Jensen himself had put the seeds aboard in order to plant them on some of the islands near which we might be compelled to anchor for some length of time.

Another object was to grow plants on board for the amusement of the Malays.

The seeds included vegetables, flowers, and Indian corn, the last named being in the cob.

The Malays are very fond of flowers, and the captain told them that they might try and cultivate some in boxes on board; but when he saw that this would mean an additional drain upon his supply of fresh water he withdrew the permission.

I knew that salt water would not nourish plants, and I was equally certain I could not spare fresh water from my own stock for this purpose.
Nevertheless, I set my wits to work, and at length decided upon an interesting experiment.