PREFACE 



IT is with feelings of deepest sorrow that the preface to 

 this work is written, for the author, my dear father, has 

 passed away since "Cacao" was compiled. During the last few 

 months of his life, while suffering from a painful malady, 

 it was a labour of love for him to revise the proofs. His 

 experience of cacao cultivation was wide, and his knowledge 

 of the subject made him an authority whose advice was sought 

 from all parts of the world. The publication of this book 

 will form a lasting tribute to the memory of one whose whole 

 interest was in his work, and it will, I hope, be of great value 

 and help to many, especially in this beautiful island, where my 

 father laboured so long and faithfully for the good of the public. 

 On behalf of his family, I wish to thank those who have so 

 kindly helped in the publication of the work, particularly 

 Mr. Algernon E. Aspinall, the Secretary of the West India 

 Committee, and Mr. A. E. CoUens, of the Trinidad Government 

 Laboratory. 



MINERVA HART 



CoBLENTz Avenue 



Poet of Spain, Trinidad 



May 1911 



