( 2 ) 



related to our katurwmurunga (S. grandiflora) so commonly grown in vegetable gardens, and of which 

 both the flowers and leaves are used as food. The reasons why it is brought forward in this connection 

 may be stated as follows :— 



(a) It is referred to in the " Handbook of Indian Agriculture" as " richer in nodules than 

 perhaps any other plant." 



(6) It is a fast and rank grower. 



(c) It is suitable for low wet land, and will therefore do for most paddy fields. 



(d) It was recommended to Indian tea planters by Dr. Mann, and gave excellent results. 



(e) The fibre is said by Royle to be " superior to jute in strength and durability," and by 



Roxburgh to be " more durable than san-hemp for use in water." 



Dhaincha is a plant which, under favourable conditions, may grow up to about 14 ft., though it is 

 generally of smaller growth. When broadcasted fairly thick — say, at the rate of 30 lb. of seed per acre — 

 it keeps down weeds, and should be ready for cutting for fibre in 4 or 4| months, so that if sown in April, 

 the ground, fertilized by the crop-residue, will be available for other cultivation in September. The fibre 

 was at one time valued at from £30 to £35 per ton, but this valuation will have to be revised on a present- 

 day basis. The seed has proved useful as a famine food in India. Without any desire to exaggerate the 

 properties of dhaincha, the statement may be given for what it is worth that the lack of organic matter 

 and cohesion of soil particles in land is easily remedied by growing one or two crops of dhaincha. 



The plant may be seen growing at the Government Stock Garden. Orders for the seed can be 

 booked through the Secretary. 



C. DRIEBERG, 

 Secretary, Ceylon Agricultural Society. 



Colombo, February 20, 1909. 



