CHAPTEE VII. 



SHADE. 



IN the cultivation of coffee, the same as in 

 that of cacao, shade is said to be necessary, 

 but the why and wherefore is not universally 

 understood. However, the question of shade 

 is very important. Shade in the culture of 

 tropical products is for the purpose of 

 protection from winds and against the quick 

 evaporation of moisture from the soil. At high 

 altitudes less shade is usually required, but this 

 does not actually mean being indispensable in 

 those localities where high winds prevail. In 

 selecting the shade for a new plantation, if 

 none is available the following points should 

 be considered : 



1. The trees must be suitable for the soil 



and climate. 



2. They should not be subject to diseases 



and insects attacking coffee. 



3. They should be fast growing and long 



lived. 



4. The wood should be durable and the 



trees well anchored in the soil, so as 

 to withstand strong winds. 



