( 17 ) 
is somewhat doubtful whether there are any definite 
fixed types, and breeding experiments will have to 
be carried out to determine this point. 
The “ Deli ” type, which is in general cultivation in 
Sumatra and this country, is considered to be most 
suitable to the local conditions, and it is doubtful 
whether it will be superseded by other varieties 
introduced from West Africa, where the palm is 
indigenous. 
The composition of the fruit may vary (a) in the 
percentage of pericarp and its oil content, (b) in 
the percentage of kernel and its oil content, (c) 
in the thickness of the shell enclosing the kernel. 
Improvement may be brought about by selection 
work on the existing varieties, the main objects 
being to produce a type with fruit giving (a) the 
maximum amount of pericarp with a high oil con- 
tent, (b) a thin shell with the maximum amount 
of kernel of high oil content. In selecting parent 
trees, allowance will have to be made for alteration 
in type due to external environment, which may 
have a greater effect than genetic constitution. 
Cultivation .— The general cultivation of the oil palm 
is similar to that already described for the coconut, 
and the conditions both as regards soil and climate 
appear to be much the same for both crops. 
The most suitable soil for the African oil palm is 
an alluvial loam over-lying a clay subsoil, which will 
permit of easy root penetration and retention of 
moisture. Light sandy soil or swampy land is un- 
suitable. Although it may be grown successfully 
on gently undulating land, the flat coastal land, 
provided it can be properly drained, is likely to give 
the best results. 
