54 State of Chinese Horticulture and Agriculture. 



reptans of Loureiro. It never yields seed here, perhaps in 

 consequence of the frequent gathering, it is therefore always 

 propagated from cuttings. 



2nd. The Basetta nigra is cultivated by sowing a few 

 seeds in the first instance ; the plants from these run quickly 

 over an extensive space, and yield a profusion of cuttings, 

 with which any quantity of ground may be planted. It re- 

 quires a moist soil, and to be well watered ; it also grows well 

 on the sides of ditches. The cuttings are planted at the 

 distance of about ten inches apart. The leaves are much 

 esteemed when boiled. 



3rd. The Amaranthus polygamus, and 4th, the Amaranthus 

 tristis (perhaps also some other species of the same genus,) are 

 very extensively cultivated about Macao and the neighbouring 

 parts of China. The seed is sown in beds, in succession, and 

 carefully watered. The plants are taken up while young and 

 tender, and seem to be most esteemed of all their summer 

 vegetables.* 



5th. Sinapis Pekinensis. This plant is more extensively 

 used by all classes of the Chinese than any other, perhaps 

 than all the others together. It is carried about the public 

 streets for sale, boiled, in which state its smell is extremely 

 offensive to Europeans. The seeds are sown in beds very 

 frequently, and the plants are transplanted almost daily, to 

 keep the ground full. It is cut in every stage of its growth, 

 which is surprisingly rapid. It is planted sometimes very 



* The Chinese boil the Amaranthus as well as the Convolvulus and Basella 

 with a little fat pork. They become very tender and well tasted, and somewhat 

 resemble Spillage. 



