MAXCraXG AND PRUNING. 17 



The destruction of roots which the operation of burying- 

 manure occasions, would, in most instances, completely nullify 

 the action of the manure applied, as the broken roots would 

 not have the power, nor the same amount of surface for 

 absorbing food, as when uninjured ; and the manure applied, 

 through its coming into direct contact with injured tissue, would 

 tend to destroy the roots by its caustic character, rather than be- 

 absoi'bed by them. That beneficial results follow the 

 application of manure when buried beneath the surface, is of 

 course patent to the novice, but in the case of surface feedinij 

 plants, it is only after the roots have recovered from the 

 injuries done by the digging, that they are able to take up any ' 

 manure which has been applied (i.e.) when these organs are- 

 again in a, condition to perform their proper functions. Even, 

 granting that no special harm is done to the trees, there is 

 inevitable delay in the economy of growth, the hazard of losing; 

 a flowering season, and consequent; loss of crop. 



With deep rooting plants, the burial of manure is the most 

 economical method of application, as there can then be no loss. 

 of volalile cousliiuents. 



If we think over for a while the course which nature haS 

 pursued for ages in supplying plants with their food we sliall 

 find that the method adopted is purely durjace matiurinr/. Eve:i 

 the ground the plant grows on, has been almost entirely formed,. 

 by additions to its surface, detritus from surrounding lands, by- 

 deposits made by flood waters, or by decay induced by the flow 

 of water over its surface carrying with it solvents which arfr 

 able to disintegrate the materials of which it is composed. For 

 tree cultivation, surface manuring is the only method in which. 

 the manure can be fully utilized, and we can easily take steps 

 to guard against evaporation or dispersion of volatile principles,, 

 by covering the manure with material which wiM act as an 

 absorbent and thus retain the constituents likely to escape. 



In the preparation of land for general crops of an annual or 

 perennial character, such as European cereals, the thorough 

 incorporation of the manure with soil, is of course, carried out as- 

 completely as possible ; but with this kind of manuring we have 

 nothing to do in connection with Cacao cultivation, as it is not 

 required, and can only be employed where the field is clear of 

 growing crops. 



It will be seen therefore, that the cours" of manuring 

 recommended for adoption, is one which is based upon careful 

 observation of Nature's processes. We cannot command Nature, 

 but can venture to assist her, and we can best do so by following 

 out and uodet'standing to the full, the methods she employs. 



