The Hawaiian gazette., 1896-08-28

somewhat similar to that caused by top
ping: numerous secondaries will make
! their appearance, sometimes in clusters
of two and three especially from the
| Joints where branches have been re-
moved by the knife. 1t is at this stage
and at subsequent intervals, that the
importance of systematic handling can
! be appreciated. If all such growth were
not promptly removed they would de-
velop until the coffee tree became a
dense thicket, with a mass of distorted
| branches growing in all directions, i'm
! pervious to both sunshine and air; the
suckers would become gormandizers,
and all the energies of the tree, which
by the laborious pruning had been di-
Tected towards the formation of berry,
would be lost. Handling, therefore,
must be carefully carried out as often
as may be required, which to a great
extent will depend upon the nature of
the season and the local conditions of
the climate in which the plantation may
be situated.
The style of handling now required
is precisely similar to that previously
described, only it will be more extern
sive and will require close supervision
to see that the work is properly done,
for there will be an abundance of fresh
wood which must be removed.
Proceed in the same manner as before
by first thinning out the center of the
tree; then turn your attention to the
primaries, each one in its turn, and
take off all the fresh secondaries which
have made their appearance since prun-
ing, especially where the knife was
used, where they will be found in clus-
ters, care being taken, however, not to
disturb those trained for next years
crop. Should any of these prove to be
sickly, or weak, they may be substi-
tuted by allowing a healthier one to
take their place, and the weaker one
should be removed with the knife if
necessary. Now look along the sec
ondaries which are from bearing wood
for this year, and unless they are de-
ficient in foliage remove all the terti-
aries. Should gap occur a tertiary
may be left to fill the space.
In handling along the secondaries
great care must be exercised not to dis
turb the crop, or spike, should there
be any on the tree. In fact, in all prun-
ing and handling the greatest care is
required so as not to injure branches
by undue haste or careless treatment
1t is far better to take more time and
accomplish less number of trees dur
ing the day, than to rush the work
through with a view of reducing the
cost per acre Neither of the foregoing
works should ever be given out in
contract, or performed by task work
No matter what it costs, the work
should be carried out by day labor, with
the most intelligent men in the gang,
and under close personal supervision.
1t may be asked, how are japanese
laborers to be trained to carry out such
particular work?
In reply to this question l will ask
another How were the coolies in India
and Ceylon broken in to pruning and
handling of coffee estates? Yet such
was the case, and can remember GER
tain coolies who could perform the
work as well as myself, if not better.
They had to be taught by degrees, com
mencing with few of the best men,
who after a while would help by i'm
parting their knowledge to others. |
admit it requires a good deal of patience
on the part of the overseer or manager;
and it is needless to say he must have
thorough knowledge of the work him
self. If it was possible, therefore, to
train the Tamil coolie to do the work,
can see no reason why there should be
any more difficulty in breaking in the
70 do Df NH
are just as intelligent, if not more so.
Moreover although it may appear
somewhat elaborate, it is not really so,
provided the plantation is taken in
hand from the start, and all the various
details in the work are carried out at
the proper time.
If a plantation has been neglected,
then it is very different thing. | have
seen some trees myself which | should
be very sorry to tackle. 1t would be
really hard to know where to begin.
The only advice can give to those who
may be unfortunate enough to be en-
numbered with coffee trees in such a
state, is not to attempt to bring them
back to shape at once, for the shock
would be more than the trees would
be likely to stand. Moreover, what lit
| tie crop they might have would require
to be sacrificed. 1t will require at least
two years, and perhaps three, if the
trees have been neglected for several
prunings. AS the object of this article
is to prevent any such calamity, / will
not enter into details as to how it is to
be remedied, but will be pleased to sup
ply the information at any time should
it be desired.
PRUNING INSTRUMENTS.
In regard to the instruments required
all that is necessary is an ordinary
pruning knife and small saw. Shears
may be used, but with some experience
l have had lately with shears, l con
slider the knife is preferable, for al
branches should be severed with clear
cut, and as close to the primaries as
possible, which cannot always be done
by the shears. All large branches are
treated with the saw first, then trim.
med with the knife.
1t cannot be too forcibly impressed
upon all those interested in coffee cul.
ture that when once a tree has beer
topped, pruning supplemented by sys
tematic and careful handling, form the
most important and scientific work The
planter will have to contend with-fail
ure to perform which will bring ruiz