140 GINGER ONIONS ARROW-ROOT. 



distributed some Guinea grass and Turnip seed, but 

 it required some persuasion to induce this people to 

 take it. 



Roots. The Kutchoo is most generally cultivat- 

 ed ; the Yam requires but little attention, and is to 

 be had at most hauths, (markets) when in season ; 

 the Turmeric is good, and requires no improvement; 

 the Ginger is small, and might be improved in 

 appearance ; but whether it would be actually so in 

 the opinion of the natives, is a question, as I believe 

 the larger kind is not so pungent ; in that case it 

 would not be preferred, as from the poverty of their 

 food, they require stronger stimulants. 



A short time ago, I offered some of the long 

 Nepaul Chilli, but it was objected to, from not being 

 so hot as the common kind ; the same objection exists 

 regarding the large Patna Onions. The year be- 

 fore last I distributed some of the Tenessarim Yams, 

 which still exist, and are I hope likely to increase. 



The Arrow-root is very common, growing in al- 

 most every jungle,* and Mr. Golding mentions, that 



* Query not a true root ? Dr. Taylor, in his Topography of Dacca, 

 speaks of the bulbous root of the Egyptian, or Nymphsea lotus, yielding 

 a fecula or starch, which the native medical practitioners of the district 

 which adjoins Barrisaul, use as a substitute for arrow-root. II. H. S. 



