262 SPICES OF THE TROPICS 



before being fully ripe, washed free from sand, etc., and then placed 

 in large, light trays supported on trestles, in which they are dried 

 and bleached in the sun. The use of these trays facilitates their 

 removal indoors at night, or their being covered when a shower 

 threatens. In the further bleaching of the capsules, which is 

 usually necessary, the trays with their contents are placed over 



MYSORE CARDAMOM. Elt'ttiiriu Cardu nioniuni. 



A. FLOWER AND FRUIT RACEMES. B. DRIED FRUITS OR CARDAMOMS. 



sulphur fumes in a hermetically closed case. 1 Ib. of sulphur is thus 

 sufficient for 100 Ib. cardamoms, and the latter are left in the sulphur 

 enclosure for an hour, being afterwards exposed to the sun for a 

 few hours. When read}' for export, the best capsules are creamy 

 white, smooth and silky. The capsules vary in size and shape, 

 from i to I inch long, and from oblong to oval or almost 

 round ; they are graded accordingly, the grades being known as 



