384 



COCOA 



RAINFALL IN MILLIMETRES 



CHAP. 



The comparatively small rainfall may be counter- 

 balanced to a certain extent by the great humidity of 

 the atmosphere, which is shown by the mists, which, at 

 any rate at Aburi, cover the hill throughout the whole 

 year during the night and the early morning. Never- 

 theless the cocoa trees sometimes suffer from drought, 

 especially when they stand under too light a shade. 



The first small cultivations arose from seeds which 

 were imported from Kamerun (or Fernando Po ?) to 

 Manpong by a native. Sir William Brandford Griffith, 

 who was Governor of the Gold Coast from 1880 to 1895, 

 greatly encouraged the young industry, especially by 

 the distribution of cocoa seeds either free or at a low 

 price, and also by buying the first product from the 

 natives. He was well supported in this work by the 

 missionaries of the " Basel Mission." 



In 1892 he established a Botanic Station at Aburi, 

 which has since contributed to a great extent to the 

 development of the cocoa culture. Some 5 acres were 

 planted with cocoa, and treated very carefully, so as 

 to be an example to the small growers. 



