264 Subtropical Vegetable-Gardening 



and varieties cultivated, or dug in the forests, throughout 

 the tropics. 



The Chinese yam will endure a severe winter and is 

 grown as an ornamental in the United States under the 

 name of " cinnamon vine." This, like the Japanese yam, 

 bears tubers above-ground in the leaf-axils, by which 

 it may be propagated. 



It is possible that the coarser kinds of yam might be 

 used as food for stock in tropical and subtropical regions 

 where the cost of labor in digging them was not too high. 



RADISH 



Radishes can be grown well in the cool season in the 

 tropical belt, if they can be provided with sufficient water. 

 In the hottest weather they soon become acrid and 

 woody. They may be grown under slat sheds. 



The radish is one of the most easily grown vegetables 

 known. The early varieties mature in a remarkably 

 short time and under a low temperature. In fact, it is 

 so easily grown that there is usually no profit in raising 

 it for distant markets. A bed 6 by 12 feet can keep a 

 family supplied throughout the entire season for the crop. 

 For local markets, the radish is a favorite crop with the 

 market-gardeners ; it grows rapidly, costs little, and sells 

 well. The quickly maturing varieties require only twenty 

 to thirty days and remain good for only four to eight days. 



Soil and preparation. 



A light, warm, and rich soil should be chosen for radishes. 

 Water is needed in abundance, but the land must not be 



