COFFEE PLANTERS’ MANUAL. 9 
together, as well as improve it by the process of 
their decay. Avoid land where there is much slab- 
rock cropping out on the surface, however. ‘The soil 
is seldom deep upon such rock, and it gradually 
slides away: while even before it slips, the roots of 
the coffee trees coming in contact with the hidden 
rock, cause the tree to wither and die when in its 
very prime. 
2nd.—Suwitable elevation. On this subject there are 
differences of opinion. Some like a low elevation, 
others prefer a high. And the feeling in favour of 
the one or the other is sometimes led by the kind 
of seasons freshest in our recollection. A course of 
rainy seasons makes a low district very productive, 
and a run is sure to be made on a locality that 
produces early and heavy crops. A few dry seasons 
im succession, while they wear out estates at a low 
elevation, bring life, health and vigour to estates on 
high altitudes. Then the run will be on these. I 
have known both kinds of ranges by turns run upon 
as described, at intervals of every few years. Speak- 
ing for myself, -I prefer a medium elevation—say 
from 2,000 to 3,500 feet above the level of the sea. 
At this altitude will generally be found combined, 
a good climate, and large productiveness, with a fair 
average quality of coffee. Higher you will get keener 
air—more mist, heavier and more frequent rain, with 
a better-flavoured berry, and generally less of it. 
However, at high elevations, these conditions vary : 
especially where the district is dry. Coffee that at 
4,000 feet altitude in a wet district, where the hill- 
tops are crested by perpetual fogs will bear but a 
sprinkling of crop, with a most vigorous supply of 
leaves, and abundance of strong branches, will at 
4,500, and even sometimes up to 5,000 feet bear 
wonderful crops if the district be a dry one. A high 
and dry elevation, with fair soil, generally bears well, 
and a good quality. . 
3rd.— Desirable lay. For facility of working, table- 
land would be the most desirable: as well as because 
whatever is deposited in the shape of manure will 
remain and enrich the soil. But somehow very flat 
land does not suit the coffee tree. It retains too 
much moisture and does not drain itself. Very steep 
land on the other hand, where rain is heavy, drains 
itself too much. Gently undulating land is the most 
suitable and best adapted for the growth of coffee, 
and for lasting. 
4th. —Favourable exposure. An eastern aspect is 
generally preferred. Ist, because it gets the morning 
sun; and 2nd, because it escapes the violence of the 
South-Wozt monsoon. Yet a western aspect at a 
