TLLUSTRATIONS OF INDIAN BOTANY. Oi 
warmth of the plains: and lastly to ascertain whether, in attempting to extend its cultivation 
to our Indian possessions, we should locate it on a dry rather poor soil, with an open exposure 
on the hills, or in low, moist, shady places, on the plains. 
Mr. elland examines with equal care and success, the peculiarities of the soil in 
regard to its geological relations, and chemical qualities: the character of the climate with 
reference to its humidity and heat: the quantity of rain that falls, the degree to which the 
country is overcast with clouds and mist, and the effect of these last on the distribution of the 
plant over the valley of Assam. 
To attempt a detailed recapitulation of the facts and arguments adduced on all sides, bearing 
on the questions discussed in.these papers, would take much more time and space than If can now 
devote to the subject, but as I think | have succeeded in making myself master of the leading 
features of the inquiry I shall endeavour to place before the reader a summary of the results. 
Mr, Royle, in a very elaborate article on the subject, in his fllustrations of the Botany of 
‘the Himalayan mountains, comes to the conclusion, that, the Tea plant is virtually a native of a 
temperate climate, and that the slopes of these mountains afford the most proper climate and 
soil for the growth and culture of this plant, the former, as partaking of the character of the 
‘tropics during one half of the year, and of the temperate zone the remainder; the latter as 
‘being formed from the detritus.of primitive rocks. In arriving at this conclusion, which is 
nearly in accordance with the opinion advanced by Dr. Abel, whom he seems to consider beyond 
vall comparison the best authority, Mr. Royle has evidently been misled, by reposing too great con- 
fidence in his guide, since, strange to say, the inference is at variance with nearly the whole oft he 
evidence adduced by himself in support of it. Were the case really such as he putsit, the south 
_of Europe would afford nearly every requisite for the successful cultivation of tea, but I greatly 
fear. if ever put to the test of experiment, that some of the principal requisites will be found 
wanting. His views are however so well supported, and the contradictory evidence on which they 
are made to rest, so ingeniously explained away, that much difficulty must have been experienced 
in detecting his errors, had not actual and careful inati the circumstances under which the 
plant.is produced inits native country, enabled the deputation of the Tea committee who went 
toexamine them, to point out the very erroneous nature of the opinions advocated by Dr. Abel, 
which Mr. Royle had.adopted, and supported with such a fruitless expenditure of ingenious 
Teasoning. : 
la the investigations of the deputation it appears, that so far from being a plant seeking 
the cool climate, clear sky, and dry soil afforded by the combined operation of elevation, free ex- 
posure tolight, and the rapid drainage of alpine slopes, that the very opposite of all these, are the 
‘circumstances in which, in its native country, it seems to delight. There it was found on 
‘mounds but little elevated above inundation, but in a porous absorbent soil, under the shade 
of trees so dense that the rays of the sun could scarcely penetrate, and what is still more re- 
markable, was confined to one side of the valley of Assam, so subject to be covered with thick 
mists and fogs during the cool season, that it was estimated to enjoy less sunshine by 2 hours daily 
than the other.where the plant was never seen, though in the enjoyment of a clear sky, bright sun- 
ehine, and a temperature greatly reduced by the vicinity of snow-capped hills. The climate of 
Assam all accounts agree in representing as very humid with a moderate range of temperature, 
rainy wet weather prevailing through the greater part of the year, and often dark and foggy in 
the intervals. Thus Mr. Griffith observes Hort. Trans. vol. 5 page 145. z 
“ With regard to humidity Assam may be considered as_ enjoying the maximum. ~ as 
rains are of long continuance ; they commence in March and last till about the middle of 
October. During May. June, July, August and September, the fall is steady but not sek 
severe. During March and April the fall is irregular, often accompanied by violent squa 
from the S. W. November and Jauuary.are the only months throughout the year on which 
tolerable reliance can be placed for a continuance of fine weather, as ram always falls about 
the middle of December.” Bee oa h liaritie 
The following seem to be the points meriting most attention In respect to t ri peculiarities 
of soil, climate, and exposure. favourable to the growth of the tea plant, as observe . geri 
jungles in Assam, and which of course ought to be, as much as possible, Sait rs olen 
‘attempting its cultivation elsewhere. They are extracted from the reports of Messrs. — = ; 
and McClelland published in-the 4th and 5th volumes of the transactions of the Horticultura 
Society of India. La | 
