ON THE CULTIVATION OF OPIUM IN ARMENIA. 17 
mined by regarding the following indications. In the first 
place, it is observed that the leaves become yellow and the 
bright green of the capsules takes a reddish tinge; the 
operator then takes the precaution to incise a few of the 
capsules, and if the juice does not exude, or if it runs down 
the plant, or if the secretion is of a dark colour, he is 
assured that the proper time has not come : — But when 
he obtains a thick fluid, resembling milk in colour, he pro- 
ceeds immediately to collect the crop, as the least delay after 
this time lessens the amount which may be gathered. Hav- 
ing taken these precautions, the operator enters the field 
at break of day, and turning himself toward the east, he in- 
cises the capsules to the end of the first side of the field, 
moving backward toward the other side, that the juice which 
exudes on incision may not be wiped off by his clothes. 
The part incised ought to remain exposed to the sun, there- 
fore he continues in this position till noon, when he turns 
his face toward the west and continues the operation which 
is performed in the following manner. He introduces 
the index and middle finger of the left hand by the base 
of the corolla under the capsule, resting the thumb 
on the summit, and he incises across its breadth with his 
right hand, near the middle. The incision should be made 
carefully so as not to involve more than half the thickness 
of the capsule. If the incision is not deep enough, the juice 
does not flow ; if too deep, it runs down within instead of 
exuding. If the incision is properly made, the juice ap- 
pears soon afterwards, in tears, about the colour of milk or 
sometimes of a brown colour ; the sun thickens it and imparts 
to it a red tint, 
An instrument has been recently invented in Armenia for 
incision, resembling a lancet, with which a workman can 
operate with uniformity and precision with his eyes shut. 
The next day the laborer resumes his operations upon 
the remainder of the capsules, and when the heat begins to 
be felt, if the atmosphere is without fog, proceeds to collect 
2* 
