HISTORV AM) CULTIVATK^N OI" TIIK ri.ANT. 1 9 



only occupants of ihc ground besides the Cacao.* The plant 

 delights in a deep and moderately rich soil — that containing a 

 certain proj)orlion of lime or marl being preferabl(;.t 



In planting, either of two systems may be adopt('d: — 

 I — (a) Planting at stake (seeds), or (/^) planting from 

 nurseries (plants). 



Plant iiii^ at Stake: — In this case the best and largest seeds 

 in a pod are taken and two or three are planted at each stake, the 

 soil being first softened and broken up by a hoe. 



After being sown, the seeds require both shade and protection 

 till they h.ive germinated, which they generally do in a week or 

 ten days. When the young plants are from four to six months 

 old, the strongest only is retaint^tl, the others being carefully 

 removed to give it full scope to grow. 



Planting by stake is only adopted in fresh good land, and 

 where seeds are abundant. 



In addition to selecting the best and largest seeds (leaving 

 out the end ones) it is advisable for this purpose to wash the pulp 

 and cover thoroughly with wood-ashes, as a protection against 

 ants and predatory vermin. 



♦ Dampier, in writing of the Island of Tobajjo, in the Hay of Panama, says : ".Among 

 the CocAa trees grows the niammct, a straight tree without knot or branch, 70 feet 

 in height, and with a tufted and interlaced head. This seems to serve as a parasol to the 

 Cocoa tree, which is injured by the burning rays of the sun." Mr. Hart says . " For 

 sh.tde in the lower lying lands in Trinidad, the tree generally used is the * Hocare ' 

 or Krj-thrina velutin.i, which atTords a deep shade. For the higher lands, the '.\nauca' 

 or Erythina umbrosa is used. The latter grows to a much greater height than the 

 * Bocare,' and does not afford so dense a sh.ade." 



t Mr. Hart, F.l^.S., says : "The seed possesses but a short life if exposed to dr)- air ; 

 if kept in a moist situation fermentation quickly sets in, and the seed becomes useless. 

 It is thus very difficult to transport Car.10 seetl to distant c»)untries, unless placed under 

 conditions favourable to germination, ("oro.i nny be sent in ripr pods for short iounicvs 

 not exceeding 8 or 10 days." 



