSONS.
A half-dwarf, French bean, similar in habit to the Dwarf Sabre. While
young, the plants produce slender runners, two feet or more in length;
but, as they are generally of short duration, the variety is cultivated
as a Common Dwarf. The flowers are white; pods six inches long,
pale-green at first, cream-yellow when sufficiently advanced for
shelling, dull cream-white when fully ripe, and contain five, and
sometimes six, beans.
The variety is comparatively early. Plants, from seeds sown in spring,
will blossom in six weeks, produce pods for use in seven weeks, and
ripen in ninety days. If planted and grown in the summer months, the
crop will be ready for harvesting in eleven weeks; and sowings for the
ripe seeds may be made till the beginning of July.
Seeds white, kidney-shaped, flattened, often bent or distorted,
five-eighths of an inch long, three-eighths of an inch wide, and a
fourth of an inch thick: fifteen hundred are contained in a quart, and
will plant a drill two hundred and twenty-five feet in length, or about
two hundred hills.
The variety is productive, and the young pods are of fair quality; the
seeds are excellent, whether used green or ripe; the skin is thin; and
they are much esteemed for their peculiar whiteness, and delicacy of
flavor.
EARLY CHINA.
China. Red-eyed China.
Plant fifteen inches high, with yellowish-green, wrinkled foliage, and
white flowers; the pods are five inches long, green and straight while
young, yellowish-green as they approach maturity, yellow when fully
ripe, and contain five (rarely six) beans.
The ripe seeds are white, colored and spotted about the eye with
purplish-red, oblong, nearly cylindrical at the centre, rounded at the
ends, six-tenths of an inch long, and three-eighths of an inch thick:
sixteen hundred and fifty measure a quart, and will plant two hundred
feet of drill, or two hundred hills.
If planted early in the season, the variety will blossom in six weeks,
afford young pods for use in seven weeks, green beans in ten weeks, and
ripen in eighty-five days. When planted and grown in summer, the crop
will ripen in eleven weeks; and plants from seeds sown as late as the
first of August will generally afford an abundant supply of tender pods
from the middle to the close of September.
The Early China is very generally disseminated, and is one of the most
popular of the Dwarf varieties. It is hardy and productive; but the
young pods, though succulent and tender, are inferior to those of some
other varieties. The seeds, green or ripe, are thin-skinned, mealy, and
mild flavored.
EARLY RACHEL.
A low-growing, branching variety, twelve to fifteen inches high; flowers
white; the pods are five inches and a half long, green while young,
becoming paler or greenish-yellow as they approach maturity, cream-white
when ripe, and contain five seeds.
Planted early in the season, the variety will blossom in about seven
weeks; and, in eight weeks, the young pods will be fit for use. Pods for
shelling may be plucked in ten weeks, and the crop will ripen in eighty
days. For the green pods, the seeds may be planted till the middle or
twentieth of July.
The ripe seed is yellowish-brown, white at one of the ends,
kidney-shaped, often abruptly shortened, five-eighths of an inch long,
and a fourth of an inch thick: nearly two thousand are contained in a
quart.
The Early Rachel is hardy, and moderately productive, and, as an early
string-bean, may be desirable; but as a shell-bean, green or dry, it is
of little value. In common with many other early sorts cultivated as
string-beans, the pods, though crisp and tender at first, soon become
too tough and parchment-like for use. In general, the pods of the later
sorts remain crisp and tender a much longer period than those of the
earlier descriptions.
EARLY VALENTINE.
Valentine.
Plant about sixteen inches high, with small, yellowish-green leaves and
white flowers; the pods are comparatively short, usually four and a half
or five inches long, sickle-shaped, almost cylindrical, green while
young, yellow when ripe, and contain five seeds.
The variety is productive, and quite early, though not one of the
earliest. When sown at the commencement of the season, the plants will
blossom in six weeks, produce pods for use in about seven weeks, and
ripen in thirteen weeks, or ninety days, from the time of planting. If
planted after the beginning of summer weather, pods may be gathered for
the table in fifty days, and the beans will ripen in eleven weeks.
The beans, when ripe, are of a pale-pink color, marbled or variegated
with rose-red, becoming duller and browner by age, oblong, nearly
straight, sometimes distorted and irregular as if pressed out of their
natural shape, often more or less shortened at the ends, five-eighths of
an inch long, three-eighths of an inch wide, and about the same in
thickness. A quart will contain eighteen or nineteen hundred seeds;
which will be sufficient for a hundred and seventy-five hills, or for a
drill, or row, of two hundred or two hundred and twenty-five feet.
The Early Valentine is generally cultivated for its tender and very
fleshy pods, which remain long on the plants without becoming hard and
tough. They make an excellent, brittle pickle; and, when cooked, are
equal to those of any other Dwarf variety. The shelled-beans, either in
their green or ripe state, are little esteemed.
The variety has long been grown in England and other parts of Europe,
and is common to gardens in almost every section of the United States.
GOLDEN CRANBERRY.
Canadian. Round American Kidney.
Height about sixteen inches; flowers purple; the pods are five inches
and a half long, five-eighths of an inch broad, somewhat irregular in
form, yellow when ripe, and contain five seeds.
Season intermediate. Early plantings will blossom in seven weeks, yield
pods for the table in eight weeks, and ripen in ninety days.
The ripe seeds are pale greenish-yellow, with an olive-green line
encircling the eye; roundish-ovoid, three-eighths of an inch long, and
nearly the same in thickness. A quart contains nearly eighteen hundred
seeds, and will plant a row, or drill, of two hundred feet, or two
hundred and twenty-five hills.
As a string-bean, or for shelling in the green state, it is inferior to
many other varieties, and is little cultivated for use in these forms;
but as a variety for baking, or for cooking in any form when ripe, it is
much esteemed, and recommended for cultivation.
Hardy and productive.
LONG YELLOW SIX-WEEKS.
Six-weeks. Yellow Six-weeks. Yellow Flageolet. _Vil._
The plants of this familiar variety are of vigorous, branching habit,
and from fourteen to sixteen inches high; the flowers are pale-purple;
the pods are five inches long, six-tenths of an inch broad, often curved
or sickle-shaped, green at first, gradually becoming paler, cream-yellow
when ripe, and contain five (rarely six) beans.
It is one of the earliest of the Dwarf varieties. Spring plantings will
blossom in six weeks, produce pods for the table in seven weeks, and
ripen in eighty-seven days. Summer plantings will afford pods for the
table in about six weeks, and ripen in sixty-three days. When planted as
late in the season as the last of July or first of August, the variety
will afford an abundant supply of tender pods from the middle to the
last of September.
The ripe seeds are pale yellowish-drab, with an olive-green line about
the eye; the drab rapidly changing by age to dull yellowish-brown. They
are kidney-shaped, rather straight, three-fourths of an inch long, and
three-tenths of an inch thick. About fourteen hundred beans are
contained in a quart, and will plant a row of two hundred feet, or a
hundred and fifty hills.
It is quite productive, and an excellent early string-bean, but less
valuable as a green shelled-bean, or for cooking when ripe. On account
of the tender and delicate character of the pods, the ripe seeds are
often injured by damp or continued rainy weather. A popular, early
garden-bean, much cultivated both in this country and in Europe.
MOHAWK.
Early Mohawk.
Stem about eighteen inches high, sturdy and branching; foliage large,
deep-green, wrinkled, and blistered; flowers pale-lilac; the pods are
five inches and a half long, five-eighths of an inch wide, and generally
contain five seeds,--while young they are green, and nearly straight; as
they approach maturity they become paler; and, when ripe, are frequently
streaked and spotted with purple.
The ripe seeds are variegated with drab, dull purple, and different
shades of brown; the brown and dull purple prevailing: they are
kidney-shaped, and measure nearly three-fourths of an inch in length,
and three-eighths of an inch in width. A quart contains about fourteen
hundred and fifty seeds, and will plant a hundred and seventy-five feet
of drill, or a hundred and seventy-five hills.
It is about a week later than the earliest varieties. Spring plantings
will blossom in about seven weeks, produce pods for the table in eight
weeks, and ripen in a hundred days, from the time of sowing. In ordinary
seasons, the variety will ripen perfectly if planted the last week in
June; and will yield an abundance of pods for the table, if the planting
be made as late in the season as the last of July.
The Early Mohawk is quite productive, and one of the hardiest of the
Dwarf varieties. It is well adapted for early planting, and is
extensively grown by market-gardeners as an early string-bean. The young
pods are comparatively tender, and of good quality; and, if gathered as
they become of suitable size, the plants will continue to yield them in
great abundance. The shelled-beans, green or dry, are less esteemed, and
considered inferior to many other varieties.
