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CHINESE Cassia ( Cinnamomum cassia ). — The plants of this, introduced from 
Hongkong in 1884, have grown with remarkable rapidity and are now large pyramidal 
bushes of 25 feet in height, but the substitution of Ceylon Cinnamon leaves for 
those of this Cassia will probably put an end to its cultivation, which has never been 
very profitable. 
ROOTS AND CULINARY VEGETABLES. 
TAPIOCA ( Jatropha manihot ). — The rise in the price of Tapioca flour has sti- 
mulated planting afresh. The estates lately closed are getting into working order 
again. 
Of Tapioca, there are many varieties; so far I have been able to secure the follow- 
ing : — Red and white Brazilian, Singapore, and Mauritius. These are all in cultiva- 
tion here, and the time they take to mature is about as follows : — Brazilian, nine months ; 
Singapore, fifteen months; and Mauritius, eighteen months. 
Arrow-root ( Maranta arundinacea ) grows perfectly in the Experimental 
Nursery. It is not much cultivated here except by Cottagers for home consumption, 
but the produce is said to be very superior in quality. 
KuMARA (. Ipomcea chrysorrhiza). — -This is a new vegetable received from the 
Royal Gardens Kew, and has grown with remarkable vigour. The tubers have 
grown to a fair size at date, but the crop is not yet ripe. I have no doubt that it will 
realize its high reputation as a vegetable and prove a most beneficial acquisition. 
Arracacha ESCULENTA. — Native of New Grenada and said to be an excellent 
vegetable. The plants received from Ceylon have all failed. 
Among the more common European vegetables which have been found on 
trial to grow well are the following, which may be ordered from Europe with every 
hope of success by those desirous of cultivating them : — 
Radish, early varieties (Raphanus sativus). 
Carrot, early varieties (Daucus carotd). 
Lima Bean (Phaseol us lunatus). 
Watercress, of sorts (Nasturtium officinale). 
Parsley, of sorts (Pteroselinum sativum). 
Tomato, all the varietes (Lycopersicwn esculentmn). 
Beet, Turnip rooted (Beta vulgaris). 
Horse Radish (Cochlearia armor acia). 
Jerusalem Artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus). 
Basella alba (Basella alba). 
Lettuce, mixed (Lactuca saliva ). 
Cho-cho, or Jamaica Cucumber (Sechium edule). 
Turnips, American Strop leave (Brassica rapa). 
Kohl-Rabi (Brassica oleracea Caulo-rapa ). 
DYES. 
Indigo (I ndigofera tinctoria ). — Not yet under cultivation by Europeans here, but 
largely cultivated by Chinese. The plant succeeds equally well on hill and swamp. 
Divi-Divi (Csesalpinia coriaria) is a new product for the Straits. The plant 
has shewn satisfactory growth. At the late flower show, Mr. Allen exhibited some 
pods from plants grown on his estate and which seemed quite equal to Indian pro- 
duce. Its cultivation will no doubt be found profitable. 
ArNGTTO (Bixa oral Una) has found apparently a congenial home in the Straits, 
and grows with all the vigour of its native habitat. It yields abundance of dye which 
might surely be profitably utilised. 
Dyers Cassia (Cassia auriculata). — This plant is quite at home in Singapore 
soil, and its profitable cultivation is believed to be possible. 
Other Dyes. — Among other unutilised dyes, the growth of which leave nothing 
to be desired, may be mentioned, Csesalpinia sappan, Fibraurea tinctoria , Henna 
Phytolacca , &c. 
