Mr. George S. Hudson 173 



series (which should never be less than six 

 and preferably eight) a frontal sliding door, 

 about 12 in. to is in. wide, should be arranged 



*-/ o 



to extend to the bottom of the box to serve 

 the double purpose of ascertaining the bottom 

 heat of the cacao (as frequently this becomes 

 cold, discoloured and mildewed, while the top 

 is still warm and of a desirable colour) and 

 of expeditiously emptying the box. In shape 

 no advantage is gained in departing from the 

 square. Wooden covers are unnecessary as 

 regards fermentation, but are frequently used 

 with padlocks to prevent theft ; for fermenting 

 purposes the best cover is a thick layer of 

 wild plantain or banana leaves. Devices, 

 other than that mentioned, for facilitating 

 " changing " of boxes are not recommended. 

 Iron rails are in time affected by the acid 

 juice, yet it is questionable whether any 

 economic substitute can be found for them in 

 building wooden boxes. In considering the 

 building to contain these boxes the following 

 recommendations are made: " Ruberoid " or 

 some other "Giant Paper" roof, with full 

 boarding underneath. Concrete or tile floor. 

 Steep concrete drains communicating with an 

 adjacent watercourse 1 if vinegar is not to be 

 manufactured, the smell of decaying cacao juice 

 being most objectionable. Plenty of head room 



1 This strikes me as tending to lead to friction on 

 other estates or properties where the polluted water 

 may pass. H. H, S. 



