153 



As to pi-oduction on the plains, rice demands first attention, not 

 only as the most important, but because successful rice growing 

 draws other crops after it as members of rotations. For its increase, 

 the north of the Peninsula appears to be the region of results. 

 And towards such an end State aid as regards irrigation and pest 

 suppression appears justified. 



For fruit culture, Malacca has always appeared to me one place 

 where good might come of efforts expended. The country side 

 there is nearly full ; an approach to Indian conditions is being 

 realized : there is already an export trade : roads, if not for joy 

 rides, are abundant and transport backwards and forwards is easy 

 from all parts. 



The vegetable proposition hangs too much on the need of good 

 soil, manure and near markets, to admit of particular localization. 

 It is for all parts of the Peninsula. 



To reduce our bill for condiments appears a little more 

 difficult : and to reduce that for sugar impossible. 



