6 io Coco-nuts The Consols of the East 



.x 



Yet, we are told, propagation from seed is, 

 on the whole, the better method. The seeds 

 germinate rapidly, and retain their vitality for 

 a long period ; in addition the trees reproduced 

 from seed are generally healthier, more produc- 

 tive and more resistant to strong winds, and 

 attacks from white ants and other pests than 

 are those reproduced from cuttings. If seeds 

 are used, they should be selected from trees 

 which are more than five years old, of rapid 

 growth, and of early and uniform fruiting 

 habits ; also see that they bear large numbers 

 of pods, with a comparatively thin husk, and 

 a large quantity of floss of good quality. 

 Having gathered the pods, still look them over 

 and avoid those which contain fuzzy floss of 

 a naturally dull colour, and seeds below the 

 average size to a marked degree. 



As regards soil, the tree flourishes in a 

 wider range than most other tropical plants of 

 economic importance. The tree cannot stand 

 frost, it does best at an altitude below 500 

 metres and in a well- weathered volcanic soil. It 

 is probably due to this fact that the best grade 

 of Java kapok is produced along the foothills 

 of the Moeriah Mountains in the extreme 

 eastern part of the Semarang Residency. 



'WARE DEFORESTATION. 



Both India and Equatorial Africa are impor- 

 tant centres for the production of those 

 economic products which flourish best within 



