55 
Containing nitrogen 
Equal to ammonia 
0‘98 
ri9 
f Containing — 
Silica 
Lime 
Magnesia 
Potash 
Phosphoric acid 
Phosphoric acid equal to tri- 
roq 
I '09 
Q‘2 1 
0*89 
027 
basic phosphate of lime 
0'58 (Rawson) 
Rawson gives the actual’ money value of the “seet” from I0» 
maunds ( = 8,000 lb.) of green plant as amounting to Rs. 37. 
Fron an outurn of 3 2 >°00 lb. of green plant per acre we may 
therefore expect, in addition to the dye, a residual manure worth Rs. 
148. The amelioration of the soil, as a concomitant of indigo 
cultivation, has been recognised as one of the most important 
elements of the industry in India, and should receive the same 
recognition in Ceylon. 
I trust that the data I have given will draw the attention of 
Ceylon planters to the cultivation of a product which, even grown as 
a subsidiary crop, opens such large possibilities for the more success- 
ful cultivation of the present stable products of the Island . — Ceylon 
Observer , March 7, 1912. 
PRUNING. 
Pruning consists in removing any part of a tree, either stem,, 
brandies or root with a view to repressing its growth in one direction, 
and directing the course of sap towards other parts of the tree or 
shrub, etc, which are better situated and constituted for performing 
the natural functions. 
In this country, trees and shrubs generally, produce an over- 
abundance of branches, half of which are sufficient for all purposes 
required, decorative or otherwise. It is therefore essential that 
pruning be resorted to. By pruning I do not mean to infer that in 
the case of such trees as Cassia fistula, etc., wholesale, ruthless 
cutting out of branches is required, far from if, but if a few r of the 
weaker branches were removed, the sap which would have been 
utilised by the removed branches, is directed into the remaining 
branches, strengthening and enlarging them so that they are better 
able t ) continue the satisfactory growth of the tree. 
In fruit trees generally, pruning has a most beneficial effe t on 
the yield of crop, enlargement of the fruit, genera! productiveness of 
branches hitherto barren, and admission of more light and air to the 
remaining branches are some of the immediate results attained. 
