But although manuring is the chief element in successful cultivation, there are many other matters for the planter to attend to during the period that the trees are growing.  All obnoxious grasses must be carefully kept out of the plantation, at least from between the trees, and the harmless grasses rather encouraged, as they keep the surface cool.  The trunk of the tree ought to be carefully washed with soap and water once a year to keep it clear of moss; this has been ridiculed as a work of supererogation, but let those who think so omit the operation.

Parasitical plants of the genus Loranthus are very apt to attach themselves to the branches, and if not removed do great injury.

The insect enemies of the tree are not very numerous, but it has a few, white ants among the number.  They seldom attack a vigorous plant; it is upon the first symptoms of weakness or decay that they commence their operations.  Their nests may be dislodged from the roots of the plant by a dose of solution of pig dung, to which they have a great aversion.

There are several species of insects which lay their eggs on the leaves, and unless carefully watched and removed, they commit great havoc amongst the trees.  For this purpose it is necessary to wash the leaves with a decoction of Tuba root, and syringe them by means of a bamboo with lime and water, of the consistence of whitewash; this adheres to the leaves, and will remain even after several heavy showers.

Another nuisance is the nest of the large red ant; these collect and glue the leaves together, forming a cavity for the deposition of their larvae.  The best mode of destroying them is to hang a portion of some animal substance, such as the entrails of a fowl, fish, &c., to the end of a pole, thrust through and protruding from the branches; the ants will run along the pole and collect in immense quantities around the bait, when, by a lighted faggot, they can be burned by thousands.  This repeated once or twice a day for a week or so, will soon rid the tree of the invaders.

The number of men to be kept on an estate to preserve it in first-rate order after it has come into bearing, must depend of course upon the size of the plantation, but in general one man for every one hundred trees will be found sufficient, provided there be some four or five thousand trees.  On a small scale the proportion must be greater.

The nutmeg planter is under the necessity of keeping up nurseries throughout the whole of his operations for the replacement of bad plants and redundant males.  Of the latter ten per cent. seems to be about the best proportion to keep, but I would have completely dioecious trees.  No person can boast to get a plantation completely filled up and in perfect order much sooner than fifteen years.  Of the first batch planted, not more than one-half will turn out perfect females, for I do not take into account monoecious trees, which I have already condemned.  The tree shows flower about the seventh year, but the longer it is before doing so, the better and stronger will it be.  I cannot refrain from a smile when a sanguine planter informs me with exultation that he has obtained a nut from a tree only three or four years planted out; so much the worse for his chance of success, too great precocity being incompatible with strength and longevity.