46 



considerable for the moment, but this is fully compensated 

 for afterwards by the increased fertility of the soil, and the 

 greater productiveness in the succeeding year. In several plan- 

 tations this has been proved by experience. 



The distribution of catch-water-drains and small trenches is 

 arranged in such a manner that one runs or discharges itself 

 into another, by which, at any given moment, the grounds 

 may be entirely laid dry, and at another time be plentifully 

 supplied with fresh water. 



In a well shaded, well filled and complete Cacao-field good 

 delving is indispensably requisite. The rainwater sinks through 

 the ground of itself towards these delphs or drains, and does 

 not remain in puddles upon the beds or under the stems of 

 the trees, which would be very injurious to the Cacao-tree. 



An ill- shaded or incomplete field, does not require the del- 

 ving in the same measure, as, especially in continuous drought, 

 this would do more harm than good, unless you have at 

 disposal a plentiful supply of sweet water. 



A useful counsel in laying out a cacao-plantation, is to 

 proceed very gradually and not to wish to undertake too 

 much at a time, lest adventitious circumstances, such as want 

 of pecuniary means, or want of labour, should oblige you to 

 suspend the work begun, and thereby suffer considerable loss, 

 leaving what was done a dead loss. Every good Cacao plan- 

 tation in the Colony was begun in this gradual manner, and 

 proceeded with by degrees, till it afterwards shone forth as a 

 flourishing plantation - - a living memento of what can be 

 achieved by perseverance and determination. 



