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remarkable short-lived vitality of the cacao seed, it is in every way advis- 

 able that the untrained grower procure his plants from professional nurs- 

 erymen, or, if this resource is lacking, that he import the young plants 

 in Wardian cases from some of the many firms abroad who make a spe- 

 cialty of preparing them for foreign markets. 



Both of these expedients failing, then it is advised that the seeds be 

 sown one by one in small pots, or, if these are not procurable, in small 

 bamboo tubes, and, for the sake of uniform moisture, plunge them to 

 their rims in any free, light soil in a well-shaded easily protected spot 

 where they may be carefully watered. In three to six months (according 

 .to growth) the tube with its included plant may be planted in the open 

 field, when the former will speedily decompose and the growth of the 

 cacao proceed without check or injury. 



At best, all of the above suggested methods are but crude expedients to 

 replace the more workmanlike, expeditious, and satisfactory process of 

 planting the conventional nursery grown stock. There is nothing more 

 difficult in the rearing of cacao seedlings than in growing any other ever- 

 green fruit tree. Briefly stated, it is only the finding of a well-prepared, 

 well-shaded seed bed and sowircr the seeds in rows or drills, and, when the 

 seedlings are of proper size, in lifting and transferring them to the plan- 

 tation. But in actual practice there are many details calling for the exer- 

 cise of trained judgment from the preparation of the seed bed down to the 

 final process of hardening off," concerning which the reader is referred 

 to the many available text-books on general nursery management. 



It may be said for the benefit of those unable to adopt more scientific 

 methods : Let the seed bed be selected in a well-shaded spot, and, if possi- 

 ble, upon a rather stiff, plastic, but well-drained soil. After this is well 

 broken up and made smooth, broadcast over all 3 or 4 inches of well- 

 decomposed leaf mold mixed with sand, and in this sow the seed in fur- 

 rows about 1 inch deep. This sowing should be made during the dry 

 season, not only to avoid the beating and washing of violent storms but to 

 have the nursery plants of proper size for planting at the opening of the 

 rainy season. The seed bed should be accessible to water, in order that it 

 may be conveniently watered by frequent sprinklings throughout the dry 

 season. 



The rich top dressing will stimulate the early growth of the seedling, 

 and when its roots enter the heavier soil below it will encourage a stocky 

 growth. Four or five months later the roots will be so well established 

 in the stiffer soil that if lifted carefully each plant may be secured with a 

 ball of earth about its roots, placed in a tray or basket, and in this way 

 carried intact to the field. Plants thus reared give to the inexperienced 

 an assurance of success not always obtained by the trained or veteran 

 planter of bare rooted subjects. 



