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CHAPTER XL 



COMPARISON BETWEEN SOWING IN NURSERIES AND 

 IN SITU. 



IN the one case the seed is placed in nurseries at the close 

 of the year, and the young plants transplanted into the 

 garden at beginning of the following rains. 



In the other the seed is (at the same time, viz., close of 

 the year, if you can get it so soon) sown at once in the 

 plantation where the plants are intended to grow. 



Each of these plans has its advocates, who don't believe 

 in the other plan at all ! The question is which is the better ? 



Their respective advantages may be shortly summed up 

 as follows : 



NURSERIES. 



Advantages. The seed may be made to germinate early 

 by watering. After it germinates the plants can be watered 

 from time to time as they require it. Artificial shade 

 (a great help to the germination of Tea seed) can be given. 

 The soil can be frequently opened, and the plants in every 

 way better tended in nurseries. 



Disadvantages. The plants lose at least three months' 

 growth when transplanted, and may die. The trans- 

 planting necessitates labour at the time of the year it is 

 much wanted for other work. The expense is greater than 

 the other plan, for there are the nurseries to make and the 

 labour of transplanting. 



IN SITU. 



Advantages. The plants gain some three months in 

 growth by not being moved. It saves labour at the busy 



