CHAP. X 
358 SPICES 
those of the Malabar cardamom, and have a strong 
aromatic taste. 
It was known as early as 1605, and Clusius affirms 
it was the true amomum of the ancients. It was 
valued as a rare drug, but gradually got scarcer till it 
practically disappeared from trade by the end of the 
eighteenth century; but in 1853, when Siam was 
opened up to commerce, large quantities were thrown 
on the market, but were not appreciated, and soon 
ceased to come. 
In 1857, 47 bags, imported from Bangkok, were 
offered for sale, and bought at Is. 6d. per lb. 
The shipments from Bangkok in 1871 amounted to 
4,678 piculs (623,733 lbs.), all of which went to Singa- 
pore and China. In 1875, 267 piculs were valued at 
45,140 dollars, about $1'25 per lb. 
It was in cultivation in the Botanic Gardens, 
Singapore, some years ago, and flowered, but did not 
fruit. There seems to be little demand now, even 
among natives, for this spice. 
Literature 
White, D. “ A Botanical Description and Natural History of the Malabar 
Cardamom.” Trans. Linn. Soc, vol. x. ji. 229. 
Ferguson, A. M. and J. All about Cardamoms. 
Owen, T. C. Notes on Cardamom Cultivation, Colombo, 1901. 
Elliot. Experiences of a Planter in the Jungles of Mysore (1871). 
Mollison, J. W. “ Cardamom Cultivation in the Bombay Presidency.” 
Agric. Ledger, 1900, No. 11. 
ESTIMATES 
By T. C. Owen 
Estimate of expenditure and returns on 25 acres of cardamoms, 
managed from an adjoining estate : — 
