MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 156 
or pulling operation from the ground. This primary opera- 
tion, according to the natives, influences a greater flow of sap 
into the peduncle or flower spike. 
When the flowers have opened an incision is made in the 
upper portion of the spike close to the first pedicels. In 
common practice the end of the cut stem is thoroughly rubbed 
with crushed fruits of the wild pepper (Capsicum frutescens), 
as this is supposed to increase the flow of the sap. The cut 
end is then wrapped with banana leaves to keep it from dry- 
ing out, this covering usually being left on from two to three 
days until the flow of sap begins. Occasionally, the sap will 
exude the first or second day, but it is three days before the 
quantity is sufficient to allow collection. The maximum flow 
in most cases is usually attained during the first three weeks 
after tapping. However, variations due to temperature, 
rainfall, etc., may influence the flow and the time at which 
the maximum is attained. It is also observed that, due to 
mismanagement, the flow will stop suddenly, while under 
expert care it may last from eight to ten weeks. 
The method of collecting the sap is by means of a ‘‘pana- 
hod,’’ a water-tight receptacle consisting of a section of a 
large bamboo cut just below the node. This is suspended 
from the flower spike immediately below the incision. A slit 
is also made on the under side of the cut end of the peduncle 
to prevent the sap from flowing back toward the trunk of 
the tree. The panahods are usually collected mornings and 
evenings, fresh receptacles being used each time in order to 
prevent the action of certain wild yeasts which cause fer- 
mentation. At the time of collection the tapper also removes 
a thin slice from the stem, again rubbing the exposed portion 
with pepper fruits to increase the flow. When the flow reaches 
the point of unprofitable yield a wad of burning fiber is held 
against the stem so as to dry up the tissue and stop any 
further leakage. Trees that are under cultivation will flow 
from two to three months, producing on an average of 214 to 
3 gallons a day, this yield usually diminishing to about 14 
gallon at the end of 214 months. According to 0. W. Bar- 
rett, it appears probable that one hectare (2.47 acres) con- 
taining not less than 150, and not more than 200 trees should 
produce under modern culture methods some 20 or more 
tons of marketable sugar per year over a period of 10 to 15 
years. This yield, considering the extremely low upkeep, 
compares very favorably with that of the very best cane 
sugar plantations. 
