Planting in Fiji 463 



them, and this seemed to answer very well. 

 Under certain special conditions, such as an 

 abnormal condition of the soil or irregularity 

 of its surface, other measures may be better. 

 I have seen instances of several rows of trees 

 having been planted much closer on one side 

 of a coco-nut patch, so as to act as a break- 

 wind for the rest, and I have heard of greater 

 distances being allowed between the trees, so 

 as to allow space for some other plants being 

 cultivated between them. Deeper holes than 

 those I have made are often recommended, 

 but I do not think they are necessary in Fiji. 

 For transporting the varas to their ultimate 

 place in the field, I used rather large shallow 

 boxes with a handle at each end ; these would 

 hold about 60 varas as a load. In handling 

 the plants the labourers were warned not to 

 lay hold of the young leaves, which may thus 

 be damaged and the growth of the vara checked. 

 Unless the roots developed in the nursery are 

 very long, there is no necessity for cutting 

 them back. In placing the vara in its hole 

 care should be taken that the roots are not 

 bent or doubled up, they should take the same 

 position as when growing in the nursery. The 

 seed-nut itself should be placed so that the top 

 of it is about 6 in. below the surface of the 

 surrounding soil ; this will in time, by rain and 

 cultivation work, be washed in or pushed in, 

 and thus fill the hole entirely. The reason 

 for planting the varas a certain depth below 



