will occur in about ,'> months from sowing', in July. The plants will 

 soon ratoon and a second crop is taken about 40 days later. Under 

 favourable conditions, sometimes, a third crop is taken after the same 

 delay from the second. Generally only two cuttings are obtained. The 

 plant thus occupies the soil for a period of about 7 months. 



The average produce per feddan is from 20 25 okes of the dye. 



VII : Indigo is one of the most important vegetable blue dye-stuffs 

 made. The substances which form the dye, reside in the leaves, in the 

 form of a glucoside called Indican which by decomposition and 

 atmospheric oxidation, produces the commercial Indigo blue. Two 

 methods of extracting the dye-stuff are used, viz : The scalding and 

 the fermentation process. The former is that practised in Egypt, 

 though the latter is to be recommended. 



Egyptian Indigo, as it is prepared by natives, is of much inferior 

 quality. It possesses low colouring properties and contains a large 

 amount of various impurities. It is of a dark blue colour not imparted 

 with lustre when rubbed. Comparatively heavy it is not porous ; it is 

 difficult to grind. 



VIII : The best soil is a rich deep loam. Not too dry and sandy 

 nor too wet and clayey. The land should be prepared in the most tho- 

 rough manner, if profitable returns should be expected. The crop re- 

 quires heavy dressings of manure chiefly in the form of Sebach Baladi. 

 The ground must be kept well cleaned of weeds as well as loose and 

 friable. Excess of moisture is very detrimental ; however the crop can 

 only thrive on those lands under a good system of irrigation, accompa- 

 nied by deep drainage. 



Ipomoea Batatas : Batata Helou ; Sweet potato ; 

 Convolvulaceae. 



II : By green cuttings. These are made from the ends of vines. 

 Cuttings usually 30 cm. long, the leaves being removed except at 

 the tip. Planted on ridges about 2 1/2 ft. far and the cuttings are 

 1 1/2 ft. apart. 



III : From beginning of June to the (Mid of August. Better early. 

 V : Three to 1 months after planting. In the case of an early 



crop, after the roots are dug up, if the vines are carefully covered, 

 a second crop may be obtained. 



