PRUNING CACAO 69 



cannot be, and the production of root is in exact ratio to 

 the production of branch, as previously mentioned, and 

 the more these are allowed to grow, the larger amount of 

 root-power the tree will have ; but the cultivator should 

 see that this power is judiciously expended by directing 

 growth in the required channel. When, however, a tree 

 is bearing fairly in proportion to its size, it is better to 

 remove these branches at once, as it is certain that by 

 affording free opening for the expenditure of plant material 

 they rob the crop of the full amount of nourishment it 

 should obtain, and the productive power of the tree is 

 seriously affected. They should be removed, however, as 

 they appear, and not be allowed to grow to a large size 

 and then removed, as that practice would simply be a 

 waste of the material used up in producing them, instead 

 of it being available for the production of fruit. It is a bad 

 and slovenly practice to allow suckers or " gormandisers " 

 to be pulled off. They should always be removed with a 

 sharp knife when the wood is too hard to allow of their 

 being " pinched " between the thimib and finger, and 

 the cut treated with an antiseptic. 



In cases where the cacao-tree has evidently become 

 somewhat worn out or partially barren, i.e. where its 

 bearing wood shows evident signs of being out of condition, 

 it is a good plan to make use of " gormandisers " or chwpons 

 to assist in rejuvenating the bearing parts of the tree and 

 give it a new lease of life. This can easily be done if the 

 most suitable are allowed to grow, and trees can be more 

 quickly rejuvenated by this means than by any other. 



By allowing one or more of these branches to grow 

 from suitable points and by treating it in a similar manner 

 as we would a young plant, it is possible to renew and 

 bring again into bearing trees which, if left to themselves, 

 could not be expected to yield any crop. It is really 

 wonderful in what a short time this operation can be 

 completed if skilfully carried out. 



After the tree thus treated has assumed fair proportions, 

 the older wood should be carefully and gradually cut away. 



