58 CACAO 



and potash (2A), and that receiving dried blood with 

 phosphate and potash (4E). The yield was practically 

 identical with that from the plot receiving dried blood 

 alone (3B). In the third year this plot far surpassed all 

 the others, giving yields 66 per cent, greater than that 

 obtained from the no-manure plot." 



In the Botanical Department, Trinidad, for many past 

 years mulching has been taught as a valuable method for 

 orchard culture of cacao and other products, and in Vol. v.. 

 Botanical Bulletin, Trinidad, 1902-3, the following bene- 

 ficial effects are recorded, viz., that mulching : 



(1) Keeps down weeds. 



(2) Prevents evaporation, and keeps ground moist. 



(3) Furnishes suitable manure in gradual supplies, 



(4) Attracts earth-worms to the surface, and causes 

 them to cut numerous burrows, which aerate and cultivate 

 the soil ; in fact the worms actually manure it by carrying 

 down into the tunnels the decomposed organic matter. 



By the use of " mulching " it is certain that cacao can 

 be grown successfully on lands which could not produce it 

 otherwise ; and on some of the large estates the practice 

 is being adopted, especially on those fields which sufier 

 during the dry season. 



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, in connection with cacao cultivation, 

 we have nothing to do, as it is not required, and can only 

 be employed where a field is clear of growing crops. 



On this point, the tropical cultivator who reads advice 

 intended for a temperate climate, is very liable to err. 

 His cultivation is orchard cultivation and the crop is 

 always on the ground ; which is quite different from the 

 cultivation of cereals, where the ground is clear for mani- 

 pulation once a year. It will be seen, therefore, that the 

 course of manuring recommended for adoption is one which 

 is based upon careful observation of nature's process of 



