58 CULTIVATION AND MANUFACTURE OF TEA. 



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 modus 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 the 

 reception of the seed. The tap-root can readily descend in 



