FORESTRY OF WEST AFRICA. lor 



These are exceptional cases. The general temperature 

 ranges from 72° to 87° in the shade. In the country, 

 at the furthest point where coffee is cultivated by the 

 settlers, there is a difference of one or two degrees 

 lower, owing principally to the rise of the land. 



Along the coast, the coffee-tree thrives at only a 

 fev/ feet (say 10) above sea-level. At Careysburg 

 and at Mount Coffee it succeeds as well at an elevation 

 of 550 feet 



Q. Will the plant grow well on level ground, or 

 does it succeed better on slopes ? 



A. The coffee-tree grows as well on level ground as 

 on slopes, with this precaution : care should be taken 

 that, on slopes, the rich mould or surface soil be not 

 washed away ; and on level ground, that the water 

 ■does not stand. For while the leaves of the coffee- 

 tree delight in frequent refreshing showers, the roots 

 are averse to standing water. 



Q. Is it necessary for its successful cultivation that 

 it be planted on land from which the forest has been 

 recently removed, or will it thrive equally well in 

 ordinary soil ? 



A. Virgin forest soil is considered best for the coffee- 

 tree, simply because it contains sufficient plant-food, 

 and saves the expense of manuring for several years. 

 Ordinary soil will answer as well, provided it contains 

 sufficient plant-food, or otherwise can get a sufficiency 

 of manure. The soil should be of loose texture ; the 

 tree will not thrive in stiff clay soils. 



