CHAPTER XII. 



TROPICAL VEGETABLES AND FOOD PRODUCTS 



SUITABLE FOR THE LOW-COUNTRY, FROM SEA-LEVEL TO ABOUT 

 3,000 FT., WITH ANNUAL RAINFALL NOT LESS THAN 35 INCHES 



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Vegetables of one kind or another can, with some trouble, be 

 .grown in all parts of the tropics where any other cultivation is 

 possible. While certain European vegetables, as Beet-root, Celery, 

 Parsnips, Cabbages, Globe-artichokes, etc., thrive to perfection in 

 the cool moist climate at the higher elevations, many of these may 

 also be grown at lower altitudes or even at sea-level, with some 

 degree of success, if sown at suitable seasons and supplied with 

 the proper amount of moisture and shade. Tropical vegetables 

 are, of course, suited chiefly to low or intermediate elevations, and 

 many of these are well worth cultivating. 



A deep alluvial soil, such as is found near river banks, is the 

 best for vegetables generally. Where this does not exist, a con- 

 dition approaching it may usually be obtained by the application 

 of sand, humus and organic manure. A loose sandy soil is essen- 

 tial for deep-rooting vegetables, as carrots, parsnips, etc. Frequent 

 stirring of the soil, weeding, watering when necessary, and earthing 

 up of crops are indispensable to the successful cultivation of 

 vegetables generally. In the low-country, light shade, especially for 

 European kinds, is usually beneficial if not indispensable. An 

 application of suitable fertilisers (see Manures) usually amply pays 

 for itself by resulting in larger yields, as well as in better quality 

 of crop. 



Owing to the multiplicity of vernacular names, and in order 

 to facilitate reference, the chapter devoted to Tropical or Low- 

 -country Vegetables is divided into four sections, thus: 



(1) Leguminosae (Beans, Grams, and Pulses). 



(2) Cucurbitaceae (Gourds, Pumpkins, Squashes, and Melons). 



(3) Root or tuberous Vegetables and Food crops. 



(4) Miscellaneous Vegetables and Food crops. 



