302 Coffee Culture on tbe Soutbern Coast of Cbiapas. 



tects it from the direct rays of the sun, which, in hot climates, produce 

 a rapid evaporation. In localities where the soil is rather dry, shade 

 may be avdantageous even when the temperature is temperate, as it 

 preserves the moisture, which is so important for coffee, although in 

 this case it is preferable to have recourse to irrigation. 



These considerations show that it is necessary to proceed with 

 caution in every instance, consulting the experience of men who are 

 acquainted with the locality and making previously, in unfamiliar re- 

 gions, investigations which will show what are the peculiarities of each 

 locality. 



The simplest rule which can be given regarding shade is not to 

 plant coffee where shade is required. 



In Ceylon, coffee-trees are never shaded, but, on the other hand, 

 care is taken to plant them in their own zone. 



JS. Trees to be preferred for Shade. In each locality some parti- 

 cular tree is preferred for shade, the plantain being used in many. Its 

 shade is dense, and it has the advantage of generally keeping the ground 

 moist; but, on the other hand, it has the disadvantage of absorbing 

 many of the nutritious elements of the soil, some of which the coffee- 

 tree probably requires for its better nutrition and greater fructification. 



Should shade be absolutely required a necessity to be regarded, 

 however, as a serious evil the best means of providing it is to leave 

 standing the tallest and least umbrageous trees of the forest to give the 

 shade which is indispensable, so as to obtain the best possible circula- 

 tion of air in the plantation. The castor-oil plant may be used for 

 shade in those nurseries and coffee plantations in high altitudes, in 

 which shade should not be given for more than a year. 



2. DISTANCE BETWEEN THE PLANTS. 



To proceed with greater method in the discussion of this important 

 subject, the following points will now be considered: 



A. General considerations regarding distance. 



B. Number of plants in each cuerda according to the distance be- 

 tween them. 



C. Yield of each cuerda. 



D. Space required by each plant. 



E.- Advantages of long distances. 



F. Advantages of short distances. 



G. Rules regarding distance. 



Each of these points will be considered separately. 



A. General Considerations regarding Distance. There is a great 

 difference of opinion among planters with regard to the distance apart 

 at which the trees should be planted, some preferring long and others 

 short distances between them. The practice most generally followed 



