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COCO-NUT PLANTING IN FIJI. 1 



THERE is a good deal of literature in circu- 

 lation dealing with coco-nut cultivation in 

 general, and in such places as Ceylon, India, 

 and the West Indies in particular. But, as far as 

 my knowledge goes, very little has been pub- 

 lished as regards the same industry in Fiji. 

 There appears to be a considerable difference 

 in the cultivation of the coco-nut palm in the 

 different countries. This may be due to 

 some extent at any rate to different varieties 

 being cultivated ; but at present we are with- 

 out any proper description or scientific classifi- 

 cation of the many species of coco-nut palms 

 which undoubtedly exist. 



In establishing a plantation it should be 

 borne in mind that the most suitable soil for 

 coco-nuts is no doubt found on the alluvial flats 

 or undulating land near the coast or on the 

 banks of rivers near their lower course, where 

 the effects of the tides are felt. As with all 

 plants, good soil is preferable, but there is a 

 great deal of contradiction and difference of 

 opinion as to what constitutes good soil for 



1 By Mr. H. H. Thiele, Secretary to the Fiji Planters' 

 Association. Reproduced from The Fiji Planters' Journal, 

 Suva, Fiji, July and August, 1913. 



