Cannabis Usage in 19th Century India: Conditions Suitable for Cannabis Cultivation

Questions on the subject by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission 1895

5. What special conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, elevation above sea level, etc., are necessary to the growth of the wild hemp?

13(b) Are there any special conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, elevation above sea-level, etc., which are necessary for the cultivation of hemp for producing ganja? 

My thoughts on the subject

The above two questions aim to understand the conditions necessary for the growth of wild cannabis and cultivated cannabis. From the replies to the questions, the findings of the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission in 1895 reveal that cannabis grows wild mostly to north of the Ganga whereas it is cultivated, more or less, across the entire country. For more information on areas of cannabis wild growth and cultivation, please see Areas of cannabis cultivation and wild growth in 19th century India.  In summary, it appears that there are nearly no restrictions with regard to the climate, soil, rainfall or elevation above sea level when it comes to cultivating cannabis. It can be grown nearly anywhere. While it is stated that cannabis from the hilly regions seemed to be of higher quality (read as potency), it is also stated that cannabis cultivated in the plains, such as Baluchar and Rajshahi ganja, were also considered excellent. When we go through the findings of the Commission with regard to question 5 and question 13(b), we can understand how the cannabis plant is a truly versatile plant, capable of growing in diverse conditions. It is said that the plant sprouted even in places where the seeds were casually scattered, such as dung or refuse heaps, outside houses in the villages. This explains why cannabis was so pervasive across India in the 19th century and how its versatility contributed to its being the most popular recreational drug, as well as a key agricultural crop, in the India of the 19th century prior to its prohibition. The evidence also shows that once the curbs on the plant are removed, how it can quickly and easily regain its position as India's premier recreational drug, as the key medicine in India's medicine chest, as a valuable agricultural crop for farmers (especially the poor and small farmers) as well as a key raw material for sustainable economic development and industry. All this means that cannabis can easily be the cornerstone for India's sustainable developmental strategy in the face of the greatest threat to humans - runaway climate change and its adverse effects. India is cannabis country...

Summary findings of the Commission regarding conditions for cannabis cultivation and wild growth.

The following sections are the summary findings of the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission of 1895 with regard to the conditions suitable for cultivation and wild growth of cannabis across India.

27. He [B. C. Basu, Assistant to the Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Bengal] says that the growth as a rule "is confined to land in the immediate vicinity of raiyats' holdings. Such land is usually called dihisar in Purnea and Bhagalpur, and is naturally the richest in the village." He says further on that these lands are used as standing ground for the cattle, and that "the washings from them flow over the alleys and ditches in the village; and as there is little or no cultivation at any time of the year, every bit of bare ground which is otherwise suited is covered with a luxuriant mass of wild hemp as soon as the cold weather has set in." The Commission would have been glad to learn more about the lands at a distance from houses. The Collectors of Purnea and Bhagalpur, while confirming Mr. Basu's account, report that the growth springs up notwithstanding that the lands may have been flooded for 3 or 4 months in the rains. It is not confined to waste lands, but comes up with the crops which are sown after the inundations have subsided. It is specially abundant within the influence of the floods of the Kosi river. It is clear then that the growth about homesteads and cultivation is extremely plentiful; and, looking to the whole evidence, the probability is that towards the Terai the wild growth is found in less close association with man, and in great quantity in suitable positions and soils. The Collector of Bhagalpur reports that in the Banka Sub-division, which lies on the south of the Ganges, the growth is not so plentiful, and is found principally on homestead lands.

Conditions favourable to the wild growth.
86. It will be seen from the description of cultivation in Bengal that the seeds will only germinate properly if the nursery is kept thoroughly dry and the rainfall is not excessive. And throughout the growth the plant prefers a light, permeable, well drained soil. Similar evidence is furnished by the facts connected with cultivation in the Central Provinces and Bombay and the direct testimony of witnesses in answer to the latter part of the Commission's question 13. The soil need not be rich for the mere growth of the plant, for it will be found on a ballast heap as well as a dunghill. The essential conditions noted above are present in the Himalayas with the additional encouragement of a moderate temperature. If the rainfall should sometimes be tropical and excessive, it is carried off rapidly, and the seed or seedling has every chance of surviving it. The seed seems to germinate at the elevation of Simla in May and June, and it has five or six or seven months to grow and ripen its seed before the frosts come upon it. In the Himalayan submontane tract the seed germinates in November or December, i.e., after the excessive moisture of the monsoon has sunk away from the surface soil, leaving it light and friable. The growth is favoured by the light cold weather rains, and does not meet with any very trying conditions unless it wanders very far from the shelter of the mountains. If it does, it will in all probability be burnt up by the fierce dry heat of the months from March to May or June. Protected by the mountain and forest air, it survives to ripen its seed, or perishes with the advent of the monsoon. The plant is not regular as to the time of germinating, and it seems to be later in the Assam Valley than in Hindustan. But in the same patch of growth plants will be found in all stages from the seedling to the flower, if not the seed bearer.
 
Conditions unsuitable to the wild growth prevailing in other parts of India.
87. It is evident that throughout India outside the demarcated region there must be conditions unfavourable to the spontaneous growth. They may be conditions of permanent unsuitability or recurring vicissitudes. Probably both operate to keep the growth in check. In a very general way may be indicated heavy soils, short seasons with severe alternations of dryness and moisture, extreme drought as in Baluchistan, Sind, and Rajputana, excessive and continuous rain as on the Western Ghâts, and seasons of abnormal drought or abnormal moisture. Where, as in Travancore, the plant is alleged to reproduce itself, an unusually wet season may operate as a very effectual check to extension of the growth, either eliminating it for the time, or thrusting it back into a few well-drained localities.

156. Hemp is an exhausting crop, and requires a light, well-drained soil. It appears that there is but a limited quantity of thoroughly suitable ground in the Ganja Mahal, and that there is a tendency to abandon the outlying lands and concentrate the cultivation about Naogaon. The ganja plant is reared in a seed bed or nursery and planted out into the field. The field is selected between January and the middle of March, and must be one which has lain fallow, or has borne nothing but light crops, such as pulses or mustard, during the two previous years. It must not be overshadowed by trees. It is first ploughed to remove weeds and stubble as thoroughly as the cultivators' means will allow. In April and May the field is liberally dressed with fresh surface earth from surrounding lands, the quantity used depending on the quality of the field. The turf and weeds on the sides of the field are next dug up in clods and thrown on to the field, the holes thus made being filled up with earth from the ditches. The field is thus cleaned to its extreme boundaries, and the weeds utilised as dressing for the land. In this process a small bank about nine inches high is raised round the field. The fresh earth added to the field becomes desiccated in a week or so, and then cow-dung manure is added and the field well ploughed again. From this time till September ploughing, followed by harrowing with the bamboo ladder, is carried out from time to time, the belief being, as Babu Hem Chunder Kerr says, that the oftener the land is ploughed the better is the crop. A channel is made to keep the field well drained.

The nursery conditions requisite to the germination of seed and growth of seedlings.
157. The details given by Babu Hem Chunder Kerr regarding the selection of the seed bed have special interest in connection with the subject of the spontaneous growth. He writes: "A plot of land near the homestead of the cultivator is generally made available for a nursery, and the people in order to make themselves sure of its dryness always make a point of using those lands only in which a tuberous-rooted, grass-like vegetable called matha (Cyperus rotundus, L.) grows. The growth of matha is, in their opinion, a sure sign of the land being quite dry." In another place Babu Hem Chunder Kerr says: "The nursery or seed bed consists of a plot of high, light, sandy loam." The selection of this plot is made in May, and as soon as one or two showers have fallen it is ploughed. The ploughing is repeated three or four times each month till August. The object is complete pulverisation of the soil, and, if necessary, the bamboo ladder in addition to the plough is passed over the land for this purpose. Manure is not used, and the land must be quite free of shade of any kind. The seeds are sown broadcast on a fine day after a ploughing, and the sowing is followed by harrowing to cover the seed. The bed is carefully drained. The following remarks from Babu Hem Chunder Kerr's report are quoted to show certain idiosyncrasies of the plant for the same reason that the previous verbatim extracts were made: "Seeds are not sown on either a rainy or even a cloudy day when rain is apprehended, as the wet ground rots them. Even if it rains three or four days after the seeds have been sown, most of the seeds are destroyed, as the earth gets hardened into a cake after the rain, and the germs cannot force their way through it. In such a case fresh seed has to be sown in another  nursery  again………… Nor is the grass weeded out at any time after the sowing of the seeds. They are also never irrigated. The cultivators are of opinion that the growth of grass in the seed beds is beneficial to the young plants, inasmuch as it protects the latter from the action of the wind.

185. The average rainfall of the tract in which ganja is cultivated is 33 inches. The soils which are considered most suitable to the crop are— Pandhar, or white soil—land near the village site which is largely mixed with ashes and sweepings from the village; Mand—a light yellow alluvium pervious to moisture; Kali—black soil or regur. The first two are the best; the last is too stiff if the season happens to be very wet. The seed is specially cultivated in fields apart from the ganja, and in this the practice differs from that of Bengal, where the seeds which fall from the ganja in the process of preparation are kept for sowing. The seed of Dhakalgaon, a village in Indore territory, is considered the best, and fetches double the price of other seed. It gives a stouter and more branching plant than the local seed. The same fields are used year after year for hemp cultivation, and it is thought sufficient to manure heavily once in three years. Here again the practice differs essentially from that of Bengal, where the land will only grow hemp every three years, and heavy manuring is required each time it is sown. The manure used in Khandwa consists of household refuse, cow-dung, and ashes, and is given to the land at the rate of sixteen to twenty cartloads per acre. The crop is sown about fifteen days after the first good fall of the south-west monsoon, i.e., in June or July. If the field is not under any crop, it is ploughed in January or February, and in any circumstances it is thoroughly worked up in April or May. The latter is the season for manuring if it is the turn of the field to be manured, and two ploughings and two applications of the bakhar—an instrument which serves the purpose of a harrow—are considered necessary between this time and the sowing. The seed is sown on a sunny day by means of a bamboo drill (sarta), which is used in combination with the bakhar. The seed germinates within a week, and in twenty days the plants have reached the height of about nine inches. The spaces between the furrows are then cleaned with the bullock hoe (kolpa), and between the plants in each row with the gardening hand-implement called khurpi, the plants being thinned out at the same time, so that they shall stand six or nine inches apart. The weeding process goes on for a month, and during it the lower leaves of the plants are removed. There is no transplantation at any time.

Notes from experts on conditions suited for cannabis cultivation

MEMO. BY BRIGADE-SURGEON-LIEUTENANT-COLONEL G. KING, M.B., L.L.D., F.R.S., C.I.E., DIRECTOR OF BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA.
1. The plant familiarly known as Indian hemp (Cannabis sativa, L.) is really wild in no part of British India. But in all parts of India, and also in Upper Burma, plants of it may be found growing without cultivation near villages and gardens where hemp is at present, or has in former times been cultivated. In botanical phraseology, hemp is found in India, not as an indigenous plant, but as an escape from cultivation. 2. By physical conditions, I understand soil and climate. As regards soil, the drug yielding variety is (as I am informed by Dr. Prain) grown on a large scale, and as a regular crop, only in Rajshahve, in some parts of the tributary mehals of Orissa, and in some parts of Central India. The soils of the tracts where it is so grown have not, so far as I am aware, been analysed chemically; physically they are known to be friable and well drained. Soil, however, does not appear to be a matter of much importance in the growth of the resin yielding hemp. For, with careful cultivation, it can, I understand, be grown as a garden crop in any part of India. At elevations below 2,000 feet, the difficulty of cultivation is very slight; from 2,000 to probably 9,000 feet there is no difficulty whatever. At higher elevations than the latter it does not appear to be much grown. As regards climate there is little to be said beyond that a period of continuous dry weather, extending over three or four months of the year, is essential, and that temperatures like those prevailing in the middle zone of elevation in the North-Western Himalaya appear to be the most favourable for the development of the drug.


