604 Traxsactioxs of the a me li wax Ixst/tute. 



occasion to transjylcmting (prior to which two hoeings liave been 

 directed), the earth sliouUl be turned over in large clods with the 

 roots of the weeds exposed; as thej will thns die more rapidly, and 

 return to the soil, by being left on it all the nourishment they have 

 extracted from it. 



If the above practice be followed, there will bo little occasion for 

 weeding, but should such a necessity arise, it ought to ])e performed 

 by the hand, or with the weed-cutter, and all the weeds taken up 

 should be either removed to a manure pit or buried between the 

 lines as, by being left on the ground, they are liable to harbor insects, 

 which would attack the tea plants. 



It is very advisable to loo>en the soil occasionally round the roots 

 of the tea plants, so as to give a free admission of air and moisture; 

 and for this purpose the hand-hoe is best adapted, as in the use of 

 the regular hoe great danger is incurred of cutting tlie lateral roots 

 of the young tea trees. 



In all cases, where practicable from the lay of the land, plowing 

 should be resorted in preference to hoeing, as being more economical, 

 and the plants having been set out at right angles, tlie plow can be 

 carried transversely throughout the garden, and most eftectually per- 

 form the work required. 



Pruning. 



This is a matter on which much discussion has arisen, and much 

 diversity of opinion, as on the successful result of it mainly depend 

 the luxuriance of yield of the tea crop, and the ultimate welfare of 

 the plantation. 



In the Jirst year, it is suthcient to toj) the plant, which is done by 

 nipping off the upper green stem with the forelinger and tlunnb, as 

 this arrests its upward, and promotes its lateral growth. 



In the second year the plant ought to be cut down to a height of 

 twenty-one to twenty-four inches, and all the small lower branches 

 stripped off to eight inches above the ground by hreaMng, not cut- 

 ting, them, which will prevent their again shooting forth. Much 

 depends on the care with which this is done, as, if neglected or 

 carelessly performed, the danger to the plant of affecting it in the 

 succeeding year will be increased ; while a free circulation of air, 

 given at this critical time, greatly benefits the tea tree, and the 

 removal of all branches to a height of eight inches from the ground, 

 lessens the liability of the plant Ijeing attacked and destroyed by 



