19 



attach to our reports, as we have no data to show the age of our trees, 

 or when they were planted. It is clear however that the tree is a 

 rapid grower, from the progress it has made during the past seven 

 years, and the probability is that its age from planting does not 

 exceed fifteen years. Such a tree is however capable of being made 

 to yield a gross return of some 6s. per annum, and the calculation is 

 an easy one for planters to ascertain what the produce would be per 

 acre or per quarree, supposing them to be planted as shade, or as a 

 main crop. If planted for a main crop the trees would of course be 

 planted very close, say not more than 15 feet apart, which would give 

 some 193 trees to the acre, which at 6s. per tree gives a gross return 

 of £57 18 per acre. The initial expense in planting is the largest 

 outlay that would fall upon the intending planter, as after the trees 

 reach a certain height, they would need but little cultivation, all 

 that is necessary being to prevent any of the native trees over- 

 growing them, and to give them an occasional clearing of the under 

 brush. Once formed, a forest of Hevea braziliensis would be a source 

 of revenue to a planter very hard to equal, and probably not to be 

 surpassed by any crop that could be cultivated. 



What is most against the initiation of such a cultivation is the 

 length of time to wait before a return is made upon the money invested 

 in planting, and this is without doubt an unsurmountable objection to 

 the many ; but at the same time there is a rich harvest for those who 

 can invest quietly and afford to wait for a return. 



The Heveas are said to do best in a country where '' the atmos- 

 phere is densely vapour -laden," and to flourish best on rich alluvial 

 clay slopes by the side of running water where there is a certain 

 amount of drainage ; and those growing on land periodically inundated 

 to a depth of 5 feet or more, are said to be more prolific, than those 

 on very low, or on elevated ground. 



I have given the case shortly, for and against, the planting of 

 Hevea hraziliensis, Muell., and I am clearly of opinion that the 

 balance of the argument is largely in favour of planting up suitable 

 areas with these trees at the convenience of the planter, following the 

 old advice — " to be aye sticking in a tree Jock." " It will be growing 

 while ye are sleeping ;" but if an investor has money at his disposal to 

 plant up a large area and can afford to wait, I feel satisfied that he 

 Avould be richly repaid by planting Hevea braziliensis. 



