34 
They are of value mainly as cover crops for the protection 
and enrichment of the soil. Pidgeon pea (Cajanus indicus 
and C. catjan) is an exception. It is valuable for wind 
protection and shade as it grows higher than most cacao 
trees under four years old. Of smaller leguminous plants 
the following thrive in most of the Islands: Cow pea (Vigna 
unguiculata), Sword bean (Canavalia gladiate and ensiform- 
is.) Crotolaria (Crotolaria Sp.) Wolly Pyrol (Phaseolus 
mungo), Peanut (Arachis hypogea), Beggar weed (Des- 
modium tortuosum, The last one cannot be depended upon 
in all places and none of them will grow under heavy shade. 
That is, after the cacao trees become large enough to shade 
the ground these plants cannot be grown although Croto- 
laria, Wolly pyrol and peanut will stand some shade. 
PREPARING THE LAND 
The initial preparation will of course depend on the con- 
dition of the land. A forest land may be cleaned to the 
extent of cutting down the trees and burning most of the 
cut-off material around the stumps so as to get rid of 
‘(and partly burn the stumps as well. In places it may be 
possible to sell the timber and it may also be possible to 
remove the stumps with dynamite and stumppulling nia- 
chinery. The last is certainly preferable on flat land that 
can be cultivated with machinery as it will facilitate culti- 
vation and cheapen the upkeep of the plantation in general. 
Forest land is preferable for several reasons, although it 
costs more to prepare it than if there were no trees to cut 
off. 
There are two essential things present in forests, viz, 
humidity and wind protection, and by judicious clearing 
and after-treatment these can be retained. Tropical forests 
