Beans, Broad.—­A deep, strong loam is most suitable, but good crops can be obtained from any garden soil.  The first sowing should be made in February or March, and in succession to May.  A sowing of Beck’s Green Gem or Dwarf Fan may even be made in November in rows 2 ft. apart.  Other varieties should be planted in rows 3 ft. apart, sowing the seed 3 in. deep and at intervals of 6 in.  When the plants have 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.