183 
through the roots. They are also very liable to the well-known 
tomato disease, a fungus known as Peronospora. Caterpillars 
and small beetles, also often attack many vegetables, biting holes 
in the leaves, especial^ of the pumpkins and gourds. 
Some species of ants are also very troublesome in carrying 
away the smaller seeds to their nests where they eat them. 
For caterpillars and blight, the most easily obtained insecti- 
cide is tuba water, which is much used by the Chinese gardeners. 
The roots of the tuba plant (Derris elliptical) can be bought in the 
markets. They are pounded in water, till it becomes milky in 
appearance, and the decoction is sprinkled over the plants. It 
must be remembered that tuba is poisonous, and should not be 
applied to any vegetable for some days previous to its being re- 
quired for the table. Tobacco water and soft soap, or phenyl 
dissolved in water till of the appearance of good milk, are proba- 
bly the best insecticides for blight or aphides, the latter insects, 
however, are not very common here. 
For a good portion of this paper, especially with the portions 
dealing with the European vegetables, I am indebted to Mr. 
Curtis, who has for many years cultivated English vegetables 
on Penang Hill, at an altitude of 2,000 feet. 
Herbs. 
But few of the well-known English herbs are cultivated here, 
although it would be possible to grow many of them. 
Parsley. — Is always in demand. It is readily grown from seed 
in boxes of earth, but as it never seems to produce seed here, it 
is necessary to import the seed for each cultivation, though it 
will last for some years if carefully treated. It is grown in boxes. 
Rue. — Is often grown by the Chinese, usually in pots, as a 
curiosity or as a medicine. It is readily grown from cuttings, 
but seems to have almost died out as a seasoning herb in Europe, 
though formerly very popular. 
Sweet Basil, “ Selasih ,' ’ Ocymum basilicum.—A small shrub 
with very sweetly scented leaves and white flowers, which is often 
cultivated by natives and used as medicine, for scenting 
clothes, etc. It grows very readily from seed, and forms a 
pretty, sweetly aromatic bush. Basil is a popular herb on the 
Continent as a seasoning herb, and there are a number of culti- 
vated varieties grown in France. 
Mint ai d Thyme. — Are easily raised from seed, and the former 
is often cultivated by the Chinese in Singapore. Thyme is less 
successful in the plains than on the hills. 
Coleus aromaticus. — A fleshy, rather large-leaved, aromatic 
herb, with oval, green serrated leaves, readily cultivated from 
cuttings. The leaves are used for flavouring claret and other 
cups, and sometimes, instead of mint, for mint sauce. 
Salad Herbs. 
A good number of these can readily be grown here, and as the 
importance of fresh green vegetables, especially in the tropics, is 
