On the Water Relations of the Coconut Palm (Cocos Nucifera); On the Oil Produced From the Nuts; The Factors Entering Into the Rancidity of the Oil, and the Insects Attacking the Trees (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from On the Water Relations of the Coconut Palm (Cocos Nucifera); On the Oil Produced From the Nuts; The Factors Entering Into the Rancidity of the Oil, and the Insects Attacking the Trees

San Ramon Government Farm, where most of these investigations were carried on, lies on the west coast of Mindanao 10 miles north of the town of Zamboanga. It extends for about 2 miles along the seacoast and toward the interior for 3 or 4 miles, to the base of a small range of densely wooded mountains, which forms an admirable watershed.

Four small streams run through San Ramon from the mountains to the sea. It is very probable that there is considerable underground drainage as well, for fresh water may be obtained at a depth of 5 or 6 feet almost anywhere along the shore, even at the edge of the beach. At present copra and hemp are the principal products of the farm, together with a little cacao.

At the time of writing all the coconut trees used for making copra at San Ramon were planted by the Spanish, but large numbers of new ones are being set every year from selected seed, for which only the largest and best nuts are taken. They are laid out on the ground in a sheltered place and a small section of husk is cut from the top Of each to afford a more easy egress for the sprout. At the end of about six months' time, when the sprout is from 2 to 3 feet high and the nut has just begun to take root in the ground, it is ready for planting. For this purpose a hole about 2 feet deep is prepared and the young plant is firmly packed with the soil, so that the sprout stands erect and the top of the nut is G to 10 inches below the surface. As a protection against wild hogs it has of late been the custom to dig a pit 4 or 5 feet deep and to plant the nuts at the bottom Of this. The seedlings are set out in straight rows, allow ing a space of about 10 meters between each plant.

After planting, the young coconut requires very little care, except to keep it free from weeds and the attacks of animals and insects, until it reaches maturity. The average time before a tree begins to give a good yield of fruit may be set at ten years. Instances have been known when bearing commenced as early as the fifth year, but these are of rare occur renees and under exceptionally favorable circumstances.

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