SECTION X. — iMETHODS OF CONTROL. 133 



in a state of transition, as large areas are being relaid out so as to obtain 

 the longest possible furrow to allow implemental tillage with animals or 

 tractors. This has in some cases upset the old drainage of the field 

 and has produced bad results, which should however wear off in the 

 course of a year or two if the new system of drains has been well 

 designed. 



On the heavier flat lands the drains should be as close together as is 

 economically possible, as it is often possible to see a distinct difference 

 ingrowth between plants in the centre row of the beds and those in 

 the outside row. 



On most estates at the time of replanting the field, it is not the 

 custom to redrain until some time after the cuttings have been planted. 

 On a few estates, however, I have noticed the fields in preparation for 

 planting redrained at the first opportunity, so that the soil is well 

 drained at the beginning of the crop. This method should be adopted 

 wherever possible. 



Considerable reduction in damage has been noticed where the edges- * 

 of the drains have been occasionally loosened to allow of the free perco- 

 lation of the soil water into them. This should be done if there is any 

 reason to suppose that the sides of the drains have become impervious. 



Manuring. On p. 114 the effects of manures are discussed and it i« 

 a reasonable deduction that soils liable to damage should be given the 

 largest possible applications of pen manure to improve their physical 

 condition, and that artificial manures should, on the contrar^^ be used 

 with caution and their effect counteracted at intervals with heavy 

 apphcatioiis of lime. 



Almost every field in Trinidad which is subject to frequent recur- 

 rence of blight, would be improved by applications of manurial lime or 

 ground limestone. 



Larger quantities of stock are needed on many estates in order to supply 

 the necessary pen manure, but in view of the labour shortage and rapidly 

 increasing use of implements drawn by cattle and mules, an increase in 

 the number of animals on most estates would be vahied from other 

 aspects and should be part of a general policy of sugar-cane agriculture. 



From the point of view of the prevention of disease, I should prefer 

 to see the increased stock distributed as widely as possible over the 

 various estates rather than accumulated in special stock farms. This, 

 however, is a question which the managers will have to decide from 

 a wider aspect. 



The remarks above, with regard to manuring, apply to fields 

 constantly attacked by froghoppers. In very bad years as has been 

 pointed out, even fields with good soil may be damaged, and artificial 

 manures can still be used with good effect both before an expected 

 attack and perhaps after the attack to hasten recovery. 



It has been pointed out above that the evidence is that an applica- 

 tion of sulphate of ammonia during an attack is wasted, particularly 

 if the attack corresponds with the period of the " Indian Summer."' 



Tillage. The influence of tillage has already been discussed fully on 

 p. 118. Little more can be added here. Every opportunity should be taken 

 to improve the condition of the soil by careful tillage, but the shallow soils, 

 with sour sub-soils, which are frequently found in the low-lying sugar 

 areas require careful treatment so as not to bring to the surface too 



