the Kidney-bean; a genus of the decandria order, belonging to the diadelphia class of plants. There is only one species; but of this there are many varieties. Those principally cultivated for the table are, 1. The common white, or Dutch kidney-bean. 2. The smaller kidney-bean, commonly called the Battersea kidney-bean. And, 3. The upright sort, called the tree kidney-bean.

1. The first sort was some time ago propagated in England, and is still in Holland: it grows very tall, and requires long stakes and poles to climb on, and its beans are considerably broad: this makes them less saleable in the markets, people supposing them to be old because they are broad; and they are hence grown into disfavour, though a much more valuable kind for eating than any other.

2. The second sort, or Battersea bean, is what is more universally cultivated: it never grows very tall, nor rambles far, and the air can easily pass between the rows, because of its moderate growth; and this makes it bear plentifully, and ripen well for the table. It is the best-tasted bean, except the last.

3. The third, or tree kidney-bean, is also a plentiful bearer, and never rambles, but grows up in form of a shrub; but its beans are broader than the Battersea kind, and are not so well tasted.

They are all propagated from seeds, which are to be put into the ground in the latter end of March or beginning of April for an early crop: but these should have a warm situation and a dry soil; they must also be planted in a dry season. The manner of planting them is, to draw lines with a bough over the bed, at two feet and a half distance, into which the seeds are to be dropped at about two inches asunder; and the earth is to be drawn over them with the head of a rake, to cover them about an inch deep. In a week after sowing, the plants will appear, and the earth should be drawn up about their stalks as they rise up; for a few days after this they will require no further care, except to be kept clear from weeds, and, when the beans appear, to have them gathered twice a week; for if the beans are suffered to hang on too long, they not only become of no value, but they weaken the plant. The first crop of kidney-beans will continue a month in good order; and to supply the table afterwards, wards, there should be fresh sowings in March, April, May, and June, the last of which will continue till the frosts come to destroy them. Some raise their early crops on hot-beds; and this is to be done exactly in the same manner as the raising the early cucumbers.