THE OUTER HIMALAYAH. 15 



soon dies, it is important to plant it as quickly after 

 gathering as possible. Seed is sown in October, either 

 freed from the external capsule or not, according to the 

 choice of the planter. I need scarcely say, that the 

 husk of the seed itself is never taken off. It is scattered 

 at about one-and-a-half inches below the surface in rows, 

 in beds nicely worked up and manured for its reception, 

 and around these beds, ridges are made to retain the 

 moisture that is necessary and usual at this season 

 of the year. 



In about a year or sixteen months from the date of 

 sowing the seed, a young tea-tree has sprung up. It is 

 now planted out in parallel rows, a space of from three 

 to five feet being allowed between each shrub, as elbow- 

 room. Around each root a little manure is placed, and 

 unless the season is very dry, there is no necessity to 

 water the plant. It is necessary to keep the ground 

 between the shrubs clear of weeds. After the young 

 plant has fairly taken root, there is very little to be 

 done ; it only requires to be left alone, for naturally, 

 if the leaves are too early picked, the plant will become 

 stunted and sicken. In about four years from the date 

 of a tea seed being sown, a plant has sprung up, which 

 will bear picking ; or about three years after trans- 

 plantation. It is then in a condition to yield, in the 

 three to five pickings that occupy a year, the amount 

 of about three-fourths of a pound of raw leaves, or three 

 ounces of prepared tea. As, however, the plant grows 

 in size and strength, the yield of leaves becomes rapidly 

 much larger, and a seven-year-old plant could give four 

 pounds of raw leaves, or one pound of prepared tea. It 



