Nanmwarki (king) of each municipality. The common people used the land to grow food only with the consent of the Nanmwarki and his nobles. The “first fruits” of the season always went to the Nanmwarki. To some extent this is still the practice, even though in 1912 the German government gave the common people actual deed-holding title to land they had been working. Today, individual ownership of land predominates on Ponape Island and to a certain extent on Kusaie. In practice, however, some elements of family enterprise directed toward subsistence of all concerned are retained. The Ponapeans live on scattered farmsteads rather than in villages as do other inhabitants of the Trust Territory. On these farmsteads such crops as yams, taro, breadfruit, SMARe Eg anteci, anita, trianamid Heethen a SOB eae Ae tenee chest, a a te Ete coconut and bananas are grown for subsistenceor sale in local markets. Land is of paramount importance to the Marshallese people; their agricultural economy is based on copra production, and much of their food comes directly from their land The system provides for all members of the Marshallese society, each of whom obtains land rights at birth. The Marshallese generally exhibit an attitude of security, undoubtedly due in large part to their land tenure system involving three levels of society—the commoners, the headmen, and the nobility. Despite three foreign powers having administered their islands, they still retain possession of most of their land and show every inclination to continue to do so in the future. In general, land is not for sale in the Marshalls. i a * ce at Quality of Soil The lush vegetation on the islandsis deceiving as an indication of the fertility of the soil. The high rainfall leaches 56 the soil, making it deficient in < basic nutrients—nitrogen, phosp potassium, and the minor elen The soil usually is made up of de posed volcanic or coral rocks and quantities of humus. On the st slopes of the high islands the soil has often been removed through sion; the valleys and alluvial | toward the coast contain so moderate fertility. Most vol islands have swamp areas wheret: grown as a staple food. Someo. alluvial plains and gentle slopes the coast now are being used for production—coconut palms, bi fruit, bananas, cacao, yams, dry taro, sweet potatoes, and vegeta Mangrove forests on the tidal flats rain forests in the interior prc timber for building homes and o structures. The surfaces of coral a and single coral islands which buil on submerged mountain peaks normally only a few feet above level. The soils are quite por consisting of sand, shells, and c fragments with very little org: matter. They are well suited to growth of the coconut palm, but not conducive to ordinary forms cultivated agriculture. Many cc islands and atolls have manmade t pits of varying sizes where gr: leaves, and debris have been placed produce organic matter for taro cu vation. The balance of the atoll lan generally used to produce cocor palms, breadfruit, pandanus, arre root, cucurbits and bananas. In some districts extensive land n yet under cultivation or developme but suitable for crops or livesta production exists. The exact acreage unknown. Acquisition and Transfer of Title Public Law No. 2-1, enacted | 1966, provides for establishment © Part VI—Economic Advancement A*