REPORTS BY MR. B. C. BASU, ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND RECORDS AND AGRICULTURE, BENGAL, ON THE SPONTANEOUS GROWTH OF THE WILD HEMP PLANT IN THE DISTRICTS OF BHAGALPUR AND PURNEA.
With reference to your letter No. 333, dated 29th ultimo, I have the honour, in the absence of Mr. W. C. Macpherson, Officiating Director of Land Records and Agriculture, on tour, to submit the following report on the spontaneous growth of the wild hemp plant in the districts of Bhagalpur and Purnea. The statements contained in this report are based on my personal observations and enquiries conducted in different parts of these districts. For this purpose I visited a large number of villages in Purnea and north Bhagalpur. I was informed by the Excise Deputy Collector of Bhagalpur and other gentlemen whom I had the opportunity of consulting on the subject that the bhang plant grows rarely on the hard reddish soil of the South Gangetic division of the Bhagalpur district, and for this reason, and also on account of the extremely short time within which I was required to submit my report, I was obliged to leave this tract of country out of the scope of my enquiries. 2. The prevailing soil of north Bhagalpur and of Purnea is of a more or less sandy character and of a light grey colour; loamy soils are occasionally found in the low rice lands, and clay soils are practically unknown. The different parts of these districts suffer unequally from floods. Some tracts enjoy complete immunity from floods; some are inundated only during short periods when the rivers rise very high, and even then a considerable area of each village remains above water, while in others the villages are completely inundated by water on all sides during the entire rainy season, the houses alone with little bits of elevated land adjoining thereto remaining above water. I tried to extend my enquiries to every typical tract of country in north Bhagalpur and Purnea, and I trust that what I have said below with regard to the spontaneous growth of the bhang plant will apply equally to the whole of these districts. 3. There appears to be some confusion about the right use of the terms "alluvial lands," "dearah" and " chur lands." "Alluvial land" is a very general term which applies equally to all lands that have been formed by the silting action of water. In fact, it includes almost the whole of Bengal proper and Bihar. By "dearah" or "chur" (which terms are synonymous) is meant land that is still in course of formation by fresh deposits of silt from a river which actually flows over it during the rains. It is unlike land which is inundated with the spill water of a river carrying with it little or no silt, and thus derives little addition or benefit from the inundation. In course of time, dearah lands may be sufficiently raised to get beyond the reach of ordinary floods; villages are settled on them, and gradually they lose their destructive character and merge into old alluvial lands. 4. The points on which the Commission have desired for information are: (1) The circumstances under which the hemp plant grows wild in those districts ? (2) If it grows on land that is submerged, for how long a period is such land submerged ? 5. To the second question I may reply at once that the plant will never grow in land that remains submerged under water during the rains. The floods of the Kosi come with sudden violence, so that it occasionally happens that the waters have reached the angiuas or quadrangles of the houses, and people have to wade through water in moving from one house to another. But this state of things ordinarily lasts for a day or two, and seldom for so long a period as seven days. The same is true of the floods of the Ganges, though they do not occur or subside with such suddenness as those of the Kosi. Bhang may grow on lands which undergo such short submersions, but I am satisfied that it will never grow on land that remains longer under water. The plant is essentially a weed of high and dry land. 6. I am not surprised that the evidence laid before the Commission was discrepant as to the question whether wild hemp grows on submerged lands or on the higher lands above the reach of floods. Very few of the villagers whom I questioned seemed to have any definite idea on the subject, some averring that hemp seed remaining in the soil retains its vitality for an indefinite time even when submerged under water, and that it sprouts as soon as the soil has become sufficiently dry after the subsidence of the flood, while others allege that the seed is bound to lose its germinating power under prolonged submersion. The following facts which I observed would, however, appear to lend support to what I have said above:— First.-The class of land on which the hemp plant grows in Purnea and Bhagalpur, as will appear later on, precludes entirely the possibility of long submersion under water. Secondly.—The plant is very often found to grow on the upper edges of deep ditches and other hollows which remain more or less full of water during the rains, but in no single instance could I discover a hemp plant growing on their bottoms and slopes which were nevertheless crowded with numerous weeds characteristic of a water-logged soil. The fact that the bhang plant grows in the greatest profusion and with the greatest luxuriance in those villages which suffer most from floods has doubtless given rise to the impression that it grows on land that remains under water for a long time. 7. The range of the plant being confined to the higher lands of villages above the ordinary flood level, it must not be imagined that it grows on every description of such lands. In fact the conditions under which it grows appear to me to be extremely simple. As a rule, it is confined to land in the immediate vicinity of the raiyats' homesteads. Such land is usually called dihisar in Purnea and Bhagalpur, and is naturally the richest in the village. It receives the dropping of the raiyats' cattle, which are kept tethered on it, as well as all kinds of house refuse and sweepings. It is almost invariably cropped with mustard and tobacco crops, which never flourish except on rich soil. In those villages, however, which suffer most from floods, the extent of such land is limited, and what little there is of it is seldom cultivated, but is used as standing room for the raiyats' cattle during the rains, and is left bare during the rest of the year. It would thus appear that a rich soil is essentially necessary for the growth of the hemp plant, and such soil is never found at a distance from the village site; the plant is practically confined to the immediate neighbourhood of the raiyats' homesteads. 8. I have said that wild hemp is generally associated with tobacco and mustard. The cultivation of these crops seems to afford conditions which are eminently favourable to the growth of bhang, and which are not afforded by the cultivation of any other crops grown in those districts. In the first place, the soils on which tobacco and mustard are grown are rich in manure, while the outlying fields, which grow different kinds of bhadoi and rabi crops (e.g., paddy, marua, indigo, rahar, etc., during the rains and kurthi, barley, gram, lentils, etc., during the cold weather), are never manured. In the second place, dihisar lands which bear tobacco or mustard are left wihout tillage till May or June, by which time the hemp plants have dried up and shed their seeds; these lands are invariably kept fallow during the rains for the benefit of the succeeding tobacco or mustard crop, and the raiyats being too busy with the cultivation and sowing of indigo, bhadoi, paddy and other rain crops, have no time to attend to the tillage of the dihisar lands until May or June. The outlying fields are, however, broken up after the first shower in Magh (January-February), and the hemp plant, even if it could once find a footing on such lands, would be eradicated before it had a chance of shedding its seeds. I have also noticed that the hemp plant grows at its best in the higher parts of sloping fields. On deserted house sites, a most favourable resort of this weed, it grows more luxuriantly over the top of the mounds than on the sides, and better over the sides than at the bottom. These facts would show that the plant affects well-drained soil and cannot bear a soil which remains over-charged with water for a long time. This may also account for the absence of bhang from outlying fields from which water does not flow off so readily as from homestead lands. 9. I found bhang growing most luxuriantly in those villages which are reduced to the state of little islands during the rainy season. These villages contain large areas of waste land which afford pasturage to enormous herds of buffaloes and cows during the cold and hot weather; and cattle-breeding is a regular profession with the villagers. The dihisar lands are used as buthan, or standing ground for the cattle, and thus get abundantly manured with cattle dung. The washings from these lands flow over the alleys and ditches in the village, and as there is little or no cultivation at any time of the year, every bit of bare ground, which is otherwise suited, is covered with a luxuriant mass of wild hemp as soon as the cold weather has set in. 10. The soil on which the bhang plant grows in Purnea and North Bhagalpur is invariably of a sandy character; in fact, as I have said before, there is little else but sandy soil in these districts in particular on the higher lands which form the village site. The hemp plant is known to require a loose sandy soil and a moist climate, both of which conditions are offered by the district of Purnea and the northern half of the Bhagalpur District. I cannot also help believing that the negligent character of the prevalent system of cultivation encourages the growth and spread of bhang. Thus I found that although tobacco is very largely grown in Purnea, very little care is bestowed on keeping the crop free from weeds. The young seedlings are transplanted early in Kartik, and after two or three weeks, that is, about the end of Kartik, the soil is lightly stirred up with a hoe, and bhang and all other. weeds are removed. Beyond this single cleaning, few cultivators would attempt to check the fresh growth of weeds. A fresh crop of bhang comes up in a short time and overspreads the field. It is in fact said that bhang comes up anew after each weeding during the cold weather, the roots throw up fresh shoots, and there are always some seeds in the soil ready for germination at any time during the cold weather as soon as circumstances permit. In North Bengal and in parts of Central Bengal, where tobacco forms a staple crop, the raiyat would never allow a single weed to appear in his tobacco field until the crop is actually reaped, and however favourable the conditions of soil and climate may be, it is certain that the bhang plant can never obtain a footing on land so carefully cultivated. 11. I have so far dealt with the circumstances under which the wild hemp plant grows spontaneously in Purnea and Bhagalpur. It is clear that the plant is never found on land that remains long under water, that it is as a rule found on homestead lands, such as are either cropped with mustard and tobacco, or are used as bathan for cattle. 12. There can be no doubt that Government is now foregoing what may prove to be an important source of excise revenue owing to the free use of bhang in those districts where the hemp plant grows in a state of nature, and, what is more serious is that no attempt is made to check the use of this noxious drug. The working man often stands in need of ganja, but bhang is the beverage of the comparatively well-to-do and lazy classes, and it is only reasonable that they should be called on to pay their share of taxation instead of altogether escaping from it, as is the case at present in many of the districts of North Behar. I have considered the possibility of exterminating the wild bhang plant, and if this can be done, as I believe it can, bhang may be grown under the same restrictions as ganja is at present cultivated in Rajshahi. I have said that the plant grows very seldom at a distance from the raiyats' houses, so that if the responsibility for eradicating the plant is thrown upon the immediate occupier of lands, I have little doubt that the weed can beexterminated in the course of a few years. If the plant grow like many other weeds in all circumstances of soil and situations, its extermination would be a work of great difficulty; but, confined as it is to lands immediately adjoining the raiyats' homesteads, its eradication need not entail undue hardship on the cultivators. The plant comes up in November and occupies the soil till May, and although each weeding causes fresh plants to come up, yet two or three weedings given in succession cannot fail to free the land for the year from this noxious weed. The point to be insisted upon is that the. plants should never be allowed to flower and seed. The seeds of the plant are easily carried from place to place; they are easily transported by wind and water, and cattle and goats, which occasionally browse on bhang, may drop seeds with their excrements in fields that may be previously free from the pest. The total extermination of the plant may therefore require several years of determined and continued effort. Efforts have been made from time to time to exterminate wild hemp in several police circles through the agency of village chowkidars, but they were of an extremely desultory character and consequently failed to produce the desired effect. In case it be decided to have the plant exterminated, I may suggest that an experiment may be made in a small isolated tract of country for two or three years in order to see if the plant can be wholly destroyed by a continued course of eradication.
In continuation of my letter No. 1258-A., dated the 18th instant, I have the honour to submit, for the information of the Commission, the following facts which came to my notice in the course of my enquiries with regard to the spontaneous growth of the wild hemp plant in Purnea and North Bhagalpur. 2. I could find no evidence of the hemp plant being actually cultivated in any part of Purnea and Bhagalpur: everywhere it came up as a weed. In some places, however, where the plant did not grow in abundance and would, therefore, seem to be an object of considerable value to bhang drinkers, I observed signs of its having been looked after with some degree of care. As a rule, the people of these districts could not distinguish between male and female plants, the leaves of both being used as bhang, but one man pointed out to me a plant which was a female and said that this class of plants produced the best drug. It is not uncommon to see a few selected plants, mostly females, left on the ground; these acquire a nice bushy appearance, not unlike that of the ganja-bearing plant. All this made me suspect that the people knew a great deal more about the bhang plant than they were willing to avow. 3. I was told by several persons, among them a European gentleman who has long resided in North Bhagalpur, that bhang is often used to adulterate ganja. I am unable to vouch for the accuracy of the statement, but if it be true it will furnish a strong argument in favour of the extermination of the hemp plant from those districts in which it grows spontaneously at present. 4. Besides yielding the intoxicant drug the wild hemp plant is used in Purnea and North Bhagalpur as fuel, and occasionally, though seldom, the green plants are twisted in the absence of other materials at hand into a rough sort of rope for binding bundles of wheat and barley and carrying them from the field to the threshing-floor of the field.

Individual witness responses.

Following is the evidence provided by individual witnesses to the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission of 1985 in response to the questions 5 and 13(b) listed at the beginning of this article. Many witnesses unfamiliar with the agriculture side of cannabis, such as Excise officers and Magistrates, have refrained from responding to the question. Responses with detailed information are mostly by those witness who have some knowledge regarding the cultivation aspect or know someone who has this knowledge.
 
