574 



Journal of the Department of Agriculture. 



impossible to walk through it, so dense was the growth of these 

 plants. The plants thrive best on dry, sandy, well-ventilated soils. 



In India about 20 lb. of seed are sown to the acre and it is put 

 in broadcast. The crop usually takes 5-6 months to mature. The 

 plants are either reaped with a mower or pulled out by the roots as 

 soon as the first seed-pods are ripe and while the upper portion of the 

 plant is still in flower. 



Photo bif 1. B. Pole Ecaiix. 



Plate IV. — A much-branched plant of Hibiscus cannahinns, 

 growing on the farm Water val, Duivels Kloof, and 

 undesirable for seed purposes. 



After reaping, the plants are tied into bundles and then retted in 

 water for ten days or more. Running water, if obtainable, is prefer- 

 able for this operation. The bundles are first placed in an upriglit 

 position in water so that the thicker root ends may be thoroughly 

 soaked. After a couple of days the bundles are laid horizontally and 

 entirely immersed. 



