Clearing of the Trees, 



The clearing of the cacao-trees is never at an end ; at all 

 times the tree must be kept free from creepers, parasites, 

 insects, dead wood, etc. Dead wood is an attraction to insects, 

 especially to woodlice; it also imparts too much moisture to 

 the tree in the rainy season. 



The creepers which act highly injuriously on the cacao-tree, 

 are the Acrocarpidium Nummuiarifolium Miquel (called in 

 Surinam dritibri wiwirie), which by its thickness, especially on 

 aged trees, prevents the opening of the blossoms, and the bird 

 parasite, which proceeds from the excrements of birds, and for 

 that reason are called in this country vogeldrek (bird-muck). In 

 the trees, not entirely shaded, it attaches itself to the branches 

 and tops, entwines the tree, causes it to suffer greatly by absor- 

 bing all the vital saps, and finally kills it. It is superfluous 

 to repeat that good and expert labourers must be employed 

 for the clearing of the tree. 



