Chapter VI 

 The Plantation 



CERTAIN problems confront the planter 

 when he sets out to clear and prepare his 

 estate, whatever the character of the land. 

 It is generally covered with virgin forest, secondary 

 jungle, or grass, as the case may be, and the work 

 of preparation involves great patience, effort, and 

 judgment. Obviously, the first condition presents 

 the greatest difficulty, but, on the other hand, the 

 effort expended is amply rewarded by the freshness 

 and productivity of the soil, which has escaped the 

 impoverishment that results from crop-raising. 



In planning out the estate, special care must be 

 exercised in allotting positions to the manager's 

 quarters, the storehouse, factory, gardens, etc., 

 which must be so situated that the roads and paths 

 intersecting the property converge in their neigh- 

 bourhood. The prudent manager will next see 

 that wherever possible the estate comprises plenty 

 of useful fruit trees and bamboo, which are prac- 

 tically indispensable, the first for feeding the natives 



