Smiihern Mahratta Country. 61 



of dye, until within the last two or three years, was ever pre- 

 pared by the inhabitants ; the consumption being entirely sup- 

 plied from the Ceded Districts, and other parts of India. Its 

 cultivation having been encouraged by the collector of the dis- 

 trict, it has been found to thrive, and is likely to become an 

 important article of cultivation. 



Garden Productions. 



Different kinds of gardens are cultivated by the natives, such 

 as kitchen gardens, fruit gardens, or orchards, cocoa-nut gar- 

 dens, betel-nut gardens, &c. ; but it is only the first that Ave 

 intend to consider at present. They are inclosed with a fence 

 of milk hedge (Euphorbia Tirucalei, Lin.), or prickly pear 

 (Cactus ficus Indica), and are irrigated either from wells or 

 tanks. The soil is prepared by digging, and is well manured. 

 I must remark, however, that some of the following articles are 

 also occasionally raised in the open rice fields ; and a few are 

 also cultivated by the more industrious, in small plots of o-round 

 close to their cottases. 



1. Dolichos fabaformis, Lin. ; Mut Ice, Duk. — This is a fa- 

 vourite legume with the natives. 



2. Zea Mays, Lin. ; Muh jooaree, Duk. Indian Corn— 

 This is seldom allowed to ripen, but is used as a vegetable when 

 green. 



3. Hibiscus esculentiis, Lin. ; Baindee, Duk. Bandaky, 

 Engl. — This vegetable is much used, both by the natives and 

 Europeans ; and is considered very wholesome and nutritious. 



4. Saccharum officinartim, Lin.; Shuhkur, Duk. Sugar Cane. 

 — Is cultivated both in gardens and in rice-fields ; and, in the lat- 

 ter case, two crops of rice are always taken between each crop 

 of cane *. The land is prepared for the sugar-cane by repeated 

 ploughing, and a large quantity of manure ; and the cuttings 

 are planted in the end of January or beginning of February. 

 The cane is ripe in eleven or twelve months after the time of 

 planting. The sugar cane of this district is either sold in the 

 bazaars to be eaten raw, or is used for making jagorv, which is 

 merely the inspissated juice of the cane. Sugar of tolerably 

 goixl quality is made at Kolapore. 



" Vide Marsliall's Statistical Report. 



