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 sui-face soil, and one moderately 

 rich. A shallow soil resting upon hard bed rock 

 is totally unsuitable, while a moderately shallotc- 

 soil resting upon a friable rock bed is often-i 

 found to grow Cacao to perfection. It is gene- 

 rally considered among Trinidad 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 n'lC on , any account be chosen for a Cacao 

 plantation. 



Limd which has been previously cultivated with other crops, 

 may b; chosen when.it has good depth, is easily drained, and is, 

 capable of being improved by the application of s^litable^ 



man u res. 



Worn out Sugar lands are dangerous investments for the. 

 Intending Cacao planter a-i a rule, but an intelligent choice, even 

 here, iiy jnen who are acquainted with the local character of th ;> 

 soil and the Cacao tree and its requirements,; will often result in, 

 the development of a productive plantation. 



Salt is inimical to the growth of - the Cacao tree,, and ]and.~; 

 liablf^ to be inundated with tidal waters should never lie-- 

 onrch"ased. 