5. I cannot say. Lower Bengal seems to suit it well 13 (b) I do not know. I should think all Bengal would be suitable. - Evidence of MR. E. V. WESTMACOTT, Commissioner, Presidency Division; late Commissioner of Excise, Bengal


5. I know of no conditions necessary to its growth, as it seems to grow throughout the province. - Evidence of MR. H. G. COOKE, Officiating Commissioner, Orissa Division


5. The wild hemp affects a high and comparatively dry site. No special conditions of climate or rainfall, or elevation above sea level, appear to be necessary, as it is seen to grow everywhere in Bengal. -  Evidence of MR. J. C. PRICE, Magistrate and Collector, Rajshahi


5. A damp climate and moist soil are favourable to the growth of the wild hemp plant. - Evidence of MR. F. H. BARROW, Magistrate and Collector of Bankura.


5. Bhang grows naturally in damp soil, but ganja has a peculiar tendency of growing in places where the soil is moist, and in places, of course, neat and clean and well cultivated. Generally high lands are selected for the growth of ganja, the site selected being open field, on which the shadow of no large tree can fall.  - Evidence of MR. A. C. TUTE, Magistrate and Collector of Dinajpur.


Question 5.—On the borders of Nepal there is a great deal of wild hemp; but it is nothing like so common here as in Assam. There it grows wherever a house had been. As a rule it was near the sites of old villages. I think you may be certain that there were houses some time wherever it is found, though raids may have cleared them away. I have never seen a large area covered with it. A patch would describe the largest area I have seen. Here, a gentleman I was driving with said it was grown everywhere, and he would show me it. He could not. The reason assigned for the failure was that the police had been rooting it up. But it is really rare in that part of the Darbhanga district.  - Evidence of MR. H. C. WILLIAMS,* Magistrate and Collector of Darbhanga.


5. I am unable to answer the question fully; but it appears to flourish in the alluvial tracts of Lower Bengal. - Evidence of the HON'BLE F. R. S. COLLIER, Magistrate and Collector, 24-Parganas.


5. Sterile land, moist climate, damp soil, and low ground are conditions favourable to the growth of the wild bhang. - Evidence of MR. G. E. MANISTY, Magistrate and Collector of Saran


5. It requires a damp climate. I don't know any more of its necessities. - Evidence of MR. J. KENNEDY, Magistrate and Collector of Murshidabad


5. The plant grows abundantly in low, damp, and soft soil. Excessive rain injures the plants and causes their leaves to lose narcotic properties - Evidence of MR. T. L. JENKINS, Magistrate and Collector of Dacca


5. The soil of this district is partly alluvial, partly laterite, and the plant grows on both. It is well known that the plant grows all along the Himalayas, in the uplands of Central Asia and all over India, although it is greatly affected by different conditions of climate. In the uplands the resin in which the narcotic principle resides exudes and is collected as charas; in the plains, where cultivated, it is found in the virginal female blossom, and when allowed to run to seed in the plains, it is found in the leaves, whence it is extracted in the form of bhang. In the Excise Manual, however, Section XIX, paragraph 3, page 152, siddhi is defined as the dried leaves of both sexes, whether cultivated or uncultivated. The preceding statement is, I believe, to be found in Babu Hem Chunder Ker's report, the only book of reference on the subject until Dr. Prain's recent report. Considerable quantities of charas are im¬ ported into the Punjab and the North-Western Provinces from Samarcand and other places, and probably some of this finds its way into Bengal. But all the statistics relating to this will be before the Commission. It used to be cultivated in the Jessore district, but the cultivation there was given up many years ago; I do not know for what reason; and the cultivation in these provinces is now confined within a ring fence in Northern Bengal. Rajshahi used to export a large quantity to the North-Western Provinces, but the export  has fallen off, as that province now gets its supplies from the Central Provinces, where it is more lightly taxed. It is believed to be cultivated in the Tributary States of Orissa, whence it is imported into Orissa under the name of Gurjat ganja. It is also, I believe, cultivated in Assam, and I have known good ganja smuggled into Noakhali from the neighbouring hill tracts, where it has apparently been grown. In Madras it appears to grow wild freely, but is not cultivated, taxed, nor consumed. That province consumes opium instead of ganja - Evidence of MR. L. P. SHIRRES, Magistrate and Collector of Midnapur


5. It grows either on the plains or at a slight elevation on hill sides. It is generally grown on a dry and loamy soil, and a damp soil does not suit it. I cannot say the height of elevation up to which it will grow. - Evidence of MR. E. H. C. WALSH,* Officiating Magistrate and Collector of Cuttack


5. A moist climate is beneficial to the growth of wild siddhi. - Evidence of MR. J. H. BERNARD, Offg. Magistrate and Collector, Nadia


5. The hemp plant grows best on light sandy soil, on high ground with moderate, but not excessive, rainfall. 13 A light sandy loam is most suitable for the growth of ganja. A heavy clayey soil is unsuitable. I believe that abundance of soil suitable for ganja cultivation could be found in many districts where no ganja is at present grown.  - Evidence of MR. A. E. HARWARD, Offg. Magistrate and Collector, Bogra


5. Generally speaking, the ganja plant does well in a moist alluvial tract of country, the same with bhang plants growing spontaneously - Evidence of Mr. C. A. S. BEDFORD,* Deputy Commissioner of Manbhum


5. The plant germinates at the beginning of the rains, and it grows only in manuredr ichs oil; but there is no wild hemp properly so called. 13 No special condition of climate, etc., necessary, except that the soil must be rich. It will not grow in gravelly, concrete, or sandy soil. - Evidence of RAI NANDAKISORE DAS, BAHADUR,* District Officer of Angul, Cuttack


5. It is said to grow in moist and shady places - Evidence of MR. W. MAXWELL, Sub-Divisional Officer, Jhenidah, District Jessore


5. No special conditions, excepting rich light soil, with sufficient moisture, appear to be necessary. The plant is indigenous in the hills of Northern India, and grows freely, producing flowers and seeds all over India, and, I believe, Asia - Evidence of MR. W.C .TAYLOR, Special Deputy Collector, Land Acquisition, East Coast Railway, and Pensioned Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Khurda, Orissa


5. The instances in which such plants were observed grew on bhitta lands, outskirts of human habitation. I could not exactly give the sea level. The soil was partially humid, and the spots where they grew were places where refuse of sweepings were thrown. - Evidence of BABU RAM CHARAN BOSE, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Alipur, 24-Parganas.


5. As far as known, lands subject to Gangetic inundation and sandy soil are best suited for the growth of wild hemp. - Evidence of MR. E. MCL. SMITH, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Sonthal Parganas.


5. Generally on sandy lands and on alluvial soil. - Evidence of BABU GOPAL CHUNDER MOOKERJEE, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Diamond Harbour.


5. Wild hemp grows in rather alluvial and moist, but not brackish, soil. - Evidence of BABU NAVIN KRISHNA BANERJI, Brahman, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Purulia, District Manbhum.


5. I have seen it growing wild both in damp and dry places, i.e., in the damp districts of Eastern Bengal, as also in the very dry district of Gaya. Moist soil is good for it. Soil mixed with manure promotes its growth. I have seen plants regularly watered grown exuberantly. In gardens and within houses also it grows up vigorously. - Evidence of BABU PRAN KUMAR DAS, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector and Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of Burdwan.


5. It grows in a moist climate. A soft soil, but not under water. The rainfall should not be excessive and no water should accumulate at the root of the plant. Elevation has no effect on the growth of the plant, for it grows on low as well as high lands. - Evidence of BABU GOBIND CHANDRA BASAK, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Brahmanbaria, Tippera District


5. Moist climate helps to the growth of the wild hemp plant. - Evidence of BABU DINA NATH DÉ, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Nadia.


5. I believe wild hemp may grow in any part of lower Bengal. The climate, soil, rainfall, elevation, etc., make very little difference in the growth of wild hemp. It begins to grow in the cold season, and dies as soon as the cold season is over. 13. Ganja could not be grown in low and marshy land. I think, for the proper growth of ganja plants, dry climate, mixed soil (sand and clay), high land and facilities for irrigation are necessary for producing ganja. I think it would be impossible to grow ganja in the districts bordering the sea and as well as in the high lands of the districts in the north and west of Bengal.  - Evidence of BABU GANENDRA NATH PAL, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Naogaon.


5. I believe it flourishes best on sandy soil mixed with clay and in humid climate. - Evidence of BABU GANGANATH ROY, Kayasth, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Chittagong.


5. It grows in temperate climate and moist soil -  Evidence of BABU JOGENDRO NATH BANDYOPADHYA, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jalpaiguri.


5. Not known. But a damp soil apparently encourages the wild hemp. - Evidence of BABU JAGA MOHAN BHATTACHARJYA, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector and Personal Assistant to Commissioner, Chittago


13.Ganja requires a cool moist climate for its growth. For the development of its flower-heads some amount of cold too is necessary. Hence most ganja plants in the plains do not ordinarily flower. - Evidence of BABU MANMOHAN CHAKRAVARTI, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jajpur, Cuttack, Orissa.  


5. In Bhagalpur the most luxuriant growth or bhang is in the North Gangetic tract, where the climate is somewhat damp, like that in Lower Bengal, and the soil is sandy. The places inundated by the Kosi and the Ganges grow abundant and splendid plants. I have no knowledge on the effect of rainfall for its growth. - Evidence of BABU NAVAKUMAR CHAKRAVARTI, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Jangipur, Murshidabad.


5. I have seen bhang grow wildly in the South Gangetic tract, north of the hilly range in low fallow soil. - Evidence of BABU HIRA LALL BANERJEE, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Monghyr.


5. Wild hemp grows most in alluvial lands saturated with moisture. - Evidence of MAULAVI ABDUS SAMAD, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Purulia, Manbhum.


5. I am unable to answer thy question fully, but it appears to flourish in the alluvial tracts of Lower Bengal.I think a soft loamy soil with adaptability for irrigation is necessary for the cultivation of hemp for pro¬ ducing ganja. Its cultivation would be impossible I think in marshy land - Evidence of BABU GUNGADHAR GHOSE, Excise Deputy Collector, 24-Parganas


5. These plants generally grow in temperate climate and moist soil. - Evidence of BABU PROKASH CHUNDER ROY, Excise Deputy Collector, Patna.


5. Districts of Monghyr and Bhagalpur. The climate is temperate, soil alluvial with basaltic rocky formation in the southern portion of the districts. The growth is scanty in the latter part. Rainfall ordinary. Elevation above sealevel slight. I do not consider any special conditions are necessary for the growth of bhang. - Evidence of BABU SURENDRANATH MOZOOMDAR, Brahmin, Special Excise Deputy Collector, Monghyr.


5. The wild plant of Orissa generally grows towards the close of the rains, and thrives well in a mild climate and loamy soil. Sandy and very moist soils are unsuited for its growth. Usual rains at intervals promote its growth. As regards elevation above sea-level, I have seen it grow on hill-tops as well as in the plains. So long as the soil is moderately dry and loamy, and the climate not very hot, the elevation above sea-level does not appear to affect its growth. Question 5 [oral evidence] —The plant does not grow wild in British territory as far as I know. But it does grow spontaneously throughout the Gurjat. I saw it growing wild in the three-mile belt, and I was told it grew wild beyond that limit. In one instance, I saw it growing in the jungle at one mile's distance from any house. There was only one plant, and it was by the side of a jungle path. I do not think it grows wild much within the three miles limit. Formerly there was prohibition to cultivation on the three-mile belt, and all the plants were uprooted. Still I was able to find some wild plants within the belt after the prohibition was withdrawn, and I infer that there must be more wild growth where no prohibition ever existed. - Evidence of BABU KANTI BHUSHAN SEN, Baidya, Special Excise Deputy Collector of Cuttack.


