BY G. DALTON. 
55 
It should be noted that a certain number die 
out every year, but as these are not always reported 
accurate figures are not obtainable. 
Pepper. 
The species in cultivation here is that known 
scientifically as Piper nigrum , which belongs to the order 
Piper aceae. Flowers are usually dioecious. Distribution: 
India, Ceylon and the East Indies generally. 
Soil. 
Practically the whole of Upper Sarawak, where the 
pepper vine is cultivated, consists of a stiff yellow clay, 
which quickly becomes friable on exposure to the 
elements; this forms an excellent base for the main roots 
of the growing vine, and the Keh Chinese have learnt 
that good top soil, which has an underlayer of the stiff 
clay, when collected and carefully burnt, forms a perfect 
top dressing. All sandy soils make poor burnt earth. 
The making of good burnt earth is a fine art, the slightest 
actual burning of the soil reducing the earth to a very 
poor article; it needs gently roasting, and from start to 
finish requires watching. It is essential that all pieces of 
charcoal should be picked out of the finished product. 
Rainfall. 
The average annual rainfall * registers some 150 
inches, two-thirds of which fall during the North-east 
Monsoon ; droughts of over 30 days are rarely experienced. 
Position. 
The best position for a garden is a plane, preferably 
in a sheltered position, which slants slightly towards the 
east. 
Preparation of Ground. 
The jungle is felled and burned, and afterwards all 
remains of stumps and roots, etc., are collected into heaps, 
covered with top soil and fired. The ground is next 
lined and sticks about 4 feet high are placed 6x6 feet 
to mark positions for the vines, drains being allowed for 
where necessary. 
* For notes on Kuching rainfall see Shelford in Sarawak Gazette, 
1902, p. 141 ; Hewitt, op. cit. 1906, pp. 27-31, and Moulton, op. cit* 
ign, pp. 9, 10. 
