254 VEGETABLES OR FOOD CROPS 



variety which has been introduced to Hakgala Gardens in 1909 V 

 resembles externally the common Potato ; it is claimed for it 

 to be more prolific than the latter, but this has not been verified 

 by results in Ceylon. 



Spinach, English. (Spinacea oleracea. N. O. Chenopodiaceae). 

 A stemless annual, native of Northern Asia and cultivated 

 in cool countries for the sake of its soft edible leaves, which 

 when cooked and dressed are an agreeable vegetable. Spinach 

 is seldom seen in up-country gardens, where, however, it 

 should thrive well during the fine weather season. As it takes 

 up but little room and is soon ready for cutting, it is adapted for 

 growing between slower-growing crops. Seed may be sown in 

 November, in drills about a foot apart, the plants being afterwards 

 thinned out as may be necessary. Spinach loves a rich soil, a 

 shady situation, and liberal watering in dry weather. 



Sorrel. (Rumex Acetosa. N. O. Polygonaceae). A perennial, 

 native of Europe, sometimes grown for its acid leaves, which 

 are either used as an ingredient in salads, or boiled and used 

 as Spinach. Sorrel is not suited to low elevations, but will 

 thrive in hill gardens. It is propagated from seed, and prefers 

 a shady situation. Sow seed in drills one foot apart, and thin 

 out the plants afterwards as may be required. 



Spinach, New Zealand. (Tetragonia expansa. N. O. Cheno- 

 podiaceas). A tall annual, native of New r Zealand, the leaves 

 of which are used in the same manner as English spinach. 

 It is coarser than the latter, and has rather hairy glaucous leaves ; 

 it is of easy culture, and grows luxuriantly in hill gardens in 

 Ceylon, where it has become semi-naturalised in places. Seed may 

 be sow r n in drills, about, 18 inches apart, the seedlings being 

 afterw r ards thinned out as required. 



Tomato ; " Takkali " 5 ; u Takkali-kai " T. (Solanum lyco- 

 pcrsicum, N. O. Solanaceae). An annual, native of South America, 

 commonly grown in most countries for its fruit, which are 

 esteemed in salads, and for making sauces, flavouring soups, 

 etc. The fruits of superior varieties, when well-grown, are 

 also used for dessert. Tomatoes can be grown with much 

 success in the tropics, especially in rather dry districts, at medium 

 elevations. They do best in rich and well-drained soil, and 

 should not be grown for more than one season consecutively 

 in the same ground. The seed should be sown in pots or boxes, 

 the seedlings being afterwards planted out when strong enough 



