But I prefer estimating it at Rs. 50 only, to be on the safe side.
[CHAPTER XV.]
DISTANCES APART TO PLANT TEA BUSHES.
When the idea existed, which it did once, that ploughs could be used to cultivate a garden between the lines, these latter, with this object, were placed unnecessarily wide apart.
All distances may be seen in different gardens, viz., 6 × 6, 6 × 3, 6 × 4, 5 × 4, 5 × 5, 4 × 3, &c., &c.
The plough idea has nowhere been found to answer, and is exploded.[23] Still, even for hand labour to cultivate, and for facilities in picking leaf, it is necessary there should be room enough one way to pass along. Cultivation here means digging, and space enough for this must be left between the lines. Giving so much, what is then the principle that should guide us? Clearly, with a view to the largest yield obtainable, to place as many plants on the land as it will bear.
Four or 4½ feet are, I think, the best distances between the lines.
They give space enough for air to cultivate, and to pass along, even when the trees are full grown.
Where manure is obtainable and the soil can be kept up to a rich state by yearly applications, a garden can scarcely be planted too close.
I see no objection to trees touching each other in the lines.