5. For the growth of the wild hemp the special conditions necessary are— Climate.—The wild hemp plant grows in damp and moist (as in river districts) climate. Soil.—It grows luxuriantly in moist, sandy soil richly manured with decomposed vegetable matter. It grows in damp, loose, soft soil, neither high nor low, and where it grows wild, the soil shows a natural disposition to produce it. It grows in soft, damp soil near cowsheds, where cowdung is deposited or thrown, and on low, damp, fallow lands attached to people's houses. In old abandoned houses and on the sites of old and abandoned indigo factories it grows dense. Where the ashes are thrown, and where vegetable matters decompose and are converted into manure, it grows luxuriantly. Sandy soil or soil covered over with silt after the subsidence of the floods (on the banks of rivers) contributes much to a rich growth of the plant. In 1890-91 there was a great flood in the ganja mahal, and more than 1,000 bighas of land were submerged, and plants mostly destroyed. But the surviving plants grew very luxuriantly, and the average outturn of ganja was 4 maunds 23½ seers per bigha, and the quality of the ganja was exception¬ ally good. Rainfall.—In years of excessive rainfall the plants are destroyed. If the roots remain under water for a few days, the plants die. In the rainy season the growth is rather stunted, and plants are destroyed altogether if there is accumulation of water at their roots. Elevation, etc.—Wild bhang growing on elevated places is not so luxuriant as in low lands. It is stunted. Leaves of plants growing on elevated and sunny places have more intoxicating properties. Bhang does not grow luxuriantly in the high lands of the Bhawal pargana in Dacca.(b) For special conditions necessary for the cultivation of the hemp plant for producing ganja, vide answer to question 5. Ganja can be cultivated in places where wild hemp plant grows. - Evidence of BABU ABHILAS CHANDRA MUKERJEE, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, on deputation as 2nd Inspector of Excise, Bengal


5. I have nothing more to say on this point than what is contained in Watt's Dictionary of Economic Products of India. It is, however, worthy of remark that sufficient observations and experiments have not yet been made on this point to get correct ideas. 13 Sufficient observations and experiments do not appear to have been yet made to study the conditions of climate and soil best suited for the cultivation of the ganja-producing hemp plant. The only broad fact is that the narcotic properties of the plant are developed when it is grown in the plains, whilst in the hills the plant is deficient in narcotic properties, but is valued for its fibre. - Evidence of BABU GOBIND CHANDRA DAS, Baidya, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Malda


5. Alluvial land has been found as the best soil for the growth of wild bhang. - Evidence of BABU NOBIN CHANDRA KAR, Excise Deputy Collector, Bhagalpur.


5. A dry climate, moist and low soil, and scanty rainfall are favourable to the growth of the bhang plant, but the plant grows on fertile soil if left fallow, whether it be high or low. - Evidence of BABU RAJANI PRASAD NEOGY, Excise Deputy Collector, Mymensingh.


5. I am not fully acquainted with the conditions; but this much I have heard, that rich and damp soil is favourable for its growth. - Evidence of GHULAM LILLAHI, Excise Deputy Collector, Ranchi, District Lohardaga.


5. I have seen the wild hemp growing in moist lands. I also saw it growing in some Bengal fruit gardens of ordinary Bengal level. The plant grows during or a little after the rainy seasons. 13(b) Damp lands not very low are especially suited for its cultivation - Evidence of BABU SURESH CHUNDRA BAL, Baidya, Special Excise Deputy Collector, Howrah.


5. I have ascertained from a work on materia medica in the Persian language that the plant grows both in plains and mountainous lands. I understand by experience that it grows spontaneously in Balsumbhi or Balsundar (mixed or sandy soil) land; and it is, I infer, from the character of this kind of soil, that both the ganja and the ganja-producing tract in Rajshahi are designated bálu-char (balu meaning sand, and char meaning alluvial land); and also in saliferous soil, which is deducible from the fact that the plant grows wild more or less in all the salt-producing districts in this division and in those of Bhagalpur and Rajshahi and in several such other districts in Bengal. It requires moderate climate for its growth; extreme moisture is prejudicial to it. It does not thrive in marshy land, nor does it require too much rain. High sandy and saliferous soil is necessary for its growth - Evidence of BABU ROY BRAHMA DUTT, * Kayasth, Excise Deputy Collector, Darbhanga.


5. Wild bhang grows in moist climates and in damp and sandy soil. Not much rainfall is needed - Evidence of BABU WOOMA CHARAN BOSE, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector; Manager, Raj Banaili, District Bhagalpur.


5. It grows generally on high land. - Evidence of BABU RASIK LAL GHOSE, Court of Wards' Manager, Dinajpur.


5. It seems that moist alluvial soil is suited to its growth. - Evidence of BABU GOUR DAS BYSACK, Retired Deputy Collector, Calcutta.


5. The plant grows wild generally up to an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level and is often abundant by the side of streams. - Evidence of BABU JOGENDRA NATH MOZUMDAR, Brahmin, Deputy Inspector of Excise, Darjeeling.


5. No special conditions of climate or soil, etc., are necessary to the growth of the wild hemp. I think it may grow anywhere in Lower Bengal. I think a soft loamy soil with adaptability for irrigation is best suited for producing ganja. Its cultivation, I think, would be impossible in marshy land and hilly country. - Evidence of BABU DIGENDRA NATH PAL, Kayasth, Deputy Inspector of Excise, 24-Parganas.


5. I believe no special conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, elevation above the sea level, etc., are necessary to the growth of the wild hemp. It may grow all over Bengal. It grows all the year round. It dies soon after flowering or as soon as seeds have ripened.13 Climate.—Dry climate is necessary for the cultivation of ganja. Soil.—Lands are always selected for the cultivation of ganja after looking into the convenience of irrigation. High and dry lands are necessary for cultivation. Low and swampy lands are unfit for it. Poli soil or light sandy loam is the best. The plants on the poli land grow very big, become sufficiently bushy, and bear forth thick stout ganja yielding flowers. The cultivation of ganja is mostly carried on on this kind of land. Kheary or clayey soil is not so good for ganja cultivation as poli. Kheary land is hard and dry. It requires more frequent ploughing and constant irrigation. The plants on the kheary land become generally of stunted growth, slender, and bear forth short, thin and scattered flowers. The colour of the ganja manufactured from them lends a reddish shade, and is liked by purchasers. Very little kheary land is cultivated, because the cost of cultivation becomes greater. Rainfall.—Moderate rainfall at all stages of cultivation from the transplantation of seedlings in September or October, to the flowering of the plants in December, is highly beneficial. But rain on the day of transplantation or the day following and after full flowering of the plants in December is baneful. I do not know in what part of Bengal the cultivation of ganja is impossible.  - Evidence of BABU SIR CHUNDER SOOR, Satgope, 1st Assistant Supervisor of Ganja Cultivation, Naogaon, Rajshahi.


5. It likes a light soil. - Evidence of MR. W. D. PRATT, District Superintendent of Police, Bhagalpur.


5. A sandy soil is necessary, and excessive rainfall is injurious. Both wild and cultivated plants appear to require these conditions, for the former is not to be found in clay or sticky soils. - Evidence of MR. W. C. FASSON, District Superintendent of Police, Bogra.


5. Humidity and sandy nature of the soil and copious rain. - Evidence of MR. F. H. TUCKER, District Superintendent of Police, Dinajpur.


5. I can't say what conditions of climate, &c., are necessary to the growth of the wild hemp, but I found it growing in elevated lands abundantly. It appears to require sun, free ventilation and a well drained soil. 13. The cultivation of ganja is restricted to the Naogaon subdivision and some villages of Bogra and Dinajpur, under the control of the Superintendent of Ganja Cultivation, Rajshahi. I am not in a position to say why the Naogaon subdivision has been selected. I should say that any part of the Bogra district would do as well; in fact, any well-drained area where a sufficient (but without an excessive) rainfall can be secured. I should have thought a cooler climate under above conditions would have been better. Naogaon is about the only dry place in this district.  - Evidence of MR. R. L. WARD, District Superintendent of Police, Rajshahi.


5. As far as I know, where there is little moisture of soil and the climate is mild, it tends its growth. - Evidence of BABU MATHURA MOHAN SIRKAR, Inspector of Police, Jhenida, District Jessore.


5. The Mahals alluded to vary from 200 to 1,500 feet above sea-level. They are liable to the same climatic influences as the Orissa delta, and the wild as well as cultivated hemp plant thrives in these Mahals. - Evidence of MR. H. P. WYLLY,* Government Agent at Keonjhar, Orissa.


5. It requires damp, loose soil, and mostly grows spontaneously near the sea and close to rivers. The cultivation of ganja requires very heavy dew, which does not fall here. It would be impossible to cultivate good ganja in Orissa. - Evidence of Mr. W. R. RICKETTS,* Manager, Nilgiri State, Tributary Mahals, Orissa.


5. The wild hemp plant grows generally in a moist climate and sandy soil. - Evidence of BABU JADUB CHANDRA CHUCKERBUTTY,B rahmin, Civil and Sessions Judge, Kuch Behar.


5. The elevation of the valleys above referred to is between 500 and 1,200 feet above sea-level. Soil—sandy and loose earth. The plant grows in the rainy season. - Evidence of BABU SREENATH CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Cashier, Public Works Department, Darjeeling Division.


13. The cultivation of hemp plant for ganja is restricted to the Rajshahi district. The district was selected as its soil was specially adapted for the growth of ganja. Dry and elevated soil is necessary for the growth of the plant. I am not aware what climatic conditions are required. Ganja loses much of its intoxicating properties if there be any shower in Pous and Magh, i.e., just before reaping the crop. I am not aware if the cultivation of ganja would be impossible in any district - Evidence of BABU HARA GOPAL DUTTA, Kayasth, Retired Excise Daroga, Mymensingh.


5. I have noticed it at about 5,000 feet above the sea level. It prefers a shady place, and is seen to have a liking for rubbish heaps in Bengal. It prefers a well-drained place, and is impatient of water-clogging. A light soil and a cool place are suited to it. The product, ganja, is better grown in Bengal; the leaf, siddhi, in the NorthWest Provinces, perhaps to the west of Delhi; and the resin, charas, in Nepal, Kashmir, and the Hills, a cooler climate and an elevated place developing the same. - Evidence of BABU PRATAPCHANDRA GHOSHA, Registrar of Calcutta.


5. The growth is dense or scattered according to the quantity of seeds that happen to fall on the ground by some chance or other. - Evidence of RAI KAMALAPATI GHOSAL BAHADUR, Brahmin, Pensioner, SubRegistrar and Zamindar, 24-Parganas.


5. It grows in low land in winter. - Evidence of ASSISTANT SURGEON BOSONTO KUMAR SEN, in Civil Medical Charge, Bogra.


5. The soil and climate of Rajshahi are peculiarly favourable for its growth from the fact that it grows every year in my compound, and has to be cut down as offensive jungle; but it was first sown there by my syce, who used the drugs - Evidence of REV. D. MORISON, M.B., C.M., M.D., Medical Missionary, Rampur Boalia.


5. It grows in sandy alluvial soil in winter. - Evidence of PYARI SANKAR DASS GUPTA, Baidya, Medical Practitioner, Secretary, Bogra Medical Society, Bogra.


5. No special conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, etc., are necessary; but it grows best on an elevation of from 4,000 to 7,000 feet above sealevel. 13. No special conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, elevation above sea-level, are necessary. There is none where its cultivation would be impossible - Evidence of PRASAD DAS MALLIK, Subarnabanik, Medical Practitioner, Hughli.


5. During the rainy season ganja may grow on land one cubit above sea level. Ganja does not grow on saline lands. It is for this reason that hemp plant grows in Rajshahi, but it does not grow in Backergunge. Cultivation is ordinarily necessary for the growth of ganja; but it may grow wild occasionally. - Evidence* of RAM CHANDER GOOPTA, Kabiraj, Barisal, Backergunge District.


5. It easily strikes one that a damp soil is favourable to the growth of the plant. In places where the soil is laterite, stray plants are not so common in Lower Bengal as in moist alluvial soils.  - Evidence of RAJA PEARY MOHUN MUKERJI, C.S.I., Zamindar, Uttarpara, Hughli.


5. Temperate climate, damp and sandy soil. 13 It cannot be grown on pure sand and land utterly devoid of sandy admixture. Please see my answer to question 5 - Evidence of MAHARAJA GIRIJANATH ROY BAHADUR, Kayasth, Zamindar, Dinajpur


5. The male hemp plant grows wild generally in an uncultivated land, and does not require specially good soil. -  Evidence of BABU RAGHUNANDAN PRASAD SINHA, Brahman, Zamindar, District Muzaffarpur.