NEWINGTON WONDER.
A healthy, vigorous variety, with deep-green foliage and bright-purple
flowers. The plants often produce slender, barren runners, eighteen
inches or two feet in length; but they are generally of short duration,
and the variety is treated as other Dwarfs.
The pods are small and straight; usually about four inches long, and
nearly half an inch broad. They are pale-green at first; and afterwards
change to yellowish-white, tinted or washed with bright pink. At
maturity they are dusky-drab, sometimes clouded or shaded with purple,
and contain six or seven beans.
The ripe seeds are pale brownish-drab, with a yellowish-brown line about
the eye; oblong, flattened, shortened at the ends, nearly half an inch
long, and a fourth of an inch deep: about thirty-six hundred are
contained in a quart. As the seeds are comparatively small, and the
plants of spreading habit, this amount of seeds will plant a row four
hundred feet in length, or four hundred hills.
The variety is not early, and, when cultivated for its seeds, should
have the benefit of the whole season; though, with favorable autumnal
weather, the crop will ripen if planted the middle of June. Spring
plantings will blossom in eight weeks, produce young pods in nine weeks,
and ripen in a hundred and six days.
The Newington Wonder is remarkably prolific; and, in its manner of
growth and general character, resembles the Tampico or Turtle-soup. As a
string-bean, it is one of the best. The pods, though not large, are
crisp, succulent, and tender, and produced in great abundance throughout
most of the season. The seeds, in their green state, are small, and of
little value for the table: when ripe, they afford an excellent
substitute for the Tampico or Turtle-soup; the difference, aside from
the color, being scarcely perceptible.
The Newington Wonder of English and French authors appears to be, in
some respects, distinct from the American variety. It is described as
very dwarf, about a foot high, early and productive; pods dark-green,
moderately long, not broad, thick and fleshy; seeds quite small, light
chestnut-colored.
PEA-BEAN.
Plant vigorous, much branched, and, like the Blue Pod and White Marrow,
inclined to send up running shoots; foliage comparatively small,
deep-green; flowers white; the pods are about four inches long, half an
inch wide, nearly straight, green when young, paler as they approach the
season of ripening, yellowish when fully ripe, and contain five beans.
It is comparatively a late variety. When planted in spring, it will
blossom in fifty days, afford green pods in fifty-eight days, and ripen
in about fifteen weeks. In favorable autumns, it will ripen if planted
as late as the 20th of June; but it is not so early as the Blue Pod or
White Marrow, and, when practicable, should have the advantage of the
entire season.
The ripe seeds of the pure variety are quite small, roundish-ovoid,
five-sixteenths of an inch long, a fourth of an inch in width and
thickness, and of a pure yet not glossy white color: about forty-four
hundred seeds are contained in a quart.
As a garden variety, it is of little value, though the young pods are
crisp and tender. It is cultivated almost exclusively as a field-bean.
If planted in rows or drills two feet apart, three pecks of seeds will
be required for an acre; or eighteen quarts will seed this quantity of
land, if the rows are two feet and a half apart. When planted in hills,
eight seeds are allowed to a hill; and, if the hills are made three feet
apart, eight quarts will plant an acre. The yield varies from fourteen
to twenty bushels, according to soil, season, and cultivation.
The Pea-bean, the White Marrow, and the Blue Pod are the principal if
not the only kinds of much commercial importance; the names of other
varieties being rarely, if ever, mentioned in the regular reports of the
current prices of the markets. If equally well ripened, and, in their
respective varieties, equally pure, the Pea-bean and the White Marrow
command about the same prices; the former, however, being more abundant
in the market than the latter. By many, and perhaps by a majority, the
Pea-bean is esteemed the best of all baking varieties.
POTTAWOTTOMIE.
The plants of this variety are remarkable for their strong, vigorous
habit, and large, luxuriant foliage. The flowers are flesh-white; the
pods are six inches long, green at first, then mottled and streaked with
lively rose-red on a cream-white ground (the markings changing to purple
at maturity), and contain five (rarely six) seeds.
The variety is comparatively late. If sown early in the season, the
plants will flower in seven weeks, afford pods for shelling in eleven
weeks, and ripen in a hundred days, from the time of planting.
The ripe seeds are of a light creamy-pink color, streaked and spotted
with a red or reddish-brown: the soft, flesh-like color, however, soon
becomes duller and darker, and at last gives place to a dull,
cinnamon-brown. They are kidney-shaped, fully three-fourths of an inch
long, and about three-eighths of an inch broad. About a thousand will
measure a quart, and will plant a row two hundred feet in length, or a
hundred and twenty-five hills. On account of the large size and
spreading habit of the plants, five seeds will be sufficient for a hill;
and, in the rows, they should be dropped five or six inches from each
other.
The young pods are inferior to most varieties in crispness, and
tenderness of texture; and are comparatively but little used. The seeds
are remarkably large, separate easily from the pods, and, green or ripe,
are remarkably farinaceous and well flavored, nearly or quite equalling
the Dwarf and Running Horticultural.
RED FLAGEOLET.
Scarlet Flageolet.
A half-dwarf, French Bean, two to three feet high; flowers pale-purple;
the pods are six inches and a half long, somewhat curved, green while
young, pale-yellow at maturity, and contain five or six seeds.
It is one of the latest of the Dwarf varieties. If sown early, the
plants will blossom in seven weeks, and pods may be gathered for use in
about nine weeks; in thirteen weeks the pods will be sufficiently
advanced for shelling, and the crop will be ready for harvesting in a
hundred and ten days. It requires the whole season for its full
perfection; but, for its young pods or for green beans, plantings may be
made to the last week in June.
The ripe beans are blood-red when first harvested, but gradually change
by age to deep-purple: they are kidney-shaped, nearly straight, slightly
flattened, three-fourths of an inch long, three-eighths of an inch
broad, and nearly the same in thickness. Fifteen hundred seeds are
contained in a quart.
The Red Flageolet yields abundantly; and the young pods are not only of
good size, but remarkably crisp and tender. If plucked as they become
fit for use, the plants continue to produce fresh pods for many weeks.
The green beans are farinaceous, and excellent for table use; but are
seldom cooked in their ripened state.
RED-SPECKLED.
Plant branching, and of strong growth,--nearly a foot and a half high;
foliage remarkably large; flowers pale-purple; pods five inches and a
half long, nearly straight, green while young, paler with occasional
marks and spots of purple when more advanced, yellowish-white when ripe,
and containing five (rarely six) seeds.
Season intermediate. Plants from seeds sown after settled warm weather
will blossom in six weeks, and green pods may be plucked for use in
fifty days. For shelling in their green state, pods may be gathered in
ten weeks, and the crop will ripen off in ninety days. For its young
pods, or for green beans, plantings may be made to the last week in
June; but the crop will not mature, unless the weather continues
favorable till the 1st of October.
The ripe seeds are variegated with deep-red and pale-drab, the red
predominating; kidney-shaped, nearly straight, three-fourths of an inch
long, and three-tenths of an inch deep. A quart contains fourteen
hundred and fifty seeds, and will plant a row of two hundred and
twenty-five feet, or a hundred and fifty hills.
The variety is hardy and productive. It is extensively cultivated as a
garden-bean in England and France, and has been common to the gardens of
this country for nearly two centuries. The young pods are of medium
quality; but the seeds, green or dry, are mealy and well flavored. On
account of the parchment-like character of the pods, the seeds seldom
suffer from the effects of wet weather.
REFUGEE.
Thousand to One.
Plant sixteen to eighteen inches high, and readily distinguished from
most varieties by its small, smooth, deep-green, and elongated leaves;
flowers purple; pods five inches long, nearly cylindrical, pale-green
while young, greenish-white streaked with purple when sufficiently
advanced for shelling, yellow when ripe, and usually yielding five
beans.
The Refugee is not an early sort. The plants blossom in seven weeks,
produce young pods in eight weeks, and ripen in eighty-seven days, from
the time of sowing. Plantings for the ripened product may be made till
the middle of June; and for the green pods, to the middle of July.
The ripe seeds are light-drab, with numerous spots and broad patches of
bright-purple, nearly straight, cylindrical at the middle, tapering to
the ends (which are generally rounded), five-eighths of an inch long,
and three-tenths of an inch thick. Eighteen hundred and fifty are
contained in a quart, and will plant a row two hundred and fifty feet in
length, or two hundred hills.
The variety is hardy, yields abundantly, and the young pods are thick,
fleshy, and tender in texture. As a string-bean, or for pickling, it is
considered one of the best of all varieties, and is recommended for
general cultivation. The seeds are comparatively small, and are rarely
used either in a green or ripened state.
