276 SPICES OF THE TROPICS 



being preferable and more durable. Erythrina, Mango, Jak and 

 other quick-growing trees answer well for the purpose of sup- 

 ports, while they also provide a beneficial light shade. In Sumatra 

 and Malaya, posts of some hard and durable wood are generally 

 used for supports. Propagation is best by cuttings, which should 

 be selected from the ends of the best bearing vines, and mav 



PEPPER. Piper nigrnni. 



either be started in a nursery bed, or planted out in situ where 

 they are to remain. A small crop may be expected in the third 

 year from planting, but the vines will not be in full bearing till 

 the sixth or seventh year. In India, Malaya, and Ceylon, the 

 main crop is produced usually from March to May, and a smaller 

 crop may sometimes be obtained in August or September. 



