CHAPTER VIII 



PRUNING CACAO 



Upon the number and proper development of the leaves of 

 a tree, the whole of its power of growth and production 

 depends. The development of leaves is therefore the 

 primary object of the cultivator, as they are really the 

 factory or laboratory where all the material for the pro- 

 duction and extension of growth of stem, root, and branch 

 is formed. There is reciprocal action between the roots, 

 branches, and the leaves. The roots in their growth keep 

 pace with the development of the stems and branches, and 

 it may be taken as a general guide that there is intimate 

 and constant relation between the horizontal extension of 

 branches and the lateral spreading of the roots. It is not 

 by watering a tree close to the stem or trunk that it is kept 

 in vigour, but by applying the water on the soil at the 

 extremities of the roots, which correspond with the diameter 

 of the circle containing the spread of the branches, i.e. 

 the spread of the roots horizontally is generally equal to 

 the lateral spread of the branches, and the outer edge of 

 the circle containing the roots is clearly the place where 

 both moisture and manure can be most satisfactorily 

 and economically supplied. By adopting a system which 

 allows roots to spread freely and does not arrest their 

 development, we are imitating what takes place in nature, 

 than whom there is no greater or better teacher or guide, 

 if we would have well-grown specimens. If we wish trees 

 to be firmly rooted we must allow their branches to spread 

 freely, as there is no doubt of the reciprocal action which 

 exists between the branches and roots, as well as between 

 the leaves and roots. The spreading of roots under 



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