done flowering pinch off the tops, to ensure a better crop; and if
the black fly has attacked them, take off the tops low enough down to
remove the pests, and burn them at once. Seville Longpod and Aquadulce
may be recommended for an early crop, and Johnson's Wonderful and
Harlington Windsor for a main one.
Beans, French.--The soil should be dug over to a depth of at least 12
in. and liberally enriched with manure. In the open ground the first
sowing may be made about the third week in April, another sowing early
in May, and subsequent sowings for succession every two or three weeks
until the end of July. Plant in rows 2 ft apart, and the seeds 6 to 9
in. apart in the rows. A sharp look-out ought to be kept for slugs,
which are very partial to French Beans when pushing through the soil.
For forcing, sow in pots under glass from December to March.
Beans, Runner.--These are not particular as to position or soil, but
the best results are obtained by placing them in a deep rich mould
where they can get a fair amount of sunlight. Sow, from the second
week in May until the first week in July for succession, in rows 6 ft.
apart, thinning the plants out to 1 ft. apart in the rows. Protect
from slugs when the plants are coming through the ground, and support
them with sticks immediately the growth begins to run. Scarlet Runners
may be kept dwarf by pinching off the tops when the plants are about 1
ft. high, and nipping off the subsequent shoots when 6 in. long.
Beet.--Land that has been well manured for the previous crop is the
best on which to obtain well-shaped roots of high quality. Sow in
April and May in drills 18 in. apart, and thin out the plants to about
9 in. apart. Take up for use as wanted until November, when the whole
crop should be taken up and stored in dry sand, and in a place where
neither moisture nor frost can reach them. When storing them cut off
the tails and some portion of the crowns, but be careful not to wound
any part of the fleshy root.
Begonias.--A somewhat succulent genus of conservatory plants. They all
require a very rich loamy soil containing a little sand; and heat,
moisture, and shade are essential to their health. Cuttings 2 or 3 in.
long will root readily in spring or summer. Stand the cuttings in the
shade and do not over-water them; or they may be raised from seed sown
in March in a hot-house or frame having a temperature of 65 degrees.
Height, 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Tuberous Begonias should be planted in small pots placed in heat,
early in spring, and at intervals of a fortnight for succession, using
a compost of equal parts of fibrous loam, leaf-mould, and sand. Press
the soil rather firmly so as to promote sturdy growth, and only just
cover the top of the tuber. Water moderately till the plants begin to
grow freely. Gradually harden off, and plant out the last week in
May or early in June, or shift into larger pots for conservatory
decoration. Cuttings may be taken in April. The plants may also be
raised from seed sown in February or March in a temperature of 65
degrees. Before sowing mix the seed with silver sand, then sprinkle it
evenly over a box or pan of moist, fine, light loam and silver sand;