44 PLANTING IN UGANDA 



and particularly so to Cocoa. It is essential that 

 naturally sheltered sites be selected for this crop : 

 the glades between patches of forest are ideal for 

 the purpose. For Rubber and Coffee artificial 

 wind-breaks can be formed where a natural pro- 

 tection does not exist. 



Another point which should be considered when 

 choosing land is its healthiness ; and a hill on the 

 estate, removed from swamps, and suitable for 

 residential sites for an European staff is a 

 practical necessity. Also, it must be remembered 

 that native labour is essential, so that unless there 

 is a certainty that native workers can be brought 

 from a distance one should not think of beginning 

 a plantation in a sparsely populated district. 



Transport Facilities. Probably this is the most 

 vital point of all to be considered in deciding 

 where the plantation shall be. There are un- 

 doubtedly large areas of excellent land, in districts 

 where labour is most abundant, but which are too far 

 from rail or steamer to be of any present use to the 

 planter. In the running of an estate a very large 

 amount of transport is necessary. Machinery and 

 stores have to be brought in, and produce carried 

 out. Estates within a reasonable distance of the 



