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is done either by scattering the seed broadcast, or by drilling; 

 or by dibbling. By dibbling the greatest economy of seed 

 is effected, but it is a slow process, and if the seed is not 

 perfect and germination is partial, too many blanks may be 

 left. Dibbling is sometimes done when large sized seeds^ 

 such as arahar^ maize and cotton, of reliable germinating 

 quality, are sown, two in each hole. Smaller seeds should be 

 either broadcasted or drilled. Broadcasting in experienced 

 hands does not involve much waste of seed, nor irregular 

 sowing and it is the cheapest way of sowing. But drilling is the 

 most desirable system, as it does not require an expert hand, 

 and as its application enables one to employ the bullock-hoe 

 and hand wheel-hoe, saving cost of weeding and enabling 

 one to keep the land stirred and aerified. The English 

 and American seed-drills with 8 or 12 tines would be 

 too expensive as the arrangements of these drills are too ela- 

 borate. The Madras Three Tined and Six Tined (Fig. 29) 

 Seed-Drills and the Surtha or seed-drilling bamboo cylinder 



FIG. 29. MADRAS TINED SEED-DRILL. 



with a funnel shaped hopper at the top, are well adapted for 

 the existing stage of native agriculture. When seeds for a 

 mixed crop, such as arahar and cotton or/o0r and arahar, or 

 maize and cotton, are drilled, the hopper of the 3 or 6 tined 

 seed-drill with one hole stopped is fed by one person, While 'the 



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