SPICES OF THE TROPICS 



263 



"longs, " "mediums," "shorts," etc. Cardamoms are a powerful 

 aromatic and are used chiefly in confectionery, as an ingredient in 

 curry powder, and also in medicine. The seeds are much esteemed 

 by the Natives for use with masticatories, or for sweetening the 

 breath, and sugar-coated cardnmoms are much used at Hindoo festi- 

 vals and ceremonials. The plants are increased by division of the 



CEYLON WILD CARDAMOM. Elcttaria Cardiimomnw, i'ar. nutjns. 



*' bulbs " (rhizomes), or by sowing seed in well-prepared nursery beds. 

 In planting out, two to four " bulbs " or plants are placed in each 

 hole or clump, these being 7 or 8 feet apart each way, say 850 stools 

 to the acre. A small crop may be expected in three years from 

 the time of planting, and from the sixth year a return of 150 to 

 350 Ib. per acre may be obtained, according to cultivation, nature of 



