( 8 ) 
There is usually a small supply of fruit available 
between the main cropping seasons, and the canner 
has to rely on this to keep his factory running 
during these periods. The supplies are usually 
supplemented by purchasing fruit from outside 
sources where the fruiting season does not coincide 
with that in Singapore, and fairly large quantities 
are shipped to Singapore from Port Swettenham: 
when it has to be transported such long distances, 
the fruit is cut just a little under-ripe. Towards 
the end of 1921 there existed about six canning 
factories in Singapore, two near Johore Bharu on 
the mainland, and one in Selangor. 
Bananas The banana or plantain is to be found 
(Musa cultivated throughout the whole of 
Sapientum). the tropics on account of its highly 
nutritious fruit. It is undoubtedly the 
commonest fruit on the local markets, where it is 
sold chiefly for dessert purposes. A large number 
of varieties is cultivated, and it is therefore impos- 
sible to describe them all in this place. 
Cultivation. The banana flourishes best on heavy 
soils fairly rich in organic matter, and 
in moist situations, providing the soil is well-drained. 
The plant is liable to be damaged by heavy winds 
and should not be planted in exposed situations. 
It is propagated by suckers, which arise from the 
roots of the parent plant. Suckers for planting 
should be selected only from vigorous plants. The 
land selected should be cleared and then carefully 
holed and lined ready for planting. The holes should 
be fairly large and filled up with good soil, cattle 
manure or humus. The average distance of planting 
is from 10 to 15 feet apart, according to the 
particular variety to be planted. If planted in dry 
