166 
have to be increased. In Dahomey according to the figures from 
various parts the average number of palms to the hectare (2 acres, 
1 rood, 35 perches) is about 124, 
Careful particulars as to the mode of preparation of the holes 
and as to the planting of the young palms are also given. _ Under 
the heading “ maintenance ” the importance of attention being paid 
to the young plantation is emphasised. M. Adam has noticed the 
following succession of intercalary crops in the palm groves :— 
(1) Maize for several years. 5 ae 
(2) Equally during several years, alternate crops of different 
cans, ground nuts and sometimes yams. 
~ (3) Manihot (cassava) as long as it yields crops, usually from 
ree to ears, 
The ground is then left fallow for 15-20 years or more and then 
Ww 
The ground is considerably depleted by these crops especially by 
the cassava, though it gains something from the leguminous plants, 
and the natives never apply manure. On the question of manuring 
consideration. He refers to the complete liberty of cattle and 
sheep, in consequence of which there is no supply of manure for the 
and M. Adam concludes that had some of these neglected means of 
fertilizing the soil been employed the gradual diminution in the 
Tn Southern Nigeria it has been noticed that trees growing on 
old farms are more prolific than those growing in the dense forest. 
: 2 
greater yield of nuts than those growing uncared for in the forests 
(Thompson), 
The Acting Governor of Sierra Leone writes in his despatch :— 
“ That steps have been taken to encourage the Chiefs to cultivate 
YIELD or N uTs, &c. 
The age at which seedling Oil Palms come into bearing varies 
slightly in different places, and appears to depend mainly on the 
situation in which they are planted, | 
Mi. Adam* gives an interesting general account of the Oil Palm, 
with excellent figures of the inflorescences, The palms commence 
* Adam, J. L’ Agric. pratique des hauds, Bull. Mens. du Jard. Col, 
No. 68, 1908, pp. 380-387, andfiges S40. ns Ball. Mon 
