xiti WHEAT, MAIZE, COFFEE 129 



the right size they will not require any protection, but 

 will go straight ahead. The ground must be kept 

 thoroughly free from weeds. The young trees may 

 attempt, but should not be allowed, to fruit before the 

 third year. In this year the first crop will be taken 

 and the income will commence. The fourth year, 

 under favourable circumstances, 3 lb. per tree may be 

 obtained, though this will prove rather exceptional. 



Both picking and pulping, especially the latter, are 

 operations which require considerable care. The 

 berries must be picked when they are " cherry-ripe," 

 i.e., at that stage when the coffee gets bright red like a 

 cherry and the skin is soft and easy to remove. The 

 berry does not remain long at this stage, and must be 

 picked then or not at all. The admixture of unripe 

 or overripe berries will spoil the whole sample. The 

 coffee must be pulped the same day that it is picked or 

 at the very latest within 36 hours. A level and well 

 cured sample is most desirable and more than pays for 

 the extra care and attention. To this end it is 

 essential that the pulper must be in perfect order ; 

 and a good supply of water is absolutely necessary. 



At present there is no disease in the Protectorate, 

 though the trees suffer periodically from the visits of 

 the cutworm. The Agricultural Department are fully 

 alive to the necessity of preserving our clean sheet with 

 regard to disease, and in 1910 an Ordinance was 

 issued absolutely prohibiting the importation of coffee 

 beans and plants — only ground and roasted coffee 

 being allowed to be introduced. 



