Coffee Culture on tbe Soutbern Coast of Cbiapas. 



5. PROTECTION AGAINST THE WINDS. 



It is of the first importance that the plantation should be sheltered 

 against the prevailing winds. If the plants were exposed to the north 

 winds, which blow in Soconusco from the land and are very dry, they 

 would wither, and if they were exposed to the southeasterly winds, 

 which are here the prevailing sea winds, they would lose their blos- 

 soms and yield scanty crops, or none. But it is also necessary for the 

 growth and good yield of the plant that it should be situated in a locality 

 where the air circulates freely. 



It is probable that the sea breezes, are highly beneficial to the 

 coffee plant, for which reason it is expedient that the plantation should 

 be made on land which faces the sea, although it should be sheltered 

 from the prevailing winds. The principal plantations of Soconusco 

 and Guatemala face the Pacific. 



The violence of the north winds which blow from Tehuantepec to 

 Tonala, and which deprive the atmosphere of moisture, and wither 

 vegetation, will be an obstacle to the planting of coffee on that part of 

 the coast, except in such localities as may be sheltered from the north 

 winds and have a moist atmosphere. 



It has been observed in Ceylon that an eastern exposure is the most 

 favorable. In Soconusco and Guatemala a southern exposure is the 

 most favorable. 



6. HUMIDITY. 



The coffee plant requires moist but not miry ground. Water re- 

 tained around its roots injures it greatly. 



Even when the surface of the ground becomes dry, in the dry 

 season, the land will still be suitable for coffee if, on digging down a 

 little, the earth be found moist, but not wet. 



A moist atmosphere should also be sought, as not only the roots of 

 the coffee plant, but also its leaves require moisture. This is another 

 of the reasons that render the vicinity of the sea desirable for a coffee 

 plantation. 



Shade trees also keep the ground moist, for which reason they may 

 be required in certain localities. 



7. STREAMS. 



Although neither in Soconusco nor in Guatemala is it necessary to 

 water the coffee plants as the rains suffice to make them grow and 

 thrive it is always desirable to locate the coffee plantation near some 

 river, brook, or spring, not only because water is an indispensable ele- 

 ment of life for the laborers and the animals employed on the planta- 

 tion, but also in order that the water may be used as motive power for 

 the machinery that is to prepare the berry for the market. Plantations 