RICE. _Vil._
Half-dwarf, about two feet high; flowers white; pods very small,
scarcely more than three inches in length, and only two-fifths of an
inch in width, usually containing six seeds.
The variety requires a full season for its perfection. Plants from seeds
sown early in spring will blossom in seven weeks, yield young pods in
ten weeks, and ripen in a hundred and twelve days.
The ripe seeds are very small, and of a peculiar yellowish-white,
semi-transparent, rice-like color and appearance. They are quite
irregular in form, usually somewhat oblong or ovoid, often abruptly
shortened at the ends, three-eighths of an inch long, and a fourth of an
inch thick. Nearly five thousand are contained in a quart.
The young pods are tender and excellent; but the green beans are small,
and rarely used. The ripe seeds are peculiar, both in consistency and
flavor: they are quite brittle and rice-like; and, when cooked, much
relished by some, and little esteemed by others.
ROB-ROY.
Plant half-dwarf,--early in the season, producing slender, transient,
barren runners two or three feet in length; flowers purplish-white; the
pods are five inches long, often produced in pairs, yellow as they
approach maturity, yellowish-white when ripe, and contain five or six
seeds.
It is one of the earliest of the Dwarfs. Spring plantings will blossom
in six weeks, produce pods for the table in seven weeks, and ripen in
eighty-two days. If planted in June, pods may be plucked for use in six
weeks, and the crop will be ready for harvesting in sixty-eight days.
The ripe seeds are clear, bright-yellow; the surface being generally
veined, and the eye surrounded with an olive-green line. They are of an
oblong form, nearly straight on the side of the eye, rounded at the
back, five-eighths of an inch long, and three-tenths of an inch deep.
Fifteen hundred seeds are contained in a quart, and will be sufficient
to plant a row of two hundred feet, or a hundred and fifty hills.
The Rob-Roy generally matures in great perfection; being seldom stained
or otherwise injured by rain or the dampness of ordinary seasons. It is
also one of the earliest of the Dwarf varieties, but desirable as a
string-bean rather than for its qualities as a green shelled-bean, or
for cooking when ripe. If cultivated for its pods only, plantings may be
made until the first of August.
ROUND YELLOW SIX-WEEKS.
Round Yellow. Dwarf Yellow.
Fourteen to sixteen inches high; flowers pale-purple; pods about five
inches long, half an inch broad, pale yellowish-green as they approach
maturity, and, when fully ripe, remarkably slender, and more curved than
in their green state,--they contain five or six beans.
The variety is early; blossoming in six weeks, producing young pods in
seven weeks, and ripening in ninety days, from the time of planting.
When planted in June, pods may be plucked for use in seven weeks, and
the crop will be ready for harvesting in eighty days. For its green
pods, plantings may be made to the last of July.
The ripe seeds are orange-yellow, with a narrow, reddish-brown belt, or
line, encircling the eye; oblong or ovoid, half an inch long, and
three-tenths of an inch thick. A quart contains two thousand seeds, and
will plant a row two hundred and twenty-five feet in length, or two
hundred and twenty-five hills.
As an early string-bean, the variety is worthy of cultivation, but is
little used, and is really of little value, as a shelled-bean, green or
ripe. It has been common to the gardens of this country for more than a
century; and, during this period, no apparent change has taken place in
the character of the plant, or in the size, form, or color of the seed.
SOLITAIRE.
A French variety. The ripe seeds are similar to those of the Refugee;
but the plants are quite distinct in foliage and general habit. Its
height is about eighteen inches; the flowers are purple; the pods are
six inches long, slender, nearly cylindrical, green at first, paler and
streaked with purple when more advanced, and contain six seeds.
It is not early. Spring plantings will blossom in sixty days, produce
pods for the table in seventy days, and ripen in about fifteen weeks. It
may be planted for its green pods until the first of July.
The beans, when ripe, are variegated with light-drab and deep-purple,
the purple prevailing. They are often straight, sometimes curved, nearly
cylindrical at the eye, usually rounded, but sometimes shortened, at the
ends, three-fourths of an inch long, and a fourth of an inch thick: two
thousand measure a quart.
On account of the size and branching character of the plants, more space
must be allowed in cultivation than is usually given to Common Dwarf
varieties. If planted in rows, they should be at least eighteen inches
apart, and the plants eight or ten inches from each other in the rows;
and, if planted in hills, they should be thinned to four or five plants,
and the hills should not be less than three feet apart.
It is not much esteemed as a shelled-bean, either green or ripe. As a
string-bean, it is one of the best. Its pods are long, cylindrical,
remarkably slender, succulent, and tender. It is also a very prolific
variety, and the pods remain for an unusual period without becoming
tough or too hard for the table. Recommended for cultivation.
SWISS CRIMSON.
Scarlet Swiss. _Vil._
Plant vigorous, often producing running shoots; flowers pale-purple;
pods nearly straight, six inches long, pale-green while young, yellow
streaked with brilliant rose-red as they approach maturity, and
containing five (rarely six) seeds.
It is comparatively a late variety. If planted as early as the weather
will permit, the plants will blossom in seven weeks, the young pods will
be ready for use in nine weeks, and the crop will be ready for
harvesting in a hundred and five days. Planted and grown in summer
weather, it will produce young pods in sixty days, and ripen in thirteen
weeks. Plantings for the green seeds may be made to the first of July.
The ripe seeds are clear bright-pink, striped and spotted with deep
purplish-red: the pink changes gradually to dull, dark-red, and the
variegations to dark-brown. They are kidney-shaped, comparatively
straight, somewhat flattened, three-fourths of an inch long, and
three-eighths of an inch broad. Thirteen hundred seeds are contained in
a quart, and will plant a row two hundred feet in length, or a hundred
and fifty hills.
It is hardy and productive, and, as a shelled-bean, of excellent
quality, either in its green or ripened state. As a variety for
stringing, it is not above medium quality.
TURTLE-SOUP.
Tampico.
Plant vigorous, producing numerous slender, barren runners two feet or
more in length; flowers rich deep-purple; pods five inches long, green
and sickle-shaped while young, pale greenish-white stained with purple
when more advanced, yellow clouded with purple when ripe, and containing
five or six seeds.
The variety is quite late, and requires most of the season for its full
perfection. Plants from early sowings will blossom in eight weeks, the
young pods will be sufficiently grown for use in ten weeks, and the crop
will ripen in a hundred and eight days. As the young pods are tender and
of excellent quality, and are also produced in great abundance, a
planting for these may be made as late as the last week in June, which
will supply the table from the last of August till the plants are
destroyed by frost.
The ripe seeds are small, glossy-black, somewhat oblong, and much
flattened: thirty-six hundred are contained in a quart, and will plant
four hundred feet of drill, or three hundred and fifty hills.
It is very productive, and deserving of cultivation for its young and
tender pods; but is of little or no value for shelling while green. The
ripened seeds are used, as the name implies, in the preparation of a
soup, which, as respects color and flavor, bears some resemblance to
that made from the green turtle.
VICTORIA.
This is one of the earliest of the Dwarf varieties. Early plantings will
blossom in six weeks, yield pods for the table in seven weeks, produce
pods of suitable size for shelling in about ten weeks, and ripen in
eighty-four days. When planted after the season has somewhat
advanced,--the young plants thus receiving the benefit of summer
temperature,--pods may be gathered for the table in about six weeks, and
the crop will ripen in sixty-three days.
Stalk fourteen to sixteen inches high, with comparatively few branches;
flowers purple; pods four and a half to five inches long, streaked and
spotted with purple, tough and parchment-like when ripe, and containing
five or six seeds.
The ripe seeds are flesh-colored, striped and spotted with purple (the
ground changing by age to dull reddish-brown, and the spots and markings
to chocolate-brown), oblong, somewhat flattened, shortened or rounded at
the ends, five-eighths of an inch long, and three-tenths of an inch
thick: fourteen hundred are contained in a quart.
The variety is remarkably early; and, on this account, is worthy of
cultivation. For table use, the young pods and the seeds, green or dry,
are inferior to many other sorts.
WHITE'S EARLY.
A remarkably hardy and vigorous variety, eighteen to twenty inches high.
Flowers white, tinged with purple; pods five inches and a half long,
curved or sickle-shaped, green at first, yellowish-white striped with
purple when fully ripe, and containing five seeds.
Early plantings will blossom in about six weeks, young pods may be
plucked for use in seven weeks, and the crop will ripen in eighty-two
days. If planted as late in the season as the first week in July, the
variety will generally ripen perfectly; and, when cultivated for its
green pods, plantings may be made at any time during the month.
