( 38 ) 
The method of cultivation adopted by Chinese 
market gardeners is to plant long cuttings, which 
have been twisted into a circle, at distances of about 
six feet apart, and allow the plants to ramble over 
the land. During growth, pig manure is applied 
to the soil. The crop is not harvested at one time, 
but roots are lifted as required. 
As a sole cultivation, the best results will be obtained 
by ridging the land. The ridges should be made 
three feet apart, the soil being worked into a fine 
tilth during the operation. Derris will grow in 
most soils, but is partial to a clayey loam containing 
a fair quantity of sand. The cuttings should be 
placed on the ridges at a distance of three feet 
apart, giving 4,840 plants to the acre. 
The roots mature according to cultural conditions, 
the average period of growth being two years. The 
weight of fresh roots obtained from a single plant 
varies from one to two pounds according to the 
distance of planting. The average weight of roots 
per plant obtained, on the Experimental Plantation, 
Kuala Lumpur, was one pound and a loss of weight 
of 40 per cent, took place during drying. 
The retail price of the root in the local market at 
the present time (Oct. 1923) is about 30 cents per 
kati*, the wholesale price being from $20.00 to 
$25.00 per pikul. 
BETEL NUT. 
( Areca Catechu) . 
The betel or areca nut palm, native to Malaya, is 
a graceful tree with a straight, unbranched stem 
reaching 40 to 50 feet in length, and bearing a 
crown of from six to nine large, spreading, pinnate 
fronds. 
* 1 kati = 1& lbs. 
