April or May. The Dwarf
varieties may be grown in rows two feet apart, and a foot from each
other in the rows; but the taller sorts require a space of at least
three feet between the rows, and nearly two feet from plant to plant in
the rows. Keep the soil about the plants loose and open; and, in the
process of cultivation, earth up the stems slightly in the manner of
earthing pease. The pods will be fit for use in August and September.

It requires a long, warm season; and is most productive when started in
a hot-bed, and grown in a warm, sheltered situation.

_Use._--The green pods are used while quite young, sliced in soups and
similar dishes, to which they impart a thick, viscous, or gummy
consistency. Thus served, they are esteemed not only healthful, but very
nutritious.

The ripe seeds, roasted and ground, furnish a palatable substitute for
coffee.

_Varieties._--

BUIST'S DWARF OKRA. _Count. Gent._

A variety recently introduced by Mr. Robert Buist, of Philadelphia.
Height two feet; being about half that of the old variety. Its
superiority consists in its greater productiveness, and the little space
required for its development; while the fruit is of larger size and
superior quality. It is said to produce pods at every joint.

DWARF OKRA.

[Illustration: Dwarf Okra.]

Stem two feet and a half high, sometimes branched at the top, but
generally undivided; leaves large, and, as in all varieties, five-lobed;
flowers yellow, purple at the centre; pods erect, obtusely pointed,
nearly as large in diameter as those of the Giant, but generally about
five inches in length.

It is the earliest of the Okras, and the best variety for cultivation in
the Northern and Eastern States.

Between this and the Tall, or Giant, there are numerous sub-varieties;
the result both of cultivation and climate. The Tall sorts become
dwarfish and earlier if long cultivated at the North; and the Dwarfs, on
the contrary, increase in height, and grow later, if long grown in
tropical climates.

The seeds of all the sorts are similar in size, form, and color.

PENDENT-PODDED.

The plants of this variety differ slightly, if at all, from those of the
Common or Dwarf Okra. It is principally, if not solely, distinguished by
the pendulous or drooping character of its pods; those of all other
sorts being erect.

TALL OR GIANT OKRA.

White-podded.

Stem five to six feet in height; pods erect, sharply tapering to a
point,