12 PLANTING AND SHADING. 



several other, Erythrinas, as " Bois Immortel." The Bois 

 Immortel proper, ho\vever, is the " Anauca," Erythrina umbrosa. 

 The latter grows to a much greater height than the <f Bocare" 

 and does not afford so dense shade. Why these trees .should 

 have attained their high reputation was formerly difficult to 

 understand, but as modern science tells us that they are capable 

 of storing nitrogen in the soil, the matter is no longer an enigma, 

 and it becomes clear that they really do afford nutrimeut to 

 Cacao, but not in the way that was formerly understood. It 

 has been found that many leguminous plants are able to store 

 nitrogen in the soil, and allow it to become available for other 

 plants. The " Immortel" is a leguminous plant, and hence the 

 inference is clear. Other leguminous plants are able to do the 

 same thing, and there can be little doubt that the '* Saman" and 

 many others are able to do just as much for Cacao, and for other 

 plants, as the " Immortel." 



The wood of the " Immortel" is utterly useless for timber 

 or fuel, and the branches often fall in wet weather, injuring the 

 Cacao trees beneath. Among the numerous timber trees which 

 thrive in Trinidad, it is curious to note that none have been 

 selected for shade purposes which would be useful in other ways, 

 but that such trees exist, i* not to be doubted. The planter 

 should note that once such a tree is found and planted, it would 

 materially increase the value of his estate.' 



Nearly all the trees as yet suggested for shade purposes, 

 possesses no economic value, Casiilloa daslica has however been 

 mentioned as suitable ; but having seen the plant in its native 

 country Central America I am unable to recommend it for 

 the purpose, as it appears from our experience that the tree 

 itself requires considerable shade. Timber trees to be grown for 

 timber, would be useless for Cacao shade, as it would be 

 impossible to cut them without injury to the Cacao. It is 

 therefore clear that we should look for a plant which produces 

 an annual crop which can be gathered without injury to the 

 Cacao. 



The Hevea's, which produce the Para "Rubber of commerce, 

 are likely trees for this purpose, but they are of slower growth 

 than the " Immortel," Terminalia belerica, a tree which pro- 

 duces the " Myrabolans" of the markets, might also be tried. 

 Both these trees thrive well in Trinidad and in similar climates. 



It will be seen from the foregoing that although it is 

 desirable to procur~ a better tree than the " Immortel" for shade 

 purposes, it is a difficult task to find one, and the novice had 

 therefore better rest content with what has served so well in the 

 past, and leave experimental trials of new plants to the more 

 experienced. 