The ripe seeds are either drab or light-slate,--both colors being
common,--marked and spotted with light-drab. In some specimens, drab is
the prevailing color. They are kidney-shaped, irregularly compressed or
flattened, nearly three-fourths of an inch long, and three-eighths of an
inch deep. A quart contains about sixteen hundred seeds, and is
sufficient for planting a row two hundred and fifty feet in length, or
two hundred hills.
This variety, as an early string-bean, is decidedly one of the best, and
is also one of the hardiest and most prolific. The pods should be
plucked when comparatively young; and, if often gathered, the plants
will continue a long time in bearing. As a shelled-bean, either in its
green or ripened state, it is only of medium quality.
The long peduncles, or stems, that support its spikes of flowers, its
stocky habit, and fine, deep-green, luxurious foliage, distinguish the
variety from all others.
WHITE FLAGEOLET.
From sixteen to eighteen inches high, of strong and branching habit.
Flowers white; pods five inches and a half long, sickle-shaped, green
while young, yellowish-white at maturity, and containing six (rarely
seven) seeds.
It is a half-early variety; blossoming in six weeks, yielding pods for
the table in seven weeks, pods for shelling in eleven weeks, and
ripening in ninety days, from the time of planting. Later plantings will
ripen in a shorter period, or in about eighty days; and, if cultivated
as a string-bean, seed sown as late in the season as the last week of
July will supply the table from the middle of September with an
abundance of well-flavored and tender pods.
The ripe bean is white, kidney-shaped, flattened, three-fourths of an
inch long, and three-tenths of an inch broad: about twenty-two hundred
are contained in a quart, and will plant a drill, or row, of two hundred
and seventy-five feet, or nearly three hundred hills.
The White Flageolet is very productive, and is recommended for
cultivation: the young pods are crisp and tender, and the seeds, green
or ripe, are farinaceous, and remarkable for delicacy of flavor.
WHITE KIDNEY.
Kidney. Large White Kidney. Royal Dwarf.
The plants of this variety are from sixteen to eighteen inches high, and
readily distinguishable, from their large and broad leaves, and strong,
branching habit of growth; the flowers are white; the pods are somewhat
irregular in form, six inches long, green at first, yellow when ripe,
and contain five (rarely six) beans.
The White Kidney-bean is not early: it blossoms in seven weeks, produces
young pods in nine weeks, pods for shelling in eleven weeks, and ripens
in a hundred and ten days, from the time of planting.
The ripe seeds are white, more or less veined, pale-yellow about the
hilum, kidney-shaped, nearly straight, slightly flattened, fully
three-fourths of an inch long, and about three-eighths of an inch thick:
from twelve to thirteen hundred are contained in a quart; and this
quantity of seeds will plant a hundred and seventy-five feet of drill,
or a hundred and forty hills.
As a string-bean, the variety has little merit; but as a shelled-bean,
green or ripe, it is decidedly one of the best of the Dwarfs, and well
deserving of cultivation. The seeds are of large size, pure white,
separate readily from the pods, and are tender and delicate.
WHITE MARROW.
White Marrowfat. Dwarf White Cranberry. White Egg.
Plants vigorous, much branched, and inclined to produce running shoots;
flowers white; pods five inches long, nearly three-fourths of an inch
broad, pale-green at first, then changing to clear yellow, afterwards
becoming pure waxen-white, cream-yellow when ripe, and containing five
seeds.
When planted at the commencement of favorable weather, the variety will
blossom in seven weeks, yield pods for the table in eight weeks, and
ripen in a hundred and five days. When grown for the ripened product,
the planting should not be delayed beyond the 20th of June. Planted at
this season, or the last week in June, the crop will blossom the first
week in August; and, about the middle of the month, pods may be gathered
for the table. By the second week in September, the pods will be of
sufficient size for shelling; and, if the season be ordinarily
favorable, the crop will ripen the last of the month. It must not,
however, be regarded as an early variety; and, when practicable, should
be planted before the 10th of June.
The ripe seeds are clear white, ovoid or egg-shaped, nine-sixteenths of
an inch long, and three-eighths of an inch thick. In size, form, or
color, they are scarcely distinguishable from those of the White Running
Cranberry. If well grown, twelve hundred seeds will measure a quart.
As a string-bean, the White Marrow is of average quality: but, for
shelling in the green state, it is surpassed by few, if any, of the
garden varieties; and deserves more general cultivation. When ripe, it
is remarkably farinaceous, of a delicate fleshy-white when properly
cooked, and by many preferred to the Pea-bean.
In almost every section of the United States, as well as in the Canadas,
it is largely cultivated for market; and is next in importance to the
last named for commercial purposes.
In field-culture, it is planted in drills two feet apart; the seeds
being dropped in groups, three or four together, a foot apart in the
drills. Some plant in hills two and a half or three feet apart by
eighteen inches in the opposite direction, seeding at the rate of
forty-four quarts to the acre; and others plant in drills eighteen
inches apart, dropping the seeds singly, six or eight inches from each
other in the drills.
The yield varies from twenty to thirty bushels to the acre, though crops
are recorded of nearly forty bushels.
YELLOW-EYED CHINA.
Plant sixteen to eighteen inches high, more branched and of stronger
habit than the Black or Red Eyed; flowers white; pods six inches long,
nearly straight, pale-green while young, cream-white at maturity, and
containing five or six seeds.
It is an early variety. When sown in May, or at the beginning of settled
weather, the plants will blossom in six weeks, afford string-beans in
seven weeks, pods for shelling in ten or eleven weeks, and ripen in
ninety days, from the time of planting. From sowings made later in the
season (the plants thereby receiving more directly the influence of
summer weather), pods may be plucked for the table in about six weeks,
and ripened beans in seventy-five days. Plantings for supplying the
table with string-beans may be made until the last week in July.
The ripe beans are white, spotted and marked about the eye with
rusty-yellow, oblong, inclining to kidney-shape, more flattened than
those of the Red or Black Eyed, five-eighths of an inch long, and
three-eighths of an inch in breadth: fifteen hundred and fifty are
contained in a quart, and will plant two hundred feet of drill, or a
hundred and fifty hills. The plants are large and spreading, and most
productive when not grown too closely together.
The Yellow-eyed China is one of the most healthy, vigorous, and
prolific of the Dwarf varieties; of good quality as a string-bean; and,
in its ripened state, excellent for baking, or in whatever manner it may
be cooked. It also ripens its seeds in great perfection; the crop being
rarely affected by wet weather, or injured by blight or mildew.
* * * * *
POLE OR RUNNING BEANS.
As a class, these are less hardy than the Dwarfs, and are not usually
planted so early in the season. The common practice is to plant in hills
three feet or three and a half apart; though the lower-growing sorts are
sometimes planted in drills fourteen or fifteen inches apart, and bushed
in the manner of the taller descriptions of pease.
If planted in hills, they should be slightly raised, and the stake, or
pole, set before the planting of the seeds. The maturity of some of the
later sorts will be somewhat facilitated by cutting or nipping off the
leading runners when they have attained a height of four or five feet.
CASE-KNIFE.
This variety, common to almost every garden, is readily distinguished by
its strong and tall habit of growth, and its broad, deep-green,
blistered leaves. The flowers are white. The pods are remarkably large;
often measuring nine or ten inches in length, and nearly an inch in
width. They are of a green color till near maturity, when they change to
yellowish-green, and, when fully ripe, to cream-white. A well-formed pod
contains eight or nine seeds.
Early plantings will blossom in seven or eight weeks, yield pods for
stringing in about ten weeks, green beans in twelve or thirteen weeks,
and ripen in a hundred and five days. Later plantings, with the
exclusive advantage of summer weather, will supply string-beans in
seven weeks, pods for shelling in eight or nine weeks, and ripen in
ninety-six days. Plantings for the green beans may be made till nearly
the middle of July; and, for the young pods, to the 25th of the month.
The ripe seeds are clear white, kidney-shaped, irregularly flattened or
compressed, often diagonally shortened at one or both of the ends,
three-fourths of an inch long, and three-eighths of an inch deep. A
quart contains about fifteen hundred seeds, and will plant a hundred and
seventy-five hills.
It is one of the most prolific of the running varieties. As a
shelled-bean, it is of excellent quality in its green state; and, when
ripe, farinaceous, and well flavored in whatever form prepared. The
large pods, if plucked early, are succulent and tender, but coarser in
texture than those of many other sorts, and not so well flavored.
The Case-knife, in its habit and general appearance, much resembles the
Sabre, or Cimeter, of the French; and perhaps is but a sub-variety.
Plants, however, from imported Sabre-beans, were shorter, not so stocky,
a little earlier, and the pods, generally, less perfectly formed.
