FODDER, ETC. 47 



plumpness they attain when fed on them is no less 

 remarkable ; a little salt is daily given along with 

 them, and is essentially necessary to the health of 

 oxen, whatever may be nature of the food given 

 them. Hence the poor Ryot feels heavily the tax 

 upon this article. Until an improved system of 

 agriculture shall be found necessary by the Govern- 

 ment, I think the present wants of the people are 

 amply supplied as regards fodder.* Guinea grass, 

 lucern, and Egyptian clover, all grow very well 

 here ; but would not repay the Ryot for the labour 

 and expense of culture, so long as other fodder is so 

 cheap. 



* A gentleman who has resided many years in Guzerat, in a high 

 official situation, and who has had an opportunity of seeing a proof of 

 this part of Dr. Burns' communication while passing through the press, 

 informs me, that he does not agree with Dr. Burns in thinking, that the 

 wants of the people are supplied as far as regards Fodder. He says, 

 " Had he (Dr. Burns) been in Goojraut in 1833-4, when a drought was 

 followed by locusts, he would have written differently. That province is 

 alllictcd by drought about every eight years, and there such crops as 

 Guinea Grass and Lucerne would be invaluable. Every cultivator in 

 Kaira, where Dr. Burns, I think, is stationed, has a well ; but the cattle 

 die ofT so quickly for icant of fodder in such a season, that they can 

 hardly get enough to work their wells." II. II. S. 



