CHAP. IV.] WEST INDIES. iot 
That the richest soil produces the most luxuri¬ 
ant plant, and that good seasons accelerate its 
growth, cannot I think, be doubted; but, obser¬ 
ving its long tap-root, and spontaneous growth in 
almost every dry and barren savannah, I am con¬ 
vinced it will thrive on soils that are fit for nothing 
else. The longest dry weather will not totally kill 
it; though much water will have that effect, if 
suffered to remain long on tire plant. 
The cultivation and manufacture are conducted 
in the following manner: 
The land being properly cleared of weeds, &c, 
is hoed into small trenches of two or three inches 
in depth, and twelve or fourteen inches asunder; 
in the bottom of which, the seeds are strewed by 
the hand, and covered lightly with mould; but as 
the plants shoot, the field must be frequently 
weeded and kept constantly clean, until they rise 
and spread sufficiently to cover the ground. A 
bushel of seed is sufficient for four or five acres 
of land. 
In the West Indies, the best season for planting 
is supposed to be the month of March, but the 
plant will flourish at any other period; and if sown 
in new land, will come to full blossom (and it is then 
\n perfection) in about three calendar months. In 
the southern provinces of America, the season for 
planting depends greatly on the nature of tlm 
spring, which varies much in those countries. If 
