ch
mixed with particles of clay-slate, which have crumbled down from
the adjoining rocks. I believe these plantations are rarely
irrigated, and the land is steep enough to prevent any stagnant
water from remaining about the roots of the plants.

3_rd. Appearance and health of plants_.--Most of the bushes here are
fully grown, and in full bearing, and generally in good health. On
the whole, I consider these plantations in excellent order.

BHEEMTAL PLANTATIONS.

The lake of Bheemtal is situate in latitude 29 deg. 20 min. north,
and in longitude 79 deg. 30 min. east. It is 4,000 feet above the
level of the sea, and some of the surrounding mountains are said to
be 8,000 feet. These form the southern chain of the Himalayas, and
bound the vast plain of India, of which a glimpse can be had through
the mountain passes. Amongst these hills there are several _tals_ or
lakes, some flat meadow-looking land, and gentle undulating slopes,
while higher up we have steep and rugged mountains. It is amongst
these hills, that the Bheemtal tea plantations have been formed.
They may be classed under three heads, viz.--

1_st. Anoo and Kooasur plantations_.--These adjoin each other, are
both formed _on low flat land_, and together cover about forty
acres. The plants do not seem healthy or vigorous; many of them have
died out, and few are in that state which tea plants ought to be in.
Such situations never ought to be chosen for tea cultivation. The
same objection applies to these as to those at Deyra, but in a
greater degree. No doubt, with sufficient drainage, and great care
in cultivation, and the tea plant might be made to exist in such a
situation; but I am convinced it would never grow with that
luxuriance which is necessary in order to render it a profitable
crop. _Besides, such lands are valuable for other purposes_. They
are excellent rice lands, and as such of considerable value to the
natives.

2_nd. Bhurtpoor plantation_.--This plantation covers about four and
a half acres of terraced land on the hill side, a little to the
eastward of those last noticed. The soil is composed of a light
loam, much mixed with small pieces of clay-slate and trap or
green-stone, of which the adjacent rocks are composed. It contains a
small portion of vegetable matter or _humus_. Both the situation