The Supplement to the Tropical Agriculturist 



This discussion has brought to light some 

 rather pronounced views against retaining the 

 tappable stumps and in favour of their entire 

 removal, some individuals being of the opinion 

 that they do not think there is a very great 

 advantage in the method, and others pointing 

 out that though the trees may be pollarded, the 

 roots are still alive and in the soil. 



Synoptically, therefore, we think we are re- 

 presenting the average view when we say, (1) 

 that about 100 trees should be aimed at perma- 

 nently in average soil, a lower number in good 

 soil, and a higher number in poor soil ; (2) that 

 thinning-out should be done by the removal of 

 backward or weak trees, and not by cutting out 

 every alternate row ; (3) where money is badly 

 needed, rubber should be extracted from the 

 stumps before the bad trees are removed. 

 — India Rubber Journal, Oct. 5. 



CULTIVATION OF COCONUTS. 



ESTIMATES FOR OPENING UP AN 

 ESTATE. 



Based on Practical Experience. 



Those interested in the cultivation of coconuts 

 will find in the latest issue of the P.M..S. Agri- 

 cultural Bulletin (for October) an instructive 

 article by Mr L C Brown, Inspector of Coconuts, 

 F.M.S., who gives an estimate for opening up 

 coconut land. Mr Brown has written on this 

 subject before, but he explains now that, owing 

 to several changes that have taken place in the 

 different conditions of labour since his Pamphlet 

 No. 11 on Coconut Cultivation in the Federated 

 Malay States was published, he submits this re- 

 vised estimate for the guidance of those who 

 may care to interest themselves in the cultiva- 

 tion. He goes on to say :— 



1 received the original estimate from Mr 

 Munro, Permatang Estate, Banting, an excel- 

 lent authority on coconut cultivation and I am 

 again indebted to him for further assistance in 

 compiling the revised estimate, as prices of 

 labour have been obtained from him as well as 

 other planters of experience in Kuala Langat 

 and Lower Perak, and these figures I have 

 worked out on a general average. I am aware 

 that where Chinese labour is employed, the 

 expenses of weeding and cultivation are 

 heavier, and some allowance may have to 

 be made for this ; but generally speak- 

 ing, the advantages and disadvantages by 

 which there may be a saving or otherwise on 

 labour jo the various districts about counter- 



balance themselves, and therefore on the total 

 expenditure there should not be much difference 

 in cost, 



I consider therefore as a whole the estimate 

 submitted below may be taken as a reliable one, 

 perhaps rather on the liberal side, and easily 

 capable of being worked upon if the manage- 

 ment is carried out on sound and economical 

 lines by any experienced manager. At the same 

 time I have not taken into account any un- 

 usual expenditure or what may be considered as 

 an extravagant or unnecessary expense. 



As regards returns I have raised the price of 

 copra to $8 "50 per picul (under the average 

 rate that has been realised during the past 

 three years), which figure I am of opinion in 

 view of future prospects may be taken as a con- 

 servative one. On the other hand I have allowed 

 as much as 240 nuts to the picul up to the 

 seventh year, that is to.say while the trees are in 

 partial bearing. The reason for so doing is that 

 during this period the nuts are often found to 

 be smaller and contain less meat than at a later 

 stage. However, from the eighth year onwards 

 I have retained the same rate as in my previous 

 estimate, viz., 220 nuts to the picul, as I believe 

 this return can then be reasonably anticipated. 



The expenditure on the estate up to the sixth 

 year works out a little under $190 per acre, and 

 after this period the estimate may be considered 

 self-supporting. Of course over a larger area, 

 say from 1,000 to 3,0U0 acres, the average cost 

 will be materially less. Allowing therefore for 

 any little difference of expense in the various 

 districts it should not cost more than $200 per 

 acre in any locality to bring a coconut plan- 

 tation into a remunerative condition. 



The estimate for opening up and bringing 500 



acres is thus given : — 



1st Yeak, 



Felliug and Clearing $20 per acre ... $10,000 



Draining at $16 per acre ... 8,000 

 Cost of seed (35,000) seeds at 8 cents 



each ... 2 800 



Fencing at $4 per acre .., 2,000 



Lining and Planting at $3 per acre ... 1,500 



Coolie Lines ... 1,500 



Tools ... 300 



Bungalow ... 1,500 



Stationery and Postage ... 100 



Medical ... 1,500 



Premium at $3 per acre ... 1,500 



Quit-rent at $1 ... 500 



Survey fees ... 500 



Weeding, 1st 6 months at $1J per^acre 



per month ... 4,500 



Contingencies ... 1,000 



Superintendence ... 3,600 



Total ... $40,800 



