64 CACAO 



The placing of manure in proper position for speedy 

 assimilation is an art to be practised by all aspiring to 

 become skilful cultivators, and in order to place it properly 

 the operator must make himself acquainted with the 

 position of the primary organs of absorption, namely, the 

 points of the roots and the root hairs. 



These are found most numerous in the outer circle of the 

 roots, and not with the older or non-absorbent roots which 

 act mainly as channels for conveyance of material. It 

 is useless to pile up manure close around the stem of a tree, 

 as the roots there situated cannot take it up. There is 

 nothing which kills a tree quicker than the piling up of 

 manure or decomposing vegetable matter around the base 

 of its stem ; many a fine tree being killed by the ignorant 

 cultivator, where this practice is followed, as it causes the 

 destruction of a ring of bark at the ground line. Manure 

 should never be placed close to the stem, but immediately 

 above those parts of the roots which can absorb and 

 assimilate it. 



In any case, even with very young trees, manure should 

 not be placed closer than 12 in. from the stem. With 

 older or matured cacao-trees it is best to allow a 

 cleared circle at least 4 ft. in diameter around the base 

 of each stem, which may be extended to 10 or 12 ft. with 

 advantage, in the case of the largest trees. Local ex- 

 periments in Trinidad, made in an open savannah, have 

 shown to perfection the rapidity with which manure is 

 taken up when placed on the surface, and the immediate 

 benefit it shows in the growth of the tree. Surface manur- 

 ing, properly carried out, is a true 'following of nature's 

 teaching, readily practicable, highly successful, and 

 thoroughly scientific. 



