Chap. XXIII. SITES FOR CHINCHONA-PLANTATIONS. 379 



CHAPTEE XXIIL 



SELECTION OF SITES FOR CHINCHONA-PLANTATIONS ON 

 THE NEILGHERRY HILLS. 



The Dodabetta site — The Neddiwuttum site. 



In selecting sites for cliincliona plantations in the Neilgherry 

 bills we had to compare the climate and other conditions of 

 growth M'^hich prevail in the chinchona forests and open 

 IMJonales in the Andes with any similar localities which 

 might be found in Southern India. For the first experi- 

 mental sites, it was of course important that the resemblance, 

 as regards elevation, temperature, and humidity, sliould be 

 as close as possible ; but there was every reason to hope 

 that, under cultivation, these plants, like most others, would 

 adapt themselves to conditions of soil and climate extending 

 over a far more extensive area. 



It was necessary to fix upon two sites in the first instance, 

 one at the highest point at which chinchona-plants were likely 

 to flourish, for the species from Loxa and others gi-owing at 

 great elevations, and as an experimental plantation ; and 

 another in a lower and warmer position for the plants of 

 O. succiruhra, C. Peruviana, C. micrantha, and the tree 

 G. Calisaya. The highest point at which these plants will 

 flourish, and the greatest exposure they will bear without 

 injmy, are the most favourable conditions for the formation 

 of quinine ; while, if the sholas in the upper plateau of the 

 Neilgherry hills should prove to be adapted for their g•ro^vth, 

 their cultivation might be indefinitely extended in a climate 

 suitable for English settlers. 



Previous to my arrival on the hills Mr. Mclvor had se- 



