Farming with Dynamite 523 



another field, intended for the cultivation of 

 ground provisions (vegetables), one-third 

 cartridges were again used, and at a depth of 

 1 8 in., in holes 8 x 8 ft. apart. The soil in 

 which all these experiments were conducted 

 was a deep sandy loam, and many members of 

 the Trinidad Agricultural Society were present. 

 That the results were satisfactory is shown, I 

 take it, by the subsequent resolution passed, 

 calling upon the Government to encourage and 

 facilitate the use of this new aid in modern 

 agriculture, once it was shown that those 

 storing and handling same understood the 

 work, and were capable of preventing the 

 explosions from taking place at inconvenient 

 times and in the wrong place. Even were it 

 possible to do so (which it would not be with 

 the cartridges supplied, that is if they are used 

 singly), planters must not expect to see the 

 large tree stumps blown out clear of the ground, 

 for sufficient resistance is not offered by the 

 soil to enable this to be done. The explosive 

 rather is apt to expend its force in tearing a 

 large hole in the ground, at the same time 

 loosening the stump, removing the earth around 

 it and forcing it out into the air. Experiments 

 have shown that the best way to clear land of 

 big stumps and roots is by the intelligent 

 use of saw, axe and stump extractor, as well as 

 of dynamite. First trim off the top of the tree, 

 if you wish but this is not necessary then put 

 in a charge or half a charge, according to the 



