Chap. XXII. PLANTATIONS NEAR ALMOEAH. 375 



more fertile as we advanced, and numerous excellent 

 lands, well suited for the cultivation of the tea-plant, 

 were passed on our route. On the 29th of June we 

 arrived at the Hawulbaugh plantation. 



This tea-farm is situated on the banks of the river 

 Kosilla, about six miles north-west from Almorah, 

 the capital of Kumaon, It is about 4500 feet above 

 the level of the sea. The land is of an undulating 

 character, consisting of gentle slopes and terraces, and 

 reminded me of some of the best tea-districts in 

 China. Indeed, the hills themselves, in this part 

 of the Himalayas, are very much like those of China, 

 being barren near their summit and fertile on their 

 lower sides. 



Thirty-four acres of land are under tea-cultivation 

 here, including the adjoining farm of Chullar. Some 

 of the plants appear to have been planted in 1844 ; 

 but, as at Paorie, the greater number are only from 

 one to three years old. 



The soil is what is usually called a sandy loam ; it 

 is moderately rich, being well mixed with vegetable 

 matter. It is well suited for tea-cultivation. The 

 greater part of the farm is terraced as at Guddowli, 

 but some few patches are left in natural slopes in 

 accordance with the Chinese method. Irrigation is 

 practised to a limited extent. 



All the young plants here are in robust health and 

 are growing well, particularly those that are on land 

 where water cannot flood or injure them. Some few 

 of the older bushes appear rather stunted ; but this 

 is evidently the result of water remaining stagnant 



