56 CULTIVATION AND MANUFACTURE OF TEA. 



CHAPTER XI. 



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 transplanting 

 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 trans- 

 planting. 



