Low Topping. 223 



it to throw out vigorous lateral branches, and form 

 a compact, well-arranged and manageable bush. 



The height at which the plants should be topped 

 must depend on the climate, soil, and aspect of the 

 locality in which they are situated ; and also, to 

 some extent, on the distance at which they are 

 planted from each other. In a cold climate, or in 

 wet, poor land, the trees would not be likely to 

 reach any considerable size under any circum- 

 stances, and here they must, therefore, be planted 

 more closely than in more favourable localities, 

 or else be topped lower than usual, so as to enable 

 them, by throwing out strong side branches, to 

 come into something like contact with each other, 

 and thus form a good cover for the ground. 



In exposed situations, the trees, if allowed to get 

 high, would be much shaken by the wind, and must 

 therefore be topped in accordance with the probable 

 violence of the prevailing wind. Thus, for a field 

 exposed to the south-west monsoon a height of from 

 2 to 2 1 feet will be sufficient. I have even had 

 occasion to keep coffee which was much blown 

 during the monsoon, down to a foot and a half, 

 and with very satisfactory results. At this height 

 a plant will usually still have from five to seven 

 pairs of " primary " branches. 



In a sheltered situation, where the soil is good 

 and the climate moderately warm and humid in 