CORN-BEAN.
Stem six feet and upwards in height; flowers bright-lilac; the pods are
five inches and a half long, green while young, cream-white at maturity,
and contain six or seven seeds.
The variety is late, but remarkable for hardiness and productiveness.
The shelled-beans, green or ripe, are little used; the young pods are
crisp, succulent, and excellent for the table; and the variety deserves
more general cultivation. If plucked as fast as they become of suitable
size, the plants will continue to produce them in abundance for six or
eight weeks.
The ripe seeds are chocolate-brown, somewhat quadrangular, flattened,
half an inch long, and three-eighths of an inch broad. In size and form,
they somewhat resemble grains of Indian corn: whence the name. Twelve
hundred and fifty seeds are contained in a quart, and will plant a
hundred and twenty-five hills.
HORTICULTURAL.
Marbled Prague. _Vil._ London Horticultural.
Stem six feet or more in height; flowers purple; the pods are from five
to six inches long, nearly three-fourths of an inch broad, pale-green
while young, greenish-white streaked and blotched with brilliant
rose-red when more advanced, much contorted, hard, parchment-like and
very tenacious of their contents when ripe, and enclose five or six
seeds.
When planted at the commencement of the season, the variety will blossom
in about seven weeks, produce pods for stringing in nine weeks, green
beans in twelve weeks, and ripen in a hundred days. Plantings made
during the last week in June will mature their crop, if the season be
favorable. For the green beans, plantings may be made until the last of
June; and, for the young pods, until the first of July.
The ripe beans are flesh-white, streaked and spotted with bright-pink,
or red, with a russet-yellow line encircling the eye. They are
egg-shaped, rather more than half an inch in length, and four-tenths of
an inch in width and depth. From the time of ripening, the soft,
flesh-like tint gradually loses its freshness, and finally becomes
cinnamon-brown; the variegations growing relatively duller and darker. A
quart contains about eleven hundred seeds, and will plant a hundred and
twenty-five hills.
The Horticultural Bean was introduced into this country from England
about the year 1825. It has now become very generally disseminated, and
is one of the most popular of the running sorts. As a string-bean, it is
of good quality; shelled in its green state, remarkably farinaceous and
well flavored; and, when ripe, one of the best for baking or stewing. It
is hardy and productive, but is liable to deteriorate when raised many
years in succession from seed saved in the vegetable garden from the
scattered pods accidentally left to ripen on the poles. To raise good
seed, leave each year a few hills unplucked; allowing the entire product
to ripen.
INDIAN CHIEF.
Wax-bean. Butter-bean. Algerian. D'Alger, of the French.
Stem six or seven feet high, with large, broad foliage and purple
flowers; the pods are five inches long, nearly as thick as broad,
sickle-shaped, green at first, but soon change to a fine, waxen,
semi-transparent cream-white,--the line marking the divisions being
orange-yellow. At this stage of growth, the color indicates approaching
maturity; but the pods will be found crisp and succulent, and are in
their greatest perfection for the table. When ripe, they are nearly
white, much shrivelled, and contain six or seven seeds.
When cultivated for the ripened product, the seed should be planted as
early in the season as the weather will permit. The plants will then
blossom in eight or nine weeks, afford young pods in about eleven weeks,
pods for shelling in thirteen or fourteen weeks, and ripen in a hundred
and twenty-four days. Plantings for green pods may be made until the
first of July.
At the time of harvesting, the seeds are deep indigo-blue, the hilum
being white. They are oblong, often shortened abruptly at the ends, half
an inch long, nearly the same in depth, and three-tenths of an inch
thick. Fourteen hundred seeds measure a quart, and will plant a hundred
and seventy-five hills.
Its fine, tender, succulent, and richly colored pods are its chief
recommendation; and for these it is well worthy of cultivation. They are
produced in profuse abundance, and continue fit for use longer than
those of most varieties. In moist seasons, the pods remain crisp and
tender till the seeds have grown sufficiently to be used in the green
state. The ripe seeds are little used.
MOTTLED CRANBERRY.
A comparatively strong-growing, but not tall variety. The flowers are
white; the pods are short and broad, four inches and a half long,
three-fourths of an inch wide, yellow at maturity, and contain four or
five seeds.
If planted early, the variety will blossom in seven weeks, yield pods
for the table in eight or nine weeks, green beans in eleven weeks, and
ripen in a hundred days. When planted after settled warm weather, it
will ripen in ninety days.
The ripe seeds are white, the eye surrounded with a broad patch of
purple, which is also extended over one of the ends: they are of a
rounded-oval form, half an inch long, and three-eighths of an inch in
width and thickness. A quart contains fourteen hundred and fifty seeds,
and will plant a hundred and fifty hills. As the plants are of dwarfish
character, the seeds are sometimes sown in drills; a quart being
required for two hundred feet.
The Mottled Cranberry is moderately productive, and the young pods are
tender and well flavored: the seeds, while green, are farinaceous, and,
though of good quality when ripe, are but little used.
MOTTLED PROLIFIC.
Plant branching, healthy, and vigorous, six feet or more in height;
flowers purple; the pods are four inches and a half long, usually
produced in pairs, green at first, washed with purple when more
advanced, light-brown at maturity, and contain six seeds.
It is a late variety. Plantings made during the first of the season will
not produce pods for use until the last of July, or beginning of August;
but, if these are plucked as they become of suitable size, the plants
will continue in bearing until destroyed by frost.
The ripe beans are drab, thickly and minutely spotted with black, and
also distinctly marked with regular lines of the same color. They are of
an oblong form, flattened, often squarely or diagonally shortened at the
ends, nearly half an inch in length, and three-tenths of an inch in
width. A quart contains thirty-one hundred seeds, and will plant about
three hundred hills.
As a shelled-bean, in its green or ripened state, the variety has little
merit. Its recommendations are its fine, tender pods, its remarkable
productiveness, and its uniformly healthy habit.
PRÉDHOMME. _Vil._
Introduced from France. Plant four or five feet high, with broad,
deep-green, blistered foliage and white flowers; the pods are nearly
cylindrical, three inches long, green while young, cream-white when
ripe, and contain from six to eight seeds, set very closely together.
The ripe beans are dull-white, veined, oblong, often shortened at the
ends, a third of an inch long, and nearly a fourth of an inch in width
and thickness. A quart contains about thirty-five hundred seeds, and
will plant three hundred and fifty hills.
Early plantings will blossom in eight weeks, afford pods for the table
in about ten weeks, and ripen in a hundred and eight days. It may be
planted for its green pods to the first of July.
It is of little value as a shelled-bean in its green state. When ripe,
it is of good quality, and, as a string-bean, one of the best; the pods
being very brittle, succulent, and fine flavored. They remain long upon
the plants without becoming tough and hard; and are tender, and good for
use, until almost ripe. On account of their thin and delicate character,
the seeds, in unfavorable seasons, are often stained and otherwise
injured by dampness at the time of ripening.
PRINCESS. _Vil._
A French variety. Plant six feet or more in height, with lively-green
foliage and white flowers; the pods are five inches long, pale-green
while young, yellow at maturity, and contain six or seven, and sometimes
eight, seeds.
The ripe bean is white, egg-shaped, two-fifths of an inch long, and a
fourth of an inch thick: nearly three thousand are contained in a quart,
and will plant three hundred and fifty hills.
The variety somewhat resembles the Prédhomme; but the seeds are larger
and brighter, the pods are longer, the seeds are less close in the pods,
and it is some days earlier. It ripens in about three months from the
time of planting. A good sort for stringing, and of excellent quality
when ripe.
RED CRANBERRY.
This is one of the oldest and most familiar of garden-beans, and has
probably been longer and more generally cultivated in this country than
any other variety.
The plants are five or six feet high, of medium strength and vigor;
flowers pale-lilac. The pods are quite irregular in form; often
reversely curved, or sickle-shaped; four inches and a half long;
yellowish-green while young; clear-white when suitable for shelling;
yellowish-white, shrivelled, and contorted, when ripe; and contain five
or six seeds.
Its season is intermediate. If planted early, the variety will blossom
in seven weeks, yield young pods in nine weeks, green beans in eleven
weeks, and ripen in ninety-five days. In favorable seasons, the crop
will ripen if the seeds are planted the last of June; but, for the young
pods or for green beans, plantings may be made to near the middle of
July.
Seeds clear, deep-purple, the hilum white, round-ovoid, slightly
compressed, half an inch long, and about three-eighths of an inch in
depth and thickness. Fourteen hundred and fifty seeds are contained in a
quart, and will plant a hundred and fifty hills.
