36 Coco-nuts The Consols of the East 



practised. 1 This it undoubtedly does, but not 

 to an extent to be detrimental to the coco-nut 

 plantation, particularly when manuring is 

 practised. As against the impoverishment of 

 the soil, there is the benefit accruing to it 

 from constant tillage. In dry districts, cotton 

 could be grown as a subsidiary crop. 



" Every time the land is weeded, or at 

 least once a year, the soil should be tilled in 

 an increasing circle round the plants and 

 mulched with weeds, which should be placed 

 at least a foot or 1 8 in. away from the plants 

 to avoid trouble with black ants. All laggards 

 and recent supplies should have a large coco- 

 nut shell full of kainit. When, in course of 

 time, the edges of the tilled circle touch each 

 other, the intervening spaces should also be 

 tilled. Probably by this time the estate will 

 have come into bearing, as a result of con- 

 tinuous tillage. After this the land can be 

 ploughed. 2 Efficient ploughing is not practic- 

 able on any but sandy soil, unless tilling 

 precedes it. The land should be harrowed 

 the year after tilling. These operations should 

 be carried on in alternate years, so as to have 

 the soil always in a fine state of tilth. Un- 

 fortunately, everyone does not realize the 

 benefits of having the soil in a friable state. 

 If brought into this condition, most of the 



1 Quite right, and if financially necessary, the catch 

 crops must only be planted for an agreed number of 

 years. 



1 Anti-ploughers please note. 



