45 



Indigo. 



§ 1. The kinds of indigo, generally cultivated in 

 the isle of Java, are the Guatemala, originating from 

 Central America, and the Natal. Indigo is a shrub with 

 reddish flowers and oval leaves, the latter containing the 

 colouring matter that is extracted from them by means 

 of fermentation. 



The indigo-shrub is cultivated in plains, on light, 

 mixed grounds, which must have been deeply trenched 

 three or four times ; as a rule, on plots that may be irri- 

 gated (rice-fields) and it is propagated by sowing or (sel- 

 dom, however) by shoots. 



§ 2. In May and June the seed is planted in beds, 

 having a light roof to protect the small plants against 

 the great sun-warmth ; during the first few days they must be 

 watered. Often the seed is covered with straw, that is 

 removed after 3 or 5 days. 



After a month the seeds are fit to be planted in 

 the soil. 



§ 3. Generally, the plants are transplanted in the 



