( 4 ) 
drained in order that a good tap root may be 
formed. In water logged land the roots of the 
rubber tree are superficial and it frequently happens 
that, during wind storms, many of the trees are 
uprooted, especially if “ thinning out ” has been 
done. In badly drained areas the trees are poor 
yielders of latex, are not well grown, and are liable 
to become diseased. Most other crops require 
equally good drainage. 
Land subject to tidal influence is not recommended 
unless the water can be kept off the land by flood 
gates. Flat land, well drained, has a more constant 
and regulated supply of moisture than is found on 
undulating or hilly land; this is of importance as 
it assists a crop to withstand a dry spell. The 
conditions of flat coast land are generally such as 
necessitate adequate drainage to permit of good 
returns being obtained. 
Cover Cover crops are frequently associated 
Crops. with green manures; and, although 
the former will also perform the 
objects of the latter, green manuring is done prin- 
cipally for incorporating organic matter in the 
soil so as to improve its physical condition. One 
of the most important factors which commends the 
growing of covers, at least on hilly and undulating 
ground, is the prevention of surface wash. A suit- 
able permanent cover should provide heavy shade 
on the surface in order to retard the growth of 
weeds. The cost of weeding is high when lalang 
appears in cover crop areas ; for this reason, a most 
careful selection of the plant should be made in 
order that it will thrive on the land and thus provide 
the maximum shade with the minimum risk of 
lalang becoming established. In young clearings no 
