29 



procure beans for planting from some other district. In this 

 manner the nature of the trees is improved by crossing, and 

 there is an opportunity for observations and comparisons. One 

 acre (0-429 H. A.) must hold about 200 cacao-trees, planted 

 at intervals of 5 M. from each other and plentifully shaded. It 

 is an accepted maxim : little or no shade, few or no cacao- 

 trees. The shade-trees are to be planted at 20 or 23 M. distance 

 in connection. As in course of time these trees grow to a great 

 size, care must be taken that they do not over shade the field, 

 which would again be detrimental. The main thing is to plant 

 in the middle of the beds, far enough from the extremities to 

 prevent the roots getting in the drains or trenches. They 

 must spread high and wide like an umbrella over the cacao- 

 trees. 



Young cacao-trees must be earthed up to their third year 

 This is very promotivc of their growth. 



