vo it n . — inserts, \c. 101 



well as to the sex i a general mrler similar circum- 

 stances. 



The paddie-plauter is provided with a short stick, 

 with a fork a! the end. Mating inserted from five to 

 nine stalks or plants inio tliis f »rk. he poshes it down 

 into the mud, to the depth of from 3 ta d inches ac- 

 cording to the nature of the soil. Superstition en- 

 joins that decorum should he observed during that 

 operation and that no one should speak during the 

 planting of every seven bunch i. These bundles are 

 set at distances, varying from half a foot to one and a 

 half foot. In the richest soils even two feet might lie 

 allowed, as the bushes expand ^utlicieully to cover the 

 intervals. The owner afterwards inspects his field 

 occasionally, sees that it has the requisite quantity of 

 water and destroys weeds and vermin. As the year 

 begins to lill, he stretches ropes over the field and at- 

 taches scarecrows to them, and he erects a high covered 

 perch in whieh one of his family constantly watches— 

 at the eminent risk at night <>f being picked off 

 by a tiger, birds and rats, which occasionally ap- 

 pear in great numbers, contrive, n it withstanding, to 

 take heavy custom out «»f the crops. 



Newly-occupied land near forest, is most subject to 

 their inroads several insects also infest the rice fields. 

 It is aim >st incredible the swarms of rats which over- 

 ran the plains and paddie-rields of Province Wellesley 

 last year. They did much partial damage to the 

 young grain, but the crop was nevertheless meet 

 abundant. It is probable that such an uncommon 

 invasion was from the interior. These swarms disap- 

 peared nearly as sudden as they came ; yet they are 

 HifticientH numerous .it all tmies to firm one ofthele- 

 annate subjects for grumbling to the farmer. They 

 are most destructive in rainy ui-hts, such, say the 

 ryots, protecting th&ft from ik-ir enemies, the owJ> 



