of the Malabar Cardamom. 237 
had borrowed the appellation from the Greeks in the early period 
of its commerce; in which, most probably, they either directly 
or indirectly largely participated. 
II. 
THE CARDAMOM FARMS. 
The spots chosen for these, called in the Malabar language 
Ela-Kandy, literally signifying Cardamom plots, are either level 
or gently sloping surfaces, on the highest range of the Ghaüts 
after passing the first declivity from their base. The extent of 
climate hitherto known in Malabar to produce them lies betwixt 
11° and 12° 30' N. Lat. or thereabouts. 
Steep places and the very summits of the hills would, the na- 
tives acknowledge, be also productive,—but with such an accu- 
mulation of labour, and in a quantity so stinted, as not to repay 
the additional pains: but here we must take into account theit 
blind attachment to beaten tracks of cultivating, and their ob- — 
stinate aversion to all attempts at improvement. | | 
The months of February and March are, on account of the 
prevailing dry weather, selected as the most proper for com- | 
mencing their labours; the first part of which consists in cutting 
down the large and small trees promiscueusly, leaving, of the 
former, standing at nearly equal distances, certain tall and stately 
individuals, adapted to that degree of perpendicular shade 
which experience teaches them to be most favourable for the 
future crops. They affirm, and with some reason, that no little 
exactness is required in hitting this prolific medium ; for, as too 
much sun burns up, so does excessive shade alike disappoint the 
hopes of harvest. The grass and weeds are then cleared away, 
and the ground disencumbered from the roots of the brushwood ; 
VoL. x. si the 