It is a hardy and productive variety, principally grown as a
string-bean. The pods are succulent and tender; and these qualities are
retained to a very advanced stage of growth, or until quite of suitable
size for shelling. The dark color of the bean, which is to some extent
imparted to the pods in the process of cooking, is by some considered an
objection; and the White Cranberry, though perhaps less prolific, is
preferred. As a shelled-bean, it is of good quality in its green state;
but, in its ripened state, little used, though dry and farinaceous.
RED ORLEANS.
Scarlet Orleans.
Five to six feet high; flowers white; the pods are sickle-shaped, five
inches long, green when young, often tinged with red when more advanced,
yellow at full maturity, and contain five or six seeds, packed closely
together.
It is one of the earliest of the running varieties. Spring plantings
will blossom in about seven weeks, afford pods for the table in eight
weeks, green beans in eleven weeks, and ripen in eighty-five-days.
Planted later in the season, pods sufficiently large for stringing may
be gathered in six weeks, and the crop will begin to ripen in about
seventy days. As a string-bean, the variety may be planted until the
first of August.
At the time of harvesting, the ripe seeds are of a bright blood-red
color, but change rapidly by age to brownish-red. They are of an oblong
form, often squarely or diagonally shortened at the ends by contact with
each other in the pods, half an inch long, and three-tenths of an inch
broad. A quart, which contains nearly twenty-four hundred seeds, will
plant about two hundred and seventy-five hills.
The Red Orleans is quite prolific, and a desirable sort for soups and
stews. The young pods are tender, and well flavored; but its remarkable
precocity must be considered its chief recommendation.
French writers describe the ripe seeds as exceeding the above
dimensions; but specimens received from Paris seedsmen correspond in
size, form, and color with the description before given.
RHODE-ISLAND BUTTER.
Plant seven feet and upwards in height, with large, broad, deep-green,
wrinkled foliage; flowers blush-white; the pods are six inches long,
nearly three-fourths of an inch broad, green while young, paler when
more advanced, cream-white and much shrivelled when ripe, and contain
seven seeds.
If planted early in the season, green pods may be plucked for the table
in nine or ten weeks, pods for shelling in twelve weeks, and the crop
will ripen in a hundred and twenty-three days. Planted early in June,
the pods will generally all ripen; but, if the planting is delayed to
the last of the month, the crop will but partially mature, unless the
season prove more than usually favorable. The vines will, however, yield
a plentiful supply of pods, and also of green beans.
The seeds, at maturity, are cream-yellow, with well-defined spots and
stripes of deep yellowish-buff. They are broad-kidney-shaped, flattened,
five-eighths of an inch long, and nearly half an inch broad. The
cream-yellow gradually changes by age to brown, and the markings become
relatively darker. Fourteen hundred seeds are contained in a quart, and
will plant a hundred and fifty hills.
The variety yields abundantly; and the large pods are tender, succulent,
and excellent for table use. The beans, in their green state, are of
good quality, though little used when ripe.
SABRE, OR CIMETER.
Stem seven or eight feet high; leaves broad, large, deep-green, and much
wrinkled or corrugated; flowers white; pods large, broad, and thin,
curved at the ends in the form of a sabre, or cimeter, green when young,
cream-white when ripe, and contain eight beans.
The variety will blossom in eight weeks, afford young pods for the table
in ten weeks, green beans in eleven weeks, and ripen in a hundred days,
from the time of planting. If sown in June, the crop will mature in
ninety days. Plantings for the green seeds may be made till the last of
June, and for the young pods to the middle of July.
The ripe seeds are clear-white, kidney-form, three-fourths of an inch
long, and three-eighths of an inch broad. Sixteen hundred are contained
in a quart, and will plant a hundred and sixty hills.
The Sabre Bean is remarkably productive; the young pods are crisp and
tender, excellent for table use, and good for pickling; the seeds, green
or dry, are farinaceous, and of delicate flavor and appearance.
In height and foliage, size and form of the pods, color and size of the
ripe seeds, it resembles the Case-knife. The principal difference
between the varieties is in the earlier maturity of the Sabre.
SOISSONS. _Vil._
Introduced from France. Stem six feet or more high; foliage large,
broad, wrinkled; flowers white; the pods are eight inches long,
three-fourths of an inch broad, sword-shaped, yellowish-green when near
maturity, yellowish-white when ripe, and contain six or seven seeds.
The variety requires the whole season for its full perfection. If
planted early, it blossoms in nine weeks, produces young pods in eleven
weeks, and ripens off in gradual succession till the plants are
destroyed by frost. If cultivated for its young pods, plantings may be
made to the last week in June.
The ripe seeds are remarkably large,--often measuring nearly an inch in
length and half an inch in breadth,--pure, glossy-white, kidney-shaped,
and generally irregularly compressed. Seven hundred are contained in a
quart, and will plant about eighty hills.
The young pods, while quite young and small, are crisp and tender, and
the ripe seeds are farinaceous and well flavored. It is also an
excellent sort for shelling in the green state; but the plants are not
hardy, and thrive well only in warm soil and sheltered situations. Under
ordinary culture, many of the pods are imperfect, and frequently contain
but two or three seeds.
WHITE CRANBERRY.
Stem five or six feet high; flowers white; the pods are five inches and
a half long, pale-green while young, striped and marbled with red when
near maturity, yellowish-buff when ripe, and contain five or six beans.
It is not an early variety. From plantings made at the usual season,
young pods may be gathered in about nine weeks, pods for shelling green
in twelve weeks, and ripened beans in a hundred and five days. For
stringing, or for shelling in a green state, the variety may be planted
the first of July; but, in ordinary seasons, few of the pods will reach
maturity.
The ripe seeds are white, egg-shaped, sometimes nearly spherical, half
an inch long, and three-eighths of an inch in breadth and thickness. In
size, form, and color, they strongly resemble the Dwarf White Marrow;
and are not easily distinguished from the seeds of that variety. About
twelve hundred and fifty are contained in a quart, and will plant a
hundred and twenty-five hills.
The White Cranberry is hardy, yields well, and the young pods are tender
and well flavored. For shelling green, it is decidedly one of the best
of all varieties; and for baking, or otherwise cooking, is, when ripe,
fully equal to the Pea-bean or White Marrow.
WILD-GOOSE.
Plant seven or eight feet high, of healthy, vigorous habit; flowers
bright-purple; the pods are sickle-shaped, pale-green at first,
cream-yellow streaked and marbled with purple when ripe, and contain six
seeds, closely set together.
The variety requires the entire season for its full perfection. When
planted early, it will blossom in nine weeks, produce young pods in
eleven weeks, green beans in thirteen weeks, and ripen in a hundred and
twenty days. If planted and grown under the influence of summer weather,
the plants will blossom in seven weeks, yield young pods in nine weeks,
green beans in twelve weeks, and ripen in a hundred days. Plantings for
the green seeds may be made to the middle of June, and for the young
pods to the first of July.
The ripe beans are pale cream-white, spotted with deep purplish-black
(the cream-white gradually changing by age to cinnamon-brown),
round-ovoid, four-tenths of an inch long, and about three-eighths of an
inch in width and thickness. A quart contains nearly seventeen hundred
seeds, and will plant two hundred hills.
The variety has been long cultivated both in Europe and this country. It
is hardy and productive. The young pods are of fair quality; and the
seeds, green or ripe, are excellent for table use, in whatever form
prepared.
YELLOW CRANBERRY.
Five to six feet high, with yellowish-green foliage and pale-purple
flowers: the pods are five inches long, three-fourths of an inch broad,
often sickle-shaped; pale-green at first; cream-yellow, shrivelled, and
irregular in form, like those of the Red variety, at maturity; and
contain five or six seeds.
It is a few days later than the White Cranberry, and nearly two weeks
later than the Red. Planted at the commencement of the season, it will
blossom in eight weeks, yield pods for the table in about ten weeks,
pods for shelling in twelve or thirteen weeks, and ripen in a hundred
and ten days. Early summer-plantings will blossom in seven weeks,
produce pods for the table in less than nine weeks, and ripen in about a
hundred days. When grown for the ripened crop, it should have the
advantage of the entire season; but, when cultivated for its young pods,
plantings may be made till the first of July.
Seeds yellow, with a narrow, dark line encircling the hilum:
round-ovoid, half an inch long, and three-eighths of an inch in breadth
and thickness: thirteen hundred and fifty are contained in a quart, and
will plant a hundred and twenty-five hills.
The variety is hardy and prolific; of good quality as a string-bean, or
for shelling in the green state. When ripe, the seeds are nearly equal
to the White Marrow for baking, though the color is less agreeable.
