Mr. George S. Hudson 173 
series (which should never be less than six 
and preferably eight) a frontal sliding door, 
about 12 in, to 15 in. wide, should be arranged 
to extend to the bottom of the box to serve 
the double purpose of ascertaining the bottom 
heat of the cacao (as frequently this becomes 
cold, discoloured and mildewed, while the top 
is still warm and of a desirable colour) and 
of expeditiously emptying the box. In shape 
no advantage is gained in departing from the 
square. Wooden covers are unnecessary as 
regards fermentation, but are frequently used 
with padlocks to prevent theft; for fermenting 
purposes the best cover is a thick layer of 
wild plantain or banana leaves. Devices, 
other than that mentioned, for facilitating 
“changing” of boxes are not recommended. 
Iron rails are in time affected by the acid 
juice, yet it is questionable whether any 
economic substitute can be found for them in 
building wooden boxes. In considering the 
building to contain these boxes the following 
recommendations are made: ‘“ Ruberoid” or 
some other “Giant Paper” roof, with full 
boarding underneath. Concrete or tile floor. 
Steep concrete drains communicating with an 
adjacent watercourse’ if vinegar is not to be 
manufactured, the smell of decaying cacao juice 
being most objectionable. Plenty of head room 
1 This strikes me as tending to lead to friction on 
other estates or oe ae where the polluted water 
‘may pass.—H. H. 
