( 6 ) 
sown in dry nurseries; that is, in soil which is 
not subject to inundation, though under certain 
conditions wet nurseries with two or three trans- 
plantations are employed. Planting is practically 
always done in 4 — 6 inches of water. The water 
helps the seedlings to stand erect until new roots 
have been formed, and is retained on the land until 
6 — 8 weeks before harvest. 
In very soft areas ploughing is dispensed with, the 
only cultivation given being a thorough clearing 
away of weeds and grasses. In many places a 
forked iron rod is used to assist in planting seedlings, 
to ensure that their roots are pushed well into the 
soil, and at the same time to obviate excessive 
stooping. Otherwise all planting is done by hand. 
The usual planting distance is 14 by 14 inches. 
(b) Dry There are, broadly speaking, two forms 
Rice of dry cultivation. In the more com- 
Cultivation, mon method the land is simply cleared 
of bush frequently burned over, and 
no attempt is made to remove large stumps or to 
till the land. Seed is sown, 4 or 5 seeds per hole, 
in holes about 2 inches deep spaced some 14 inches 
apart, the holes being made by a blunt ended pole. 
In the other form of dry cultivation the land is 
thoroughly ploughed and crossploughed ; then raked, 
after which operation the seed is broadcasted at 
the rate of 6 — 8 gallons per acre. The crop is en- 
tirely dependent on rainfall for its moisture. 
