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48
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
(FEBRUARY, 1910.
Which is better for colonization: a plain or a watery land ?
A limited tract of land with water is far better than a vast plain, inasmuch as the former is conducive to the growth of crops and fruits throughout the year.
Of plains, that which is conducive to the growth of both early and late crops and which requires less labour and less rain for cultivation is better than the other of reverse character.
Of watery lands, that which is conducive to the growth of grains is better than another productive of crops other than grains.
Of two watery tracts, one of limited area and conducive to the growth of grains, and Another, vast and productive of crops other than grains, the latter is better, inasmuch as it affords vast area not only to grow spices and other medicinal crops, but also to construct forte and other defensive works in plenty: for fertility and other qualities of lands are artificial (kritrimdh).
Of the two tracts of land, one rich in grains and another in mines, the latter helps the treasury, while the former can fill both the treasury and the store-house ; and besides this, the construction of forts and other buildings reqnires grains. Still, that kind of land containing mines and which yields precious metals to purchase large tracts of land is far better.
My teacher says that of the two forests, one productive of timber, and another of elephants, the former is the source of all kinds of works and is of immense help in forming a store-house, while the latter, is of reverse character.
Not so, says Kautilya : for it is possible to plant any number of timber-forests in many places, but not an elephant-forest; yet it is on elephants that the destruction of an enemy's. army depends.
Of the two, communication by water and by land, the former is not long-standing, while the latter can ever be enjoyed.
Which is better, the land with scattered people or that with a corporation of people ?
The former is better inasmuch as it can be kept under control and is not susceptible to the intrigues of enemies, while the latter is intolerant of calamities and susceptible of anger and other passions.
In colonizing a land with four castes, colonization with the lowest caste is better, inasmuch as it is serviceable in various ways, plentiful, and permanent.
Of cultivated and uncultivated tracte, the uncultivated tract may be suitable for various kinds of agricultural operations; and when it is fertile, adapted for pasture grounds, manufacture of merchandise, mercantile transactions of borrowing and lending, and attractive to rich merchants, it is still far better than a cultivated tract).
Which is better of the two, the tract of land with forts or that which is thickly populated ?
The latter is better; for that which is thickly populated is a kingdom in all its senses; what can a depopulated country like a barren cow be productive of ?
The king who is desirous of getting back the land sold for colonization to another when the latter has lost his men and money in colonizing it, should first make an agreement with such & purchaser as is weak, base-born, devoid of energy, helpless, of unrighteous character, addicted to evil ways, trusting to fate, and indiscreet in his actions. When the colonization of a land entails much expenditure of men and money, and when a weak and base-born man attempts to colonize it, he will perish along with his people in consequence of his loss of men and money. Though strong,
bage-born man will be deserted by his people who do not like him lest they may come to grief ander him; though possessing an army, he cannot employ it if he is devoid of energy; and such an army
