28 COCONUT CULTIVATION 



of five or six months, are transplanted to the 

 permanent field ; some planters suggest an inter- 

 mediary stage or advanced nurseries in good 

 selected ground near water. The seedlings are 

 put in at 5 feet apart, and high cultivation is 

 devoted to them until their vigorous growth 

 stands assured. They are then finally trans- 

 planted to the main fields. While it is true 

 that transplanting at any stage is a check on 

 growth, it must be remembered that the coconut 

 is less thrown back by transplanting than any 

 other plant. 



The disadvantage, if such there be, lies not so 

 much in the retardation from transplanting as 

 in the extra cost incurred ; but against the latter 

 is placed more rapid and prolific growth. 



It will be found that all seed nuts do not 

 germinate, or that some produce weakly plants, 

 which makes it advisable to sow fully 50 per 

 cent, more nuts than permanent plants desired. 



An occasional watering is necessary in the 

 dry months. 



Clean Weeding. Why should this be im- 

 portant during the first four years ? The simple 

 reason is that during that period the roots will 

 have undisputed possession of the soil and have 

 all the available plant food at their disposal 

 during tender years. In late years the shade 

 created by the trees will keep in check all weed 

 growth. 



Cultivation. After the seedlings have been 



