CHAPTER I. 

 Selection of Land. 



OH the cultivation of the Cacao tree the soil 

 selected should be one which possesses the requi- 

 site depth of surface soil, and one moderately 

 rich. A shallow soil resting upon hard bed rock 

 is totally unsuitable, while a moderately shallow 

 s il resting upon a friable rock bed is often 

 found to grow Cacao to perfection. It is gene 

 rally considered among Trinidnd planters that a loose clay 

 or clay with an admixture of a fair proportion of sand and lime- 

 is favourable to the growth of Cacao. If the soil is covered 

 with a vegetable deposit which has accumulated from the falling 

 leaves and branches of the original Forest, so much the better. 

 If land can be found on the banks of a stream or river where 

 there is considerable depth of alluvial deposit, such a position, if 

 capable of being well drained, is a sure source of wealth to the 

 Cacao planter. Hard, dry, rocky soils, stiff clays, mountain 

 sides, where great detrition frequently takes place, shallow. 

 sands, and boggy ground should be carefully avoided. The 

 aspect of the land should always be carefully considered. A 

 site exposed to trade or prevailing winds, or to strong sea 

 breezes, should not on any account be chosen for a Cacao 

 plantation. 



Land which has been previously cultivated with other crop* 

 may b<? chosen when it has good depth, is easily drained, and is 

 capable of being improved by the application of suitable- 

 manures. 



Worn out Sugar lands are dangerous investments for th > 

 intending Cacao planter as a rule, but an intelligent choice eve-i 

 here, oy men who are acquainted with the local character of th 

 soil and the Cacao tree and its requirements, will often result i-. 

 the development of a productive plantation. 



Salt is inimical to the growth of the Cacao tree, and lane!-; 

 liable to be inundated with tidal waters should never l.oj 

 Durchased. 