* * * * *
ASPARAGUS-BEAN.
Long-podded Dolichos. Dolichos sesquipedalis.
The Asparagus-bean, in its manner of growth, inflorescence, and in the
size and character of its pods, is quite distinct from the class of
beans before described. It is a native of Tropical America, and requires
a long, warm season for its full perfection.
The stem is from six to seven feet high; the leaves are long, narrow,
smooth, and shining; the flowers are large, greenish-yellow, and
produced two or three together at the extremity of quite a long
peduncle; the pods are nearly cylindrical, pale-green, pendent, and grow
with remarkable rapidity,--when fully developed, they are eighteen or
twenty inches long, and contain eight or nine seeds.
These should be sown as early in spring as the appearance of settled
warm weather; and the plants will then blossom in ten or eleven weeks,
afford pods for use in fourteen weeks, and ripen off their crop in
gradual succession until destroyed by frost.
The ripe seeds are cinnamon-brown, with a narrow, dark line about the
hilum; kidney-shaped, half an inch long, and a fourth of an inch broad:
nearly four thousand are contained in a quart, and will plant four
hundred and fifty hills.
The seeds are quite small, and are rarely eaten, either in a green or
ripe state. The variety is cultivated exclusively for its long, peculiar
pods, which are crisp, tender, of good flavor, and much esteemed for
pickling. It is, however, much less productive than many of the running
kinds of garden-beans, and must be considered more curious than really
useful.
* * * * *
LIMA BEAN.
Phaseolus lunatus.
Stem ten feet or more in height; leaves comparatively long and narrow,
smooth and shining; flowers small, greenish-yellow, in spikes; the pods
are four inches and a half long, an inch and a quarter broad, much
flattened, green and wrinkled while young, yellowish when ripe, and
contain three or four beans.
The Lima is one of the latest, as well as one of the most tender, of all
garden-beans; and seldom, if ever, entirely perfects its crop in the
Northern States. Little will be gained by very early planting; as the
seeds are not only liable to decay before vegetating, but the plants
suffer greatly from cold, damp weather. In the Northern and Eastern
States, the seeds should not be planted in the open ground before the
beginning of May; nor should the planting be delayed beyond the tenth or
middle of the month. In ordinary seasons, the Lima Bean will blossom in
eight or nine weeks, and pods may be plucked for use the last of August,
or beginning of September. Only a small proportion of the pods attain a
sufficient size for use; a large part of the crop being prematurely
destroyed by frost.
The ripe seeds are dull-white or greenish-white, with veins radiating
from the eye; broad, kidney-shaped, much flattened, seven-eighths of an
inch long, and two-thirds of an inch broad. A quart contains about seven
hundred seeds, and will plant eighty hills.
The pods are tough and parchment-like in all stages of their growth, and
are never eaten. The seeds, green or ripe, are universally esteemed for
their peculiar flavor and excellence; and, by most persons, are
considered the finest of all the garden varieties. If gathered when
suitable for use in their green state, and dried in the pods in a cool
and shaded situation, they may be preserved during the winter. When
required for use, they are shelled, soaked a short time in clear water,
and cooked as green beans: thus treated, they will be nearly as tender
and well flavored as when freshly plucked from the plants.
The seeds are sometimes started on a hot-bed, in thumb-pots, or on
inverted turf, or sods, cut in convenient pieces; and about the last of
May, if the weather is warm and pleasant, transplanted to hills in the
open ground.
By the following method, an early and abundant crop may be obtained in
comparatively favorable seasons:--
"As soon in spring as the weather is settled, and the soil warm and in
good working condition, set poles about six feet in length, three feet
apart each way, and plant five or six beans in each hill; being careful
to set each bean with its germ downward, and covering an inch deep.
After they have grown a while, and before they begin to run, pull up the
weakest, and leave but three of the most vigorous plants to a hill. As
these increase in height, they should, if necessary, be tied to the
stakes, or poles, using bass-matting, or other soft, fibrous material,
for the purpose. When they have ascended to the tops of the poles, the
ends should be cut or pinched off; as also the ends of all the branches,
whenever they rise above that height. This practice checks their
liability to run to vines, and tends to make them blossom earlier, and
bear sooner and more abundantly, than they otherwise would do."
In tropical climates, the Lima Bean is perennial.
GREEN LIMA.
A sub-variety of the Common Lima, differing principally in the pea-green
color of the seeds.
As generally found in the market, the seeds of the Common and Green Lima
are more or less intermixed. By some, the Green is considered more
tender, and thought to remain longer on the plants without becoming
hard, than the White. The habits of the plants are the same, and there
is no difference in the season of maturity. A careful selection of seeds
for planting, and skilful culture, would undoubtedly give a degree of
permanency to this difference in color; which appears to be the
principal, if not the only, point of variation.
MOTTLED LIMA.
This, like the Green, is a sub-variety of the Common Lima. The ripe
seeds are dull-white or greenish-white, mottled and clouded with purple.
In the habit of the plant, in the foliage, pods, form, or size of the
seeds, or season of maturity, there are no marks of distinction when
compared with the Common Lima.
* * * * *
SCARLET-RUNNER.
Phaseolus multiflorus.
From South America. Though nearly allied to the Common Kidney-bean, it
is considered by botanists a distinct species; differing in its
inflorescence, in the form of its pods, and particularly in the fact
that the cotyledons, or lobes of the planted seed, do not rise to the
surface of the ground in the process of germination. It is, besides, a
perennial plant. The roots are tuberous, and, though small, not unlike
those of the Dahlia.
If taken up before frost in the autumn, they may be preserved in a
conservatory, or warm parlor or sitting-room, during winter, and reset
in the open ground on the approach of warm weather; when new shoots will
soon make their appearance, and the plants will blossom a second time
early and abundantly.
The plants are twelve feet or more in height or length, with deep-green
foliage and brilliant scarlet flowers; the latter being produced in
spikes, on long footstalks. The pods are six inches long, nearly an inch
broad, somewhat hairy while young, sickle-shaped and wrinkled when more
advanced, light reddish-brown when ripe, and contain four or five seeds.
It requires the whole season for its perfection, and should be planted
as early as the weather will admit. The plants will then blossom in
seven or eight weeks, produce young pods in nine weeks, green seeds in
twelve weeks, and ripen in a hundred and fifteen days.
The ripe seeds are lilac-purple, variegated with black, or deep
purplish-brown,--the edge, or border, little, if any, marked; hilum long
and white; form broad-kidney-shaped; size large,--if well grown,
measuring seven-eighths of an inch long, six-tenths of an inch broad,
and three-eighths of an inch thick. About five hundred and fifty are
contained in a quart, and will plant eighty hills.
In this country, it is usually cultivated as an ornamental, climbing
annual; the spikes of rich, scarlet flowers, and its deep-green foliage,
rendering the plant one of the most showy and attractive objects of the
garden.
Though inferior to some of the finer sorts of garden-beans, its value as
an esculent has not been generally appreciated. The young pods are
tender and well flavored; and the seeds, green or ripe, are much
esteemed in many localities. "In Britain, the green pods only are used;
on the Continent, the ripened seeds are as much an object of culture; in
Holland, the Runners are grown in every cottage-garden for both
purposes; while, in France and Switzerland, they are grown chiefly for
the ripened seeds. In England, they occupy a place in most
cottage-gardens, and are made both ornamental and useful. They cover
arbors, are trained over pales and up the walls of cottages, which they
enliven by the brightness of their blossoms; while every day produces a
supply of wholesome and nutritious food for the owner. The French, now
enthusiastically fond of this legume, at one time held it in utter
detestation."
PAINTED LADY-RUNNER.
A sub-variety of the Scarlet-runner, with variegated flowers; the upper
petals being scarlet, the lower white. The ripe seeds are paler, and the
spots and markings duller. Cultivation and uses the same.
WHITE-RUNNER.
A variety of the Scarlet-runner. The plants are less vigorous, the pods
are longer and less wrinkled, and the flowers and seeds pure white.
The green pods are used in the same manner as those of the
Scarlet-runner, and are similar in texture and flavor; but the
shelled-beans, either green or ripe, are generally considered superior
to those of the Scarlet variety. They are sometimes seen in vegetable
markets under the name of the "Lima;" and are probably often cultivated,
as well as purchased and consumed, as the Lima. The White-runner beans,
however, are easily distinguished by their greater thickness, more
rounded form, and especially by their uniform whiteness.
* * * * *
SIEVA.
Carolina. Saba. West-Indian. Small Lima. Carolina Sewee. Phaseolus
lunatus, var.
