268 USE OF THE LEGUMINOS^ FROM 



Another matter on which the scientist of Bourbon was 

 not able to speak is the stoppage of the work of the micro- 

 organisms through the closing of the pores of the soil, which 

 must undoubtedly be prejudicial to the growth of the crop. 



The fact that the Lima bean is now considered the 

 best covering is due to M. J. Desbassyns. It lasts for 

 several years and ils growth is always active. In dry 

 localities its growth ceases in the verv dry months, but picks 

 up again very quickly at the first rains. M. Boname has 

 already referred to it in his report for 1898-99. 



We cannot conclude without summarizing our few 

 remarks in these words : The practice of rotation in our 

 fields is indispensable. 



This necessity will be construed, firstly, by choosing 

 Leguminosas of rapid growth and restricted habit, so that 

 they may be planted between canes and either ploughed 

 in as green manure when in flower or harvested for 

 seed; secondly, by using Leguminosce with a large vield 

 in the green state when the crop is to remain down for 

 nine months; and further, if the maximum is to be obtained^ 

 by applying a slight dressing of manure to the plantation. 



We append in a final table the amounts of seed required 

 for a spacing of Leguminosce at 66 cm; and i metre intervals. 

 In view of the advantage accruing from a close plantation 

 and the small quantity of seed required there can be no 

 hesitation under the pretext of economy, the cost price of 

 the seed being insignificant. 



Two or three seeds should be sown together, and while 

 the first hoeing (the only one required if the conditions are 

 good) is being made, the plant or plants which appear to 

 be w^eakest can be removed, leaving only one. This work 

 can be carried out at a very small cost by bovs, and the 

 outlay occasioned by the use of three seeds in a group, 

 which some might regard as useless, is balanced by the 

 more complete development of the plant remaining. Our 

 experiments have proved this. 



