[ 433 1 



Every 5th year the expense is increased as the thorough 

 over-hauling of the baroj is required. The total expenditure 

 in 10 years is about Rs. 4,600, and the average per annum 

 about Rs. 460. 



662. Outturn. Taking 3,000 leaves per Rupee as the 

 average price of pan, the outturn at 80 lakh leaves, per 

 annum, may be estimated at about Rs, 2,500. Allowing half 

 this amount for damages due to insect and fungus pests 

 and accidents, the gross income may be safely put down at 

 Rs. 1,200 or Rs. 1,300 per annum. 



CHAPTER LXX. 



B^T^IrNUT (AR^CA CATECHU). 



is grown as a regular crop in the district of Backer- 

 gunge, Noakhali and Tippera. The seedlings and young 

 plants are grown in these districts under a papilionaceous 

 tree called mandar (Erythrina indica). It enriches the soil 

 and gives the seedlings and young trees the necessary pro- 

 tection from high winds and scorching rays of the sun. The 

 plantation of mandar is made in this way. Branches about 

 6ft. long are planted in February or in April (not March) in 

 rows 12 to 1 5 ft. apart each way. By 2 or 3 years, on high- 

 lands, and 4 to 6 years in low lands, the plantation is ready 

 for betel-nut seedling. 



664. The betel-nuts are sown in October or November, 

 the seeds being deposited 4 to 5 inches apart. The seed- 

 nurseries are either close to the homestead in shady places, or 

 if conveniently situated, they are made in the mandar 

 groves themselves. The transplanting is usually done after 2 

 years, sometimes 3 or 4 years. In high lands the transplant- 



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