500 SYSTEM OF CULTIVATION Chap. XXVIII. 



with the formation of quinine in the bark, and to ascertain 

 the most advantageous conditions under which the plants 

 should be cultivated. 



The sites have been selected at Neddi\vuttum and Doda- 

 betta with reference to the similarity of elevation and climate 

 in those localities to the native mountains of the species 

 which it is intended to cultivate in them, and because they 

 have plenty of deep loamy soil. It has also been determined 

 that the best method of cultivation will be found in planting- 

 out the chinchonae in the open, for reasons already given ; 

 and not only will the luxuriant and healthy growth of the 

 plants be provided for by this treatment, but it is also 

 essential for the formation of an abundant supply of alkaloids 

 in their bark. This process depends on the vigorous action 

 of the leaves, and the healthful condition of the leaves is 

 due to a sufficient supply of smishine. Dr. Lindley says, — 

 " It is to the action of leaves, — 'to the decomposition of their 

 carbonic acid, and of their water; to the separation of the 

 aqueous particles of the sap from the solid parts that were 

 dissolved in it ; to the deposition thus effected of various 

 earthy and other substances, either introduced into plants as 

 silex or metallic salts, or formed there, as the vegetable 

 alkaloids ; to the extrication of nitrogen ; and, probably, to 

 other causes as yet unknown — that the formation of the 

 j)eculiar secretions of plants, of whatever kind, is owing. 

 And this is brought about principally, if not exclusively, by 

 the agency of light. Their green colom- becomes intense, in 

 proportion to their exposure to light within certain limits." ^ 



Under cultivation the chinchoua-plants must either be 

 raised in their shrubby form in the open, or as tall trees under 

 the shade of the forest. The latter system, which has been 

 adopted by Dr. Junghuhn in Java, is defended on the gromid 



LimUey's Theory and Practice of Hortictdture, p. 70. 



