propagati ig hojses has cecity sod, more veg stables in plots? R have 
been planted, and a better a uow of ornamental plants on the steps leading 
to the plant house has been la&e. 
8. Vegetables : An attempt has xb been made to increase the nu: box* 
of vegetables that are easy to grow both for the purpose of demo n 8 tr; ting 
them to the public as well as for enabling the public to obtain planning 
material from the Department. 
The tuberous crops are being attacked by rats, a pest now notice- 
able in almost all places in Syonan. If no immediate steps are taken to 
control this pest at this stage, it is to be feared that rats migh + multiply 
in large numbers and become a serious obstacle to the growing of food crops 
in the island. The rats are also seen doing damage to maize and greater 
millet when the crop is still half ripe and standing in the field. 
9* Labourers : One man who had been suffering from beri-beri for the 
last two months was unable to work during this month. Another romusha, 
who had been suffering from chronic malaria and who had been temporarily 
retired, died in the Hakuai Byoin of cirrhous liver. Still another had 
to go to hospital because a small wound on the foot turned septic. It 
is noticed that all our coolies and their families are suffering from 
low vitality so that a little wound takes a long time to heal. 
At this time when the price of the essential coEvnodities has been 
soaring very high, it is necessary to give more and more food rations at 
controlled prices, especially when beans, meat, etc. have been found 
rather difficult to obtain in the market. Prom the Tokubetu Si, rice, 
coconut oil, green gram, coffee and bread were distributed but red palm 
oil and salt fish were not available during this month. The entire 
staff were supplied with vegetables as they became available. 
10. Lawn s : Motor mowers were used in Lawns E, J, H, D, C, 0 A X; 
hand mowers and babats were used in Lawns P, R, K and near the office. 
Drains were weeded and cleaned in Lawn A, B, JS, D, Typersali, 
and Nursery. The grass sweepings and the leaves of trees were removed 
by lorry and bullock cart to the vegetable and economic plots so as to 
use them for composting; very large leaves (of palms) were taken to 
Tyersall for burning. 
Cement blocks have been used for the paths leading to the Lower 
Office and the Herbarium. 
The hedges at the Tyersall Gate and the Main Gate were pruned. 
Some branches of trees were cut and a dead Qreodoxa regia in Lawn K was 
cut down and removed. 
Numerous plants have been weeded in Lawn J, 0, A K. Several 
beds of herbaceous plants were replanted in L«wn 0. 
11. Sultana (Economic Gardens) : The area under edible crops has 
been Increased. The following were planted: Kangkong (10 beds), Ragi 
(4 beds), Jagong or Maize (id beds), Ketola manis (2 beds), Kachang 
Bendi (3 beds). Great Millet or Gohdam (7 beds), Long Beans (2 beds), 
Java Spinach (X bed), Bawl (2 beds), Brinjal (2 beds) and Chili (2 beds). 
The vegetables available were distributed to the coolies. 
• 
In addition the following were harvested: 
106 keties of Cotton (with seeds) 
885 leaves of Tobacco, and a large quantity of seeds 
330 seeds of Castor Oil 
5 katies of seeds of Indigo 
The path marked out from Tyersall Avenue has been cleaned so 
that it is easy for persons to go about and see the different kinds of 
crops or plants growing there. 
12. Orchids : Mr* Livingstone continued his charge of the orchid 
