"Some bean vines like to climb poles," said Daddy Blake, "and others are
what are called bush-beans, growing as peas grow. That is the kind we
planted, as I did not have time to get the poles. Then besides string
beans, which is the sort in your garden, Mab, there are the larger or lima
beans, which are very good to eat. I have planted some of them, and we
will have them for dinner with your corn, Hal, when it grows."
"Will my corn grow upside down like Mab's beans?" Hal wanted to know.
"Oh, no," answered Mr. Blake. "Corn sprouts and grows from the bottom. In
another week you ought to see some tiny green spears, like blades of
grass, coming up through the brown soil. It is then that crows like to
come along, pull up the green stalks and eat the soft kernel of corn which
is still there, fast to the root."
"How are we going to keep the crows away?" asked Hal.
"Well, I think none will come here, as our garden is in the city and so
near the house," said Mr. Blake. "Crows are more plentiful in the country
and--"
"I know how to keep them away!" cried Mab.
"How?" asked her brother.
"You take an old coat and a pair of pants and stuff 'em with straw, and
fasten 'em on a stick in the field.
Pages:
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57