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CHAPTER XII. 



SOWING SEED IN SITU, ID EST, AT STAKE. 



IT is named " at stake " because stakes are put along in 

 lines to show where the Tea trees are to be, and the seed is 

 sown at those spots. 



The modits operandi is very simple. A month before the 

 sowing time (which should be as soon as you can get the 

 seed), at each stake dig a hole at least 9 inches diameter and 

 12 inches deep, put the soil taken out on the sides, taking 

 care, however, if it be on a slope, to put none above the 

 hole. Do not put the soil near enough to the pit to make it 

 likely it will be washed back. Such soil as should be washed 

 in ought to be the new rich surface soil. For this reason 

 the upper side of the hole should be left free on slopes. 

 The pits are made a month beforehand to admit of this, and 

 to allow the action of the air on the open sides to improve 

 the mould. 



If lucky enough to have one or two falls of rain during 

 the month, the holes will be more or less filled up with soil 

 eminently calculated to instigate rapid growth. Just before 

 sowing fill up the pit with surrounding surface soil. Whether 

 to mix a little manure with it or not is a question. If it is 

 virgin soil, and rich in decayed vegetation, I say no ; if not 

 virgin soil, and rather poor, yes ; but it must be strictly in 

 moderation not more, say, than a man can hold in both 

 hands to each hole. In filling up the hole, press the soil 

 down lightly two or three times, or it will all sink later, and 

 your seeds be far too deep. 



When the above is all done, there is a perfect spot for 



