34 PLANTING IN UGANDA 



CHAPTER IV. 



Probable Life of Tree, and how to 

 prolong it 



IN the case of plantations such as we are consider- 

 ing, which take several years to bring to the bear- 

 ing stage, the number of years that the tree will 

 continue to bear remunerative crops is an all- 

 important consideration. The treatment accorded 

 the tree and the crop it is allowed to bear must be 

 regulated in such a way that the best results for 

 the period of the tree's life is obtained. Whether 

 in all cases it is possible or advisable to endeavour 

 to extend the life of the tree by expensive treat- 

 ment, such as pruning, is a matter for each indi- 

 vidual planter to decide for himself. 



As regards the plants we have been considering, 

 it must be borne in mind that unless the requisite 

 degree of good growth is maintained year by year, 

 the tree is suffering in some way, and its life is 

 being shortened. This can happen through bad 

 cultivation. It can also happen through over- 