5. It is said that damp soil is favourable to the growth of hemp. - Evidence of BABU NUNDO LAL GOSSAIN, Brahmin, Zamindar, Serampore.


5. As far as I know, wild hemp generally grows in a little dry and high land. - Evidence of BABU KALIKISTO SARKAR, Kayasth, Talukdar, Kasundi, Jessore.


5. I have no knowledge of what sort of climate, soil, rainfall, elevation that favour the growth of wild hemp. - Evidence of BABU JAGAT KISHOR ACHARJEA CHAUDHURI, Brahmin, Zamindar, Muktagacha, District Mymensingh.


5. I have invariably seen wild hemp grows on lands which are used as homestead land. No special conditions of climate, soil, or rainfall are necessary.  - Evidence of BABU KRISHNA CHANDRA RAI, Baidya, Government Pensioner and Zamindar, District Dacca.


5. They grow in abundance in low lands, just after the rains set in. - Evidence of BABU BEPIN BEHARI BOSE, Kayasth, Zamindar, Sridhanpur in Jessore.


5. It grows in a moist climate. A soft soil, but not under water. The rainfall should not be excessive, and no water should accumulate at the root of the plant. Elevation has no effect on the growth of the plant, for it grows on low as well as high lands. I have collected this much from the public. - Evidence of M. KAZI RAYAZ-UD-DIN MAHAMED, Zamindar, Commilla, Tippera.


5. We cannot fully answer. Bhang needs damp climate and sandy soil. - Evidence of BABU KALI PRASAD SINGH, Rajput, Zamindar, District Bhagalpur.  


5. Ganja is not grown here, but bhang grows in bhit lands. - Evidence of BABU GOPAL SINGH, Zamindar, Kumarsar, Bhagalpur.


5. It grows in moist and shady places. - Evidence of MR. F. G. GIBSON, Indigo Planter, Jessore.


5. Any elevation below 3,000 feet and a soil having a little vegetable mould in it may, in my opinion, help the growth of this plant, the rainfall and climate, as a rule, not being of very special importance. - Evidence of MR. JOHN D. GWILT, Tea Planter, Longview Company, Limited, Darjeeling.


5. In low-lying lands and moist climate. - Evidence, of MR. JNO. RUDD RAINEY, Proprietor of "Khulna Estate," Khulna.


5. Without sufficient scientific knowledge it would be hazardous to try to answer this question. But what I can say from my own experience, is that high lands, on which water does not rise even in years of highest flood, are congenial to the growth of the wild hemp. - Evidence of BABU SASI BHUSAN ROY, Manager, Dubalhati Raj Estate, Rajshahi District.


5. No special conditions of soil or climate are necessary; it grows anywhere abundantly.  - Evidence of Mr. H. M. WEATHERALL, Manager, Nawab's Estate, Tippera


5. I have no means to ascertain this; but as far as it has come under my observation, it is indigenous in Tirhut and the western and northern parts of Bengal proper, and in the northern part of Behar. It evidently needs rich alluvial soil, moderately moist - Evidence of the REV. PREM CHAND, Missionary, B. M. S., Gaya.


5. As far as I know, the hemp plant does not spontaneously grow in low lands, or in very dry and hard soil; its growth does not seem to me to depend very much upon rainfall, as I have seen wild hemp plants to grow usually in what were known as seasons and years of general drought. Lands fit for cultivation of paddy are not congenial to the growth of the plant. 13. I think there are some special conditions under which alone the cultivation is possible. As far as my knowledge goes, lands somewhat moist, though sufficiently raised above ordinary level to prevent accumulation of rain water, are specially suited for the cultivation. Another condition seems to me to be that the soil be not very hard like the rar lands in the districts of Burdwan and Birbhum, or hilly and dry like those of some parts of the Sonthal Parganas. Lands of a soft and alluvial character are, I think, specially fitted for the cultivation; better still if silted up riverbeds of sufficiently long standing are available. I think further that the plant requires for its growth lands over which the average rainfall is from 30 to 50 inches in a year; but of this I am not very sure. As to what special conditions of climate and elevation above sea-level are necessary for the cultivation of the hemp plant for producing ganja, I have no knowledge. - Evidence of BABU MADHAVA CHANDRA CHATTERJEE, Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Dinajpur.


5. The wild hemp grows abundantly on river sides and in damp and moist soil. 13 But its cultivation is not common to all districts, as these plants do not grow in hard soil.  - Evidence of BABU PARAMESHWAR DAN, Kshetrya, Pleader, Judge's Court, Vice- Chairman, District Board, Dinajpur.


5. In ordinary fertile sandy countries or lands. It is generally reared in winter season. - Evidence of PUNDIT RAKHAL CHUNDER TEWARY, Brahmin, Pleader and Honorary Magistrate, Diamond Harbour, 24-Parganas.


13. There would be no part of the country, I believe, except any marshy lands, where its cultivation would be impossible - Evidence of BABU SASADHAR ROY, Brahmin, Pleader and Honorary Magistrate, Rajshahi,


5. Hemp is likely to grow abundantly at a height of from 4,000 feet to 7,000 feet above the sea-level. It grows well in places near the Himalaya and in Kashmir. I believe the ground, which has less sand in it, is favourable to the growth of the plant.  -  Evidence of BABU JADUNATH KANJILAL, Brahmin, Pleader, Judge's Court, Hughli.


5. I don't know anything about wild hemp. It seems to me that in moist and damp climates (such as in Pargana Dubalhati in the Rajshahi district) and where the productive power of the soil is very great, ganja is produced. For example, I have seen in the Rajshahi district mustard plants grow to the height of about two or three cubits - Evidence of BABU NOBO GOPAL BOSE RAI CHOWDHOORY, Kayasth, Talukdar and Judge's Court Pleader (late Munsiff of Nator), Memari, Burdwan District.


5. The wild hemp is generally found in comparatively high grounds, but in the midst of pits and hollows where water is seen to accumulate and stagnate in the rainy season. - Evidence of BABU AMVIKA CHARAN MAZUMDAR,* Vaidya, Pleader and Zamindar, Faridpur.


5. I have not made a special study of the matter, but as it grows wild abundantly in this district, especially in the Sudder sub-division, where the soil is generally light and sandy and the climate damp and malarious, I would consider such soil and climate to be suitable to its growth. 13. I do not think there is any part of Bengal which I know, where the cultivation of the plant would be impossible. - Evidence of BABU BHUVAN MOHUN SANYAL, Brahmin, Government Pleader, Purnea.


5. Wild hemp generally grows on low lands - Evidence of BABU AMRITALAL RAHA, Kayasth, Pleader, Judge's Court and Talukdar, Khulna.


5. Damp and moist climate and loose soil. - Evidence of BABU JADUBANS SSHAI, Pleader and Vice-Chairman, Arrah Municipality.


5. It easily strikes one that a damp soil is favourable to the growth of the plant. In Lower Bengal in places where the soil is laterite stray plants are not. so common as in moist alluvial soils - Evidence of RAI BAHADUR RAJ KUMAR SARVADHIKARI, Secretary, British Indian Association, Calcutta.


5. I have had no occasion to make any experiments to ascertain what special conditions of climate, soil, and elevation above sea-level are necessary to the growth of the wild hemp. The wild plants are seen to grow luxuriously in almost all the villages of Bengal, wherever there is a moist soil under a strong sunlight. 13.  I believe ganja, like the mulberry plants, requires a raised ground with fine sandy soil, rich with leaf manure and unshaded by trees, and it is perhaps this character of the present tract which first drew the attention of the pioneers of ganja cultivation in Rajshahi - Evidence of BABU AKSHAY KUMAR MAITRA,* Secretary, Rajshahi Association, Pleader, Judge's Court, Member, Rajshahi District Board, Commissioner, Rampur Boalia Municipality.


5. I believe, if cultivated, the hemp will grow in all elevated parts of Bengal, and if the seeds are kept in the tree in time when they will be strewn about by the wind, they will grow, though not luxuriantly in the very soil. I am not aware what special climate is necessary to grow wild hemp. - Evidence of BABU NITYA NANDA ROY, Teli, Merchant and Zamindar, Chittagong.


5. A low soil and scanty rainfall are necessary - Evidence of BABU DHANI RAM SAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensingh


5. It generally grows on fallow lands which are rather high. - Evidence of BABU RAM NIDHI SHAHA, Excise Vendor, Mymensing


5. Ganja grows in the mountainous regions as well as in the swampy plains and on the sandy and alluvial soil, and remains throughout the year. - Evidence of BABU MAHENDRA NATH ROY, of Santa, Jessore


5. The plant flourishes in the alluvial plains of Lower Bengal. 13. Hemp is said not to grow in such districts as Bankura and Birbhoom, where the soil is stiff and the climate dry. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, 24-Parganas (Sub-Committee)


5. In damp and moist climates the growth of wild hemp is said to be spontaneous. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Patna.


5. Beds of rivers, low lands, and a warm climate favour the growth of the wild hemp.  - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Mymensingh (Sub-Committee).


5. Climate temperate, elevation low. - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Monghyr (Sub-Committee).


5. Damp climate, moist soil and rainfall - Evidence of the DISTRICT BOARD, Arrah.


5. It seems to grow anywhere. I have seen it growing abundantly in Orissa and parts of Bengal. - Evidence of MR. G. GODFREY, Commissioner, Assam Valley Districts


5. It grows in the hills up to, say, 5,000 feet, also in the plains; but I think the best ganja is produced in the hills from one to three thousand feet. - Evidence of MR. J. J. S. DRIBERG, Commissioner of Excise and Inspector General of Police and Jails.


5. The plant is said to grow more readily in the hills and to, require a considerable rainfall. But, as aforesaid, it is a common weed all over the province - Evidence of MR. J. D. ANDERSON, Deputy Commissioner; Officiating Commissioner of Excise.


5. It appears that a moist kind of land is more congenial to the growth of bhang plants.  - Evidence of ISHAN CHANDRA PATRANAVISH, Bengali, Brahmin, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Sylhet.


5. It certainly grows well in the Shillong hills up to a height of 6,000 feet. I don't remember ever having seen it in the Naga Hills, and I heard it does not grow there. Its favourite spots are the basti heaps where cow-manure is thrown. The plant bears rain well, as it is abundant at Cherrapunji and Kalapani. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR J. W. U. MACNAMARA, Civil Surgeon and Superintendent, Lunatic Asylum, Tezpur.


5. I have no definite idea about it. Possibly it grows better in marshy soil. - Evidence of KRISHNA CHANDRA SANYAL,* Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Sylhet


5. So far as I have seen it grow, Assam climate seems to suit it well - Evidence of MR. F. C. MORAN, Tea Planter, Khoniker, Lakhimpur.


5. Will grow anywhere in Cachar - Evidence of Mr. ALFRED SPICER,† Tea Planter, Pathecherra, Cachar


5. Damp and fertile soil favours the growth. Abandoned places of cow-sheds have been seen covered with these plants. - Evidence of BISHUN CHANDRA CHATTOPADHAY, Pleader, Dhubri.


5. Wild plant is an annual plant that grows spontaneously in the rainy season on grounds which are of a higher level than rice fields. - Evidence of GANGADHAR SORMAH, Brahmin, Pleader, Jorhat.


5. In the present state of the climate of Assam somewhat high land is necessary for their growth - Evidence of HARIBILASH AGARWALA, Merchant, Tezpur.


5. In my opinion the plant grows on moist soil. - Evidence of LAKSMIKANTA BARKAGATI, Brahma, Secretary to the Tezpur Raiyats' Association, Tezpur, Darrang.


