376 



TEA DISTKICTS OF CHINA. Chap. XXII. 



about their roots, and partly also of over-plucking ; 

 both defects, however, admit of being easily cured. 



Nearer Almorah, and about 5000 feet above the 

 level of the sea, there are two small plantations 

 named Lutchmisser and Kuppeena. The former 

 contains three acres, and the latter four acres of land 

 under cultivation. The soil is light and sandy, and 

 much mixed with particles of clay-slate which have 

 crumbled down from the adjoining rocks. These 

 plantations are rarely irrigated, and the land is steep 

 enough to prevent any stagnant water from remaining 

 about the roots of the plants. 



Most of the bushes here have been planted for 

 many years. They are in full bearing, and generally 

 in excellent health. On the whole I consider these 

 plantations in good order. 



I have now described all the Government plan- 

 tations in Gurhwal and Kumaon, except those at 

 Bheem Tal. Before visiting these, however, I was 

 instructed to inspect some others belonging to the 

 Zemindars, and under the patronage of the Commis- 

 sioner and Assistant-Commissioner of Kumaon and 

 Gurhwal. 



The first of these is at a place named Lohba, 

 which is situated in eastern Gurhwal, about fifty 

 miles to the westward of Almorah, and is at an ele- 

 vation of 5000 feet above the level of the sea. It is 

 one of the most beautiful spots in this part of the 

 Himalayas. The surrounding mountains are high, 

 and in some parts precipitous, while in others they 

 consist of gentle slopes and undulations. On these 



