XIII 
WHEAT, MAIZE, COFFEE 
129 
the right size they will not require any protection, but 
will go straight ahead. The ground must be kept 
thoroughly free from weeds. The young trees may 
attempt, but should not be allowed, to fruit before the 
third year. In this year the first crop will be taken 
and the income will commence. The fourth year, 
under favourable circumstances, 3 lb. per tree may be 
obtained, though this will prove rath er exceptional. 
Both picking and pulping, especially the latter, are 
operations which require considerable care. The 
berries must be picked when they are “cherry-ripe,” 
i.e., at that stage when the coffee gets bright red like a 
cherry and the skin is soft and easy to remove. The 
berry does not remain long at this stage, and must be 
picked then or not at all. The admixture of unripe 
or overripe berries will spoil the whole sample. The 
coffee must be pulped the same day that it is picked or 
at the very latest within 36 hours. A level and well 
cured sample is most desirable and more than pays for 
the extra care and attention. To this end it is 
essential that the pulper must be in perfect order ; 
and a good supply of water is absolutely necessary. 
At present there is no disease in the Protectorate, 
though the trees suffer periodically from the visits of 
the cutworm. The Agricultural Department are fully 
alive to the necessity of preserving our clean sheet with 
regard to disease, and in 1910 an Ordinance was 
issued absolutely prohibiting the importation of coffee 
beans and plants—only ground and roasted coffee 
being allowed to be introduced. 
K 