5. The wild hemp is seen to grow abundantly in damp and submerged places - Evidence of RADHANATH CHANGKAKOTI, Brahmin, Proprietor, "Radha Nath" Printing Press; Municipal Commissioner; Member of Local Board; Secretary to the Upper Assam Association; and Secretary to the Government Girls'  School, Dibrugarh


The only special condition which I can mention as necessary for the production of ganja is moderate rainfall. For a good crop manuring and irrigation should be resorted to: in Nimar the first is never, and the second very seldom omitted. The kind of natural soil required is one which does not retain water close to the surface, and so clog the plant with mud. So much I have been able to ascertain by local enquiry; and if my information is trustworthy, there is no difficulty in understanding why the Khandwa tahsil has always been a favourite field for cultivation. The peculiar physical advantages enjoyed by that tahsil are as follows:— (1) the average rainfall is only 33 inches per annum, i.e., less than that of any other district in the provinces; (2) the water-bearing stratum is in most parts within 20 feet of the surface; (3) at the same time the surface soil rapidly loses the monsoon fall by self-drainage. Great advantages of another kind are that ganja has been cultivated for generations, and that the value of manure has always been thoroughly appreciated. Ganja has at one time or another been raised in every district of the provinces, and so far as I am aware, its cultivation cannot be said to be impossible in any part. - Evidence of MR. H. V. DRAKE-BROCKMAN, Officiating Commissioner of Excise, Central Provinces.


13. Its cultivation has now been entirely stop-ped in this State. Bastar is well suited to the growth of ganja on account of being tableland and excessive rain. In the hilly parts or soil saturated by water, I think its cultivation would not be possible - Evidence of ALAM CHAND, Superintendent, Bastar State.


13. It is certain that ganja crop requires moderate rain and good water soaking soil. Ganja was also grown in the Katol tahsil of the Nagpur district, of which the land is said to be suitable, but since 3 years cultivation is prohibited there as the drug produced in Nimar is much more in excess of the provincial demand, the surplus being annually ex. ported to some districts in the North-Western Provinces and Native States in Central India. I don't think the cultivation would be impossible except for the careful examination of the ganja growing plant. - Evidence of VINAYAK BALKRISHNA. KHARE, Brahmin, Excise Daroga, Nagpur.


5. Wild hemp does not grow in these provinces, therefore I am unable to say anything about it.- Evidence of ANANDI PERSHAD, Excise Daroga, Hoshangabad.


5. A moist climate, rich, well-drained light soil, and rainfall of over 60 inches, and an elevation of from 2,500 to 7,000 feet above sea level are necessary for the growth of wild hemp. - Evidence of MR. A. E. LOWRIE, Officiating Deputy Conservator of Forests, Chanda.


5. I should consider the climate of these parts favourable for its cultivation, with an average rainfall of 54" - Evidence of HONY. SURGEON-MAJOR J. E. HARRISON, Retired List, and Civil Surgeon, Kalahundi.


5. It requires high land for its cultivation. It generally grows well on white land quite near the village. - Evidence of GANGADHARRAO MADHO CHITNAVIS , Honorary Magistrate, Nagpur.


5. It wants matasi (light clay) soil and a good rainfall - Evidence of KAPUR CHAND, Honorary Magistrate and Gumasta, Raipur.


13. It requires good drainage and a light rainfall - Evidence of RAGHOBA MAHADIK, Malguzar and Honorary Magistrate, Rajim


5.No one grows wild hemp. It grows sponta-neously here and there. No conditions of soil and climate are necessary. It grows anywhere. 13. Formerly the public used to grow ganja in many places in our district, for which only water was necessary without reference to the soil and air. The monopoly of ganja having been leased out, all the plants were cleared off by Government. The ganja cultivation has since then ceased in this district; nor does any one grow it. It can be grown everywhere. I do not think that there is any part where its cultivation would be impossible. -  Evidence of HARI HAR SINGH, Zamindar and Honorary Magistrate, Sambalpur District


5. It grows everywhere except on retli, panhar, and patreh soil. It requires an average rainfall. - Evidence of DIWAN PREM SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District.


5. I have never seen any wild ganja nor heard of it, though I have large tracts of forests in my zamindari. 13.I know of no special conditions for its growth. It is a hardy plant, and grows everywhere. - Evidence of LALL UMED SINGH, Zamindar, Bilaspur District.


5. "Wild hemp" is locally called "fareed butti " or " ranganja," and it grows on the sides of mountainous places. This " fareed butti," which I understand by wild hemp, is used by native quacks in liniments for rheumatic pains - Evidence of the REV. I. JACOB, Church of England Missionary, Chairman, District Council, etc., Chanda.


5. The plant that grows in the mountains at an elevation of 6,000 to 10,000 feet, yields a very good fibre, which is utilized for making ropes and even garments. It also produces charas, which the plant grown on the plains does not. The resinous substance of this latter apparently enters into the female flowers and twigs, and thus imparts to it that narcotic quality for which it is prized. The plant is as high as the Ambari (flax) plant, i.e., 10 to 12 feet.


5. It grows abundantly in hot climates and where the soil is " moond," and in yards which are sufficiently manured. - Evidence of LALA NIINDKESFIORE, * Agartcal, Merchant, Banker, Contractor, Malgoozar, Honorary Magistrate, Secretary, Municipal Committee, and .Me.mber, District Council, Saugor


5. The wild plants of bhang and ganja and common "pathar" (hemp plant) of this province can be grown in any land. It is a common saying that the plant is most shameless, as it will grow in any land without any care, but the suitable land for the best ganja plant called " baluchar" is in Lower Bengal.  - Evidence of COWASJEE MEHERWANJEE HATTY-DAROO, Parsi, Merchant and Abkari Contractor, Seoni-Chapara.


13. Yes. Nimar district. Because ganja has been always grown there, and because the average rainfall is very small, which is favourable for such cultivation. Such cultivation would be impossible in the rice districts, e.g., Chhatisgarh and wherever there is much rainfall. - Evidence of BIJRAJ, Marwari, Wholesale ganja vendor, Kamptee, Nagpur District.


13. It is reported to grow in brackish soil and in moderately hot climate. The ground must be kept always moist. It cannot be grown on dry land. It is grown on garden lands which contain wells. - Evidence of MR. J. STURROCK, Collector, Coimbatore.


5. Round ganja is grown here. It grows in sandy soil. Rain and water wanted for its growth. It grows in low lands. Hard soils are also suitable for its growth. - Evidence of MR. E. TURNER, Collector of Madura.


5. I doubt the existence of wild hemp in this district. The cultivated hemp sometimes springs up unexpectedly, and I think that this is the only reason for supposing wild hemp to grow here. 13. Hemp grows throughout the district. It appears to grow equally well at the sea level and at an elevation of 3,000 feet, provided it has a good soil and abundant rainfall. There seems to be an impression that the produce of the plants grown in the hills is superior to that grown in the plains, but I am unable to say whether the elevation or the greater rainfall is the cause. Provided the monsoon does not fail, it can be grown anywhere in the district. - Evidence of MR. W. A. WILLOCK, Collector, Vizagapatam.


5. The resinous matter of the plant is said to be of better character if it is cultivated in cold and foggy climates and on hills. Excess of rain makes the plant thrive better, but the resin is comparatively poor. It grows well in red soil. 13. As for soils, etc., see answers to question 5. The cultivation is not impossible in any soil except the saline soil. - Evidence of MR. G. STOKES, Collector of Salem,.


5. A good soil, well manured by cattle and human dung; moist climate; rainfall, 90 inches; from 2,000 to 5,000 feet above the sea. 13. No. Vide reply to question No. 5. Plen-ty; there is much barren and poor soil on the plateau, which grows nothing. - Evidence of MR. F. D'A. O. WOLFE-MURRAY, Acting Collector of the Nilgiris.


5. The hemp plant is found to grow well in rich soil and where there is good moisture. 13. It is grown more or less everywhere where there is good fertile soil and water facilities - Evidence of MR. K. C. MANAVEDAN RAJA, Collector, Anantapur.


5. Good soil containing manure is necessary for the growth of the plant. Much rain spoils the plant - Evidence  of  MR. J. G. D. PARTRIDGE,  Assistant collector, Ganjam.


13. When cultivated here it was successfully grown on wet red and black soils, and on dry sand and hilly ground. - Evidence of MR. W. FRANCIS, Acting Head Assistant Collector, Ramnad


5. It is said that a cool climate with abundant rainfall is favourable to the growth of the plant, but that these conditions are not necessary. - Evidence of MR. R. E. GRIMLEY, Acting Head Assistant Collector, North Arcot.


13. Cold climate, red soil, moderate rainfall, and high elevation are said to suit the plant best, but it appears to thrive also in the plains. - Evidence of MR. J. H. MERRIMAN, Deputy Commissioner of Salt and Abkari, Central Division.


5. Said to flourish on tops of hills and in humid climates. 13. The Erode Assistant Commissioner suggests that its cultivation would be impossible in the higher regions of the Nilgiris. - Evidence of MR. F. LEVY, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Salt and Abkari, Southern Division.


5. There is no cultivation of the plant here. It is said that it grows well in pati earth. - Evidence of P. PUNDARIKAKSHUDU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Venukunda, Kistna District


13. If the land on which the plant is cultivated is of gravel and dry soil, the plant will grow luxuriantly. The plant flourishes well in the hills under morning dew. Too much rain injures the plant. The trees are grown apart from one another so that the boughs of one may not touch those of the other. Vide also answer to question 2. - Evidence of W . VENKATAPPIAH PANTULUGARU, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Chatrapur, Ganjam.


13. Extreme cold or hot weather said, to be injurious to the growth, as well also high winds. The plant finds a luxuriant growth on the hills, where the soil is generally red loam, richly impregnated with vegetable manure. it also requires a loose soil retaining some moisture. The cultivation of the plant appears to have been tried with success at the foot of the hills too. - Evidence of DEWAN BAHADUR K. V. LAKSHAMANA Row GARU, .Brahmin, Deputy Collector, North Arcot.


13. The climate must be cold and snowy. There are no parts in this division where the cultivation of hemp would be possible. - Evidence of M. AZIZUDDEEN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Deputy Collector, North Arcot.


13. It grows both along the sea coast and in the interior ; in the plains and in the hill tracts as well. Red earth is said to be more favourable to its growth and effects than any other soil, and so in cold climate. The ganja produced in elevated tracts, such as Malayas, is considered superior to that cultivated in the plains. - Evidence of B. NARAYANAMURTY, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Ganjam.


5. The plant requires occasional watering. No special climate or condition appears to be necessary for it. - Evidence of K. NARAYANA IYER, Brahmin, Deputy Collector, Gooty.


5. Hilly tracts are best suited to the growth of the wild hemp. 13. A cold climate and black gummy soil arc very favourable. Heavy dew is more suited than rain. The elevation above sea level need not be great. - Evidence of MR. J. H. GWYNNE , Deputy Collector, Wynaad, Malabar District


13.  It is cultivated in all places and everywhere. If the soil is manured, it grows well and ensures a good crop. In black-cotton soil it grows luxuriantly, and is the best that can be had here. - Evidence of M. R. RY. P. VEERASWAMI NAIDU, Deputy Collector, Masulipatam.


13. It can be raised everywhere in the province. Its cultivation is not affected by climate, soil, rainfall, elevation, etc. - Evidence of M R. W. E. GANAPATHY, Retired Deputy Collector, Palamcottah, Tinnevelly


13 The soil best suited is the black cotton soil, without any admixture of sandy or saline soil. - Evidence of A. KRISHNAMACHARULU, Tahsildar, Bapatla, Kistna District.


5. It is a tropical plant, and wants the same conditions as other tropical plants. I am not aware of any special conditions. - Evidence of P. S. SINGARAVELU PILLAI, Tahsildar of Erode.


5. No special conditions appear to be necessary for its growth but that it requires watering often - Evidence of G. JAGANNAYAKULU, Acting Tahsildar, Gooty.


5. The plant grows well in certain villages adjoining the slopes of hills on the northern side, such as Ebanad and Kadanad, and also in Musnigudi, especially near cattle kraals and in backyards of houses where manure is abundant. It grows at an elevation below 6,000 feet. Solitary bushes are also to be found in Ooty town in certain back-yards. 13. . It can grow all over the place freely ; but some say that ganja made out of the leaves of the plant found on these hills is not good - Evidence of N. SOONDRAMIAH , Brahmin, Deputy Tahsildar, Ootacamund.


