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334
LAWS OF MANU.
IX, 37.
marked with the peculiar qualities of the seed, springs up in it.
37. This earth, indeed, is called the primeval womb of created beings; but the seed develops not in its development any properties of the womb.
38. In this world seeds of different kinds, sown at the proper time in the land, even in one field, come forth (each) according to its kind.
39. The rice (called) vrihi and (that called) sali, mudga-beans, sesamum, mâsha-beans, barley, leeks, and sugar-cane, (all) spring up according to their seed.
40. That one (plant) should be sown and another be produced cannot happen ; whatever seed is sown, (a plant of) that kind even comes forth.
41. Never therefore must a prudent well-trained man, who knows the Veda and its Angas and desires long life, cohabit with another's wife.
42. With respect to this matter), those acquainted with the past. recite some stanzas, sung by Vayu (the Wind, to show) that seed must not be sown by (any) man on that which belongs to another.
43. As the arrow, shot by (a hunter) who afterwards hits a wounded (deer) in the wound (made by
37. Develops not any properties of the womb,'i. e. 'shows no properties such as being composed of earth' (Medh., Gov., Kull.).
39. Vrîhi, i.e. such rice as ripens in sixty days (shashtika); sâli, i.e. red rice, which ripens in the cold season'(Gov., Nár.). Mudga, i.e. Phaseolus Mungo (mûg); masha, i.e. Phaseolus Radiatus.
41. Vigñana, 'the knowledge of the Angas' (Kull.), means according to Medh. and Nar., profane knowledge;' according to Râgh., 'the tradition.' Nand. inverts the order, and says, 'profane and sacred learning.'
43. Or, according to a second explanation offered by Medh., 'As the arrow of the hunter who hits a wounded deer is shot into the air as it were) and becomes useless.'
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