35 



and quickly by division of the roots. The difficulties in the way of 

 obtaining a^ yield of seed, and afterwards in growing the seedlings, as 

 compared with the ease with which cuttings strike, make it unneces- 

 sary to discuss propagation by seed. 



To propagate by stem-cuttings, let the stem become ripe, indicated 

 by its turning brown ; cut it into pieces, each containing 3 eyes or buds, 

 close below the lowest eye, and close above the topmost ; then plant so 

 that the middle eye is just at the surface. It is not advisable to put 

 these cuttings out at once into the open field, as they require a moist 

 soil and shading from the sun for 10 days. It will be found better to 

 grow them for some time in a nursery until they have well-developed 

 roots, then plant them out at distances of 1J to 2 feet apart, in straight 

 rows. 



To propagate b} r division of roots is the best plan. It is better done 

 in showery weather. The roots should be cut so that there are 5 or 6 

 eyes to each portion. Plant out in straight rows at distances of 

 lh to 2 feet apart. Some have recommended 4 feet as a proper dis- 

 tance, but this plan necessitates extra expense in weeding ; and besides 

 the fibre will be of better quality with close planting which prevents 

 branching. At distances of 1\ feet there is room for hoeing the weeds, 

 until the plants are strong. If the ground is shaded, as some recom- 

 mend, then it is not so important to plant close. 



After some time every alternate row each way may be taken up alto- 

 gether, and transplanted in new ground so as to extend the plantation. 



A Chinese Treatise on Agriculture, says of this plant ; " When the 

 tufts are strong enough, the earth round is dug, and new stocks are 

 detached and transplanted elsewhere. The principal stock then grows 

 more vigorously. At the end of 4 or 5 years, the old stocks becoming 

 excessively strong, they are divided and replanted in other beds." 



Col. Hannay, in speaking of the cultivation of Rhea in Assam, says : — - 

 " Between the cuttings, all that seems necessary is a fresh open- 

 ing up of the ground around the roots, which in a regular plantation 

 is best done by hoeing between the rows with a spade-shaped hoe set 

 in a long handle ; the person, as he performs this, going backwards, 

 so as not to step over his work ; in fact, nothing can be more simple 

 tfian the cultivation of this plant, all that is required being a loose rich 

 soil, and protection to the crop by a good strong fence. The roots throw 

 up at least twelve shoots when in full bearing ; should they increase, 

 and the crops get too thick, the roots require to be separated ; and by 

 this means the cultivation can be carried to any extent." 



To put in roots at 1J feet apart requires nearly 20,000 roots per acre. 

 At 2 feet apart there are 10,890 plants to the acre. 



Manure. — The exhaustive nature of the plant is shown by the fol- 

 lowing analysis of dry ramie stems. The ramie stems were found to 

 contain, in 100 parts, — 



Carbon ... ... 47*28 



Hydrogen ... ... 6*26 



Nitrogen ... ... 0'09 



Oxvgen ... ... 42-23 



Ash ... ... 4-14 



100-00 



