40 
SPICES 
CHAP. 
ing for the first few days only, but that depends on the 
climate and season. In dry weather, watering, at least 
in the evening, will be necessary. 
Even if the cuttings are planted, as soon as they 
are made, in the places the plant is destined to occupy, 
it is advisable to have a few nursery beds of young 
plants to use as supplies when necessary. After 
planting the cuttings require little attention beyond 
watering. If necessary keep the place clean, and renew 
the failures from the nursery beds. 
It is recommended to allow the weeds to grow round 
the plants for some little distance to keep the ground 
cool and moist, and prevent any injury from rain -wash. 
The best months for making the cuttings are, ac- 
cording to Delteil, in Eeunion, November, December, 
January, and February, the period of heavy rains and 
great heat. The most suitable period naturally varies 
in different areas, according to the date of the com- 
mencement of the rainy season. In the Malay Peninsula, 
where there is seldom a dry period of more than a week 
or so at a time, almost any time of the year is suitable, 
as long as there does not happen to be a dry spell at 
the time. 
Should the position of the young plant be too much 
exposed to the sun, or the soil too dry or not sufficiently 
rich, the little vine will soon show this by the sickly 
yellow colour of its stem and leaves, and steps should 
be taken to remedy this. 
In planting the cuttings at the supports, whether 
tree or trellis, they should be placed in close contact 
with the support, in such a position that the aerial 
roots may be emitted against the support, and the 
cutting should be tied to it. 
The leaves and roots of the cutting itself are best 
removed with a sharp knife, and it is advisable to put 
some decaying leaves or straw round it to keep the 
ground damp. 
Delteil recommends that the cutting be covered 
with a layer of leaf-mould and dead leaves and straw. 
