Seed cannot be sown too soon after being picked. It is ripe early in November, so the beds should be all ready by November, and if the seed has not far to come it can thus be sown early that month.
To each maund there are in round numbers 30,000 seeds, (see page [56]). The number of plants it will take to fill an acre depends, of course, on the distances they are set apart (see page [72]), but having decided this point, also the area to be planted, and consequently the number of maunds of seeds to be sown (see page [56]), the following table will be found useful in calculating the size of nursery required:—
Table showing the size of nursery required for one maund and ten maunds seed, the drills being 6 inches apart, and each seed 3 inches or 2 inches from its neighbour.
| Distance each seed is set apart in the drill. | Area in sq. inches each seed will occupy. | Area, in sq. feet, of beds without paths required for each md. | Area, including paths required for each md. | Size of nursery, including the paths to take in for 10 mds. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 inches | 18 | 3,763 | 4,513 sq. feet or 501 sq. yards. | 100 yards by 50 yards. |
| 2 inches | 12 | 2,500 | 2,995 sq. feet or 332 sq. yards. | 100 yards by 33 yards. |
If nurseries for more than ten maunds are required, then allow 100 yards to be the breadth, and for each extra ten maunds add respectively for 3 or 2 inches (see 1st column) 50 or 33 yards to the length. Thus fifty maunds will require nurseries 100 yards by 250 yards, or 100 yards by 165 yards, according as it is decided to plant the seed 3 inches or 2 inches apart in the lines.
[CHAPTER XIV.]
MANURE.
An idea existed formerly—got, I believe, from stray Chinamen, who I don’t think knew much about Tea in any way—that manure, though it increased the yield, spoilt the flavour of Tea. The idea is opposed to all agricultural knowledge, for high cultivation, which in no case can be carried out to perfection without manure, much improves the strength and flavour of all edibles, the product of mother-earth.
My first experience of manure to the Tea plant was obtained in the Chittagong district from a small garden close to the station, which has been for some years highly manured. I was struck with the frequency and abundance of the flushes and the strength and flavour of the Tea. My high opinion of the Tea was later borne out by the Calcutta brokers. I allude to the “Pioneer” garden, close to the Chittagong station. During the best Tea months flush succeeded flush at intervals of less than a week, while eight to ten maunds (640 to 800 lbs.) was the yearly yield per acre! The soil was very sandy and poor.
After-experience showed me that manuring nearly doubles the yield of plants, and that so far from injuring the flavour of Tea it improves it, while it adds greatly to the strength.