26 



hill frequently results in increasing the number of sprouts, in giving a 

 more compact aspect to the hill, and in preventing the breeding of worms, 

 ants, and beetles that usually multiply in the decayed organic matter in 

 the center of the hill. 



When the land is thoroughly cleared and plowed before planting, and 

 the abaca is set in straight rows, subsequent cultivation may be done 

 with animals. 



SHADE. 



The relative advantages and disadvantages of growing abaca under 

 shade is a subject concerning which there is great difference of opinion 

 and one which must be largely decided by the existing local conditions. 

 In any province where there is a pronounced dry season the shade tree 

 may be considered an absolute necessity. Throughout the greater part of 

 the abaca-growing districts it may probably be used to advantage. In 

 certain portions of southern Mindanao, and in other localities where the 

 rainfall is very heavy and is evenly distributed, shade may be dispensed 

 with altogether. 



The functions of the properly selected shade tree are as follows: It 

 protects the young abaca plant from the direct and glaring rays of the 

 sun, such protection being very necessary at this stage of growth; it 

 prevents, in a measure, the great evaporation which would otherwise 

 take place from the broad surface of the leaves of the fully developed 

 plant; it brings toward the surface of the ground, within reach of the 

 roots of the abaca, a certain amount of soil moisture ; it protects the plant 

 during all stages of growth from severe winds. 



The objections to the shade tree are that when it has to be planted it 

 is an additional item of expense ; it interferes with the work of cultivation 

 and takes up a considerable amount of land which might otherwise be 

 planted to abaca. If its leaves are large, more or less moisture will be 

 evaporated from them and wasted, and if its roots are shallow the abac4 

 plant will be robbed of a portion of its food. If planted too closely the 

 abaca plant will not receive a sufficient amount of light and heat and 

 its development will be retarded. 



If shade trees are to be left standing when new lands are cleared, or 

 if trees are to be planted for this purpose, varieties should be selected 

 which are leguminous and which have tall trunks, narrow leaves, and 

 deep-feeding roots. Such trees will give a light shade, but little moisture 

 will be evaporated from the leaves, and their roots will be beneficial 

 rather than detrimental to the abacd plant. There are many different 

 varieties of trees in the Islands which are suitable for this purpose, 

 among which may be mentioned the dapdap, raran, tanguil, anonang, 

 pili, barobo, and locust. The number of trees required will vary with 



