Laying-out the Plantation 203 



After the plants have been set, there should 

 be a couple of hands' breadth space below the 

 level of the ground, which depression serves as 

 a natural reservoir for rainwater to collect in 

 and so irrigate the plant mechanically with 

 every shower. 



When the time approaches for transplant- 

 ing operations to commence, the circumspect 

 planter will have taken measures beforehand 

 to secure as large a working force as possible. 

 This must be aimed at with all resources at 

 one's command, as the big rains only last a 

 certain number of months, sometimes only 

 weeks, so it can readily be understood that 

 despatch is advantageous, especially as the 

 even growth, and through that the even 

 ripening of the plantation as a whole, should 

 be always the first aim, and this cannot be if 

 there is a marked difference between the ages 

 of the palms. When it is understood that one 

 man can only handle about five dozen plants 

 in a day's work, it is easy to realize the labour 

 force necessary to tackle an area of even 

 moderate dimensions. 



In this process of transplanting, the closest 

 supervision of the labourers is absolutely neces- 

 sary in order to see that the least hurt or 

 damage possible is done to the roots or the 

 navel. 



The operations must be conducted system- 

 atically ; thus, the rows of young plants in the 

 nursery should be rendered accessible by 



