CHAPTER XI

CULTIVATED CROPS

RICE  (MENDI, BEH)

The cultivation of rice throughout the country is of
paramount importance, as it forms one of the staple
articles of food for the people. Europeans who have
tasted this country rice have always appreciated it; it is
so sweet, so full of nourishment, and so sustaining. Of its
nutritive qualities there can be no possible doubt when
one sees the magnificent physique of many of the men
and observes their great powers of endurance. I have
frequently noticed this amongst my own men, particularly
the boatmen, whose muscles when they are rowing show
an enormous development that has often called forth the
admiration of any Europeans who may have been in the
boat with me. I have known these men to pull con¬
tinuously for twelve hours on end without a murmur, and
yet their food consists only of rice, fish and cassada. It is
a pity that this rice is not better known in England,
because I am satisfied that it would very soon find favour
if the prejudice against its appearance could be overcome.
Owing to the primitive way in which it is cleaned, most of
it does not look as white as that imported from India or