Cocoa And Chocolate
The Tree, The Bean The Beverage

44 THE COCOA AND CHOCOLATE INDUSTRY tree-form to obtain maximum bearing. In Order to produce a low, spreading and symmetrical tree, every-thing that grows upwards, save the main stem, is cut off; so is every brauch which crosses another and threatens to touch it. A well-pruned tree will cast an equal amount of shade all round it and thus the trunk and roots will be protected from direct sunlight. At five years it will be about 10 ft. high and 10 ft. in diameter. Many planters subject their trees to a heavy trimming every third or fifth year. There is much to be said in favour of light pruning at more frequent intervals, say every year or second year. Light pruning increases the bearing area by promoting a branch crop and this is said to be less liable to disease than a trunk crop. It also encourages the growth of leaves, which protect the pods, when young and delicate, from fierce sun and heavy rain. In later years, sappy branches may spring from low down the trunk and grow at a remarkable pace. These are called “ watershoots ” or “ chupons,” or by the uncomplimentary names of “ suckers ” and “ thieves.” They are deliberately permitted to grow by certain planters in Ecuador, Java, San Thomé, Ceylon and Trinidad. In the last named it is the practice on a well-known estate to allow two watershoots to grow, one from the fork and one from the ground. Experts diff er, but on the whole the majori ty agree that with trees of normal growth all watershoots should be cut off. Planters, like other men, have their superstitions, and one is the considerable effect of the moon on vegetable life. Some planters believe that it is unwise to prune unless the moon is in the correct phase, because of its supposed influence on the flow of the sap. Others