214 VEGETABLES AND FOOD PRODUCTS 



of war in Ceylon a great demand for Pumpkins sprang up, and the 

 cultivation of the vegetable proved very profitable for the time 

 being. Seeds may be sown at any time during the rains. The 

 plant is an annual, and may be allowed to run over the ground 

 without supports. The fruits sometimes grow to an enormous 

 size, instances being recorded of specimens having attained a 

 weight of 300 to 400 Ib. The hardened shells are sometimes 

 made into vessels and ornaments. There are several varieties, 

 which vary more or less in form and colour of the fruit. 



Cucurbita Melo-pepo. Squash. The name squash is given 

 in America to numerous varieties of gourd which bear variously- 

 shaped fruits, the latter ranging from oval to almost fiat or 

 shell-like. Squashes are extensively grown in sub-tropical America, 

 where they are much relished, but are not suited to a wet 

 tropical climate- At Peradeniya, the plants have been found to 

 grow well, but the fruits, such as did set, usually damped off early. 

 In a drier district, however, they might succeed better. It is 

 advisable to sow seeds in pots or pans, and transplant the 

 seedlings, when large enough to handle, into mounds of well- 

 prepared earth. The plants may be left to trail over the ground 

 like Vegetable Marrow, but during wet weather a piece of flat 

 stone or tile should be placed under each fruit to prevent it from 

 rotting. Squashes are boiled green, like Vegetable Marrow, or 

 mashed like Turnips, and served with milk, pepper and salt. When 

 ripe, they are made into pies. In France they are sometimes 

 gathered when of the size of an egg, boiled in salt and water, 

 laid upon toast, and eaten as Asparagus. 



Cucurbita moschata. " Polong-w r ataka " S. An oval or round 

 gourd, with netted markings of pale green. Cultivation, etc., the 

 same as for Pumpkin. 



Cucurbita Pepo. Vegetable Marrow (See under Sub -tropical 

 Vegetables}. 



Lagenaria vulgaris. Bottle Gourd ; " Diya-labu" S.; "Sorakai" 

 T. One of the most popular of native vegetables, largely cultivated 

 in the semi-dry districts of Kurunegala, Dumbara, etc., \vhence the 

 local markets are chiefly supplied. The fruit is from 16 to 24 inches 

 long, variously shaped, some forms resembling a decanter or water 

 bottle. The unripe fruits, when boiled, are a palatable but insipid 

 vegetable. When ripe and seasoned the shell becomes very hard 

 and durable, and in this state is commonly made into vessels 

 used for carrying water, or for collecting palm toddy, etc. The 



