349 
planters in the discussion of the many details concerning Coco-nut 
cultivation by Europeans, and the figures given by Mr. CAREY in 
his letter of 15th February, will no doubt be of interest, and serve 
as food for reflection to those (and there are many) who ridicule 
the idea of any such returns being possible. 
I know very well the little “patch” to which Mr. CAREY refers, 
and it is to my mind also in no way an exceptionally fine one. 
Having visited Ceylon, and some of the Estates there, I am very 
firm in my belief, that no matter what they possess as regards 
climatic conditions, and soil requisite for successful coco-nut culti- 
vation, we can go, at least one better here ; at any rate in the coast 
districts. 
Careful cultivation, regular weeding, and protection from insect 
pests, should do much to bring about a result such as Mr. Carey 
anticipates. 
It has long occurred to me that the question of how to prevent, 
and deal with unproductive trees is one that all those interested 
in this particular cultivation will be glad to see discussed, and a 
good deal of attention given to. 
I may be challenged to show the existence of these to any large 
extent on an Estate under intelligent and able supervision. I know 
it to be so in nearly all native plantations both in this and other 
districts where I have had the opportunity of observing the trees 
closely. It appears to be quite an accepted theory in these parts 
that seed should be taken from trees not younger than 15 years, 
and the fact may be interesting to some that almost every Malay 
to whom I have spoken on the subject, attributes the cause of these 
non-bearing trees to the non-adherence to the popular belief. In 
planting up a larg^area, it cannot always be ascertained exactly 
where the seed comes from, so that, I think, unless very great care 
is exercised in this direction. We must not be disappointed if the 
average on a well cared-for estate turns out to be quite as high as 
that mentioned by Mr. CAREY on what was formerly a native 
holding. 
How to make these unproductive trees, productive (if it can be 
done at all) is a matter on which, I am sure the views of every one 
will be welcome. 
Yours faithfully, 
ROBT. W. MUNRO. 
COCO-NUTS. 
„ Jugra Estate, 
Selangor, 15th April , 1902. 
Dear Sir, 
When I was last in Klang, I was sorry to find that Coco-nuts 
had lost some of their popularity amongst European planters. So 
far as I could learn, the “ Prince of Palms” was under a cloud, 
chiefly on account of certain remarks made by a Malay Rajah and 
two Ceylon planters who had been visiting Klang. 
