VEGETABLES OR FOOD CROPS 243 



fruits are used like vegetable-marrow, and are in season almost 

 throughout the year, the plants commencing to bear in 3 months 

 after planting. Well grown fruits weigh from 2\ Ib. to 3i Ib. 

 each, and these are sold in the local markets and boutiques 

 at 1 \ to 3 cts. each. The plant produces under-ground a large 

 yam ( tuber ) which is much relished by the Natives as a vegetable. 

 In Mexico, this is boiled and candied, the larger yams being sliced 

 and fried for table use. There is also a white-fruited variety, 

 which seems better adapted for the low-country than the ordinary 

 green form. Superstitious belief exists amongst the Natives in 

 certain low-country districts that eating the Cho-cho causes rheu- 

 matism, and this no doubt acts as a check on the cultivation of 

 this useful vegetable. 



Cress, Garden. (Lepidiitm sativum. X. O. Cruciferae). A 

 small annual, commonly cultivated in temperate countries for the 

 sake of the young leaves, which are used in salads. It is a very 

 quick-growing and short-lived plant, being ready to cut for use 

 within a few days after sowing. Seed may be sown broadcast in 

 boxes or beds, which should be shaded from the sun. Frequent 

 sowings are necessary in order to keep up a succession of crops. 



Cress, Indian. (Tropceolnm spp. N. O. Geraniaceae). The 

 flowers as well as the young leaves of several varieties of the 

 annual Tropaeolum are by some people much relished in salads. 

 The plants are readily grown from seed and thrive at 3,000 to 

 6,000 ft. elevation ; they are also very ornamental, especially the 

 climbing varieties, which are excellent for covering trellis-work, 

 fences, etc. 



Cress, Water. " Kakkutu-pala," or '* Wataressa " S. (Xastur- 

 tium offincinale. N. O. Cruciferae). A low perennial herb, native 

 of Europe, etc., and naturalised in Ceylon, being commonly met 

 with in swampy situations and in the neighbourhood of rice fields 

 at medium elevations. The young leaves form a favourite salad, 

 but do not appear to be much relished by the Natives. Water- 

 cress may be readily propagated from seed, or by cuttings or divi- 

 sion of the old plants, and is easily grown in a patch of soil through 

 which water is made to flow ; stagnant pools are unsuitable for it. 

 In New Zealand, where the plant has been introduced, it has be- 

 come practically a scourge, having established itself in almost 

 every water course and spring. 



Cucumber. " Rata-kekiri " S. ( Cucumis sativus, N. O. Cucum- 

 bitaceae). The superior varieties of cucumber, cultivated to such 



