78 COCONUTS, KERNELS, AND CACAO. 



fruit for permanent shade, and smaller " catch-crops " 

 or " side- crops " for temporary shade, are now frequently 

 used a, 4 being more remunerative. 



In West Africa the banana is used for temporary 

 shade purposes, and gives a profitable local return while 

 the cacao tree is growing. Cassava or tapioca is also 

 employed, but is not recommended, as it takes too much 

 nourishment from the soil. 



Manuring, except for delicate plants, and upon soil 

 lacking necessary chemical constituents, is not actually 

 necessary until after the first crops, although a moderate 

 application often quickens growth and production. As 

 soon, however, as the crop-taking has begun, regular 

 manuring is necessary to ensure permanent and im 

 proving crops. 



The leaves of the plant, at first a tender yellowish- 

 brown, ultimately turn to a bright green. They often 

 grow to 14 or 18 inches in length. 



Scale insects attack the leaves, and grubs will quickly 

 rot the limbs and trunks, unless attended to. If left to 

 nature, lichen, moss, ferns, and vines will encroach upon 

 the tree. 



The greatest number of flowers are produced on the 

 stem and principal branches, and a tree may continue 

 to bear flowers and fruit from the same areas for many 

 consecutive years. The flower is small, considering the 

 size of the fruit. Flowers may be found on the trees 

 throughout the year (and clusters of the pink and yellow 

 blossoms may often be found on the trunk itself), but 

 the greatest number are usually present about six months 

 before the principal crop season. 



Cacao flowers are so constructed that outside aid appears 



