THE SELECTION OF A PLANTATION 25 



the nut" is the general dictum, although trees 

 grow with fair success up to an altitude of 2,000 feet 

 provided that the temperature requirements are 

 fulfilled. But the coconut palm does not flourish 

 on steep slopes nor in positions that are overshaded/ 

 and sheltered, and it cannot tolerate the presences 

 of stagnant water in the neighbourhood of its roots. ] 

 Ample sunlight, a sufficiency of moisture and large "\ 

 quantities of salt in the soil constitute its essential J 

 requirements, and that is why it prospers on sea / 

 beaches or in places near the sea. Moreover, this 

 proximity has a commercial importance, seeing 

 that it facilitates transport and shipment two very 

 expensive items on a plantation located at any 

 distance from the sea. On the other hand, coconut 

 trees flourish in Ceylon on alluvial soil at some 

 distance inland, but the period of bearing is 

 deferred in such cases. 



Obviously, soils vary according to region and ^ 

 location, but the best is an alluvial loam. Given ^ 

 this advantage the trees reach a state of great 

 luxuriance. Light, deep, sandy loams overlying 

 coral or any other porous substratum are also 

 suitable, but the plant depends to a considerable 

 extent on the fertility of the soil and requires a 

 liberal supply of humus i.e., decayed vegetable 

 matter. Coconuts do not prosper on pure sand 

 alone, unless it be repeatedly fortified by quantities 

 of manure and humus. Heavy clay^soils and all 



