I 347^ ] 



CHAPTER LVII. 



PATAL (TRICHOSAN^HtCS DIOICA) 



XT to potatoes and brinjals, this is the most favourite 

 table-vegetable in use in Bengal. The leaves and 

 tender shoots of the creeper (called Paltd] are eaten cooked, 

 specially by convalescents. Sandy loam is best suited -, for 

 this crop as for most cucurbitaceous vegetables. It grows 

 well on river sides, even on the sides of rivers containing an 

 excess of common salt provided the soil is not heavy. 



519. Four or five ploughings and harrowings at the end 

 of the rainy season, followed by making of holes in parallel 

 lines 6 ft. apart, and planting of adventitious roots and 

 joints cut up into lengths of about 3" each, two in each hole, 

 are the first operations required. The holes are covered with 

 straw and watered every other day to hasten sprouting, except 

 when there are seasonable showers. When the plants have 

 alt come up, i. e. about November, one hoeing is given and 

 then raised beds are made, as water-logging is highly injuri* 

 ous to trie creepers. Each bed should have one row of plants 

 and the bed is made sloping towards the channels. The 

 earth dug up in making the channels is utilised in raising the 

 beds. If the field is very long one or two water channels are 

 made across the field also intersecting the other channels at 

 right angles. One irrigation done in February hastens the 

 fruiting in March. Fruiting goes on from March to Sep- 

 tember) after which a light ploughing followed by weeding 

 in October and one or two irrigations in February and 

 March will keep the crop for a second year. Usually ^no 

 manuring is done for patal, silt being depended upon. Ashes- 

 arid lime or boriedust would be of benefit if the crop is kept 

 on a second year on high land. 



