THE SCIENCE OF CATCHCROPS 81 



stalks. Some of the Mimosas contain as much as 

 24 per cent, of nitrogen, and the beans up to 18 

 per cent. ; sweet potatoes are also good, as they 

 can be cultivated in deep rows, a good distance 

 away from the coconuts themselves. Such legu- 

 minous plants not only spread rapidly and prevent 

 the lalang from coming up again, but will provide 

 fodder for the domestic animals on the place. 

 The Mimosa family, which are indigenous to most 

 localities where coconuts grow, are among the 

 most useful of these ' cover-plants,' especially on 

 estates with cattle." 



But the Mimosa has one fatal drawback ; it is 

 cursed with numerous and particularly pene- 

 trating prickles. From these the coolies' feet 

 suffer intensely, not always immediately, owing to 

 the toughness of their skin. They frequently have 

 lacerated feet unknown to themselves, until sud- 

 denly the torn flesh develops a serious and painful 

 wound. Cattle also suffer from these prickles. 



At first sight there appears something incon- 

 gruous in including cattle and pigs in this category, 

 but many competent authorities regard these as 

 one of the most promising and profitable subsidiary 

 industries of a big coconut estate, where they can 

 usually be introduced about four years after 

 planting, when the palms have attained such a 

 height that cattle cannot injure them. There are 

 regions, notably the Philippines, where cattle are 



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