THE COCOA N*T T T TREE, 45 



The nuts being selected, when perfectly ripe from 

 middle-aged frees of the best sorts, are to be laid on 

 the ground under shades, and after the roots and 

 middle shoot, with two branches, have appeared, the 

 sooner they are planted the better. Out of 100 nuts 

 only two-thirds, on an average, will l>e found to 

 vegetate. The plants are then to be set out at in- 

 tervals of 30 or 40 feet,^the latter, if ground can be 

 spared, — and the depth will be regulated by the na- 

 ture of the soil and the nut must not be covered with 

 earth. The plants require, in exposed situations, to 

 be shaded for one or even two years, and no lalang 

 grass must be permitted, to encroach on their roota. 

 A nursery must he always held in readiness to supply 

 the numerous vacancies which will occur from deaths 

 and accidents. The following may be considered, the 

 average cost of a plantation, until it comes into bear- 

 ing :-— 



FIRST COST; 



100 ORi-ONGS OF LAND. 



Purchase money of land, ready for planting . . 1,000 



7,000 Nuts ® H dir. <^ 100 105 



Houses of coolies, carts, buffaloes, &c. &c 100 



Sp. Drs. 1,205 



YEARLY COST FOR 7 YEARS; 

 1st. year, 10 labourers © 3 drs. ^ month, in- 

 cluding carts, &c * **00 



Tear and wear of building*, carts & implements. 50 



Overseer © 7 drs. ffi month, * • * 84 



Q nit-rent, Average • W 



Nursery and contingencies • * ....... - $0 



Total, 4f annum . . * 594 

 Seven years at this rate will be . .4,15$ 



Total, Spanish dollars 4,752 



