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disease, and as there is a great demand for them, a great many 
are imported into Singapore from China. 
Asparagus. 
Is not one of the most satisfactory vegetables grown here, 
and the best I have seen produced is much inferior in size to what 
one sees even in an ordinary garden in England, to say nothing 
of the gigantic specimens that are produced where the cultivation 
is made a speciality* Still, as it is such an excellent vegetable, 
and one that many attempt to grow, it is well worthy of some 
attention. Good drainage is absolutely necessary and plenty of 
manure. Stable manure and common salt are excellent. The 
beds should be raised twelve or eighteen inches, and the roots 
planted about nine inches apart. If raised from seeds it takes 
a long time to grow, so it is better to obtain roots if possible. 
(C. C.) 
It seems clear that asparagus grows here best by the sea. In 
wet localities it is very unsatisfactory, the shoots being very 
slender. It has never, I believe, been grown very satisfactorily 
in Singapore, but in Penang and Province Wellesley, it has done 
much better, and I have heard of fairly good samples raised in 
Selangor. 
Carrots. 
Can be grown both in the hills and in the plains. They can be 
planted at almost any season, provided the seeds and young plants 
are protected fom very heavy rains during the first few weeks. 
Soil of a good depth, rather light, and a liberal supply of manure, 
unless the ground has been well manured for a previous crop, is 
what is required. The seeds may be sown broadcast on the beds 
or in drills about six inches apart. As soon as big enough, thin 
out to at least three inches from plant to plant. Do not attempt 
transplanting carrots as they are not worth the trouble. Bone 
dust or fish manure may be applied after the final thinning. 
Short Horn, Veitch’s Perfection and Tames’ Intermediate are 
three good varieties. Short Horn is the only one which is suc- 
cessful in the plains ; it is fit for use in from nine to ten weeks. 
The long carrots are not at all suited for the plains. James’ 
Intermediate is full grown in from ten to twelve weeks from 
sowing. 
Turnips. 
Can only be grown on the hills, and only early kinds such as 
will be fit for use in about six or eight weeks, are of any use there. 
Sow in drills about nine inches apart and cover lightly. As soon 
as big enough to handle, thin out to about six inches apart in the 
rows. In the plains they can only be grown for the leaves of the 
young plants (turnip tops), as they never form eatable roots. 
Onions and Leeks. 
Succeed best in rich soil. Farm -yard manure should be 
applied liberally, but it is best done for the previous crop, or at 
