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VEGETABLES OR FOOD CROPS 



Asparagus. (Asparagus officinalis, N. O. Liliaceae). "Hartha- 

 wariya," S. The cultivation of this delicious vegetable is seldom 

 successful in the tropics. The plant is, however, occasionally 

 grown with some measure of success in Ceylon at elevations of 

 4,000 to 5,000 ft. The young tender culms or shoots are the parts 

 used. The plant requires a rich, friable and well-drained soil, which 



ASPAKAUUS, SHOWING A FIXE CHOP OF EDIBLE SHOOTS 



should be heavily manured ; being a native of the sea-coast, 

 it is considered to derive much benefit from a sprinkling of salt 

 applied to the surface soil once a year. Propagated by seed, 

 which should be sown in boxes under shelter. When the seed- 

 lings are a few inches high, they should be planted out in large 

 and deep holes, when care must be taken not to injure the delicate 



