of the Malabar Cardnmonu "iSll 



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. 



IT. 

 THE CARDAMOM FARMS. 



The spots chosen for these, called in the Malahar language 

 iEla-Kandy, literally signifying CaTdamom plots, arc either level 

 or gently sloping surfaces, on the highest range of the Ghailts> 

 after passing the first declivity from their base. The extent of 

 climate hitherto known in Malabar to produce them lies betwixt 

 1 1° 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 their 

 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 promiscuously, 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 awa}', 

 and the ground disencumbered from the roots of the brushwood ; 

 vol. x. 2 1 the 



