dOCONUT planter's MANUAL. 87 



and income lost. Where the plantation has grown beyond the reach 

 of cattle, and they are allowed on it, it is necessary to protect the sup- 

 plies from destruction by them. Fencing with dead sticks is expen- 

 sive in that it has to be frequently renewed. The method I 

 have found most successful is to have a hedge of the much-abused lan- 

 tana round the plant, planted in a circle a couple of feet away from the 

 hole. It is quick growing, and may be protected by thorns so as to keep 

 cattle off it until a stout hedge is formed. It can be trimmed down to 

 the height of the growing plant and during drought it has the advan- 

 tage of affording shelter and conserving moisture, while the prunings 

 enrich the soil. The cost of trimming the hedge once in six months 

 is small. In a stiff soil the lateral roots thrown out by the lantana open 

 up the soil. It grows on the surface and can usually be rooted up by 

 hand, the roots loosening the soil. Finally, when the coconut plants 

 are beyond the reach of cattle, the hedge is rooted up and buried in the 

 plant-hole; or it is burnt after a week's exposure, and much potash, in 

 which the lantana is very rich, is added to the soil. The vigorous and 

 perfectly developed plants, which flourish within this live hedge, falsify 

 the theory that the lantana impoverishes the soil to the detriment 

 of the plant. When saplings are planted in older plantations whose 

 trees have taken possession of the land, it will be of advantage to cu* 

 a narrow drain outside the coconut-hole and say 5 feet away from the 

 plant, all round it to a depth of 15 to 18 inches. This would help in 

 checking the roots of the trees immediately round from interfering 

 with, the growth of the young plant. 



[The section on pests and diseases are omitted.] 



In Conclusion. — The results of scientific research are now being 

 applied practically to almost every field of human knowledge. Agricub 

 tu re is now exalted to a 'science. The cultivation of coconuts has long 

 been purely experimental. While we would welcome all that scientific 

 methods can do to improve the cultivation of this great staple product 

 of the Island, we must remember it is practical experience which can 

 alone test and use intelligently the theories of scientists. 



MEMO BY Mu. A. E. RAJAPAKSE MU.DAL1VAB. 



Clearing. — Felling and burning the jungle should be done early 

 so as to have the land ready for planting a month or so before the rainy 

 season. All standing trees should be cut as low as possible to assist 

 lining and planting in regular rows. 



Lining. — I he lines should be perfectly straight. Trees planted in 

 straight lines not only add to the appearance of the estate, but greatly 



