ON THE CULTIVATION OF RHEEA. 351 



" As soon as the first year's crop lias been obtained, there 

 would be the proof to exhibit to a hundred Zemindars, native 

 and European, and Indian Ryots, of what could be done, and 

 other arrangements could be made with them to the extent 

 desirable, to enter upon its cultivation on the most favourable 

 terms ; while it would be seen if it was preferable or not to 

 extend its cultivation on one's own farms, 



" The views of experienced persons as regards the most 

 certain supply of rheea fibre, are, to commence at once the 

 systematic cultivation of it in the ' Sunderbunds,' the flat 

 alluvial lands forming the Delta of the mouths of the Ganges, 

 and extending from Calcutta to the sea. 



" These lands are particularly rich, a perfectly virgin soil, 

 requiring little irrigation, and in all respects well suited for 

 high cultivation of all kinds. 



" There are millions of acres of it ; considerable parts 

 having been granted out to native and English Zemindars, 

 who are gradually clearing the primeval forest, and then let 

 it out for cultivation to natives. There are still, however, 

 hundreds of thousands of acres belonging to the government, 

 ready to be granted for a long term to any parties applying 

 for it at a nominal rent for the first few years, and afterwards 

 at a rent of a few shillings an acre. 



"Mr. Morrell is one of the English Zemindars who, with 

 his brothers, have been in the district for nine years, and have 

 upwards of 100,000 acres, of which nearly 30,000 are cleared 

 and cultivated. His experience of these lands is considerable, 

 and quite to the purpose. 



"Lieutenant-Colonel Abbott* has been in Burmah and 

 many other parts of India, for twenty-six years, and is 

 acquainted with several of the native languages and the 



* Colonel Abbott left last month, August, 1863, for India, with a view to 

 select rheea fibre, as well as to have it cultivated on (his friend, Mr JV- orrell's) 

 Estate in India, through which a railway is laid to Calcutta. 



