VEGETABLES OR FOOD CROPS 253 



Scorzonera. "Viper's Grass." (Scorzonera kispanica. X. O. 



Compositae). A herbaceous perennial, native of Europe, similar 

 to Salsify, but differing from it in having broader leaves and 

 black-skinned roots. The latter are the part used, and these 

 are considered by some to be superior to Salsify. The same 

 cultural conditions as recommended for the latter plant will 

 suit Scorzonera ; but the roots take longer than those of Salsify 

 to become ready for use. The plant is seldom grown in Ceylon. 



Scorzonera deliciosa. A species characterized by a sweeter 

 flavour than the preceding one, extensively cultivated as a 

 vegetable in Sicily, etc. 



Sea Kale. (Crambe maritiinn. X. O. Cruciferae). This 

 vegetable, the young blanched and crisp shoots of which are 

 used, is not grown in Ceylon, where the climatic conditions 

 even at the higher elevations are not suited to it. Neither 

 does it appear to be grown on the hills in India. 



Shallots. (Allium ascalonicum. X. O. Liliaceae), A small 

 bulbous perennial, grown for its bulbs, which are used for 

 flavouring purposes, much in the same way as garlic ; the bulbs 

 do not however possess so strong an odxir or flavour as the 

 latter. Shallots are imported into Ceylon from Bombay, and 

 sold in almost every bazaar or boutique, being commonly known 

 as "small onions " and largely used for curries, pickling, etc. They 

 may be grown successfully especially in a rather dry climate, at 

 medium elevations, in light rich soil, and respond to an application 

 of kainit, nitrate of soda, or superphosphate. They may be plant- 

 ed in drills about 8 in. apart, with a space of 6 in. separating the 

 bulbs in the drill. Plants may also be raised from seed. 



Solanum Commersoni. (X. O. Solanaceae). A new tuber 

 vegetable, allied to the common Potato, and recently introduced 

 from Uruguay. This has been experimented upon in England 

 at the instance of the Board of Agriculture, and the results 

 have been reported as promising, the plant being " likely 

 to become a useful edible tuber, yielding heavily and being 

 entirely resistant to disease." It is further stated that the 

 plant "appears very susceptible to cultivation, and rapidly 

 improves when grown in fertile soils." In 1902 a yield of 

 about 6? tons per acre is reported to have been obtained in 

 England on a fertile soil, but without any manuring or cultivation 

 beyond a single hoeing when the shoots first appeared. The 

 plant is considered best suited to wet soils. A violet-coloured 



