30 
On the. Conditions of WTieai-Qrotmng in India. 
practised where tlie cliaracter of the soil will permit of this 
system. In the sanely soils of Marwat the seed is drilled 
three or four inches into the ground without any jireliminary 
ploughing. 
Manuring is practised if the cultivator can afford to do so, 
but chiefly only on well-watered lands. Canal-irrigated fields 
are nearly always cultivated without manure. Dakar or dar 
lands are considered rich enough to produce wheat without 
any manure. The degree of watering is indicated in the following 
paragraph regarding the Lahore district : — 
" In October the field is irrigated and ploughed twice, the gi-ain being 
dropped in at the last ploughing through a tube attached to the handle of 
the plough. The land is then smoothed by a rough roller called sohaga. 
After this the crop is irrigated once a month for three months, and periodi- 
cally weeded, if the cultivator can afford this ; manure is rarely used, never 
at any distance from the villages. The people say there is something special 
in the soil, that when good seed is obtained it yields a good crop the first, 
and perhaps the second year, but afterwards deteriorates." 
This same opinion, that without manure or a rotation ot 
crops the soil deteriorates if wheat be continuously reared on 
it, prevails over the greater part of India. In Jullundur the 
ploughing is begun much earlier than we have indicated — the 
first ploughing taking place in January or February. 
With reference to enquiry as to the period land has been 
under wheat-cultivation in the Panjab, instructive replies have 
been received. 
" Wheat is considered the strongest crop, and to maintain the productive 
power of the land it is necessary to change this crop for some other, such as 
jowar (the larger millet), wheat being sown the second year." 
" Carefully manured land can remain for five or six years under 
wheat." 
The report on Rohtak states that " the lands now growing wheat have 
been so used for a long time." 
Of Jullundur the District Officer writes, " There is no reason to suppose 
that the land has deteriorated from over-cropping. Except in highly 
manured lauds, wheat is grown year after year." 
As to deterioration of soil the opinions recorded are decidedly 
opposed to this. But one officer writes, " it is unquestionable 
that the finest crops are raised on lands newly brought under 
canal irrigation." 
About one third of the whole cultivated area of the Panjab 
is cropped with wheat. " Tlie acreage represented by this 
fraction is liable to considerable variation, due mainly to the 
character of the seasons, and the gradual increase of cultivation 
in gen(n-al." When this official statement is considered in the 
light of the available crops, it becomes apparent that fallow is 
necessary and understood, and that the people are well aware of 
the advantages of a change of crops. When these facts are 