The Sieva is a variety of the Lima, attaining a height of ten or twelve
feet. The leaves and flowers resemble those of the Common Lima. The
pods, however, are much smaller, and remarkable for their uniform size;
generally measuring three inches in length, and about seven-eighths of
an inch in width: they are green and wrinkled while young, pale
yellowish-brown when ripe, and contain three, and sometimes four, seeds.
Though several days earlier than the Lima, the Sieva Bean requires the
whole season for its complete maturity; and even when planted early, and
receiving the advantage of a warm summer and a favorable autumn, it is
seldom fully perfected in the Northern States: for, though much of the
crop may ripen, a large portion almost invariably is prematurely
destroyed by frost.
The variety will blossom in eight weeks from the time of planting,
afford pods for shelling in twelve weeks, and ripen from near the middle
of September till destroyed by frost.
The seeds are white or dull yellowish-white, broad-kidney-shaped, much
flattened, five-eighths of an inch long, and nearly half an inch broad.
A quart contains about sixteen hundred, and will plant about a hundred
and fifty hills.
The Sieva is one of the most productive of all varieties. The young
pods, however, are tough and hard, and are never eaten. The beans, in
their green or ripe state, are similar to the Lima, and are nearly as
delicate and richly flavored. It is from two to three weeks earlier than
the last named, and would yield a certain abundance in seasons when the
Lima would uniformly fail. As a shelled-bean, green or dry, it must be
classed as one of the best, and is recommended for cultivation.
MOTTLED SIEVA.
A sub-variety of the Common Sieva; the principal if not the only mark of
distinction being in the variegated character of the seeds, which are
dull-white, spotted and streaked with purple.
It is sometimes described as being earlier than the Common variety; but,
from various experiments in the cultivation of both varieties, there
appears to be little if any difference in their seasons of maturity. The
color and form of the flower are the same as the Sieva; the pods are of
the same size and shape; and the leaves have the same elongated form,
and smooth, glossy appearance.
* * * * *
CHICK-PEA.
Egyptian Pea. Cicer arietinum.
The Chick-pea is a hardy, annual plant, originally from the south of
Europe, but also indigenous to the north of Africa and some parts of
Asia. The stem is two or three feet high, erect and branching; the
leaves are pinnate, with from six to nine pairs of oval, grayish,
toothed leaflets; the flowers resemble those of the Common Pea, and are
produced on long peduncles, generally singly, but sometimes in pairs;
the pods are about an inch long, three-fourths of an inch broad,
somewhat rhomboidal, hairy, inflated or bladder-like, and contain two or
three globular, wrinkled, pea-like seeds.
_Sowing and Cultivation._--The seed should be sown in April, in the
manner of the Garden-pea; making the drills about three feet apart, an
inch and a half deep, and dropping the seeds two inches asunder in the
drills. All the culture required is simply to keep the ground between
the rows free from weeds. The crop should be harvested before the
complete maturity of the seeds.
_Use._--"The Pease, though not very digestible, are largely employed in
soups, and form the basis of the _purée aux croutons_, or bread and pea
soup, so highly esteemed in Paris." They are also extensively used,
roasted and ground, as a substitute for coffee.
There are three varieties, as follow:--
RED CHICK-PEA.
A variety with rose-colored flowers, and red or brownish-red seeds.
WHITE CHICK-PEA.
Both the flowers and seeds white; plant similar to those of the other
varieties.
YELLOW CHICK-PEA.
This variety has white blossoms and yellow seeds. The plant, in height,
foliage, or general habit, differs little from the White or the Red
Seeded.
* * * * *
CHICKLING VETCH. _Law._
Lentil, of Spain. Cultivated Lathyrus. Lathyrus sativus.
Stem three or four feet high or long, attaching itself to trellises,
branches, or whatever may be provided for its support, in the manner of
pease; the leaves are small and grass-like; flowers solitary, smaller
than those of the Common Pea, and generally bright-blue; the pods are an
inch and a half long, three-fourths of an inch broad, flattened, winged
along the back, and enclose two compressed but irregularly shaped seeds
of a dun or brownish color and pleasant flavor.
_Cultivation and Use._--The seeds are sown at the time and in the manner
of the taller kinds of garden-pease. The plant is principally cultivated
for its seeds, the flour of which is mixed with that of wheat or rye,
and made into bread. It is also fed to stock; and, in some localities,
the plants are given as green food to horses and cattle.
"In 1671, its cultivation and use were prohibited on account of its
supposed pernicious properties; as it was thought to induce rigidity of
the limbs, and to otherwise injuriously affect the system."
WHITE-FLOWERED CHICKLING VETCH.
A variety with white flowers and seeds. The foliage is also much paler
than that of the Common Chickling Vetch.
Other species of the genus also produce farinaceous seeds suitable for
food, but in too small quantities to admit of being profitably
cultivated in this country.
* * * * *
ENGLISH BEAN.
Horse-bean. Garden-bean, of the English. Vicia faba.
[Illustration: English Bean.]
The English Bean differs essentially from the Common American Garden or
Kidney Bean usually cultivated in this country; and is classed by
botanists under a different genera, and not as a distinct species, as
intimated in the "American Gardener." Aside from the great difference in
their general appearance and manner of growth, the soil, climate, and
mode of cultivation, required by the two classes, are very dissimilar:
the American Garden-bean thriving best in a light, warm soil, and under
a high temperature; and the English Bean in stiff, moist soil, and in
cool, humid seasons.
The English Bean is a native of Egypt, and is said to be the most
ancient of all the now cultivated esculents. It is an annual plant, with
an upright, smooth, four-sided, hollow stem, dividing into branches near
the ground, and growing from two to four feet and upwards in height. The
leaves are alternate, pinnate, and composed of from two to four pairs of
oval, smooth, entire leaflets; the flowers are large, nearly stemless,
purple or white, veined and spotted with purplish-black; the pods are
large and downy; the seeds are rounded, or reniform, flattened, and vary
to a considerable extent in size and color in the different
varieties,--they will vegetate until more than five years old.
_Soil and Planting._--As before remarked, the English Bean requires a
moist, strong soil, and a cool situation; the principal obstacles in the
way of its successful cultivation in this country being the heat and
drought of the summer. The seeds should be planted early, in drills two
feet asunder for the smaller-growing varieties, and three feet for the
larger sorts; dropping them about six inches from each other, and
covering two inches deep. A quart of seed will plant about a hundred and
fifty feet of row or drill.
_Cultivation._--"When the plants have attained a height of five or six
inches, they are earthed up slightly for support; and, when more
advanced, they are sometimes staked along the rows, and cords extended
from stake to stake to keep the plants erect. When the young pods
appear, the tops of the plants should be pinched off, to throw that
nourishment, which would be expended in uselessly increasing the height
of the plant, into its general system, and consequently increase the
bulk of crop, as well as hasten its maturity. This often-recommended
operation, though disregarded by many, is of very signal
importance."--_M'Int._
_Taking the Crop._--The pods should be gathered for use when the seeds
are comparatively young, or when they are of the size of a
marrowfat-pea. As a general rule, all vegetables are most tender and
delicate when young; and to few esculents does this truth apply with
greater force than to the class of plants to which the English Bean
belongs.
_Use._--The seeds are used in their green state, cooked and served in
the same manner as shelled kidney-beans. The young pods are sometimes,
though rarely, used as string-beans.
_Varieties._--
DUTCH LONG POD.
Plant from four to five feet high, dividing into two or three branches;
flowers white; pods horizontal, or slightly pendulous, six or seven
inches long, about an inch in width, three-fourths of an inch thick, and
containing five or six large white or yellowish-white seeds.
Not early, but prolific, and of good quality.
DWARF FAN, OR CLUSTER.
Early Dwarf. Bog-bean.
A remarkably dwarfish, early variety, much employed in forcing. Stem
about a foot high, separating near the ground into two or three
branches; flowers white; the pods, which are produced in clusters near
the top of the plant, are almost cylindrical, three inches long,
three-fourths of an inch thick, and contain three or four small, oblong,
yellow seeds.
It is one of the smallest and earliest of the English Beans, and yields
abundantly.
EARLY DWARF CRIMSON-SEEDED. _Vil._
Vilmorin's Dwarf Red-seeded.
Plant sixteen inches high, separating into two or three divisions, or
branches; the flowers resemble those of the Common varieties, but are
somewhat smaller; the pods are erect, three inches and a half long,
three-fifths of an inch wide, half an inch thick, and contain three or
four seeds, closely set together, and nearly as large in diameter as the
pod.
The ripe seeds are bright brownish-red or crimson, thick, shortened at
the back, and depressed at the sides: six hundred and fifty will measure
a quart.
The variety is principally esteemed for its dwarfish habit and early
maturity.