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In view of the large irrigation area in Krian, where rice can 
be grown under exceptionally favourable conditions, a series of 
experiments has been initiated to improve the methods of planting 
and cultivating rice. In order that, the Malay and other rice- 
growers in the district might be able to observe and learn the 
results shown by these experiments, a plot of land near the main 
road, situated in a central place at .Bagjan Serai, was selected. 
The field is at the north side of the road from Bagan Serai to 
Sungei Gedong, about £ mile from the Irrigation Engineer’s 
house. 
Mr. G. E. Shaw, 2nd Assistant District Officer, Krian, has 
taken a great interest in these experiments and with the Irrigation 
Engineer, Mr. Wilkinson, has kindly superintended the various 
operations. 
The following experiments were began in September last. 
In all the plots, except plot 7, Padi “ Saraup ” was used, this 
being the one considered best locally : » 
Plot 1. Planted as practised locally ; 
„ 2. Drilled ; 
„ 3. Planted more thickly ; 
,, 4* )) less ,, ^ 
,, 5. Manured with phosphate manure; 
,, 6. Selected seed ; 
„ 7. Ceylon selected seed. 
These experiments are not intended to radically change the 
present methods of cultivation but to show to the padi-growe*s 
that methods may be improved and crops increased. It is 
intended to try alternate crops of leguminous and other plants 
on these plots and show the advantage of growing a plant which 
does not take much out of the soil, instead of allowing it to 
" drop down ” to weeds- 
Regular irrigation is of great value and in preventing the 
attacks of various evils. If water can be applied at the right time 
the larvae of many non-aquatic pests are destroyed, and some of 
the pests whose larvae are aquatic are destroyed by taking the 
water from the land at the right time. 
A report of these experiments will be published when they 
have been continued long enough to give definite results. Their 
object is not to show that by entirely altering present methods 
of cultivation, with probably increased expense and labour, a 
large and profitable return can be gained, but to encourage the 
gradual improvement of existing methods of padi cultivation. 
