THE PLANTATION 71 



a day when wind and weather are favourable, 

 orders a general " burn-out." Special care must 

 be taken to prevent the fire from getting beyond 

 control and spreading too far. A second " burn- 

 out" is sometimes necessary before the clear-up 

 is completed. These operations not only destroy 

 pests, but also provide ash and other elements 

 which when utilised as manure enrich the soil. 



Having cleared the estate, the next step is to 

 devise an efficient system of drainage and to carry 

 the same into effect. Where the land is undulating 

 in even slopes, little or no artificial drainage is 

 required, but on low, flat alluvial soil this operation 

 is of great importance. In certain regions, includ- 

 ing the Federated Malay States, it is advisable, on 

 such estates, to have drains dug all round the 

 proposed clearing before felling the jungle or 

 secondary growth. " This is especially the case," 

 says that Government's expert, " wherever the soil 

 is of a peaty nature, and here, after the clearing is 

 burnt off, it is of advantage to keep the land exposed 

 for as long as possible, say at least six months, 

 during which time attention should be paid to 

 further drainage if necessary. The coconut tree is 

 probably no more affected by sour land than most 

 tropical plants. At the same time, stagnant water 

 must sooner or later have a very deteriorating effect 

 on the trees." 



When the area selected has been cleared and 



