80 CULTIVATION AND MANUFACTURE OF TEA. 



of the roots, is not stirred at all. This is not easy to detect, 

 for you must look under the branches of each tree to see how 

 the work has been done. 



In 'digging round plants' the men should follow the koda- 

 lee round the tree, and the position of the blade in the same line 

 as the roots makes any injury very unlikely. Even if tasked, 

 as when the work is examined, it is only round the plants, it is 

 more readily perceived if the ground has not been stirred close 

 up to the stems. 



I therefore prefer digging round plants, with the view 

 of cultivating them, to digging the whole garden. I believe 

 the object is better attained. That it is much cheaper is 

 evident. 



The annulus, or space to be dug round, beginning 9 inches 

 from the stem, varies with the age of the plant. Up to 

 two years one kodalee in width will do, and after that say 2 

 feet. 



The draw-hoe of 8 inches wide is a better tool for the above 

 than the kodalee, especially as it is work well suited to boys, 

 and the ' draw-hoe ' is a lighter tool. 



Till plants from seed at stake are a year old, and till seed- 

 lings from nurseries are the same age, calculating in the latter 

 case from the transplanting, no kodalee or even draw-hoe 

 should come near them. The soil round for 6 inches should 

 be slightly opened once a month or so, but it should be done 

 with the ' koorpee.' 



We have now discussed the cultivation of the plants. The 

 above often done, say once a month if possible during the 

 season, with judicious pruning and liberal manuring, constitutes 

 high cultivation. Did weeds not grow there would be no need 

 to do more, but weeds do grow and must not be allowed. The 

 richer the soil the more weeds, the more manure you apply 

 the more weeds also. 



Weeds choke the plant and diminish the yield. Weeds 



