40 SPICES 



CHAP. 



ing for the first few days only, but that depends on the 

 climate and season. In dry weather, watering, at least 

 in the evening, will be necessary. 



Even if the cuttings are planted, as soon as they 

 are made, in the places the plant is destined to occupy, 

 it is advisable to have a few nursery beds of young 

 plants to use as supplies when necessary. After 

 planting the cuttings require little attention beyond 

 watering. If necessary keep the place clean, and renew 

 the failures from the nursery beds. 



It is recommended to allow the weeds to grow round 

 the plants for some little distance to keep the ground 

 cool and moist, and prevent any injury from rain-wash. 



The best months for making the cuttings are, ac- 

 cording to Delteil, in Eeunion, November, December, 

 January, and February, the period of heavy rains and 

 great heat. The most suitable period naturally varies 

 in different areas, according to the date of the com- 

 mencement of the rainy season. In the Malay Peninsula, 

 where there i^ seldom a dry period of more than a week 

 or so at a time, almost any time of the year is suitable, 

 as long as there does not happen to be a dry spell at 

 the time. 



Should the position of the young plant be too much 

 exposed to the sun, or the soil too dry or not sufficiently 

 rich, the little vine will soon show this by the sickly 

 yellow colour of its stem and leaves, and steps should 

 be taken to remedy this. 



In planting the cuttings at the supports, whether 

 tree or trellis, they should be placed in close contact 

 with the support, in such a position that the aerial 

 roots may be emitted against the support, and the 

 cutting should be tied to it. 



The leaves and roots of the cutting itself are best 

 removed with a sharp knife, and it is advisable to put 

 some decaying leaves or straw round it to keep the 

 ground damp. 



Delteil recommends that the cutting be covered 

 with a layer of leaf-mould and dead leaves and straw, 