5. Wild ganja plants are seen to grow at a height of about 4,000 or 5,000 feet above sea level - Evidence of R. SAMINATHA IYER, Brahmin, Acting Deputy Tahsildar, coonoor


13. Red soil is supposed to be quite suited for its growth. It should be well manured. - Evidence of R. C. RAMA IYENGOR, Brahmin, Village Magistrate, Berangy, Mudanapulee Taluk, Cuddapah District.


13. It is not restricted to any particular district. It is commonly cultivated in the districts known to me. It requires no special conditions of climate, but requires rich soil, such as black-cotton or per-manently improved land. 1 do not know if it requires any particular elevation above the sea. But it requires a good and seasonable rainfall, and in its absence irrigation. I do not think it will be successfully grown with less than 25 or 30 inches of rain properly distributed over the whole culti-vated season. In no part of this district its culti-vation is considered to be impossible. - Evidence of K. NARAINASWAMY NAIDU, Velama, Huzoor Sheristadar, Masulipatam.


5. Wild hemp grows best with a rainfall of 90 inches at an elevation of from 2,000 to 5,000 feet above the sea level and in the very richest soil. It is most commonly found wild and growing vigorously in old cattle kraals and in the neighbourhood ofvillages in dung heaps, etc. 13. I am not aware of any part of the Presidency where the hemp plant cannot be cultivated as it will grow from the sea level to 7,000 feet above it. I have known ganja manufactured in Ootacamund. - Evidence of MR. R. W. MORGAN, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ootacamund, Nilgiris.


5. In alluvial soil the plant grows well. It grows well up to 3,000 feet above the level of the sea. - Evidence of Mr. G. HADFIELD, Deputy Conservator of Forests, South Malabar.


5. I do not understand what is meant by wild hemp. if it is the plant growing spontaneously from the seed of the cultivated plant, it grows best between two and four thousand feet in virgin forest soil in places having an annual rainfall of from 50 to 100 inches and over. 13. In North Malabar the Wynaad Taluk is best suited for the growth of the plant owing to elevation and soil. The coast Taluks would be unsuitable, but I cannot say that its cultivation there is impossible.- Evidence of MR. C. E. HARDIE, District Forest Officer, Manantoddy, North Malabar


5. Rain necessary, also level ground. - Evidence of COLONEL II. S. ELTON, Commandant, 16th _Regiment, Madras Infantry, Bellary.


13. It appears to me that the cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is not restricted. The cultivation is common. I do not think that the hemp grows in a special condition of soil, as its growth will be noticed everywhere. It will grow in hot climates and in dry lands. It will be easily cultivated, excluding the lands of a clayey and wet nature. - Evidence of SURGEON-CAPTAIN C. F. FEARNSIDE, Acting District Surgeon, Ganjam


(b) Red and clay soil appears to be favourable to its growth - Evidence of Apothecary MUHAMMAD ASADULLA, Ellore, Godavary District.


13. Cultivation not restricted in this district. No special condition of climate, etc., seems necessary for the cultivation ; but elevation above sea level is said to be very favourable for the growth - Evidence of Assistant Surgeon SALDANHA, Salem


5. Cold climate, black soil, moderate rains, and ordinary elevated soil favour its cultivation. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant T. RANGANAYA KULU NAID00, Rajahmundry, Godavari District.


5. The hemp plants will grow in soils other than black cotton' requiring an ordinary rainfall. Winter season and elevated place will greatly assist the production. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant M. IYASWAMY PILLAY, Saint Thomas' Mount, Madras


13.It is not restricted to this province only. The cultivation is common to almost all the districts in the presidency. Places of cold climate, black soil, having rainfall above 60 inches, elevation above 500 feet above sea level, are favourable to the growth of hemp. Its cultivation is, I think, impossible in sea shores, sandy and rocky places. - Evidence of Hospital Assistant JAGANNATII PANDIT, Uriya, Russellkonda, Ganjam District.


5. Black cotton-soil is said to be favourable to the growth of the plant, whether of spontaneous or cultivated birth. 13. No special condition of soil is required. Rainy season is said to be the proper season for the sowing of its seeds. Fall of dew over these plants is considered very favourable for their growth and the growth of resinous principle in them - Evidence of Hospital Assistant I. PARTHASARATHY CHETTY, P enukonda, Anantapur District.


5. Hot climate. Black cotton-soil. Rains, average quantity. Elevation unknown. - Evidence of M. ETHERAGULU PILLAY, Land-owner, Bezwada, Kistna District .


5. The climate should be temperate (i.e., neither too cold nor too hot). The soil should be loamy, red. sand, ash-grey, The land may be a little elevated - Evidence of AZIZ-UD-DIN ALI KHAN, SAHIB BAHADUR, Jagirdar, Cherlopalle, Gurramkanda, District Cuddapah.


5. The plant grows in loamy and sandy soil, and it requires plenty of water or constant irrigation. It does not thrive in climates impregnated with soda.  - Evidence of M.R. RY. V. VENKATARO YER, Brahman, Managar, Ettayapuram Estate, Tinnevelly District.


5. Black cotton-soil, and red soil, which contains more of fatty soil. 13. Yes ; black cotton soil. fall is extreme in Ceded Districts. Here hemp plant is spontaneously grown. - Evidence of the REV. J, DESIGACHART, Missionary , Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, Badvel, Cuddapah District.


5. Good soil in plains. (b) None apparently, but fairly good soil. - Evidence of the REV. J. F. BURDITT, Missionary, Narsaravupet, Kistna District.


No special soil is, I think, necessary for the cultivation of the crop. Regada or clay or mixed regada will do for its growth. It can therefore be grown in all the dry taluqs of this district. - Evidence of the REV. J. HEINRICHS, Missionary, Vinukunda, Kistna District.


5. I cannot answer this question. I know that dew has good effect on its growth. Black soil is well suited to its growth. 13. Ordinary rainfall is sufficient. It is cultivated in black soil - Evidence of P. C. ANUNTHACHARLU, Brahmin, Chairman, Municipal Council, and Government Pleader, Bellary.


5. I am unable to give the special conditions to the growth of the wild hemp besides those given below. It is generally cultivated during the dewy season, Cold climate is necessary and a red soil. - Evidence of V. SIVA YOGI, Brahmin, 1st Grade Pleader and .Municipal Chairman, Vellore.


5. The wild hemp grows abundantly on the bills and mountains; it requires much of snow as distinguished from cultivated hemp. A cold climate suits it best. 13 b I do not know of any special conditions of climate, etc. But so far as I have known, the hemp for ganja grows luxuriantly in warm climates, requires only moderate rain, and it is not necessary the level of the ground should be far above that of the sea. I don't think it would be impossible to cultivate it in any part of the Madras Presidency. - Evidence of the HON'BLE A. SABAPATHY MOODELLIAR, RAI BAHADUR,* Merchant, Bellary.


5. It is necessary to the growth of the wild hemp that the climate should be cold. The fall of the rain and snow must be very frequent. The soil must be fertile. Elevation is not so very essential for its growth. - Evidence of CHODISETTY VENKATARATNUM, Merchant, Coconada, Godavari District


5. It grows on hills of about 300 feet above the sea level and is generally cultivated in dry lands. 13. The cultivation is not restricted and is common to all the districts, but it would not thrive well in the low lands along the Carnatic Coast. - Evidence of MIRZA MEHDY ISPAHANI, Merchant, Madras.


5. Land fit for dry cultivation. Black soil (clay) suits well. It is generally grown in winter. Rains damage it. Does not grow on saltish ground. I cannot say anything about the growth of the wild hemp. 13. The cultivation does not seem restricted. It can be raised anywhere. Black regar clay produces the best sort. In the latter part of the rainy season seedlings are sown, and early in winter it is transplanted. Saltish land does not at all suit this hemp. - Evidence of ABDUL KHADER, Agent of the Ganja Shopkeeper,—Rajahmundry  


5. In cold climates it grows luxuriantly. Dur -ing winter it is grown. - Evidence of MULAGULA KONDIAH, Goldsmith, Rajahmundry.


5. It grows well in alluvial and black soils. All that is wanted is good manure. Elevation is necessary for spontaneous growth. No special conditions are necessary for the culti -vation of ganja. Of course a high level helps the growth. It can be grown anywhere if one knows the methods. - Evidence of ANGAPPA GONUDEN, Blacksmith, Salem.


5. Northern country where the climate is temperate this thrives well. - Evidence of SAMDASU BAVAJI, Brahmin, Priest in the Matt of Sri Jagannadha Swamy, Rajahmundry


5. Its growth is spontaneous. Wherever it is sown, or its seed happens to fall, it begins to grow. It begins to grow during the middle part of the rainy season and crops by the end of the winter. In this country people grow some one or two plants in their back-yards, and this, too, is rare.- Evidence of BALDEVDAS, Brahmin, Priest of Hanuman Math, Rajahmundry.


5. This district is 2,000 feet above sea-level. The rainfall varies from 120 inches on the Ghâts to 25 in the eastern talukas. 13, There is no restriction on cultivating the ganja plant in Belgaum. The talukas near the Ghâts are said to be unsuitable. Those inland from the Ghâts can grow ganja and fibre hemps - Evidence of MR. F. L. CHARLES, Collector, Belgaum.


13. The Mawal taluka and the western parts of the Haveli, Junner and Khed talukas are unsuited for the cultivation of the plant owing to the heavy rainfall and the hard muram soil in those areas; lands situated in or adjoining the ghats where the rainfall is heavy do not appear to be suitable for hemp cultivation; the plant is said to thrive in a whitish brown soil in Newasa, Ahmednagar Collectorate, as stated by the mam latdar. I am unable to say if the cultivation of the plant is impossible in any part of the district, but it would appear that heavy rainfall, a damp climate, and hilly tracts are not favourable to the growth of the plant. - Evidence  of  MR. A. H. PLUNKETT, City Magistrate, Poona.


13. It is grown in almost all the talukas of this district more or less except Jamkhed and Akola, the soil of which is not adapted to the cul -tivation of the hemp plant, which requires black rich soil, which is rare in these talukas owing to there being hills in them. The conditions favourable to the cultivation of this plant are hot climate, black or red soil, and the rainfall should be moderate. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR VYANKATESH BAPUJI WADEKAR, Deputy Collector, Ahmednagar.


13.  It could be cultivated in any part of Khandesh in ordinary good soil, and the elevation of land from sealevel, climate, etc., are not against the cultivation. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR SITARAM DAMODAR, H uzur Deputy Collector, Khandesh.


13. The cultivation is not restricted to any particular area. The growth of the ganja plant requires black soil, hot climate, and moderate rainfall -  Evidence of RAO BAHADUR BAPUJI MAHIPAT KHARKAR, Kayasth, Huzur Deputy Collector and Magistrate, 1st Class, Satara.


13. I am told that only garden or irrigated land is fit for the cultivation of the hemp plant for producing ganja, and that localities where rainfall is heavy are unsuited to it. I am unable to state what other special conditions are necessary for the cultivation of the plant. The only part of the Southern Mahratta country where the cultivation of the plant would be impossible seems to me to be the western portion of the Belgaum district and the western and the southern portions of the Dharwar district. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RANGO RAMCHANDRA BHARDI, Deputy Collector and Native Assistant to the Commissioner, Poona, Central Division.


13. I am not aware of any special conditions of climate, rainfall and elevation above sea level, but I think it can be grown in red or loamy soil as an irrigated crop. Except in parts of the Badami taluka where the soil is sandy and rocky, I am of opinion the plant can be cultivated as an irrigated crop with success in any other part of this district. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RUDRAGOWDA CHANVIRGOWDA ARTAL, Lengayet, Deputy Collector, Bijapur.


13. In this province the cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja appears to have been restricted to the districts in the plain country, that is, districts of the Deccan, the Southern Mahratta country, and Khandesh. The climate and situation of these parts appear favourable to the growth of hemp plant for ganja. As in the coast districts the hemp plant is not at all cultivated, the cultivation does not seem common to all districts. Hot climate, friable loamy soil, rain periods, viz., Pushia and Punarwasu, etc., are the special conditions for the cultivation of hemp plant for ganja. In this portion of this State and generally where there is deep black soil as in the Dón valley its cultivation for ganja seems impossible. -  Evidence of RAO BAHADUR RAMCHANDRA RAJARAM MULÉ, Deshastha Brahmin, Administrator of Jath, in Southern Mahratta Country.


