In starting a new vanillery, where the estate has no plants these are readily purchased here at small cost. From 2 to 3 rupees (55 to 90 cents) per 100 fathoms is the usual rate for cuttings, the fathom being what a man can span with outspread arms, a good sweep of the vine hanging in a curve between his hands. Where choice is possible, although oldish cuttings will grow pretty well, it is best to have the plants of recent growth; in fact, growing shoots, cut off close to where they spring from the parent vine, are preferable. At their point of origin the nodes for some distance are close together, and though roots will strike from any joints, they have a natural tendency to do so quicker at the shoot’s base. As to the length of cuttings to plant, opinions differ; but there can be no question that the longer cuttings produce cropping plants sooner than the short ones. If a 2 or 3-foot branch is planted, the shoot it gives is invariably more slender and slower of growth than would be that from a 6-foot cutting, and up to 10 or 12 feet every advantage lies with the longer plants, except the additional expense. The question as to whether cuttings of that length are to be planted whole or divided into two or three plants should be settled by their cost. It is usual here to loosen the soil with a hoe where vanilla is to be planted, and bury the end, laid horizontally, an inch or two in the earth. Quite as good a way is merely to press the lower part of the plant into the soft soil until it is flush with the surface. On sloping land loosened soil washes away sooner with heavy rain, and in such situations it is best to leave the ground quite undisturbed. In any case the leaves on that part of the vine which rests in or on the ground are cut off fairly close to the stem, and an arm full of leaves, fern, grass, or forest sweepings laid on top to the depth of 3 or 4 inches, for a couple of feet around the plant. Its roots will not need to be mulched for a greater distance than that for some months to come, and to cover a larger area would be useless. As new top dressings are laid on, which must be done when the first supply rots down and becomes thin, these can be gradually extended to allow of more root spread, till the limit of 4 feet radius is reached. If well covered, the roots do not run much; only starved vines run far with their roots, seeking nourishment; where this is plentiful they mat in and beneath it. Being entirely surface feeders, should any make their way beyond the cover they can be gently lifted and tucked under the decaying leaves, etc.; but this is a hint that the plant needs a new supply of top dressing. The number of joints laid on or in the soil will vary with the length of the plant, but should not be less than three for this mode of planting, while for long cuttings six or seven joints are needed for a quick start.