410 



COCOA 



CHAP. 



A system, as far as I know only used in Java, is 

 the use of pots made of cow-dung and soil. In different 

 proportions the ingredients are mixed on the plantations. 

 One of the most convenient mixtures seems to be : 



10 tins of cow-dung. 

 2 black-mould or clayish earth. 

 2 sand. 

 1 J fibre of the areng palm. 



FIG. 119. Young cocoa tree planted in an older cocoa field under the light shade of 

 " kapok" and temporary shade of taro (plantation "Siloewok Sawangan"). 



When these ingredients have been well mixed 

 together with the addition of water, the mixture is put 

 into a mould made of wood into which is pressed a 

 block to form the pot. Fig. 120 may give an idea of 

 the instrument. 



The pots freshly made are dried and hardened in 

 the sun. When dry they are fit for use. 



When these "dung-pots" are used in the nursery, 

 they must be kept under a roof, so as not to be 

 wetted by rain, and when the plants are watered this 

 must be done carefully, otherwise the pots break down. 



