26 Coco-nuts The Consols of the East 



estimate of their extent over a given area ; 

 for these have to be eliminated altogether 

 in the planting, unless they lie sufficiently 

 deep, say over 10 ft, to do no harm. If 

 they are level and impervious, they will 

 probably hold ground water, which is bad. 

 Heavy clay and "sour soils" are to be care- 

 fully eschewed, because they are extremely 

 bad carriers of water, and the roots, owing to 

 chronic "wet feet," are certain to rot under 

 such conditions. 



Talking of percolation of soils suggests the 

 most advantageous conditions of rainfall, for 

 too much water can be harmful, the same as 

 too little. Without proper drainage too much 

 rain will tend to develop the trunk and leaves 

 at the expense of the fruit, while the reverse 

 will, of course, be harmful to both. 



It may be safely assumed that a volume 

 of 50 to 80 in. ^ annually, well distributed 

 through the seasons, is the best of all, pro- 

 vided the subsoil below retains the moisture, 

 and keeps the top soil moist. The range of 

 the thermometer should not be too great ; never 

 below 55 F., and seldom above 90 F., is the 

 happiest condition. Almost wholly level land, 

 with a sufficient slope and gentle undulation 

 to ensure perfect drainage, is the ideal location 

 for a coco-nut plantation, provided the soil 

 consists of a good layer of humus and porous 

 soil underneath, plus, of course, a good supply 

 of water always on the move, never resting 



