_N.B._--I have deducted Rs. 8 for the first, Rs. 7 for the second, and Rs. 6 for the third, as the probable cost of putting in the manure, as it may have to be carried from the factory to the garden. If purchased after being placed between the lines (and if manure is bought of adjacent villagers they will so place it), the cost would be less.
The above table, of course, only applies to localities where cattle manure can be purchased at 3 annas per maund, including carriage to the factory.
The value of the extra yield of Tea is estimated at only Rs. 50 per maund in the above table, because the leaf which will give one maund of Tea is worth no more, as follows:--
Rs. A. P. Probable price obtainable for one maund or 80 lbs. Tea in Calcutta, at 14 annas a lb. all round (a fair calculation, one year with the other, if it is well manufactured). 70 0 0
Deduct cost, manufacture, packing, transport, and broker’s charges as set out in the chapter on “cost manufacture,” page 162 16 9 0 -------------- Value of leaf which will make one maund Tea 53 7 0 ==============
But I prefer estimating it at Rs. 50 only, to be on the safe side.
[22] It is brought and placed between the lines, in one garden in the Chittagong district, for one to two annas a maund!
When the idea existed, which it did once, that ploughs could be used to cultivate a garden between the lines, these latter, with this object, were placed unnecessarily wide apart.
All distances may be seen in different gardens, viz., 6 × 6, 6 × 3, 6 × 4, 5 × 4, 5 × 5, 4 × 3, &c., &c.
The plough idea has nowhere been found to answer, and is exploded.[23] Still, even for hand labour to cultivate, and for facilities in picking leaf, it is necessary there should be room enough one way to pass along. Cultivation here means digging, and space enough for this must be left between the lines. Giving so much, what is then the principle that should guide us? Clearly, with a view to the largest yield obtainable, to place as many plants on the land as it will bear.
Four or 4-1/2 feet are, I think, the best distances between the lines.
They give space enough for air to cultivate, and to pass along, even when the trees are full grown.
Where manure is obtainable and the soil can be kept up to a rich state by yearly applications, a garden can scarcely be planted too close.