. 44; n 



arrangement secures constant moisture and freedom from 

 water-logging. The shade of betel-nut gardens easy of irriga- 

 tion might be utilized for growing eldchis. The seed may be 

 sown on raised seed-beds in October, and the rhizomes plant- 

 ed in June or September on long and float ridges through 

 the middle of which water can be made to flow down in 

 slow current throughout the dry season, keeping the rfdges 

 alongside constantly moist. 



CHAPTER LXXIIL 



OPIUM (PAP AVER SOMNIFERUM ). 



C6>/Z. Heavy loam or sandy loam near village site, rich 

 in saltpetre, is preferred for this crop. The land 

 should be close to a well, the water of which is known to be 

 impregnated with nitre. 



68 1. Manure. Nitrogenous manures, such as, well- rotted 

 cowdung (150 to 200 maunds per acre) and crude saltpetre 

 (40 srs.) are in general use for this crop. Cowdung cake (20 

 maunds), ashes (4 maunds), oil-cake (6 maunds), or lime 

 (160 srs.) per acre, are also used for top-dressing. 



682. Rotation. It usually follows maize or millet the 

 preparation commencing immediately after maize or millet 

 harvest. 



683. Season. In the hills the opium season is from 

 February to June and in the plain from October to March. 



684. Tillage. The land should be cultivated as often as 

 possible and brought to a fine tilth before sowing. 



685. Sowing. The seed is sown mixed up with dry 

 earth in February or October, as the case may be, usually 

 broadcast, at the rate of 3 Ibs. per acre. Camphor-water 

 steep should be used for this (as for all small and delicate 



PDD 



