History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s3.t4.13

v1.c24.s3.t4.13

The Vṛkṣāyurveda of Surapāla gives directions about the plantation of trees in the section called vapanavidhi (the method of sowing). Trees are to be sown or planted on a land which is even and pleasant and in which flowers, sesamum and Masa have been scattered (verse 63). The distance of fourteen, sixteen or twenty cubits between trees is considered respectively to be bad, middling and excellent (verse 64). The interval between thickets (gulmas) may be four or five cubits and that between Puga (arecanut) etc. two or three cubits (verse 65). If the gap is larger than prescribed, there is danger to the trees from storm and, if it is less, the fruits will be poor (verse 66). Sowing and especially planting of mangoes, pomergranates etc. and pumpkin gourds Alāmbuka is to be done in a pit measuring one cubit all round, dug long back, dried, filled with cow-bones and cowdung, well burnt and allowed to cool down naturally, and then after removing the ashes irrigated with carcass water (kuṇapa) and filled with manure (verses 67-69).