s not so productive ordinarily in the vat, as that
obtained from spring sowings, and some think the quality of the
produce inferior. But there is no expense of cultivation, and the
liabilities of the crop to failure are such a discouragement to cost
and labor in rearing it, that the October sowing is followed by most
planters who can obtain suitable land. The second period of sowing
is the spring, with the first rains of March, or even the end of
February. The land having been measured and placed under its slight
course of tillage during the two or three preceding mouths, is sown
broadcast as soon as the ground has been well moistened, or even in
prospect of approaching rain. The quantity of seed used for this
autumn sowing is generally more than what is considered requisite
for spring sowing; six seers at the former and four at the latter
season per biggah, in Bengal, is the quantity usually allowed.

Some cultivators commence the autumn sowing as early as at the close
of September, or as soon as the low lands are in a state to permit
the operation after the inundation has subsided. This seed time may
be said to continue until the end of December, and the crops from
these sowings often yield an average produce, if the lands are not
very low and wet. If they are, the sowing had better be delayed
until January, or even February, for the crops from these latter
sowings are usually the most productive, and the dye obtained from
them the finest. The object for thus delaying the sowing is, that
the young plants may have a more genial season for vegetation. Those
who prefer sowing earlier, and yet are aware of the importance of
saving the young plants as much as possible from the comparative low
temperature of the season, sow some other crop with their indigo.
Til, the country linseed, is good for this purpose in high lying
soils. But I never knew an intermixture of crops that was not
attended by inconveniences and injuries more than was compensated by
the advantages gained.

The success of sowings during March and April is very doubtful. It
depends entirely upon the occurrence of rain, which in those months
is proverbially uncertain. If the season should be sufficiently wet,
the sowing may be performed in May; but a June sowing is very rarely
remunerating. The rains setting in during the