MANURING AND PRUNING. 17 



The destruction of roots which the operation of burying 

 manure occasions, would, in most instances, completely nullify 

 the action of the manure applied, as the broken roots would 

 not have the power, nor the same amount of surface for 

 absorbing food, as when uninjured ; and the manure applied, 

 through its coming into direct contact with injured tissue, would 

 tend to destroy the roots by its caustic character, rather than be- 

 absorbed by them. That beneficial results follow the 

 application of manure when buried beneath the surface, is of 

 course patent to the novice, but in the case of surface feeding 

 plants, it is only after the roots have recovered from the 

 injuries done by the digging, that they are able to take up any 

 manure which has been applied (i.e.) when these organs are- 

 again in a condition to perform their proper functions. Even 

 granting that no special harm is done to the trees, there is 

 inevitable delay in the economy of growth, the hazard of losing 

 a flowering season, and consequent loss of crop. 



With deep rooming plants, the burial of manure is the most 

 economical method of application, as there can then be no loss 

 of volatile constituents. 



If we think over for a while the course which nature ha*- 

 pursued for ages in supplying plants with their food we shall 

 find that the method adopted is pureiy nuyace manuring. Evea 

 the ground the plant grows on, has been almost entirely formed,. 

 by additions to its surface, detritus from surrounding lands, by 

 deposits made by flood waters, or by decay induced by the flow* 

 of water over its surface carrying with it solvents which ar& 

 able to disintegrate the materials of which it is composed. For- 

 tree cultivation, surface manuring is the only method in which. 

 the manure can be fully utilized, and we can easily take .steps 

 to guard against evaporation or dispersion of volatile principles,, 

 by covering the manure with material which will act as an 

 absorbent and thus retain the constituents likely fco escape. 



In the preparation of land for general crops of an annual or 

 perennial character, such as European cereals, the thorough 

 incorporation of the manuie with soil, is of course, carried out a* 

 completely as possible ; but with this kind of manuring we have 

 nothing to do in connection with Cacao cultivation, a it is nob, 

 required, and can only be employed whtre the field is clear of! 

 growing crops. 



It will be seen therefore, that the course of manuring 

 recommended for adoption, is one which is based upon careful 

 observation of Nature's processes. We cannot command Nature, 

 but can venture to a8.ni.st her, and we can best do so by following; 

 out and understanding to the full, the methods she employs. J 



