11 



not retard the operation of GRADUAL, but unceasing de- 

 composition, of organic mat-to and render the existing 

 mineral constituents available, and supply deficiencies. 

 The sun's rays will then be utilized in promoting devel- 

 opment of tissue instead of being entirely employed, in 

 evaporating the stagnant moisture, charged with acid and 

 poisonous gases. Systematic pruning and handling are 

 the only operations calculated to equalize the circulation 

 of sap. Planters must spend more money and bestow more 

 attention on these operations. 



Mr. Robertson in his essay on the agricultural condition 

 of the Neilgherries recommends that more manurial, and less 

 handling, operations should be carried out. The plauter 

 alone can judge as to the requirements of his particular loca- 

 lity. Where handling is in any way neglected in a rich Soil 

 and forcing climate the whole energy of the plant goes to- 

 wards making new wood, the trees look verdant and promi- 

 sing, but those alone who have paid for their experience 

 can speak as to the disappointment in results. Too much 

 care, it is generally considered, cannot be taken in the se^ 

 lection of shoots. None should be allowed to remain which 

 emanate from bark bound secondaries whose surface is cover- 

 ed with moss and ^scales. A good thick vigorous shoot 

 growing on a juicy twig of either primary or secondary for- 

 mation should be selected, and once chosen should be care- 

 fully attended to. Under a judicious system of pruning and 

 handling, Nature will remove moss and scales on the stem 

 and principal branches in the course of a very short time 

 and when the bark becomes clean, smooth, and dappled 

 with green, vigorous circulation has been restored and the 

 plant can generally take ordinary care of itself. Each new 

 or extra shoot however small, carelessly left, or allowed to 

 grow, out of the same eye, or even, in proximity to the selec- 

 ted ahoot, tends to upset the regularity of circulation, the 