13. I do not think that the cultivation of the hemp plant is impossible anywhere, it can be produced in all garden lands. - Evidence of NARAYAN RAO BHIKHAJ1 JOGALEKAR, Brahmin, Pensioned Deputy Collector ; now Karbhari of the Aundh Stale.


13. In the Konkan district, lying at the foot of the Sahyadri range of hills, there is no cultiva tion, I am informed, of the hemp plant for ganja. In all districts above the Ghâts, however, hemp plant is cultivated more or less for the pro duction of ganja. Dry climate, moderate rain fall, and rich black or red soil, are the necessary conditions for the successful growth of hemp plant for ganja. No ganja can, I think, he produced in places where there is excessive rainfall, as in the Konkan. Whether the elevation above sea level has much to do with the success of a ganja crop, I am not in a position to say definitely. Among the Deccan districts, Ahmednagar and, after that, Satara are the only districts in which there are extensive hemp plantations as compared with other Collectorates. Why these two alone are selected for such extensive hemp plantations in preference to others, which possess the same advantages of climate, etc., is a question which is somewhat difficult to answer. It seems to me that the ganja produced in these two districts is considered to be of a superior quality, and has consequently a greater demand in the foreign market. Large quantities of this ganja are ex ported to many of the European countries, and this, I think, is the reason why these two districts have such an extensive hemp plantation all along - Evidence of R AO SAHEB GANESH PANDURANG THAKAR, Deshastha Brahmin, Mamlatdar, Pandharpur, Sholapur District, at present auditing the jamabandi accounts of the Poona  District, Poona.


13. The hemp plant is grown chiefly on high lands. The plant seems to flourish best in warm climate and black soil. Rainfall must be moderate. In the Shahapur taluka of this State the cultivation of hemp would be in my opinion an impossibility on account of excessive rain, red soil, and humidity in climate. - Evidence of BALKRISHNA NARAYAN VAIDYA, Parbhu, State Karbhari of Sangli.


5. I do not know that any special conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, elevation above sea level, etc., are necessary for the growth of the wild hemp. The wild hemp, the cultivators say, does not grow in this district. In the district of Ahmednagar the male plants (otherwise called bhangoda) are called wild plants by some of the cultivators, and they are removed from the fields if grown along with female plants. For they convert the whole crop of ganja to useless seedproducing plants. The information asked for in this question is not forthcoming, as the growth of the wild plant does not take place in this district. 13. The cultivation of the hemp plant for ganja is not restricted in the district of Ahmed-nagar. Although it is not restricted in this district, yet the cultivation of it is not common to the whole of this district, because it requires soil of the black and best quality, and moderate rainfall is needed. The conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, elevation above sea level, etc., are essentially necessary for its production. In the talukas of Jamkhed and Akola of this district the cultivation of the hemp plant is impossible owing to the hilly nature of these talukas, because the hemp plant being a deep-rocted plant, its roots cannot sufficiently find their way underneath the ground. Owing to this defect in the soil, its cultivation becomes impossible. In the Akola taluka, where the rainfall is generally heavy, the cultivation of the hemp plant does not at all take place - Evidence of DADABHAI BURJORJEE GUZDER, Parsi, District Abkari Inspector, Ahmednagar.


13. Ganja plants would not grow in places where the rainfall was heavy or the temperature low. The cultivation of hemp plant for ganja in Mahableshwar and other similar places would be impossible. - Evidence of KHAN SAHIB NASARVANJI EDALJI SETHNA, Parsi, Abkari Inspector , Satara.


13. All the Deccan districts grow ganja for local consumption, but Ahmednagar, Satara, and Nasik also for export ; but its area is especially large in the Khanapur taluka of Satara, and the Nagar, Rahuri and Newasa talukas of Ahmednagar. The cultivation once established seems to be maintained by the skill acquired and handed down from father to son. It may also be due to the suitability of soil, dry climate and light rainfall, which are essential for the proper growth of the plant. The extension of the cultivation of the plant in equally favourable parts of other districts is discouraged for reasons stated in reply No. 8. The plant is not likely to produce a large flowering top in the hilly tracts of the Western Ghauts and the Konkan, where the rainfall is excessive. - Evidence of YASHVANT NILKANTH, Patana Prabhu, Superintendent, Office of Survey Commissioner, and Director of Land Records and Agriculture, Bombay.


5. Requires good soil and moderate rain (b) Excessive rainfall would prevent its cultivation in the Konkan. - Evidence of MR. G. P. MILLET, Divisional Forest Officer, West Thana, Thana.


5. Wild hemp is apparently unknown. It does grow, however, as I have a male and female plant in my compound, from which I gather it grows elsewhere, though I have not seen or heard of it. 13. The  Akola and Sangamner talukas being in  parts rocky would not be suitable for the cultivation of the hemp plant to any great extent. - Evidence of MR. H. KENNEDY, District Superintendent of Police, Ahmednagar.


5. Wild hemp is known to grow in all temperate and tropical regions with a moderate rainfall and from the level of the sea up to an elevation of 10,000 feet. 13. Almost restricted to Khandesh, Ahmednagar and Sholapur districts. These were selected on account of the rich black soil free from shade, dry sunny climate, and moderate rainfall. Ganja is cultivated in other districts to a small extent. Ganja can be only produced on the plains of tropical India with a moderate amount of rainfall, and a dry sunny climate from sea-level up to an elevation of about 4,000 feet, the soil being a light sandy loam, rich black or greyish white. - Evidence of GANESH KRISHNA GARDE, * Brahmin, Medical Practitioner, Poona City


5. Dry climate, reddish black soil and ordinary rainfall are necessary to the growth of the wild hemp. 13. No; it is not restricted to any special locality or province. Anybody can cultivate, but all that he has to do is to obtain permission from the local authorities. No special condition of climate, soil, etc., is necessary for the cultivation of hemp plant - Evidence of RAMCHANDRA KRISHNA. KOTIIAVALE, Brahmin, Inamdur, Taluka Wai, in Satara District


13. They say it does not require a heavy and constant rainfall, so its cultivation in some parts of this district is not impossible. But I cannot exactly say why its cultivation is totally neglected in this district - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR HUCHRAO ACHUT HARIHAR, Deshast Brahmin, Pleader, District Court, Belgaum.


5. Narcotic wild hemp does not grow at all in this district. A kind of herb grows in the jungles and is known by the name wild hemp. It does not possess narcotic properties. It is used in medicines. 13 It is cultivated only in Jalgaon and Sawada talukas The ordinary rainfall in, and the climate of, this district are respectively sufficient for, and congenial to, the growth of these plants. The soil must be partly white and partly black. The cultivation of ganja is not impossible in any part of this district. - Evidence of NARO DHAKADEO, Brahmin, Pleader, Jalgaon, District Khandesh.


5. For the growth of the wild hemp, except good loamy soil and moderate supply of water, no special condition is necessary. I have seen it growing at 20 to 500 feet above the sea level. 13. The cultivation of hemp for ganja alone is also possible in Gujarat. The conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, etc., are the same as for the cultivation of hemp ; for bhang, a little richer soil, mixed with rotten leaves manure, is perhaps necessary - Evidence of NANNU MIAN B.SHAIKH, Municipal Secretary, Surat.


5. Wild hemp is produced in hills and nothing is known about its growth in Sind. - Evidence of WADHUMAL CHANDIRAM, Pensioner, late Huzur Deputy Collector. Karachi.


5. The hemp plant akoi grows in the hills on account of the heavy rainfall there and is more intoxicating. - Evidence of RAHMATALA KHAN, Police Inspector, Shikarpur.


13. It is not restricted; people can cultivate it. It can be freely cultivated in all districts, provided the soil is selabi, is deeply ploughed, abundantly watered, exposed to free air, and taken care of every time. No. - Evidence of RAO BAHADUR LAKSHMANSING MATTHRAJI , Police Inspector,


5. The consumers of bhang say that bhang which grows on rainfall in the hills is more intoxicating. - Evidence of MUHAMMAD MURID, Police Inspector, Naushahro.


13b) The soil required for hemp plant cultivation should be rich black soil suitable for kharif or autumnal crops. - Evidence of KRISHNARA0 HARI, Officiatiny Extra Assistant Commissioner, Buldana.


5. I don't know of any special conditions. It requires the same soil, rainfall, and claimate as the other dry-weather crops. - Evidence of A BARAO JAUROO, Maratha, Karbhari Patel and Special Magistrate, Khamgaon, A kola District.


The elevated pandhari soil close to villages is necessary for  the cultivation of hemp for producing ganja. The soil from which opium crops were used to be taken suited best for ganja crop without any manure. There is no part of my province where its cultivation would be impossible. - Evidence of LAXMAN GOPAL DESHPANDE, Brahmin, Naib Tahsildar, Mangrul Taluk, District Basim.


5. It could be grown in any rich soil in this district, provided it is watered freely. - Evidence of KHAN BAHADUR NAWAB MUHAMMA.D SALAMULLA KHAN, Jagirdar, Deulghat, Buldana District.


5.It requires a damp climate, good soil, and plenty of leaf manure. - Evidence of G. S. KHAPERDE, Brahmin, Pleader, Amraoli.


13. No special conditions are necessary. But the soil called pandhri in Berar is more favourable than any other. The latter requires good manuring. Cultivation impossible on marshy and rocky land. A good rainfall is required, otherwise artificial irrigation has to be resorted to. It is also sown in well-manured black soil. - Evidence of YESHWANT VAMAN DIGHE, Pleader, Basim.


13.  The soil called pandhi close to village sites is the best. It requires ordinary rainfall of the province, but it is not damaged by excessive rainfall, though it would deteriorate a little in effect by more rain. Probably in Yeotmal district it would not grow. But I am not sure. I say it would not, because the people of that district buy ganja here. - Evidence of NIAMAT KHAN BILAN KHAN, Merchant, Balapur, Akola District.


13. . There are some special conditions of climate, soil, rainfall, etc., which are necessary for the cultivation of hemp for producing ganja. Black soil does not suit it. It is cultivated in the lands adjoining village sites. Rain water alone is not sufficient for hemp ; it requires well water also. The cultivation of hemp is possible throughout my province. - Evidence of LAKSHMAN ATMARAM MAHAJAN, Merchant, Manjrul Pir.


5. Climate temperate, land well-prepared, rain middling, is required. In other two seasons sufficient well water is required. - Evidence of KHAJA ABDUL BAKI, Money-lender, Mehkar, Buldana District.


5. I believe the wild hemp plant grows on any cultivated land if it has sufficient supply of water - Evidence of MR. G. BENNETT, Abkari Inspector, Ajmere.


5. Not qualified to say. It grows well, however, along the Nerbudda river, where the rainfall is plentiful - Evidence of MR. G. W. GAYER, District Superintendent of Police, Ajmere.


5. It grows on cultivated land, where the water-supply is sufficient. - Evidence of SURGEON-MAJOR D. FF. MULLEN, Civil Surgeon, Ajmere.


5.They grow in the months of May and June, particularly on burnt soil, and they require 50 to 60 inches of rain. They grow on lands between three to five thousand feet above the level of the sea. 13.I think it is restricted. People can cultivate after obtaining license in any part of the country if the soil is burnt. - Evidence of MR. A. BOPPANNA, Planter, Bepunaad, Green Hills, Coorg.


5 I cannot say. It would grow well, I think, over most part of Burma. I have seen plants in Thayetmyo and Kyaukse districts - Evidence of MAJOR B.A. N. PARROTT, Officiating Commissioner, Southern Division.


5. I am not aware of any special conditions. In places where it was grown the rainfall ranged from 30 to 50 inches per annum, and elevation from about 300 feet to 3,600 above sea level. - Evidence of MR. K. G. BURNE, Deputy Commissioner, Mandalay.


5. The soil should be rich alluvial loam, climate hot and damp, low level. Hemp used to be cultivated to some extent before the Act prohibiting it came into force throughout the district. - Evidence of MR. H. G. BATTEN,* Deputy Commissioner, Mergui.


5. Wild hemp not seen. Cultivated hemp used to be grown on slopes at the foot of rising ground on hills low enough to obtain sufficient but not too much moisture. - Evidence of MR. J. S. D. FRASER, Deputy Commissioner, Pegu.

 

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