Planting in the Philippines 87 



ever, who cannot put up a permanent roof, can 

 erect a framework of bamboo and palm -leaves, 

 which is all the better for not being absolutely 

 rainproof, as allowing the water to drip through 

 moistens the heap and so prevents the escape 

 of ammonia and other useful plant-foods, whilst 

 breaking the force of the heavy rains that 

 would wash the ammonia out. In any case, 

 during the dry season the heap must be 

 watered to present the ammonia escaping, 

 and should furthermore be covered with grass, 

 leaves, &c., to keep in the moisture. 



Extensive areas of unoccupied, unclaimed 

 land suitable for coco-nuts exist in the Philip- 

 pines, according to Dean Worcester. They are 

 to be found in Mindoro, Mindanao, Palawan, 

 and the small islands around. Some, being 

 free of wild hogs and other pests, offer advan- 

 tages over others. Drawbacks are encountered 

 in the absence of fresh water and the extreme 

 isolation. Still, no one must expect perfection, 

 and it is for each to make his choice accord- 

 ing to his temperament. Estimates based on 

 actual work done in felling trees and clearing- 

 land vary from $5.60 to $16 per acre. One 

 authority quotes as follows : 



Felling trees $1.00 



Cutting and burning ... 4.00 

 Stumping ... ... 8.00 



Ploughing 2. 80 = $15. 80 



Mr. Y. H. Shipley, of the Mindanao Estates 

 Company's plantation at Davao, claims that 



