PRODUCTION AND COMMERCE. 173 



American seed does ; Sumatra takes much longer. The 

 plants may require watering, which should be done with 

 a watering-can with a rose, when the plants are Avell up 

 and large. Only water seed-beds in the evening. As soon 

 as the seedlings have leaves of the size of a penny, they 

 are capable of bearicg transplanting. Before taking up 

 the seedling to transplant, water the beds well an hour 

 beforehand ; this is done to loosen the earth about the 

 roots so that the plants may be taken up without injury. 

 To take up .the seedlings they should be seized by the 

 under side of the two largest leaves by the finger and 

 thumb, having one leaf on each side, not by the stem, then 

 pull up gently, taking care not to break the leaves. They 

 may then be placed in an open basket. When the basket 

 is full it should be covered with a cloth if the sun is hot, 

 and the seedlings slightly sprinkled with water and then 

 carried off to transplant. The seedlings are planted out 

 in rows 3 feet by 2 feet apart, for which purpose a knotted 

 cord is used, the knots being 3 feet apart. This cord is 

 drawn by two men — one at each end. Across the field or 

 .portion of the field at a distance of 2 feet from the outer 

 edge, the cord is drawn out and then trampled upon by 

 coolies. The knots leave an impression in the soil where 

 the seedlings have to be planted. The cord is then raised 

 and put down again at another distance of 2 feet from the 

 first, and so on till sufficient land has been marked ofi". 

 This work can be done during the day, and the transplant- 

 ing in the evening. 



" Transplanting. — Transplanting should be done in the 

 evening if there is any sun ; in cloudy weather it can be 

 done all the day long. Eainy weather is most suitable as 



