6 7 



CHAPTER XIV. 



MANURE. 



AN idea existed formerly got, I believe, from stray China- 

 men, who I don't think knew much about Tea in any way 

 that manure, though it increased the yield, spoilt the flavour 

 of Tea. The idea is opposed to all agricultural knowledge, 

 for high cultivation, which in no case can be carried out to 

 perfection without manure, much improves the strength and 

 flavour of all edibles, the product of mother-earth. 



My first experience of manure to the Tea plant was 

 obtained in the Chittagong district from a small garden 

 close to the station, w r hich has been for some years highly 

 manured. I w r as struck with the frequency and abundance 

 of the flushes and the strength and flavour of the Tea. My 

 high opinion of the Tea was later borne out by the Calcutta 

 brokers. I allude to the " Pioneer " garden, close to the 

 Chittagong station. During the best Tea months flush 

 succeeded flush at intervals of less than a week, while eight 

 to ten maunds (640 to 800 Ibs.) w r as the yearly yield per acre ! 

 The soil was very sandy and poor. 



After-experience showed me that manuring nearly doubles 

 the yield of plants, and that so far from injuring the flavour 

 of Tea it improves it, while it adds greatly to the strength. 



I shall therefore beg the question that manure is an 

 advantage. If any planter doubts, let him try it, and his 

 doubts will soon be solved. 



Any manure is better than none, but I believe one of the 

 best manures for the Tea plant (always excepting night-soil 

 and the excrements of birds, w r hich cannot be procured) is 



