COCONUT PLANTER^ MANUAL. 137 



For the purpose of confirming the results of the trial detailed above 

 an exactly similar trial was carried out in the Battiealoa district. In 

 this case the block treated with Nitrate of Soda has yielded exactly tea 

 per cent, more than the other. In addition to which the Superintendent 

 reports: — "The block treated with Nitrate of Soda shewed a decided 

 difference in colour and the heads looked greener and healthier than on 

 the other block. Also I have noticed a difference in the falling off uf 

 immature nuts; the Nitrate of Soda block has hardly dropped a nut." 



With a view to demonstrating the effect of Nitrate of Soda in bring- 

 ing on young palms a further series of trials was commenced on an 

 estate in Jaela. In this case it is not possible to quote figures because 

 none of the palms have yet come into bearing. The following reports 

 from the Colombo Agents and the Estate Proprietor, however, speak for 

 themselves : — 



From the Colombo Agents: — "The blocks treated with Nitrate Tjf 

 Soda is doing very well indeed. It is as good as any block with four 

 any other plots even where a greater amount of ordinary mixture was 

 applied." 



From the Estate Proprietor: — "The block treated with Nitrate of 

 Soda is doing very well indeed. It is as good as any block with four 

 times the normal application of manure. The plot without Nitrate of 

 Soda is not doing well." 



The following mixture has been designed, in consultation with seve- 

 ral leading Fia liters and Visiting Agents, to meet the special require- 

 ments of Ceylon soils and the Coconut palm: — 



Nitrogen. Phosphoric Potash. 

 Manure. Acid. 



600 „ 42 „ 75 „ 25 „ 



Steamed Bone Meal supplies a large amount of readily available 

 Phosphoric Acid together with a small proportion of Organic Nitrogen 

 which gradually becomes converted into Nitrates in which form it is 

 readily taken up by die plant. 



