746 
Supplement to the ^'■Tropical Apnculturistl 
[April I, 1891. 
aud thus tlie desirable qualities of both can be 
preserved. This is about the best use of this 
mode of jn-opagatioii. ‘ Grafting by approach,’ in 
which the complete separation of the scion from 
the parent is effected after the former has begun 
to draw sap from the stock, recommends itself as 
the surest method. The best time for grafting 
is when the vine breaks into leaf after pruning 
and the shoots have grown about two feet. 
E. T, Hoole. 
Ilaputale, 18th March 1891. 
(2'o be continued.) 
— ■ » 
AGEICULTUEAL LITEEATUEE AMONG THE 
ANCIENT INDIANS. 
By 17. A. De Silv'^a. 
The Eishis and Pandits of India who flourished 
during the earlier ages cultivated many 
a branch of science met with in the ijresent 
day. Astronomy, chemistry, planetology, 
medicine, &c., formed themes for many a 
volume. The ancient Hindus were great obser- 
vers of nature, and no branch of Natural Science 
escaped their observation, and the phenomena 
of nature they tabulated and wrote treatises on, 
mostly in verse ; this being more adapted for 
the system of learning (committing to memory) 
then in vogue. 
Printing was an unknown art then, and 
copies of these great works were possessed by 
only a few, either pupils of, or descendants of, 
the authors. Copying was attended with great 
difficulty, and the language and style was such 
that a single omission or addition of a letter 
or syllable was sufficient to greatly alter the 
original ideas. 
It must be admitted that there are a good 
many incongruities in the writings of these ancient 
philosophers ; but while some of these may 
have occurred in the original works, there is 
no doubt that many must have crept in in the 
frequent process of transcribing the treatises. 
Some of the observations on the cultivation 
and treatment of different products may appear 
absurd to the modern agriculturist, but there 
is on the other hand a good deal on the 
subject of Agriculture that quite corresponds 
with modern theories and practices. 
I shall notice here some observations on 
gardening given in the Briliat Samhita, an 
ancient Sanscrit work by Varahamira, who is 
said to have lived in the fourth century of 
the Christian era. 
A''arahamira, in the introduction to his work 
says: — “Having examined the vast works that 
have proceeded from writers from the time of 
Brahma downwards, I purpose to write a brief 
work embodying the substance of the same. 
'J'lie task is a jjleasing one to me.” In this 
work he lias devoted a chapter to Agricultun', 
and from the ahove jiassage it is clearly seen 
that Varaliamii'a’s work was not composed of 
oiigiiial information, Imt was compiled from 
other ancient works. 
In this work, the soil and its preliminary 
treatment is refemal to as follows: — “Soft soil is 
congenial to the growtli of all trees; such a 
soil shonhl be selected for the garden, and the 
0;samum jfluul (gingelly) should be llrst grown 
in it; as soon as the plant begins to bear 
blossoms it must be cut down.” 
The first i^riece of advice given here, that of 
growing gingelly on the soil and destroying it just 
as it flowers would appear to be absurd to 
those who are unacquainted with scientific 
agriculture. But this is evidently intended to 
prove the necessity of manuring, and to show 
that green manure is useful in a soft soil, 
and besides points out the principles of green 
manuring, by advocating the growth of a pod- 
bearing. (in this case not leguminous) quick 
growing plant, with succulent leav’es and stem, 
containing a good i^ercentage of nitrogenous 
matter. The time of cutting down the plants 
is also rightly given, — “ just as they begin to 
flower.” In fact no better plant adopted for 
green manuring, and no better method could 
be advocated. 
Then follows two passages in which certain 
directions are given regarding the propagation 
of plants. The first gives the names of some 
of the principal trees which are grown from 
seeds ; the second runs as follows: — The jak, the 
asoka, plantain, jambu, breadfruit, pomegranate, 
vine, citron, &c., should be grown by planting 
either their roots after clipping them, or their 
branches smearing cowdung on the parts cut.” 
The above trees are more or less successfully 
grown by division or by cuttings, and the 
recommendation to smear cowdung on the parts 
cut is an excellent one, through the neglect of 
which many . failures occur at the present day. 
It need not be cowdung, but any substance 
to prevent the rapid evaporation of the sap and 
the rotting of the parts cut that should be used. 
Speaking of the best seasons for growing 
certain plants the author says : — “ Trees that grow 
without branches shall be grown in Sisira season ; 
and in the Hemanta shall be grown trees that 
grow without branches ; in the Vasantha season 
shall be grown trees possessing good trunks. 
The year is divided into six seasons by the 
Indians, each consisting of two months, thus, 
the Sisira season extends from the middle of 
December to the middle of Eebruary ; Hemantha, 
from October to December ; and Vasantha from 
February to April.” 
Then the author proceeds to give the space 
that should be left between plants ; this is of 
very great importance, seeing the neglect of this 
important operation among our native agricul- 
turists, though they were taught by their ancient 
and honored philosophers to adopt a suitable 
plan. The passage runs as follows: — 
“An interval of twenty cubits between trees 
is the best, one of sixteen is passable, and one 
of twelve is injurious.” 
“The trees that are planted very near each 
other get their branches interwoven as well 
as their roots, and such trees get choked and 
do not grow well.” 
The importance of irrigation and the desira- 
bility of watering trees whenever the soil is dry is 
forcibly laid down ; and the names of some of 
the trees which thrive on wet soils is also given ; 
among the list we find jambu, rattan, nauclea, 
Xmmegranate, Adne, emberalla, jak, &c. 
I shall reserve for my next a notice of the 
cause and treatment of jilant diseases and of 
special manures and preparations Avhich produce 
variations in fruiting, groAviug, &c. 
