32 COCONUT CULTIVATION 



more rapidly to the tree by means of the natural 

 feeders than in a trench of cut roots at 6 feet 

 from the stem. 



Another system of manuring, recommended by 

 Mr. L. C. Brown, Government Coconut Planta- 

 tion Inspector to the F.M.S. Government, is as 

 follows : 



" A trench is dug halfway round the tree, about 

 9 inches in width, and, say, 1 foot in depth, close 

 to the extremity of the roots. This trench may 

 be left open for a short time, then the manure 

 filled in, and the soil that has been excavated 

 replaced. The following year the other half of 

 the tree is treated in a similar manner." 



No tropical plant responds more generously 

 than the coconut to high cultivation at the 

 proper stage, and for every dollar spent in 

 manure, treble is received in output in the first 

 returning crop. 



Fencing. To prevent buffaloes, cattle, wild 

 deer, and hogs from harming the trees, a strong 

 five-strand wire fence should be erected round 

 the plantation. 



The ordinary five-strand wire type of inde- 

 pendent wires may be used, but is not recom- 

 mended, as, although it is cheap to construct, it 

 is expensive to maintain, requiring constant 

 inspection and repair. 



It is a common experience to see such fencing 

 with one or more wires broken or hanging loose, 

 and under such conditions it is, of course, quite 

 useless. 



